Westchester County is committed to preserving the natural environment through a host of initiatives designed to protect its thousands of acres of open space and the hundreds of species of plants and wildlife that thrive there. The conservation division plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission through a variety of programs and services. The office works closely with environmental and historical agencies and organizations along with a host of dedicated volunteers in these initiatives.
More than ever, we need your help in preserving the natural habitats of our indigenous wildlife. Your participation will play a vital role in maintaining and improving Westchester's unique and beautiful natural environment for future generations. Consider becoming involved with one of our friends organizations, or check out our volunteer opportunities.
Nature Camps
Each summer five of our nature centers host nature camps for boys and girls entering grades 1 through 12. Children and teens explore and discover the natural environment of Westchester County and learn how they can be stewards of our natural areas with fun, hands-on experiences. Camps are held at Cranberry Lake Preserve, Lenoir Preserve, Marshlands Conservancy, Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary and Trailside Nature Museum. Each camp focuses on different aspects of nature with weekly themes centered on animals, insects, plants and more. See our full list of weekly themes.
Also, if you see something happening in the environment, whether you believe that it is a violation of environmental law or a natural occurrence, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation would like to know. Turn in poachers and polluters.
Have you seen coyotes in the parks? For educational information and tips about coyotes, check out this helpful brochure.
Westchester County Parks is also a partner organization in PRISM (Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management). The partnership strives to protect the rich biodiversity of our region by addressing issues caused by the presence of invasive species.
Remember that parks benefit our community by:
- Providing a sense of community
- Facilitating community problem-solving
- Promoting health and wellness
- Fostering social, intellectual, physical and emotional development
- Advancing cultural understanding
- Protecting environmental resources
- Providing recreational experiences
You can learn more about conservation by visiting:
- Federated Conservationists of Westchester
- Hudson River Audubon Society
- The Humane Society of the United States
- Humane Solutions to Wildlife
- Wolf Conservation Center
You can also discover great wildlife viewing areas near you by visiting New York's Watchable Wildlife.
Wildlife Rescue: view the NYS Wildlife rehabilitator contact list.
Subscribe to Parks e-Club to get up-to-the-minute program and event information as well as valuable discounts.