The Center for Environmental Education and Discovery was recently approved for a $100,000 New York State Empire State Development grant for a feasibility and sustainability study and plan for their Washington Lodge headquarters.
The grant is quite a coup for this Brookhaven Hamlet nonprofit. “The largest amount granted for ESD District recipients is $100,000, and we got approved for it,” said executive director Sally Wellinger. It does come with a proviso. “To get the $100,000 reimbursed, we have to spend $233,000. That’s our full plan,” Wellinger said.
So, what does the assessment entail?
A building conditions report from a historical expert, a historical structure report—also from a historical expert—architectural services, and an IA wastewater wetland planning and plumbing upgrade plan are among the detailed evaluations.
“We’re assessing the mechanical logistics, the plumbing and electrical needs, the support of the walls, floors and foundation,” explained board president Tom Pelletier. “We’re also looking into a constructed wetlands system using natural ways to process nitrogen.”
“The Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood have that system,” pointed out Wellinger.
“It’s costly and needs to be fully funded, so we are applying for a Suffolk County grant for this—that’s a 50 percent matching grant,” she added.
Once the plan is fully completed with the assessments, the next step is “we can decide what we can move forward with,” Wellinger said.
This not-for-profit has had a steady support system since 2016, which included a fundraising kickoff at the Puleston barn that year. That event was attended by Brookhaven supervisor Ed Romaine, who was an early advocate.
Councilman Mike Loguercio said the town helped fund several needs, including the renovation of about 15 windows, clearing some of the property, and replacing the electrical mast. “We’re also looking at pointing one of the chimneys,” he said.
In 2017, CEED entered into a license agreement with the Town of Brookhaven and was handed the keys to the Washington Lodge after the Post-Morrow Foundation had purchased the mansion from its last inhabitants, the Marist Brothers, and gifted it to the town.
While grateful for the building, the 7,300-square-foot, three-story estate that dates back to the late 1800s, is CEED’s responsibility, which has its challenges. They are its stewards financially. “We’re responsible for its overall maintenance,” Wellinger said. “It costs us $15,000 a month just in oil, utilities, and other expenses.”
But the progress made step by step is admirable. They’ve established trails, organic raised-bed gardens, rehabilitated animals like a possum named Edward, promoted the care and careful release of tick-eating quail chicks like Robert, and offer environmental events, talks, and nature classes. Wellinger said they average 100 students a year in their children’s programs. “We merged with the Carmans River Adventure Day Camp this year and have full Department of Health accreditation with Bob Polcha, who has 20-plus years working as a camp director. It’s eight weeks and we’re starting July 3 and ending Aug. 25. Our classes close out because they’ve become so popular.”
While happy about the grant and others they are awarded, they need to be matched, Wellinger pointed out, and that takes donations.
Pelletier added, “The state looked at what we are doing and approved it, so why don’t you join in now?”
To make a donation, pop up Ceedli.org.
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