Sometimes, a quick look is all you need to know when something's good. Regrettably, we didn't have…read morea lot of time to spend at this nature center, but what we saw was memorable natural beauty. It's 47 acres of trails, and an education center, with all sorts of critters inside the center. We saw one social, white, ring necked dove, two adorable, sleepy chinchillas, a rabbit, two guinea pigs, one nipping hamster we were warned to keep our fingers away from and assorted lizards including a bearded dragon, a tortoise and large iguana--all participants in the education talks the rangers give to the children who visit. The animals are well cared for, and were donations from people who couldn't keep them any longer. Super describes the rangers here--super helpful, super friendly. and super enthusiastic about their jobs! One of the rangers was very well versed in his birds too. There are five trails, much better marked than the Edith Read Sanctuary we were heading too, and magnificent trees and bushes all around. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. The main road is paved but the trails do have twigs, plant growth, rocks etc. The ruins of stone houses and structures along the trail are interesting enough and worth exploration. Unfortunately, Rye had a dry summer so the ponds there were all dried up, bad for the birds and us. We missed the migration of many of the birds and while we saw some woodpeckers, we didn't stay long. This wooded nature center isn't far from town, and well worth a stroll through, especially this time of the year when the foliage is starting to turn all glorious crimsons and gold. I'm surprised this place hasn't been reviewed. It's clean, safe, and a verdant retreat of tranquility, despite the many groups of happy, chattering school kids we saw. There's enough acreage to find a quiet spot! But maybe because so much of Rye is pretty, the denizens here probably just take these lovely woods for granted. I'd definitely return for a longer hike next time. Note that the main road is dual usage, so if you are birding, watch for the cars! Walking, this place is perhaps a 20 minute walk from the town center. A visit might not having you spouting evocative prose like Thoreau, but you will find much to cherish here.

This is my son's favorite after school activity. He learns so much there each week and I can't say…read moreenough great things about their program. They learn to use tools, build shelters, garden, hike, etc. The only negative would be that my son loves it so much, he doesn't understand why I can't enroll him in nature center rather than school :-)

Thanks to Happily Ever After Rescue, we met a sweet pup named Margaret (a.k.a. Margarita ). But the…read moremoment we brought her home, she traded in her cocktail name for a crown and became our little princess, Gracie Mae. From the very start, Kristie was so kind, caring, and devoted to making sure their dogs find the perfect forever homes. You can tell how much love they pour into every one of these sweet pups. Amanda and Danielle, that both fostered her were so caring and helpful with all my extra questions too! Gracie Mae has already stolen our hearts -- she gives the best kisses, loves belly rubs, and always wants to be right in the middle of the family action. She's shaken, not stirred, and now officially ruling our castle. Thanks to Happily Ever After Rescue, Margaret a.k.a Margarita became Gracie Mae -- and we truly got our happily ever after.

Pre-Script: Search HEAR Long Island on Reddit. I wish had…read more Original Post: I'm a person living with a disability, seeking a non-service companion to join my family with my aging service dog. HEAR was aware of this via my detailed application and references. I reached out to HEAR via PetFinder very interested in a pup, Relish, who appeared to be a good match with my family. I entered the adoption process, got all of my references confirmed, completed a virtual home visit, set a meet time, and was sent additional pics and videos of Relish after the visit--all validating Relish as a potential match. It was a very hopeful and exciting moment. However, in the same text I was informed I was approved for adoption from HEAR, I was also informed Relish was just adopted, within 18 hours of my confirmed meetup. Prior to this, I was not informed I was competing for the match. Had I advance notice, I might've made other arrangements, but I wasn't offered the opportunity or the warning. I've volunteered for and dealt with more than a dozen rescue agencies in my region as an advocate and supporter, as well as several others throughout my childhood. None of the agencies I've worked with have been less transparent than HEAR. No one wants to be in the position of visualizing a potential family member in their lives, and planning for that hopeful first meeting, only to have them cancelled from the equation less than 18 hours before the meet--removed with no notice of other variables.Instead, they sent pics of other dogs. I've requested my adoption application with HEAR be closed, as I would never recommend anyone who wishes to ethically enter a relationship with a rescue rely on HEAR for the availability of the hopeful companion, or transparency in general. Reply to HEAR's response to this post: HEAR says there were delays. HEAR says I'd rather garden?? These are absolute falsehoods. The timeline below is clear. All communications and appointments were honored. May 11, Kristie confirmed my May 10 application and requested documentation of my landlord's permission to have a second dog. May 12, I submitted that documentation. May 14, Kristie apologizes for *her* delay, and informs me she'll be reaching out to my three references. All references responded the same day, after I let them know to check their "unknown numbers" folder. Friday, May 15, at 7:28pm, a virtual home visit is requested by Kristie. I was already on my farmstead for the weekend--I detailed the farmstead in my application. I let Kristie know I was upstate, and offered to FaceTime from there or when I got back home. She said she'd wait. I proposed a meet time, but Kristie said it could happen whenever, to just text her when I'm home, that she'd be "around." I texted Monday, May 18 to make arrangements. We set it for the next day, May 19. The virtual visit happened with her partner, Sam, because Kristie was unavailable when I texted. During that meeting, an appointment was made to specifically meet Relish on May 23 at the HEAR event. Prior to the arranged meet date, I inquired of its flexibility because planting became a factor--planting is absolutely critical and 100% dependent on weather and climate. Sam responded that probably wouldn't work. So, I CONFIRMED the original meet time. I very clearly confirmed my motivation and intent to meet and spend time with this specific sweet boy, Relish. Still, he was adopted out from under me. NOT ONCE was I informed there were other applicants for him. Not once were any other factors or obstacles to adopting Relish mentioned. And not once did I miss any appointments or communications. I've dealt with much more honest and ethical agencies. It's HEAR's opaque practices that might hurt their ability to adopt, not this honest review. Post-Script: Sam even mentioned she didn't want to leave Relish alone at night with her dogs, because "god forbid something happen." Apparently, that was a legitimate risk as per Reddit. It's absolutely shocking that injury to fosters is still a risk they take.

