The county's nature centers provide undisturbed habitat for wildlife and a peaceful oasis for people to explore and learn about their natural environment. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation relies on the cooperation of all visitors to maintain the special character of its nature preserves as refuges for wildlife and as a place for people to experience the natural heritage of Westchester in as undisturbed a state as possible. Enjoy our nature preserves, but please don't disturb wildlife's natural habitats.
See our calendar page or Facebook page @westchesterparks for up-to-date information.
Conservation Programs
Westchester County Parks nature centers offer a variety of programs and events geared towards learning about the natural environment.
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. Review the full list of weekly themes.
Please assist us by being respectful of park habitat, wildlife, and other visitors by following these simple rules
- All plants and minerals provide food and shelter for wildlife and may not be collected during any season.
- All wildlife is protected by law and may not be trapped, hunted or collected.
- Activities that disturb the peace and interfere with people's abilities to observe wildlife are not permitted. Please enjoy your visit quietly.
- No food or drink is allowed beyond the picnic areas. There are no facilities for large picnics.
- Swimming, fishing, and boat docking are not permitted. Please enjoy your visit quietly.
- Visitors are asked to stay on the trails, particularly during the nesting season (May through August). Some areas may be blocked off temporarily for nesting reasons or trail recovery.
- No dogs allowed.
Environmental Initiatives
Westchester County is committed to preserving the natural environment of these centers through a host of initiatives designed to protect its thousands of acres of unspoiled land and the hundreds of species of plants and wildlife that thrive there. The Parks Department works closely with several environmental and historical agencies and organizations and a host of dedicated individual volunteers in these initiatives. The results of these environmental protective efforts are evident with the recent establishment of numerous biodiversity protection areas, the recognition of several parks as important bird areas, the creation of the Westchester endangered species list and other environmental programs.