NEL FOLTO DELLA FORESTA TI ASPETTANO I FIORI ZOFFNASS FAMILY PRESERVE NY

Westchester Wilderness Walk / Zofnass Family Preserve encompasses rocky woods, streams and wetlands, an arboretum, and, at 127 acres, is one of the largest Westchester Land Trust preserves. Nearly 7.5 miles of trails cover some of the most rugged terrain in a town noted for its crags and outcrops. The trail system features hundreds of stepping stones for crossing streams and wetlands, a 50-foot tall “grand” stone staircase, and dozens of educational signs and small notes pointing out the preserve’s many interesting and fun features. The preserve’s geology is highly varied, which lends itself to a unique blend of ecosystems including complex wetlands, upland forests, and rock outcroppings. This habitat is home to a high number of different species of plants and wildlife, including, reptiles, amphibians, and over 400 plant species. Observant hikers are likely to encounter wood frogs and spring peepers in spring, yellow-throated vireos and rose-breasted grosbeaks in summer, and wild turkeys year round. Over the years there have been several restoration and research projects. These include two deer exclosures, wildflower plantings, invasive plant removals, as well as a plant inventory conducted by the New York Botanical Garden. Click here for info on our restoration work, and click here to read about the New York Botanical Garden inventory. Preserve History Paul Zofnass, a Pound Ridge resident and a member of the Westchester Land Trust’s Board of Directors, first conceived the idea of creating a trail preserve here and worked for over 10 years to put the project together. Paul and his family donated land, persuaded their neighbors to donate land, and created the impressive trail system. The newest and most exciting addition is the three-acre Arboretum, which features over 250 plant species