Community members have long been familiar with the sight of grazing farm animals in the picturesque pastures of the historic Sherwood-Jayne Farm in East Setauket. Animals were an integral part of life in our earlier years and remain a main focal point for this property. Caretaker of the property Susanna Gatz has continued this important tradition by providing heartfelt and personalized care to the animals that call this Farm home. 

In an unexpected and recent turn of events, Preservation Long Island, the nonprofit organization that owns the Farm, has declared that all animals living at Sherwood-Jayne must be relocated come September.

Preservation Long Island's own website states the significance of the sheep at the Farm, many of whom are descendants of the original flock tended by Howard Sherwood, founder of the organization:

"The Sherwood-Jayne sheep are an important link to the history of the homestead as a working farm and later, a gentleman’s retreat. In 1932, Howard Sherwood created a Sheep Register documenting his transformation of the east field into a sheep pasture. In May 1933, Sherwood acquired one ram and 11 ewe lambs. Later that fall, he had a sheep fold built to protect the flock in the winter. The first shearing in 1934 produced 73 lbs. of wool, which Sherwood shipped to Elkin, North Carolina to be woven into blankets. He continued the practice for the remainder of his life. Sherwood generally kept the flock at 15 sheep, who were often allowed to roam freely throughout the property, creating a bucolic effect. Preservation Long Island maintains the flock both as a tribute to Sherwood and to preserve the working nature of the farmstead."

Another noteworthy animal that calls Sherwood-Jayne home is the 40-something-year-old pony Snowball, who deserves to live out her life in the place she knows best. Snowball is deaf and blind and missing most of her teeth. In addition to many other accommodating creature comforts, Susanna has formulated a nourishing concoction of sustenance for Snowball that has kept her quality of life flourishing in her elder age. Moving Snowball would threaten her life.

Please sign this petition to stop Preservation Long Island from removing the animals from Sherwood-Jayne Farm. 

Click here to read the July 27, 2023 article published in The Village Times Herald for additional context.

In addition to signing the petition, you can voice your concerns directly to Preservation Long Island by calling (631) 692-4664 and/or emailing info@preservationlongisland.org.

***NO DONATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED. ANY MONEY GIVEN THROUGH THIS FORM ARE GRANTED TO CHANGE.ORG AND NOT THIS EFFORT. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD INSTEAD!