Old Field Preserve
Gucci street, Waccabuc, NY 10597
“The Lewisboro Land Trust clearly has put forth great effort and care to preserve this small parcel of history. I say history because the trails are a reminder of a time long by with its aged stonewalls, animal tracked pathways, and calming stream. It is definitely worth a visit or two anytime of the year.”
Chris Valentino, Local Guide, December, 2019 • Google Review
Click the image to view and download a trail map.
Old Field Preserve was created in July 2003 and is owned jointly by the Town and Westchester County, with a conservation easement held by New York State. It is the culmination of many years of effort and cooperation among private citizens, local
conservation groups including the Lewisboro Land Trust, and the state, county and town governments.
The parcel was originally part of Van Cortlandt Manor, a 86,000-acre tract that ran from the Hudson River to Connecticut. The area was settled in 1776 by Enoch Mead, whose descendants farmed the land until 1974 when it was sold. From 1974-2003, the
100-acre parcel was enjoyed by riders, walkers, cross-country skiers and hunters. In 2003, the town, county, and state bought the parcel with extensive financial assistance from local residents. Over 100 species of wildlife have been observed on the preserve, and it provides increasingly rare old field/meadow habitat for field-dependent species. The trails are open for hiking and horseback riding.
Highlights
Five fields in various stages of succession, with wildflowers and birds, dogwood blooms in May, highbush blueberries turn color in fall, woods, wetlands, watercourses, and old stone walls, the remnants of an old orchard, magnificent view from the FAA tower (trail leading to tower is somewhat steep), connection to Town Park and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (see map).
Directions
Take Rte. 35 to Mead Street. Turn onto Mead, the preserve is located .5 mi. on the right at the intersection of Schoolhouse Road. Park up the lane at the kiosk.
More information can be found in our Online Field Guide.