Pinecliff Sanctuary is located at Pinecliff Road, off Route 120, Chappaqua, NY in Westchester County. Pinecliff Sanctuary offers a quarter mile wheelchair accessible boardwalk over and around a red maple swamp. Pinecliff was first protected by the New Castle Land Conservancy.
The wetlands of Pinecliff Sanctuary improve water quality, prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife and plants. An additional short woodland trail connects to the boardwalk loop and circles the ridge between the sanctuary and the Saw Mill River Parkway. Enjoy strolling, birding, wildflowers and quiet views over the surrounding wetland.
Pinecliff Sanctuary is often visited by school and community groups. With advance notice, we may be able to provide your group with a guided tour. Even if your group wishes to visit without a guide, please contact us in advance.
Pruyn Sanctuary Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is located at 275 Millwood Road (Route 133), Chappaqua, NY in Westchester County. Pruyn Sanctuary is a demonstration garden within a six-acre native arboretum surrounded by a 92-acre parcel of protected open space. The garden features over 125 types of annual and perennial flowering plants selected to be food or nectar plants for butterflies, honey bees and hummingbirds. A drip pool attracts birds. Over 40 species of butterflies and moths, and three dozen species of birds are drawn to the garden.
The garden is within the four acre Pruyn Arboretum and meadow that has over 40 species of labeled trees and shrubs. A map and plant list of the arboretum is available. The Pruyn Garden is specially designed and maintained as a habitat to attract, nourish and shelter a variety of butterflies and moths, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. The plants are labeled and a plant list is available. The best time to view butterflies and hummingbirds is warm, sunny summer days during midday. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Pruyn Sanctuary Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden.
Things To Do Birding (Butterflies, Hummingbirds) Hiking Nature Walks Quiet Views
Saw Mill River Audubon is a local organization with members from twenty communities in Westchester County, New York. Members of Saw Mill River Audubon are part of a dynamic, involved community of people who love the outdoors and desire to learn more about and protect the natural world. We have worked for over fifty years to protect natural ecosystems through education, advocacy, and habitat conservation. We were chartered as a chapter of National Audubon Society in 1953.
Through the work of dedicated members, board, staff, and visionary donors, Saw Mill River Audubon is recognized as a leader in environmental education and conservation in the region. Saw Mill River Audubon owns eight separate sanctuaries protecting over 300 acres of critical wildlife habitat in Westchester County. People appreciate our sanctuaries for their natural beauty and places "to get away from it all" right in their own communities.
From its inception, Saw Mill River Audubon has had a strong focus on environmental education. Each year, we bring our school-based education programs to 8,000 kindergarten through college students and offer free natural history programs and field trips to adults and families. You are invited to come to our free public programs and field trips, visit our sanctuaries and add your voice to ours to protect the natural world. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Saw Mill River Audubon.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a regional environmental organization with an 834-acre nature preserve and education center located in the towns of Yorktown, Cortlandt, and New Castle, New York. In addition to being the largest non-profit nature preserve in New York's Westchester County, Teatown is rapidly developing a reputation as the "Hudson Hills and Highlands" foremost environmental organization, providing ecological and biodiversity conservation leadership in this bioregion.
The Hudson Hills and Highlands is roughly bounded by the Hudson River watershed as it traverses the hills and highlands that run along the Hudson River Valley, from Yonkers in the south to the north at Beacon and Newburgh, New York. The bioregion covers parts of five Hudson Valley counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange. However, nearly 80% of the region lies in Westchester and Putnam County. Its grounds include two lakes and over 15 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and meadows, streams and marsh habitats, all of which provide exciting educational opportunities.
Visit Wildflower Island. A two-acre wildflower sanctuary, home to hundreds of native and endangered species of wildflowers. Tours of the Island are led by experienced volunteer guides and are available from April 16th through September. Teatown’s abundant fields, mixed forests, lakes, streams, swamps and farm land provide a unique glimpse of the biological diversity of the region. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Teatown Lake Reservation.
Point of Interest: Teatowns's Nature Store has an excellent selection of children's science materials, toys and nature-related books, as well as adult gifts, cards, and stationary.