I was having problems with my heart. I ended up in the hospital. Long story short. I have a…read moretherapist that recommended Pastor Steve and Homeless LONG ISLAND came through and helped out very fast. Asked me what I needed. I still don't believe that I am where I am right now I'm doing a lot better

From the owner: Are you homeless? Or about to go homeless? ​…read moreAre you living in your car, or in the streets, or are you about to be evicted, are you couch surfing? Do you feel hopeless and scared? Are you about to lose your house to foreclosure? Were you served eviction papers? We are here to help you. We have been helping the homeless and those close to becoming homeless since 2007.

I'm a Disabled Air Force Veteran and former Airborne Radar Technician on the AWACS. I went to…read moreVeterans Rebuilding Life for a helping hand after relocating from the Caribbean to NYC. I found Veterans Rebuilding Life (VRL) on Google and its been an amazing experience. They are very respectful and understand the trials of a military veteran in regards to the time consuming process of applying for Veterans Affairs (VA) resources and services. I was able to get some emergency food, clean clothes, socks, hygiene products as well as opportunity to work gigs to make money through Veterans Rebuilding Life (VRL) non-profit's huge list of supporters. I feel blessed to have stumbled on this non-profit that really does what they say to change the narrative of how veterans are being treated in this country. If your a person who's interested in donating to a non-profit that really gets to the root of the problem and provides a solution think of VeteransRebuildingLife.org they can use your donations to help more veterans like myself get on their feet. Thank you so much VRL!

From the owner: Veterans Rebuilding Life (VRL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization assisting victims of war and…read morehumanitarian crises. Instead of duplicating existing services, we target underserved needs, and provide evidence-based solutions that have a proven record of success. All donations directly support the humanitarian mission. No profit is made by the volunteer staff, and all donations are tax deductible.

I love this place. I had just moved into an apartment and needed furniture and this place was…read moreperfect. A disclaimer though. EVERYTHING YOU BUY WILL NEED SOME LOVE. Don't expect to buy a used table or couch and not need to clean and rehab it a bit. I personally feel the price is worth the few extra hours you will need to get it up to par. They also offer a military/veteran discount which makes inexpensive furniture even cheaper! I cannot recommend this place enough!

You have a chance of finding something you never thought you would want,find, or need. Great staff,…read moregreat prices, and don't forget that the profits go to rebuilding homes and communities.

We just attended a birthday party here and the staff did a wonderful job in keeping the kids…read moreentertained! There were plenty of dogs showing off with neat tricks and the place is spacious enough that it doesn't feel cramped. The kids go into a groups of 2-3 and takes turn going to sectioned areas to play with the trained pups. I was afraid that my daughter with eczema would have a scratching fit from the dogs, but they were all well-groomed and no odor at all. All the toys I touched didn't feel grimy and old. I can tell they take good care of this facility. A big plus is it's air conditioned and plenty of seats for the adults! Lots of times at kids' parties, the parents have to find odd things to sit on or stand, which is not a problem here. If you are looking to throw a birthday party, this is your place!

This was exactly what I hoped it would be. I was prescribed an Emotional Support Dog months ago but…read moremy landlord has been denying me one, so it has been a difficult and stressful journey. I searched online, found this center, and scheduled a session in the interim. I got to spend time with the sweetest dog, who snuggled up and hung out with me for the duration of my time there. It was perfect for me. Vicki and the dog's owner listened to my situation and offered suggestions and information for proceeding with obtaining an ESA dog of my very own. A second dog and his owner came by too and I was able to see them practicing in the agility/obstacle course pen and play with him as well. I haven't felt so relaxed in a long time, it really made my day. What a wonderful place and caring people!