Beaches Open; African-American Heritage Festival; Trail Exploration: 14 Weekend Recommendations

WESTCHESTER, NY — Here are some of the reasons to visit Westchester parks this weekend.

Friday, June 23
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, Route 35, Somers – (914) 864-7268
“The Rainforest: Tropical Treasures” – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join the horticulturist for a tour of the new conservatory and rainforest exhibit. Admission $7; registration required at LasdonPark.org.

Croton Point Beach, Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson – (914) 862-5290
Playland Pool and Beach, Playland Parkway, Rye – (914) 813-7010
Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains – (914) 995-4480
Glen Island Beach, One Pelham Road, New Rochelle – (914) 813-6720
Sprain Ridge Pool, Jackson Avenue, Yonkers* -- (914) 231-3450
The Brook at Tibbetts Brook Park, 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers – (914) 231-2165
Willson’s Waves Pool, 8 Bradford Road, Mount Vernon – 813-6990
All Pools and Beaches Open on Full Summer Schedule – 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
For a complete schedule and fees, go to parks.westchestergov.com.
*Scheduled to open in July.


Saturday, June 24
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Parkway, Rye – (914) 967-8720
Build a Beneficial Bug Hotel for your Garden – 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Learn how to keep your garden healthy and vibrant by attracting a variety of insects to your yard. Fee $5.
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Art in Nature: Painting Outdoors – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bring your own painting materials and learn how to capture the en plain air quality of light and space.

Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River – (914) 864-7322
Naturalist’s Choice Hike – 1 p.m.
Explore the trails of the reservation with the naturalist.

Lenoir Preserve, Dudley Street, Yonkers – (914) 968-5851
Botanical Imprinting – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Bring a white T-shirt and a hammer to make botanical imprints from some invasive plants. Register by 6/17.

Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1 (Boston Post Road), Rye – (914) 835-4466
Volunteer Work Project: Creating Hiking Trail Borders – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Bring work gloves; hand tools provided. Great for any type of service credit hours.


Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers – (914) 864-7282
Art Show – Noon – 4 p.m.
Works by local artist Hope Friedland on view in the Main House Gallery on weekends through June 25.


Sunday, June 24
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers – (914) 864-7282
Farmers Market – 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
More than 20 vendors offer fresh produce and local food products every Sunday through October. Vendors at muscootfarm.org.
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Open Garden – 10 a.m. – noon
Meet some of the farm’s skilled gardeners and learn about what is grown in the Muscoot garden.

Bronx River Parkway, White Plains to Yonkers -- (914) 995-4050
Bicycle Sundays – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Weather permitting)
Parkway closes to vehicular traffic for the exclusive use of cyclists, walkers, joggers and those with strollers, from the Westchester County Center to Scarsdale Road, a 13.5-mile loop. Parking at the County Center.

Kensico Dam Plaza, One Bronx Parkway Plaza, Valhalla – (914) 231-4033
African American Heritage Festival – Noon – 7 p.m.
Music and dance, arts and crafts and food vendors.

Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1 (Boston Post Road), Rye – (914) 835-4466
Through a Hand Lens, Clearly – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Explore the forest using a hand lens, from the tips of the leaves to underneath tree logs.


Monday, June 25
Croton Point Park, Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson – (914) 862-5290
Fourth Monday Bird Walk – 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Bring binoculars and join members of Saw Mill River Audubon in the main parking lot.


More info at parks.westchestergov.com.