Things To Do Birding Hiking Nature Center Outdoor Animal Exhibits Wildflower Island - over 230 native species of wildflowers
The Trailside Nature Museum is located at the 4,315-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the county’s largest park. Park terrain is extremely varied, ranging from deep hollows to ridges that rise up more than 800 feet. There are hemlock gorges, dry uplands, wetlands, ponds, and two rivers, all connected by 35 miles of trails. Many of the old farm roads are now used as hiking and cross-country ski trails, and other signs of the old farms exist in the form of stonewalls, foundations and cellar pits.
The Trailside Nature Museum, established in 1937, is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The museum is home to a large collection of mounted animals, American Indian artifacts, educational exhibits, child-friendly interactive displays, and nature-oriented artwork. The museum hosts thousands of school children and scouts each year for a variety of educational programs including stream study, American Indian culture, maple sugaring, and badge work. Family-oriented nature programs are scheduled for the general public on nearly every weekend.
The Trailside Nature Museum is also the home of the Delaware Indian Research Center, a vast collection of books and artifacts concerning American Indians, especially the Delaware. The Research Center is well utilized by both students and educators and has assisted several authors in researching their publications. The Research Center is open to the public by appointment.
Point of Interest: Directly outside the Trailside Nature Museum, there is a one-half acre wildflower garden containing more than 80 different kinds of labeled wildflowers.
Things To Do Birding Camping Cross-Country Skiing Fishing, Hiking / Walking Nature Programs Picnicking Self Guided Nature Trails Snow-Shoeing Winter Activities
Brinton Brook Sanctuary is located in Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County, NY in the Hudson River Valley. Brinton Brook Sanctuary offers three miles of hiking trails through a wide variety of habitats. The trails of Brinton Brook Sanctuary connect to the Highland Trail, part of the Croton-on-Hudson village trail system. Brinton Brook is a good place to enjoy hiking, birding, wildflowers and scenic vistas.
Brinton Brook is our largest sanctuary and was the first managed by Saw Mill River Audubon. Management rights to an additional 27 acres were obtained from the Village of Croton-on-Hudson in 1998 raising the total area to 156 acres. Press "Blue Button" for trail maps and more about Brinton Brook Sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding Guided Tours Hiking Nature Walks
The Croton Point Nature Center and Discovery Trail are located in the 504-acre Croton Point Park is situated on the largest peninsula of the Hudson River in Croton-on-Hudson. The scenic discovery trail winds its way through the park, enabling visitors to explore the Croton Point's many plant and wildlife species, including painted turtles and a variety of frogs, as well as its unique historical features.
The Croton Point Nature Center located on the northwest tip of the park, displays exhibits about the Hudson River, local history, flora and fauna, and archeology. The center hosts weekly programs, including nature walks, presentation on area history, and arts and crafts workshops. The center is also the headquarters for the Material Archives and Laboratory for Archaeology.
There are four miles of Hudson River shoreline to explore. The park, which also winter Bald Eagles, is an Important Bird Area (IBA). A capped landfill is now a vast meadow abundant in species of birds and butterflies. The park's historical structures are designated as a historic district.
Special Interest: Treaty Oak Monument, Meadow, Brickyard Excavation, Teller's Point and English Yews, Croton Bay, The Wine Cellars, Conifer Forest
Things To Do Birding Cross-Country Skiing Cultural History Programs Hiking / Walking Historic District Nature Study
Graff Sanctuary is located at Furnace Dock Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY in Westchester County. Graff Sanctuary is a protected woodland ridge overlooking the Hudson River. Highlights of Graff Sanctuary are the mature forest with large tulip trees and sugar maples. Great horned owls nest at Graff Sanctuary.
Graff Sanctuary is a good place to enjoy hiking, birding, and scenic views over the surrounding woodland. Graff Sanctuary is a protected woodland ridge overlooking the Hudson River. Press "Blue Button" for trail maps and more about Graff Sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding Nature walks Walking / Hiking
Oscawana Island Nature Preserve is located at Furnace Dock Road, Off Route 9, Cortlandt 10567. Oscawana is a natural Hudson River waterfront park that is bisected by Furnace Dock Road and the Hudson Division Railroad Line. Oscawana Island lies along the Hudson River. This is an excellent spot for birding and possibly sighting a Bald Eagle in winter. The park also has tidal marshlands frequented by Least Bittern and a newly grown forest that contains a river flowing through the mid-northern section.
