Fabulous Nature Centers

Our rubber boots squelched along the banks of the Cross River as warm, spring mud oozed out from beneath our footsteps. It had taken a while for the weather to turn warm this season and the purplish-green fronds of the skunk cabbages that dotted the wetland had just begun to unfurl. We were at the tail end of a morning hike – a hike that would culminate in a visit to the Trailside Nature Museum at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. It was our plan to join that afternoon’s family program, Amphibians for Kids, after a quick picnic lunch at the sun-warmed picnic tables nearby.

Trailside’s program is just one of countless others offered by the preserves, sanctuaries, parks and reservations in and around Westchester County. On any given weekend, families can seine in the Hudson, build a nesting house for eastern bluebirds, or search for salamanders in a vernal pond alongside resident naturalists. In this age in which technology reigns supreme, our county nature centers offer the opportunity to authentically reconnect with the natural world around us.

For the Birds

Edith Read Sanctuary: Read Sanctuary is a 179-acre county park recognized by the National Audubon Society as an important bird area. There is a small bird watching section complete with binoculars and field guides in the Sanctuary’s small, but enjoyable, nature center. Behind the center is a three-mile network of trails while across the street there’s a half-mile stretch of shoreline perfect for wading, treasure hunting and a picnic.

Audubon Greenwich: The Kimberlin Nature Education Center is the place to begin a visit to this 285-acre sanctuary where seven miles of trails traverse diverse ecosystems replete with local wildlife. Naturalist-lead programs like family bird watching, native plant study and wildlife walks are offered several times each month. On rainy days bird watch from the indoor viewing area. There’s also a very nice gift shop and a hands-on nature exhibit room.

On the River

Beczak Environmental Education Center: Opened in 2004, Beczak’s riverfront interpretive center focuses on educating people about the ecology, history and culture of the Hudson River. The River Explorer’s family nature programs are operated seasonally through the Center for the Urban River at Beczak (CURB) in affiliation with Sarah Lawrence College. Additionally, the center’s monthly family seining sessions are especially exciting.

The Science Barge: A floating hydroponic farm, the Science Barge offers family drop-in hours every Saturday and Sunday, April through November. Visitors tour the barge and explore different aquatic growing systems, learning about the effects of various plants on our health and development. Special events take place seasonally and kids can participate in anything from building and taking home their own hydroponic mini-gardens to crabbing in the Hudson.

Become a Naturalist

Teatown Lake Reservation: Teatown is a jewel in the realm of nature education. In addition to their extensive field trip offerings and summer programs, weekends at Teatown finds families engaged in all manner of outdoor adventures including animal care, birding, insect study, ponding, hiking and star-gazing.

Westmoreland Sanctuary: Housed in a former Bedford Village church that was moved to the sanctuary piece-by-piece in 1973, Westmoreland’s nature center is a county treasure. With everything from live animals and a large bird watching area to excellent nature exhibits, it is easy to lose track of time in here. Each weekend, the sanctuary’s enthusiastic naturalists lead hikes, guide pond studies and teach about indigenous flora and fauna.

Meet the Animals

Greenburgh Nature Center: Featuring a variety of animal exhibits and habitats perfect for young naturalists to explore – a miniature farm, rescued birds of prey, a woodland pond and prairie dogs are just a few – this is one of the area’s best known and loved nature centers. The Center’s small network of trails make for a great beginner’s hike and getting acquainted with the critters residing in the live animal museum alongside the wonderful staff is always a highlight.

Lend a Hand

Many of these places are always on the lookout for a helping hand and several even have volunteer workdays as part of their monthly or seasonal calendars. Donating some of your time and energy weeding the butterfly garden, cutting invasive vines, or helping to clear hiking trails is a great way for you and your kids to give back to our community.

This year, The Friends of Westchester County Parks is holding its annual Pitch in for Parks event on Sunday, April 23 during which volunteers can lend a hand around many of our local preserves. For more information about this year’s event visit the County’s website, westchestergov.com.

Gina Vercesi is a freelance writer, teacher, mom, nature enthusiast and founder of kidsunplugged.org.

Go Nature!

Visit a local nature center this spring. Here’s a resource list of the centers mentioned as well as some wonderful ones that were not featured in this article.

Audubon Greenwich

613 Riversville Road

Greenwich, Conn.

203-869-5272

greenwich.audubon.org

Beczak Environmental Education Center

35 Alexander St.

Yonkers, N.Y.

377-1900

beczak.org

Edith Read Sanctuary

Playland Parkway