White Plains, New York 10601 York White Plains, New Suite 104 Martine Ave., 148 VisitWestchesterNY.com ................................................. Westchester Bird Watching Birders flock to Westchester’s natural surroundings to spot the more than 300 species of birds that have been identified in is Funtastic. Westchester County. Many rare birds and hawks have been Here for a day or a getaway? spotted at the different parks and reservations listed. Westchester has it all. Blue Mountain Reservation: Welcher Ave., Peekskill To help map out your 862-5275. The Spitzenberg and Blue Mountains are located on this property. 1,583 acres of wooded, hilly terrain excellent for adventure, here’s a sampling bird watching, picnicking or walking. Three lakes located on site of Westchester favorites. attract plenty of waterfowl. Park admission fee. Cranberry Lake Preserve: Old Orchard St., North White ................................................. ................................................. ................................................. Plains 428-1005. A 165-acre preserve of unspoiled forest and wetlands including a five-acre lake, trails and boardwalks. Family Fun Boating Fishing Open year-round, 9-4, Tues. – Sat. Westchester is full of great stuff to do for all ages, so (Sailing, Rowing, Kayaking): Westchester is the ideal destination Fishing enthusiasts are hooked on Westchester with fishing bring the kids and don’t miss out on this family fun. for water sports and recreation, so join us for boating, kayaking permitted in all streams and lakes under the control of the Croton Point Nature Center: Croton Point Park, and more. Set sail on Westchester's lakes, the Long Island Sound Westchester County Parks Department (except in the nature Croton-on-Hudson 862-5297. A 504-acre park and Muscoot Farm: 51 Route 100, Katonah. 864-7282. or Hudson River. preserves and where "No Fishing" signs are displayed). nature center containing exhibits about the Hudson www.muscootfarm.org. A 777-acre interpretive farm Fly-fishing is permissible at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in River, local history, and flora and fauna. The center is also with turn-of-the-century feel. Farm animals and Kayaking Cross River. In winter, ice fishing is allowed on several lakes, home to the Material Archives and Laboratory for equipment, historic buildings, hiking and nature trails. Atlantic Kayak Tours: Route 6, Cortlandt Manor. 739-2588. conditions permitting, except in areas specifically designated for Archaeology (MALFA) and feature exhibits on the archaeo- Hay rides from May – October. Education programs and ice-skating. A New York State fishing license is required and can logical features of the park. workshops. Open year-round, 10-4 daily. www.atlantickayaktours.com. Canoe and kayak rentals and instruction, April through November. Housed in the Annsville Creek be obtained through the Westchester County Clerk’s office at 995-3080. Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary: Exit 19 off I-95 – Greenburgh Nature Center: 99 Dromore Rd., Paddlesport Center, the only on-water, full-service canoe and adjacent to Playland Amusement Park, Rye 967-8720. Scarsdale. 723-3470. www.greenburghnaturecenter.org. A kayak center on the Hudson River. A seasonal schedule Blue Mountain Reservation Many rare birds, including Snow Bunting, Snowy Owl, 33-acre woodland preserve with trails, pond gardens, birds of guided tours is also offered. Welcher Ave., Peekskill, 862-5275. Barrows Goldeneye and Red-necked Grebe have been seen of prey aviary and other outdoor animal displays. Manor here on Playland Lake and the Long Island Sound. Open Tues. House Museum has more than 100 animals, greenhouse, Hudson River Recreation: Kingsland Point Park, Bronx River Reservation Sleepy Hollow. 682-5135. www.kayakhudson.com. Guided – Sat. 9-4, trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Free natural history exhibits and gift shop. Family programs. Manor Valhalla to Yonkers, 864-PARK. admission. Parking fee May – October. House open Mon. – Thurs. 9:30-4:30, weekends 10-4:30. tours of the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound. Grounds open dawn to dusk. Equipment is available on site. No experience necessary. Croton Point Park Lenoir Preserve: Dudley Street, Yonkers 968-5851. 35+ acres Croton-on-Hudson, 862-5290. overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. In the fall, expect to Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture: Sailing Croton Gorge see hawks circling overhead from the Lenoir Hawk Watch. The 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 366-6200. preserve has a large bird feeding station and is home to Black- New York Sailing School: Municipal Marina, Route 129, Cortlandt, 827-9568. www.stonebarnscenter.org. Farm and education center celebrates birds, Blue Jays, the American Robin and Red-breasted 22 Pelham Rd., New Rochelle. 