To find Oscawana Island: Take Route 9 to the Montrose/Bucannan exit. Furnace Dock Road is just south of the exit on Route 9A. Take Furnace Dock Road 1.1 miles to the parking area. Listen for Least bittern near the parking area. A trail leads to the island. The main trail leads over the railroad tracks to the Hudson River.
The Bedford Audubon Society is located at Bylane Farm, 35 Todd Road, Katonah, New York 10536, Westchester County in the Hudson River Valley. The Bedford Audubon Society is a locally based chapter of the 550,000 member National Audubon Society. Founded in Bedford, New York on February 13, 1913, today BAS services much of northern Westchester and Putnam Counties in southeastern New York State. It is this organization's mission to promote environmental education, grass-roots activism, public and private conservation efforts, preservation and protection of open space.
Bedford Audubon Society owns and manages 594 acres of land at four sanctuaries, all located in northeastern Westchester County. The sanctuaries are open to the general public dawn to dusk and admission is free.
Enjoy our programs and lectures in the evening of the second Wednesday of every month, excluding July and August. They are free and open to the general public. Field trips are conducted several times monthly and are also open to the public. Press "Blue Button" for membership info, events, photos, and more about Bedford Audubon's sanctuaries.
Things To Do Birding Lectures Programs Wildlife Rehabilitation
Choate Sanctuary is located at Crow Hill Road and Route 133, 1 mile west of Mount Kisco. Highlights of Choate Sanctuary are the many unusual rock outcroppings and the mature forest with large tulip trees, red oak and red maple. Choate Sanctuary is a good place to enjoy hiking, birding, and quiet views over the surrounding woodland. Dogs are permitted on leashes. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Choate Sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding Hiking Nature Center Scenic Views
Haas Sanctuary, a 14-acre sanctuary, is located on the eastern edge of the Town of New Castle south of Mount Kisco. Haas Sanctuary was first protected by the New Castle Land Conservancy which merged with Saw Mill River Audubon in 1975. Highlights of Haas Sanctuary are the beautiful rock formations, large tulip and sugar maple trees, and a native meadow along Sheather Road.
Things To Do Birding Nature walks Tulip and Sugar Maple Trees
The Hammond Museum was designed by Natalie Hays Hammond who borrowed the basic principles and ideas of the Stroll Garden incorporating indigenous plantings with popular and rare Japanese and Chinese specimens. "As people often travel to escape routine problems and obligations, or to escape themselves, so should they find peace in an unhurried journey through a stroll garden."
"To please the eye, there are the textures of stone scrolled with the delicate designs of lichen, the patterns of tree trunks and clusters of foliage, the play of light and shadow, the varying shades of green as well as the seasonal colors of great beauty. To please the ear, there are the songs of native birds, the hum of insects the chorale of frogs and the occasional splash of carp in the lake, the crunch of pebbles underfoot, the whisper of wind through the pines. To please the sense of scent, there are dry pine needles in the sun, the fragrance of flowering shrubs, a breeze through mimosa or the pungency of loam after a night rain."
Things To Do Birding Brush Painting Children's Workshops Educational Tours Restaurant Stroll Garden
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is located in Pocantico Hills in Westchester County. The preserve is 1,233 acres and growing due to additional bequests. The Preserve is an idyllic spot for strolling, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. With 180 recorded species of birds and its IBA (Important Bird Area) designation by the National Audubon Society, the Preserve is a must visit area for birders.
In season, licensed anglers enjoy fishing for bass in the 22 acre Swan Lake and for brown trout in the Pocantico River. In addition the beauty of the Preserve inspires many artists and photographers to memorialize its scenic vistas. While in the park, stop in the Preserve's Gallery across from the Visitor Center. Its rotating exhibits feature the art of local artists.
The most notable feature of the Preserve is the system of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and John D. Rockefeller Jr. Designed to complement the landscape, the carriage roads, many of which are handicapped accessible, allow visitors to experience and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. These scenic paths wind through wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and fields and past streams, rivers, and lakes. They traverse wood and stone bridges, including the first triple arch bridge in America.
Trail maps (with distance and grade descriptions) of all the carriage roads and equestrian permits are available at the Preserve Office. Hunting, swimming, biking, snowmobiling, camping, and open fires are strictly prohibited.
