This year, the Greenburgh Nature Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking an impressive five decades of service to both the residents of Westchester and conservation. Since its opening in July 1975, the center has remained steadfast in its “commitment to preserving open space, protecting wildlife, and educating the public,” according to director Alix Dunn.
Originally known as the “Hall Estate,” the 33-acre property was purchased by the city of Greenburgh through a grant from the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in 1973. An application letter to the bureau declared that “the area would be kept forever wild devoted to the study, appreciation and enjoyment of the out-of-doors.”
Once opened, the center quickly became a local hub for nature, science, and the arts, offering guided trail walks, foreign film screenings, day trips to nearby natural wonders, and more. While the programming has evolved to include options like seasonal camps, live animal exhibitions, and education, the center’s mission has not. Over the years, Greenburgh has successfully built “a community where environmental stewardship and education thrive side by side,” says Dunn.
Today, the center welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. Highlights of the seasonal “Back to Nature” series include trail walks with Nigerian Pygmy goats, encounters with livestock and chickens at the barn, Native American replica structures, butterfly tours, and pond exploration adventures. Each program is led by an expert naturalist.
Dunn adds that the center plans to open a new welcome center in 2026 to serve as a “gateway to discovery.” It will provide an accessible loading zone for school buses and clear entrance for visitors. And to commemorate its 50th, the Center is hosting a series of events, including cocktail parties on May 7 and Nov 5 as well as an October 11 family picnic on the Great Lawn. Tickets are available for purchase at naturecentergb.org.
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