1-Tank Adventure: Marshland Conservancy

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The first thing you will notice about the Marshland Conservancy in Rye is how in love everyone there is with the place.

The Westchester County Park system has more than its share of special places, but few other public green spaces in the region feel as much like a wilderness retreat as the Marshland Conservancy. Children are absolutely gleeful about finding crabs under rocks and parents and kids alike pause at the visitor center to brag about spotting a deer or a rarely seen migratory seabird species.

In fact, the list of woodland and coastal creatures that treat the undisturbed woodland and complete brackish water ecosystem as a sort of suburban pied-à-terre can be surprising even for visitors who live nearby. Luckily, there is usually an expert park guide on hand to help interpret the surrounding wilderness and wildlife, which is yet another way that the park, with it's well-marked trails and rustic facilities, has the feel of a national park much larger than its generous 147 acres.

The wildlife sanctuary encompasses diverse habitats, including forest, meadow, salt marsh and shoreline. There are well over three miles of trails and one-half miles of Long Island Sound coastline within the park's boundaries.

The Marshland Conservancy is within the famed Atlantic migratory flyway making the park a prime birdwatching locale. More than 230 species (and counting) have been sighted, according to park administrators.

IF YOU GO:

• County park pass is not required for admission.
• The park is located off Route 1 in Rye.
• The nature center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m from Wednesday through Sunday and most holidays.
• Trails are open every day from dawn to dusk.
• Service animals permitted.

SEE ALSO:

• 1-Tank Adventure: Bear Mountain State Park
• 1-Tank Adventure: St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
• 1-Tank Adventure: Stone Barns Center For Food And Agriculture
• 1-Tank Adventure: Building Memories At Legoland
• 1-Tank Adventure: Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
• 1-Tank Adventure: 'See For Miles' At This Hudson Valley Overlook
• 1-Tank Adventure: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
• 1-Tank Adventure: The Wild Center