Park Attractions Birding - designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) Bridle Path cross-country Skiing Fishing Hiking Nature Trail Picnic Tables Scenic Views Sledding Snowshoeing
The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center is a 179-acre park located on the shore of the Long Island Sound, along a migratory flyway. This sanctuary is home to a great diversity of marine life. In winter months, the 85-acre lake, a mixture of salt and fresh water, hosts over 5,000 ducks. The sanctuary has been recognized by the national Audubon Society of New York as an Important Bird Area (IBA). There are three miles of trails through forest and field. Along the half-mile of publicly accessible shore, the intertidal habitat harbors a wide diversity of plants and animals.
Environmental education programs are offered to schools, scouts and other groups by advance reservation. Group size is limited to 30, and there is a modest fee based on group size and length of program. Topics can be tailored to the needs and interests of the group and include: intertidal ecology, marine biology, plant science and ornithology.
To View Site: The site is at the Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the City of Rye. To get to the sanctuary, enter through Playland Park and follow the signs to the sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding Cross-Country Skiing Hiking / Walking Nature Study Programs
Marshlands Conservancy is a 173-acre wildlife sanctuary composed of a diversity of habitats. Forest, meadow, salt marsh and shore can be explored and appreciated here. There are three miles of trails and one-half mile of shoreline along the Long Island Sound. Located along the Atlantic migratory flyway, Marshlands is an excellent bird watching location; more than 230 species have been sited. The Marshlands salt marsh is one of few in New York accessible to the public for study and enjoyment.
Things To Do Birding Cross-Country Skiing Hiking / Walking Nature Study Programs
We were founded in 1947 under the name of Scarsdale Audubon Society, Inc. In 2002 we changed our name to Bronx River – Sound Shore Audubon Society, Inc. to better reflect our geographic area and its members. Most of our communities lie between the Bornx River and the Long Island Sound.
We are a local chapter of the National Audubon Society. We serve over 700 members in the lower Westchester County, NY, in the communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Pelham, Scarsdale and Tuckahoe. Press "Blue Button" for membership info, events, photos, and more about the Sound Shore Audubon Society.
All our programs and field trips are free and open to the public. We invite you to join BRSS so that you receive our newsletter and notification of all our events.
The Greenburgh Nature Center is a 33-acre woodland preserve with trails, pond, orchard, maple sugaring site and gardens. The center's Manor House contains a live animal museum with over 120 specimens, a "hands on" discovery room, greenhouse, changing nature-arts exhibits, and a nature store.
Point of Interest: Special programs are provided for groups of all ages, covering a wide range of nature topics, either here or at your location.
Things To Do Live Animal Museum Botanical Exhibits Greenhouse Live Animals Hands-on Discovery Room
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial is a magnificent 234 acre property consisting of woodlands, open grass meadow and formal gardens with flower and shrub specimens from all over the world. Lasdon is also the site of the Chinese Friendship Pavilion and four inspirational memorials and a museum honoring Westchester veterans.
Parks attractions include: Botanical Specimens, Chinese Friendship Pavilion, Formal Gardens, Open Grass Meadow
Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Inc., located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, was established in 1997 to encourage public participation in protecting the Preserve's wildlife and habitat, sustaining its historical and archeological features, and maintaining its unique system of carriage roads.
The Central Westchester Audubon Society of White Plains is a local chapter of the Audubon Society covering the communities of Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Purchase, Rye, Rye Brook, Port Chester and White Plains. The mission of Central Westchester Audubon Society is to promote education, share information, support activities and advocate for a healthy environment, focusing on birds, other wildlife and human beings.
Central Westchester Audubon Society is about birds, as its name suggests; we are also about education, about what birds, animals, rivers and streams, trees and plants mean to the Earth and our own lives and to the future of the Earth we all live on. Press "Blue Button" for activities, bird seed sale, birdathon, and more about Central Westchester Audubon Society of White Plains.
Things To Do Audubon Adventures Birding Programs Scholarships for Summer Camp
The Cranberry Lake Nature Center is a 190-acre nature preserve comprised of forest, wetlands, and a 10-acre lake that was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. There are three miles of trails, including a loop around the lake, and others that traverse the predominantly northern oak-hickory forest. The area is part of the Kensico Reservoir watershed, which provides drinking water for residents of Westchester County and New York City. The name Cranberry Lake is derived from the growth of wild cranberry, which still exist in various parts of the fen.
