Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
| Ward Pound Ridge Reservation | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape) | |
| File:Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Leatherman Cave View From Inside 1.jpg View from inside Leatherman Cave | |
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| Location | Pound Ridge and Lewisboro, Westchester County, New York, U.S. |
| Coordinates | Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 489: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).[1] |
| Area | 4,400 acres (18 km2) |
| Established | 1925 |
| Governing body | Westchester County Department of Parks |
| Website | parks |
The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a 4,400 acres (1,800 ha) county park located in the towns of Pound Ridge and Lewisboro in Westchester County, New York. It is the largest park in the county and offers diverse terrain, extensive hiking trails, nature programs, and recreational facilities.[2][3][4][5][6][7]
History
[edit | edit source]Originally part of the Cortlandt Manor land grant, the area began as farmland in the early 1700s.[8][9][10]
In 1925, Westchester County acquired over 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) to form Pound Ridge Reservation. It was renamed in 1938 to honor William L. Ward, the county park supervisor and key parks advocate.[2][8]
From 1933 to 1940, it hosted a Civilian Conservation Corps camp (SP‑9 / Camp Merkel), where workers constructed trails, picnic shelters, bridges, and the Trailside Museum.[8]
Geography and ecology
[edit | edit source]Spanning nearly 7 sq mi (1,800 ha), the reservation includes mixed hardwood forests, streams, wetlands, and sandstone ridges. It contains over 35 miles of marked trails used for hiking, cross‑country skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.[11]
Landmarks include:
- Trailside Nature Museum: a nature education center built by the CCC, showcasing native wildlife.[8]
- Boutonville Oak: an ancient oak tree of local legend and ecological significance.[12]
Recreation and facilities
[edit | edit source]The park supports year-round activities:
- over 35 mi (56 km) of multi-use trails
- Cross‑country skiing and snow‑shoeing in winter
- Camping with lean‑tos and vintage CCC-era shelters
- Fishing, picnicking, and educational programming at the Trailside Museum[2]
It is also host to several organized events and athletic competitions, including the annual Leatherman's Loop, a 6.2 mi (10 km) trail race.[13][14][15]
Ecological importance
[edit | edit source]A large and contiguous wildland buffer near suburban areas, the reservation provides habitat for various wildlife species and helps preserve region-wide ecological connectivity.[3]
In popular culture
[edit | edit source]- Scenes from the 1976 film Marathon Man and the 1997 HBO movie, In the Gloaming, were filmed within its grounds.[citation needed]
- Local folklore includes legends such as the Boutonville Oak haunting.[12]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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External links
[edit | edit source]- Official website
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