If you have lived in the area for more than a season, you've surely noticed the wealth of outdoor riches around us in the Hudson Valley. Despite growing up in this region, I'm amazed at how often I discovered how much more there is to see locally. This past Sunday, we were lucky enough to have a blue-sky day spread out before us, and it was the perfect opportunity for my family to play tourist in our town.
Westmoreland Sanctuary is truly a local gem. It is an independently owned not-for-profit covering three towns - Bedford, Armonk, and Mount Kisco. The preserve is ever expanding and currently sits at 640 acres of protected wildlife. The 8.5 miles of hiking trails are open year-round, as is the Natural Science Museum.
My family of five opted to combine two of the shorter loops (as my toddler insisted he wear hand-me-down Vans that were no match for the twists and turns) for a manageable hike that still felt like a real day in the woods. The paths are well maintained and extremely well-marked. You can feel the level of love and care poured into the caretaking of this space. There are many opportunities to stop and take in the beauty, as well as to read about the native plant species. Our tween loved playing the tour guide and we learned a lot along the way. On our paths we encountered a fern garden, a protected pollinator field, Betchel Lake, a historic cemetery, and a dock perfectly situated for spotting toads and turtles. Toward the end of the trail, a whimsical playhouse was just waiting to be explored in a garden surrounded by handmade wooden fencing. It was more than inviting and provided an imaginative canvas for outdoor play.
I did a little more research after our outing and learned that there are a variety of options for membership and many perks to it including significantly discounted program pricing and the knowingness that you are supporting stewardship and sustainability in your backyard. While we have not opted into this sponsorship (yet?), I am looking forward to attending some of their programs in the coming season and taking advantage of the beautiful trails again when the leaves begin to change.
Good to Know:
-No pets are allowed
-Be cautious of privately owned property, which is well-marked, but you may be drawn to the ducks and not see the signs!
-There is a robust calendar of offerings from evening hikes to "Mommy and Me" mornings with animals. Check out our calendar or their website for more details.
-It's a carrier hike for the smallest ones - these trails are not stroller friendly.
-On a beautiful summer day, we saw several other hikers, but seldom needed to pass each other on the trails. It was a desirable blend of travelled, but not busy.
Find More Information Here:
Nonprofit Directory | Macaroni KID Armonk - Chappaqua - Mount Kisco - Pleasantville