Things To Do Birding Children's Summer Ecology Program Cross-Country Skiing Hiking / Walking Nature Hikes Nature Interpretive Programs
Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester is a New York chapter of the National Audubon Society. We serve the communities of Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington and Yonkers. Our mission is to foster protection and appreciation of birds, other wildlife and habitats, and to be an advocate for a cleaner, healthier environment.
Learn about our programs, field trips, Lenoir Hawk Watch, birding in Westchester, Lenoir Butterfly Garden, Westchester County Bird Checklist, Yonkers Butterfly Checklist, Lenoir Nature Preserve and more. Press "Blue Button" for more about Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester.
Things To Do Programs Field Trips Lenoir Hawk Watch Birding, Lenoir Butterfly Garden Bird Checklist
Lenoir Preserve Nature Center is a 40-acre nature preserve comprised of woodlands and field habitats. It is situated adjacent to the Old Croton Aqueduct on slopes overlooking the Hudson River, providing spectacular views. The property was formerly home to two Hudson River estates and boasts a number of unusual specimen trees and shrubs, imported from around the world.
Every spring and autumn, bird watchers gather to observe major hawk migrations. Nature enthusiasts can learn about raptor identification markings, such as flight patterns and silhouettes, and can take part in official tracking counts of raptors. In summer, the butterfly garden is at its height, visited by a wide variety of butterflies. Nearby, a dragonfly pond provides the necessary habitat for numerous aquatic insects and attracts birds and other wildlife. An organic community gardening area and composting exhibit instruct visitors on environmentally- friendly practices. The butterfly and hummingbird garden is maintained entirely by volunteers from Hudson River Audubon Society.
Things To Do Birding Cross-country Skiing Gardening Hiking / Walking Nature Study Programs
Teatown Lake Reservation is a regional environmental organization with an 834-acre nature preserve and education center located in the towns of Yorktown, Cortlandt, and New Castle, New York. In addition to being the largest non-profit nature preserve in New York's Westchester County, Teatown is rapidly developing a reputation as the "Hudson Hills and Highlands" foremost environmental organization, providing ecological and biodiversity conservation leadership in this bioregion.
The Hudson Hills and Highlands is roughly bounded by the Hudson River watershed as it traverses the hills and highlands that run along the Hudson River Valley, from Yonkers in the south to the north at Beacon and Newburgh, New York. The bioregion covers parts of five Hudson Valley counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange. However, nearly 80% of the region lies in Westchester and Putnam County. Its grounds include two lakes and over 15 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and meadows, streams and marsh habitats, all of which provide exciting educational opportunities.
Visit Wildflower Island. A two-acre wildflower sanctuary, home to hundreds of native and endangered species of wildflowers. Tours of the Island are led by experienced volunteer guides and are available from April 16th through September. Teatown’s abundant fields, mixed forests, lakes, streams, swamps and farm land provide a unique glimpse of the biological diversity of the region. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Teatown Lake Reservation.
Point of Interest: Teatowns's Nature Store has an excellent selection of children's science materials, toys and nature-related books, as well as adult gifts, cards, and stationary.
Things To Do Birding Hiking Nature Center Outdoor Animal Exhibits Wildflower Island - over 230 native species of wildflowers
The New Canaan Nature Center is located at 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840. The New Canaan Nature Center features diverse habitats, including wet and dry meadows and woodlands, two ponds, dense thickets, an old orchard and a cattail marsh. Two miles of trails criss-cross the site that is one of the six largest tracks of open space in New Canaan. Our trails and grounds are open from dawn to dusk and admission is free. In addition to our natural trails, visitors are welcome to enjoy an arboretum and a variety of gardens.
The Animal Care Building houses our live animal teaching collection and a live Birds of Prey exhibit. The Bliss Education Building and Educational Annex house our Beginner's Nature Program as well as classrooms used for Summer Camp, Birthday Parties, Scout programs and many other community, youth and family programs. Also open to the public are a teaching tropical greenhouse, maple syrup shed, Naturalist's Garden, Butterfly Garden, Wildflower Garden and Herb Garden. Press "Blue Button" for more about the New Canaan Nature Center.
