Boulder-strewn hills are teeming with life at our Butler Memorial Sanctuary in Bedford. Located an hour north of New York City by car, the preserve has miles of trails that traverse a variety of forest communities, including mixed hardwoods, stands of pine and hemlock, and red maple swamps, for the whole family to explore. Bring your binoculars—our Hawkwatch platform is an excellent spot to observe a variety of hawks, falcons and other raptors.

At Uplands Farm in Cold Spring Harbor, nearly 2.5 miles of marked trails meander from bird and butterfly meadows, through deciduous forests, and into a white pine-shaded ravine. This dairy farm turned carbon-neutral Conservancy office and preserve offers a diverse array of wildlife and plants the whole family will love to explore. And keep an eye out for our newly installed solar panels and electric vehicle charging station.

A birder and botanist’s paradise alike, Mashomack’s 11 miles of coastline and acres of creeks, woodlands and fields offer something for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll love exploring nature’s wonders through a diverse range of winding trails, making pitstops to discover the dazzling creatures that call the salt marshes and tidal pools home. The Boardwalk at the entrance of the preserve is fully compliant with the forest service recommendations and standards for accessibility.

With more than 12,600 acres of water, saltmarshes, ponds, upland fields and woods, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge offers a wide array of natural wonders to explore. And, it’s one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States, providing a great place to observe the seasonal bird migrations. In 2016 and 2017, more than 1,000 TNC volunteers planted 28,000 native trees and shrubs here to create better habitat for migratory birds and to improve the site’s ability to recover from floods.

Located in the heart of New York Harbor, Governor’s Island is a world unto itself. Explore the unique historic buildings, environmental educational facilities, a rich arts and culture program and a 22-acre National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Just a short ferry ride from Manhattan, the island is an oasis for pollinators, plants, trees, birds and more. Keep an eye out for unique, sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty.

Sweeping vistas, rich ecology, expansive piers and vibrant programming make this special waterfront park a beautiful natural wonder in the heart of New York City. Adventure awaits for the whole family, with biking, birding, kayaking and more available to enjoy. And, with connections to subways and ferries, getting to the park is a breeze.