Preservation and protection of the magnificent structures and grounds of the Sands Point Preserve, to promote the Guggenheim Estate as a living museum focused on the preserve's rich history, natural habitats and the architectural features that enhance educational and cultural experiences for all who visit.
Come to the Cabaret...
Join Us as Hempstead House Becomes a Supper Club!
Performed by Broadway's
Judy Blazer, John Cudia, Cathrine Walker and Steven Lutvak
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Download our Cabaret Night Invitation and Reply Card
Friends of the Sands Point Preserve Organizes Triage Care and Adoption for Rescued Cats with Animal Lovers’ League of Glen Cove and North Shore Animal League
Healthy Cats on View for Adoption at Sands Point Preserve
on Sunday, November 20th - 3:00–4:30 PM
Friends of the Sands Point Preserve Board Members and staff have worked around the clock since last Tuesday to rescue 67 cats that were discovered on the locked grounds of the former Harry F. Guggenheim Estate, “Falaise” that is managed and secured by the Nassau County Parks Department and the property’s caretaker.
Two local animal rescue agencies, the North Shore Animal League and the Animal Lovers’ League of Glen Cove, set up an impromptu triage space in the original cow barn on the estate so that every animal could be thoroughly examined and evaluated – including blood testing – and the proper treatment administered by a team of veterinary professionals. The animals are now being transferred to these volunteer agencies for further treatment, including spaying, neutering, and vaccinations – and, ultimately, adoption to new homes.
According to Friends of the Sands Point Preserve Board Chairman Karli Hagedorn, “This discovery is devastating for all of us who care deeply about the environment and protection of the native habitat here at the Preserve.” Ms. Hagedorn also said, “It is difficult to describe what we have experienced here because a healthy and sustainable environment is at the heart of our mission.”
Friends of the Sands Point Preserve’s General Manger, Jerry Olson, stated,“We are fortunate to have found these captive animals because the Falaise property is managed by Nassau County and maintained by a County employee as caretaker– we normally would not have access to the grounds at Falaise but responded to reports from local residents who heard the animals crying. Now we are doing everything we can to make sure that these animals are taken care of – helping the volunteers who are treating these animals.”
Many animals are recovering well, with donated food and supplies that have been provided by the volunteer organizations and community members who wanted to help. To inquire about adoption or to make a donation, please contact these organizations directly:
In addition, on Sunday, November 20th from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., some of the healthy cats will be available for viewing at the Sands Point Preserve – please call in advance (516.571.7901), if you would like to identify your pet, or if you are interested in adopting.
Photo of the cats being treated at the barn. These cats were rescued by Friends of the Sands Point Preserve found within a secluded and locked grounds of the former Harry F. Guggenheim estate secured by Nassau County and their caretaker.
Over the last days, owners of missing pets have been individually escorted to the barn by the Preserve staff; and several owners were able to positively identify their pets.
According to Jean-Marie Posner, Vice Chairman of the Friends of the Sands Point Preserve, “We are immensely grateful to the volunteer organizations, community members and our dedicated staff who have all been so committed to helping these cats.”
Joan Phillips, Co-Founder and President of the Animal Lovers’ League of Glen Cove – and a 17-year rescue volunteer – said, “We strongly suggest people go to our web site to see photos of the rescued cats in case their pet is here. If people are interested in adopting, they will get an animal with full veterinary preparation – spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated – and ready to be great pets. Nassau County is taking responsibility for the cats’ treatment.”
On the glorious fall afternoon of October 2, 2011, the Friends of the Sands Point Preserve celebrated the opening of the new Phil Dejana Learning Center with a beautiful dedication ceremony attended by 200 members of the community and the extended Dejana family. Click here to see photos
After the ribbon cutting by former Sands Point Mayor Leonard Wurzel, dozens of children rushed through the new entrance to the outdoor classroom - to begin to fulfill the exciting mission of the learning center: to foster a love and knowledge of wildlife and the environment and encourage exploration among elementary school age children through academic programs that utilize all of the resources of the Sands Point Preserve - trails, pond, beach, and native habitats.
The Learning Center is a wonderful addition to the Sands Point Preserve made possible by the generosity of Peter Dejana in memory of his late brother, Phil Dejana. With Peter’s vision and support, the renovation of the building and grounds is now complete - this unique facility is comprised of a 2,000 square foot indoor facility and a 10,000+ square foot outdoor classroom set in the heart of the preserve overlooking the Long Island Sound.
The dedication ceremony included remarks by NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, NYS Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano’s Chief Deputy Rob Walker, Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jonathan Kaiman, Councilman Fred Pollack, Town Clerk Leslie Gross.
In the keynote address, Peter Dejana shared how deeply his brother is missed by his family, friends, and the community at large. With great solemnity, he said, “Phil’s last day was the beginning of the journey that lead to the creation of the learning center.”
Phil Dejana’s passion for nature and the outdoors will be remembered and honored through the work of the learning center; his love of children will be shared through the extensive educational programs that will be offered in the extraordinary resource that bears his name.
Please check back to this web site often for upcoming nature programs - starting with Three Sundays at the Preserve: October 16, November 6 and 13, from 11:00 a.m to noon - families will explore native wildlife and habitats on the Preserve grounds.
Three Amazing Nights of Opera
Sold Out
Every Night!
The new opera series was a great success, thanks to the North Shore Music Festival's outstanding performances and the many patrons who attended Tosca on August 13, Pagliacci on September 17, and Don Pasquale on September 18, 2011. The Friends of the Sands Point Preserve acknowledges our sponsors for their generous support of our new performing arts initiative. The 2012 opera series is now in its planning phase, so please check back for more information soon.