Things To Do Arboretum and Gardens Birds of Prey Exhibit Greenhouse Hiking Trails Interactive Discovery Room Nature Gift Shop Visitors Center Calendar of Events
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofield Town Road at High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT in Fairfield County. Stamford Museum & Nature Center has miles of beautiful walking trails. These trails cover much of the 118-acre property, offering short hikes along Poorhouse Creek to more challenging excursions along the High Ridge Trail. A walk through any trail may afford glimpses of wood duck pairs, painted turtles sunning on rocks, or even a pileated woodpecker. Spectacular glacial erratic boulders are strewn throughout the trail system. An enthusiastic hiker will find a number of different walks to suit a particular mood or season, like finding a secluded bridge on a bird-watching morning, or discovering a cave where coyotes have slept. The trails wind through a mature forest of American beech, oaks, black birch, and other native plant species.
Playground Did you ever wonder what the world is like from an animal's point of view? Scamper through the giant hollow log into Nature's Playground and find out. This exciting new playground in the woods at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is nestled into a rocky hillside and is part of the Overbrook Natural Science Complex. Kids (or adults) can scale a spider's web to a tree house with a lookout, then wind their way down a tubular slide or zoom down the otter slide.
They can jump on a bouncing bug, try to walk across a moving bridge or climb into a hawk's nest to survey their territory. Wiggle like a worm across two huge maple leaves, and crawl through an ant's nest. Dig for fossils in the huge sand pit. They also can become the captain and crew of the boat that's anchored here.
Nature Trails Our trails connect with the 88 acre-Bartlett Arboretum on the north end of the Museum's property.
New England Working Farm Explore our traditional working farm and discover the sounds, smells, and textures that evoke memories and reveal the nature of farmlife. Observe staff conduct the daily chores that maintain this active, productive farm. Heckscher Farm is a living resource for learning. Children and families make personal connections to a not-so-distant past when farming was a major way of life in the region. Through observation, exploration, and participation, visitors can immerse themselves in the experiences of farming.
Education We are an Educational Institution. The Museum's 10-acre farm provides educational and recreational activities. At the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, we offer year-round classes in art and nature for toddlers through adults. Press "Blue Button" for more information about the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
Things To Do Hiking / Walking Playground Nature Trails Working Farm
The Northern Catskills Audubon Society is located in Palenville, NY 12463, Greene County in the Hudson River Valley. Please call for information about the Audubon Society.
The Orange County Audubon Society is located in Middletown, NY 10940 in Orange County within the Hudson River Valley. We offer many areas of interest. Our meetings and field trips are open to the public free of charge.
Our Sanctuary sites include 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary in Gosham, Frankel Sanctuary in Blooms Corners Rod in the Town of Warwick, Wolfson Tract Sanctuary in the Town of Warwick, Corbett Road Sanctuary in Montgomery, Spanktown Road Sanctuary in the Town of Warwick and Stateline Sanctuary in the Town of Warwick.
Our field trips, although designed primarily for bird watching, are intended to create interest in flora, fauna, and all natural beauty in Orange County and vicinity. Most outings are on Sunday for a half day (unless otherwise stated) and normally around one mile in walking distance. The public is always welcome. Press "Blue Button" to learn more about the Orange County Audubon Society.
Sterling Forest® State Park comprises 17,953 acres of nearly pristine natural refuge amidst of one of the nation's most densely populated areas, a remarkable piece of woodland, a watershed for millions, and a tremendous outdoor recreation area. This unbroken deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species, including black bear, a variety of hawks and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants.
Parks attractions include: Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Ice Fishing, Museum / Visitor Center, Recreation Programs, Snowshoeing
The Putnam Highlands Audubon Society is located in Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County in the Hudson River Valley. To join the National Audubon Society and Putnam Highlands Audubon (Chapter R-25) call Audubon Customer Service at 1-800-274-4201.
Putnam Highlands Audubon Society Bird Walks & Field Trips PHAS programs include bird walks, educational programs, field trips, and guest lectures. These programs are intended to appeal to a wide range of interests and ability levels.
A monthly event that we hope will interest birders of all ability levels and those interested in the greater conservation mission of Audubon is a monthly walk at Constitution Marsh Audubon Marsh and Sanctuary in Garrison. Press "Blue Button" for more about Putnam Highlands Audubon Society.
Things To Do Birding Educational Programs Field Trips Guest Lectures Walks / Hiking
A mostly undeveloped preserve of nearly 6,000 acres, Hudson Highlands State Park consists of a series of separate parcels of land stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill, north to Dennings Point in Beacon. The spacious park is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. The Hudson Highlands and Hudson River provide spectacular backdrops for the many activities that can be enjoyed here.
