





Teatown Lake Reservation is a cherished nature preserve and environmental education center in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a cherished nature preserve and environmental education center in the Lower Hudson Valley. This accredited land trust protects a thousand acres of diverse habitats, inspiring lifelong environmental stewardship through education and conservation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of New York's Westchester County, exploring varied landscapes and learning about local ecology.
The reservation boasts fifteen miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through fields, forests, swamps, and meadows, encircling three picturesque lakes: Teatown Lake, Shadow Lake, and Vernay Lake. Key attractions include Wildflower Island, a two-acre sanctuary showcasing over 230 native and endangered wildflower species, and the Wildflower Woods, a restoration project demonstrating healthy forest ecosystems. Although the Nature Center is currently undergoing renovations, its beloved animal ambassadors—including opossums, snakes, turtles, and various birds of prey like bald eagles, screech owls, and hawks—are still featured in select educational programs.
Teatown Lake Reservation offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities and educational experiences, making it a memorable destination for all ages. Whether you're seeking a tranquil hike, a chance to observe local wildlife, or engaging programs on environmental science, Teatown fosters a deep connection with nature. Its commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological understanding ensures that every visit contributes to a greater appreciation for our natural world. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
The name "Teatown" itself carries a piece of local history, dating back to 1776, when a man named John Arthur attempted to profit from tea scarcity during British taxation, leading to a legendary confrontation with a group of women known as the Daughters of Eve. The Teatown Lake Reservation began its life as a preserve in 1962, officially forming in 1963 with an initial donation of 245 acres from the Gerard Swope Sr. family to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Teatown was established to conserve open space and educate the public on environmental resources, becoming a separate legal entity in 1971. In 2018, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden formally transferred ownership of the property to Teatown, further solidifying its mission of land preservation and environmental education.
Go hiking, birdwatching, participate in environmental education programs, visit specialty gardens, and attend seasonal events.
Winter: Excellent for spotting bald eagles during EagleFest, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Spring: Wildflowers begin to bloom, amphibian activity increases, and the annual Plant Sale takes place.
Summer: Trails are lush, gardens are in full bloom, and summer camps are offered.
Fall: Enjoy vibrant fall foliage on the trails and attend the "A Night in the Woods Gala."
Teatown provides multiple ADA-accessible parking spaces. While trails are currently not ADA compliant, plans are underway to create an accessible Raptor Loop, playscape, and a trail to the Boathouse along the Lakeside Trail. An accessible portable restroom is available during Nature Center renovations.
Explore the Three Lakes Loop, which connects Vernay, Shadow, and Teatown Lakes, and experience the unique Bergmann Boardwalk over Teatown Lake. Other trails like the Waterfall Trail, Hidden Valley Loop, and Overlook Loop offer varied terrain and scenery.
Take a guided tour (April-September) to discover over 230 species of native and endangered wildflowers.
An outdoor classroom and restoration area, demonstrating forest health and native plant protection from deer browsing.
While the Nature Center undergoes renovation, special public programs feature resident animals such as opossums, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, screech owls, and hawks.
Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Check Teatown's official website for the latest updates on the Nature Center renovation and schedules for animal ambassador viewing programs.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for hiking on varied terrain, as many trails include uneven surfaces, roots, and rocks.
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months or for longer hikes, as facilities may be limited along the trails.
Non-members should be prepared to pay a parking fee (currently $7) using exact change or a credit card at the kiosk.
Plan your visit to Wildflower Island during its open season from April to September to witness its spectacular array of native and endangered wildflowers.
Consult the events calendar for seasonal highlights such as the Hudson River EagleFest in February or the annual Plant Sale in spring.
Jun 5, 2026
Photo attribution
(c) eml23, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
Photo attribution
(c) Alec Story, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
License: CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 8, 2026
Jun 7, 2026
Jun 7, 2026
Massachusetts, US
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
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Maryland, US
You might spot White-Tailed Deer and Japanese Knotweed.
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Illinois, US
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
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Maryland, US
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and White-Tailed Deer.
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