Westchester Land Trust Protects 44-Acre Property In Bedford

BEDFORD, NY — The Hudson Valley will be a little greener for future generations, thanks in part to a recent move by a local nonprofit.

Westchester Land Trust (WLT), the Bedford Hills-based land conservation nonprofit, announced it has accepted and strengthened a conservation easement on a 44.75-acre property in Bedford that was formerly protected through the Bedford Historical Society.

The organization says that the amended easement expands the area of land protected by including some land previously set aside for potential development. The land is designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as a "Known Area for Rare Terrestrial Animals and a Known Area for Rare Plants."

"Westchester Land Trust is honored that the property owner and Bedford Historical Society have entrusted us to care for this land and ensure it remains free from development forever," said Janelle Robbins, VP of Conservation at Westchester Land Trust. "With its excellent wildlife habitat and proximity to other conserved lands, this property is integral to the fabric of open space in Bedford."

The Stone Hill River runs through the middle of the land. As part of the Croton Reservoir System, this waterbody helps provide daily drinking water to around nine million people in NYC.

The woodlands on the property are composed mainly of maple, oak, and beech trees, with large rock outcroppings, riparian areas, and red maple swamps.

Westchester Land Trust says that the landowners wanted to expand and strengthen the conservation easement to safeguard wildlife habitat and drinking water quality for their enjoyment, but also for the community.

The land is located within a 933-acre core forest that includes Indian Hill Park and other conservation easements held by Westchester Land Trust.

Westchester Land Trust has a long history of land protection in Bedford, with over 1,650 acres protected through preserves and conservation easements. The organization is working on additional projects to protect more land in Bedford in the future.

The nonprofit will monitor the easement annually to make sure there are no threats to its conservation value. It remains private property and is not open for public use.

Find out more about Westchester Land Trust on their website.