Founded in 1957, Westmoreland Sanctuary is a non-profit nature center and wildlife preserve in the towns of Bedford and North Castle, NY
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 9-5 Monday through Saturday and 10:30-5 on Sunday.
Adjacent to both sides of the nature museum is the Easy Loop trailhead, which is the beginning of our 7-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.
Weekend educational programming available to the general public. A wide variety of educational programs are available to schools, scout groups, and other organizations by appointment. All programming opportunities are described on our website.
*For scheduling, information or questions regarding school and scout programs please call 914-666-8448 and USE ext. 6!
