Hoyt Farm gets $15G grant for pond

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve in Commack has been awarded a state grant to supply nonchlorinated water to a pond on the site.

The state awarded $15,000 to the Town of Smithtown, which operates the park, to build a well supplying groundwater to the man-made pond. The pond currently receives chlorinated water from Suffolk County Water Authority, said town parks director Charles Barrett.

Chlorinated water poses a potential risk to the wildlife that occupies the pond, Barrett said.

“It’s got a variety of plant life and migratory birds that have been using this pond for years,” he said. “Non-chlorinated water would be preferable.”

The town will receive a second $15,000 state grant next year to complete the project, which will include a program to explain to visitors the benefits of supplying the pond with natural water, Barrett said. The well eventually will be run by solar power, he said.

Hoyt Farm, at 200 New Hwy., includes a zoo, a playground and a collection of Native American artifacts.

The preserve runs educational programs about ecology and wildlife. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.