Now that it’s warm out it’s the perfect time to get up close to nature at Westchester County Parks’ nature centers, rent canoes at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem and go boating at Wampus Pond in Armonk.
The six nature centers were closed to the public during the height of the pandemic and are now open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., then Monday through Friday beginning Monday, June 28. One household allowed in at a time and face masks must be worn. Call ahead to confirm your visit. Nature center locations:
- Cranberry Lake Preserve, North White Plains, (914) 428-1005
- Croton Point Nature Center, Croton-on-Hudson (914) 862-5297 (Friday through Sunday only)
- Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Rye, (914) 967-8720
- Lenoir Preserve, Yonkers, (914) 968-5851
- Marshlands Conservancy, Rye, (914) 835-4466
- Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, (914) 864-7322
Canoe rentals are available at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, call for times during the week: (914) 864-7312.
Boat rentals at Wampus Pond in Armonk will reopen for weekends and holidays beginning Saturday, May 29, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., last boat out at 4 p.m., walk-ins only.
County Executive George Latimer said: “Westchester County Parks offers over 18,000 acres of parkland with beautiful nature preserves for residents to learn about and explore. I’m thrilled for the reopening of these facilities, in addition to our boating and canoe rentals, so everyone can continue to learn more about the county’s environment and experience it first-hand.”
Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “Residents have utilized parks over the past year more than ever and I’m excited for residents to experience even more of our naturally essential facilities with our reopened activities.”
Nature centers are free to the public. For canoe and boat rental fees, visit parks.westchestergov.com.