Forever Wild

One of the most compelling aspects of moving to northern Westchester is the land—the generous acreage surrounding private homes; the sprawling equestrian properties that set a pastoral tone in our communities; and the land preserves that limit development, provide us with recreational walking trails, protect wildlife habitats, and keep our water clean.

Westchester Land Trust has been at the forefront of preserving land in our community for three decades. Twelve of the 29 preserves WLT owns have trails and are readily accessible to the public year-round and free of charge. These range from small, protected properties, such as the 7.5-acre Tom Burke Memorial Preserve in Bedford Hills to more expansive sanctuaries, such as the 150-acre Westchester Wilderness Walk/ Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge that features an extensive trail system.

WLT’s accomplishments include:

·      protecting almost 8,000 acres of environmentally important open space in Westchester and eastern Putnam Counties.

·      establishing a headquarters at Sugar Hill Farm in Bedford Hills where the Trust’s garden annually harvests more than 1,500 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables—or the equivalent of 6,248 servings. This harvest supplies much-needed fresh produce to the Food Bank for Westchester and local food pantries.

·      preserving seventy acres of Mount Kisco’s Cabbage Hill Farm, one of Westchester’s original and best-known organic farms, allowing agriculture to continue forever.

·      sponsoring public programming, from collaborative events to speakers and hands-on workshops that encourage land stewardship.

·      Providing and maintaining green spaces for the public use and appreciation.

Houlihan Lawrence is proud to partner with The Westchester Land Trust as it celebrates thirty years of land conservation at its annual benefit on Saturday, June 2, at the Rockefeller Family Playhouse in Pocantico, where the WLT will be honoring the conservation legacy of David Rockefeller and the Rockefeller family for their significant contribution to local land conservation. Learn more here.