About Us

 

Mission: "To secure and preserve land for the enjoyment and enrichment of all through environmental education and conservation programs."

Westmoreland Sanctuary was established in 1957 as a not-for-profit organization.  Surrounded by wooded countryside and suburban areas, the Sanctuary's 640 acres offer a variety of activities to its visitors.

This historic building, a former church, now serves as our museum and headquarters.

A reconstructed 200 year-old building now serves as a nature museum.  This former Presbyterian Church in Bedford Village, NY was dismantled and rebuilt at the Chestnut Ridge Road entrance in 1973.  The central room is used as an auditorium for public programs, and its periphery and the second-story balcony contain exhibits of regional flora and fauna.  A bird observation window is located on the second floor where visitors can view our bird feeding station at various times of the year.  The nature museum is also home to our live animal collection, which includes insects, reptiles, a Mourning Dove, and a rabbit.  The nature museum is open 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:30 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Adjacent to both sides of the nature museum is the Easy Loop trailhead, which is the beginning of our 7.5 - mile trail system.  Our many trails lead visitors past rocky cliffs, streams, ponds, and wetlands contained within our boundaries.  Visitors are asked to remain on the trails at all times to preserve the integrity of the surrounding habitats and ecosystems.  Dog walking, biking, skiing, and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Trails are open dawn to dusk year round.  Trail maps are available in the kiosk in the parking lot.

Westmoreland Sanctuary is a non-profit corporation established under the laws of the state of New York.  It has an annual operating budget of approximately $180,000.  Funds to support the Sanctuary are raised from a broad spectrum of individuals, corporations, and foundations.  Donations to help us maintain and improve the quality of our programs and facilities are always welcome and are tax deductible. Thank you!

Nature Notes is an ongoing record of Westmoreland's daily events, discoveries, and experiences had throughout our 640 acres of pristine, protected wilderness. We strive to provide you with an insightful view into our work, our incredible community, and, of course, the stunningly beautiful flora and fauna that remind us every day of why we work so hard to protect and care for it. We hope you will explore our blog, visit our preserve, and most importantly, be inspired to rediscover nature at its fullest and most beautiful.

Best,