235-6052. www.nyss.com. community-based food production. Programs and activities George’s Island Park Nuthatches, to name a few. The Nature Center has a bird observa- Sailing lessons, charters and rentals on the Long Island include farm tours, cooking classes, tastings, how-to Dutch St., Montrose, 737-7530. tion window for easy viewing. Trails open daily from Sound. Rentals available Mon. – Fri., 10-5, weekends and workshops, lectures, book discussions and more. dawn to dusk. Center open 9-4 on Wed. – Sat. holidays 9:30-5:30. Free parking, restaurant, picnic area and Kensico Dam Plaza Open Wed. – Sun. 10-5. September – June and Mon. – Fri. July – August. ..................................... marina on-site. Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, 328-1542 Rockefeller State Park Preserve Marshlands Conservancy: Boston Post Rd., Rye Boat Launching 835-4466. The best place to see rare birds. There is a Cool for Couples Route 117, Tarrytown, 631-1470 species checklist available in the Visitor’s Center. Open Surprise your special someone with a weekend or day , Croton-on-Hudson. 862-5291. Hudson Croton Point Park year-round Wed. – Sun., 9-5. Trails open daily from dawn trip to Westchester and spend quality time enjoying River. Canoes and car top-carried boats can be launched here Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to dusk. Free admission. activities for two. seven days a week from 8-dusk. Open April – October. Routes 35 & 121, Cross River 864-7317. Fly-fishing is available on the river that flows through the reservation. Rockefeller State Park Preserve/ Lyndhurst: 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown. 631-4481. George’s Island Park, Montrose. 737-7530. Hudson River. www.lyndhurst.org. Visit Alexander Jackson Davis’s 1838 Open daily April – October, 8-dusk. Accommodates boats up to Woodlands Lake Pocantico Hills: Route 117, Tarrytown 631-1470. Gothic Revival masterpiece to marvel at the same dramatic 21 feet in length. Saw Mill River Parkway, Irvington www.friendsrock.org. Explore miles of trails on this splendid views of the Hudson River once enjoyed by railroad baron (Access from northbound lanes only.) property located near Route 9 and the Taconic State Jay Gould. Lyndhurst is also renowned for its outstanding Peekskill Riverfront Green Park, Railroad Ave., 946-8133. Parkway. The trails are carriage/bridal trails that allow collections and beautiful landscape. Call for schedule of Peekskill. 734-7275 Municipal launch. horseback riding. Wetlands, woodlands, meadows, fields and Swan Lake, a great place to see waterfowl, are all located on the special events. Mansion tours available May – December, , Kennedy Marina Yonkers Municipal Boat Ramp grounds. Visitor’s Center open year-round 9-4:30. Preserve open Fri. – Sun. 10-4. Grounds open daily dawn to dusk. Park, Yonkers. 377-6450 Municipal launch. year-round 8-dusk. Parking fee. The Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden: A Guide to Outdoor Adventure 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. 669-5033. Boat Rentals Rye Nature Center: 873 Boston Post Rd., Rye 967-5150. in Westchester County, NY www.ryenaturecenter.org. 47 acres of forests, fields, ponds and www.hammondmuseum.org. Eastern and Western exhibits, a Route 128, Armonk. 273-3230. Wampus Pond, streams with 14 stations on a self-guided trail as well as a paved HUDSON VALLEY REGION 3.5-acre Japanese garden, gift shop and café. School and group Rowboats are available weekends and holidays from 8-5, trail for seniors and disabled. Spend the day bird watching and tours April – November, Memorial Day – Labor Day. Wed. – Sat. 12-4. picnic near a pond or stream. Butterfly House open 9-5, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, 2957 Crompond Rd., Mon. – Fri. Free admission. Hudson River Museum: 511 Warburton Ave., Yorktown Heights. 245-4434. www.nysparks.com. Seasonal Teatown Lake Reservation: 1600 Spring Valley Yonkers. 963-4550. www.hrm.org. The galleries and rowboat rentals on lake and pond. restored period room of Glenview, a vintage Hudson Rd., Ossining 762-2912 ext. 110. www.teatown.org. River home, showcase American art, history and Croton Sailing School, 7 Elliot Rd., Croton-on-Hudson. 875 acres, 15 miles and 10 trails that spread throughout science. The Hudson Riverama simulates the river with 800-859-7245. www.crotonsailing.com. Private, captained the preserve and are home to many different birds. scenic designs, interactive experiences, multi-media Hudson River charters for 1-6 people aboard 20-foot to 35-foot Species checklist and trail map are available. For a small technology, aquariums and a scale model. Explore outer vessels. Sailing lessons, sailing club and youth program. fee, there is a guided tour of the two-acre Wildflower space inside Andrus Planetarium. Open year-round, Island. The Visitor's Center is open daily from dawn to Wed. – Sun. 12-5. dusk. Free parking and admission. .......................................... Ward Pound Ridge Reservation: Routes 35 & 121, Cross River 864-7317. 4,315 acres makes this the County’s At Your Leisure largest park. Many hawks and swallows fly overhead and Leave your biking and hiking gear at home and take a there are 60 Bluebird boxes where you can glimpse Bluebird historic stroll, hit the links or simply savor beautiful sights nests. One of the NY metropolitan area’s best places to see and sounds with world-class music in Westchester.