The park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging. Trail maps can be obtained at the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park office. The park’s most well known trail – Breakneck Ridge was rated by Newsweek as one of the top 10 day hikes in America. The 5.5 mile Breakneck Ridge trail rises 1,250 feet in only a ¾ mile stretch.
For visitors who wish to view the scenic park from the water, kayaks and canoes are available for rental at Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center in Cortlandt Manor. Rentals, as well as instruction, tours, and educational programs, are provided by Atlantic Kayak Tours. Visitors may also launch their own kayaks and canoes from the Annsville dock. Fishing from the dock is also permitted.
Points of Interest: One area of Hudson Highlands State Park, Bannerman Island, can only be accessed by water and explored via guided tour. Known originally as Pollepel Island, this island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This majestic Hudson River landmark is home to Bannerman Castle, built by American entrepreneur Frank Bannerman VI between 1901 and 1918. For more information on visiting this unique site see Historic Sites at www.WestchesterTowns.com
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is wonderful for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086 acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park which includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.
The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.
The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.
Click to enlarge photo of Sunset on Bear Mountain road.
Drive along Route 202W/6W and enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River. Park the car at this scenic view point one mile from the Bear Mountain Bridge. The bridge spans the Hudson River between Rockland County and Westchester County and carries a section of the world famous Appalachian Trail.
Bear Mountain Bridge The Bear Mountain Bridge is a Suspension bridge. It was completed in 1924. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the Bear Mountain Bridge carries approximately 20,000 vehicles per day across the Hudson River. In addition to carrying one 12-foot-wide lane in each direction for US 6 and US 202, the roadway has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists that accommodate the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. To discourage through trucks from using the bridge, the NYSBA prohibits rigs weighing more than 56 tons from using the span.
Rockland Audubon Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the appreciation of nature and the preservation of a healthy environment. Our mission is to promote environmental conservation and foster an appreciation of birds and nature through education programs and activities.
Join us for field trips, lectures, Birdathon, Butterfly Garden, and many more birding activities. Press "Blue Button" for our schedule of field trips, photos, membership, and more about Rockland Audubon.
Hook Mountain State Park is part of the Palisades Interstate Park system. Just north of the Nyacks, the Palisades ridge, which had moved inland to form a shallow bowl, returns to the river's edge. The familiar columnar formations reappear as Hook Mountain, jutting its massive curved and quarried face into the river and demarcating the Tappan Zee from Haverstraw Bay. The name is derived from the Dutch Verdrietige Hoogte (tedious or troublesome point), named for the contrary winds that sailors encountered while trying to round it.
Brief History: Saving Hook Mountain and the Tappan Zee Riverfront In the last quarter of the nineteenth century, quarrying, which started on the Jersey Palisades, spread upriver, threatening to deface Hook Mountain on the Tappan Zee and the entire riverfront . . . In 1872, the erection of a stone crusher at Hook Mountain signaled the beginning of large-scale operations. By 1900, this and 31 smaller quarries between Piermont and Nyack were operating. Sentiment was growing to stop this defacement . . .
George W. Perkins, president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, played an instrumental role in influencing the philanthropists of his time as to the importance of preserving the Palisades. He believed the forested Highlands of the Hudson, famous for their scenery and as Revolutionary strongholds, would become a recreational resource for the people of the metropolitan district. The acquisition of Hook Mountain by the Commission was made possible by generous contributions by members of the Harriman, Perkins, and Rockefeller families, who have been adding to park holdings even up to the present time. Press "Blue Button" for entire text from New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.
Visit Perkins Point, built in tribute to George Perkins. At Perkins Point you will experience spectacular views of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge, West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. Four states are visible (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania), including the New York City skyline.
Park Attractions and Activities
Biking Beautiful views as you bike along the Hudson River's edge. The bike path follows the river's edge from Haverstraw Beach State to Nyack Beach State Park in Upper Nyack. For more biking trails, visit biking in the Hudson River Valley.
Bird Watching Hook Mountain State Park is best known as a hawk watch site. More about the Audubon Society and great spots for Birding.
Hiking Enjoy scenic landscapes while hiking along the banks of the Hudson River.
Beaver Dam Sanctuary Park
