Incorportated in 1994, the Croton Arboretum and Sanctuary, Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit organization that provides environmental stewardship for 20+ acres of wetlands and woods at the Jane E. Lytle Arboretum in New York State's beautiful mid-Hudson River Valley.
Working in collaborative partnership with local schools, businesses and other civic organizations, the Arboretum promotes ecological literacy and environmental education programs in wetland restoration, wildlife habitat enhancement and water quality monitoring.
Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk free of charge. http://www.crotonarboretum.org/
There are trails. However, if you are taking small children, it’s a good idea to stick to those trails that are covered either with gravel or a raised boardwalk. The reason for this is that the surface of a large unimproved section of the level circuit trail is usually muddy is still unpaved – and will not be paved until we raise the necessary funds to do the work.
There are more rugged trails that are not really suitable for small children. One goes through the woods beyond the boardwalk. The other connects to a steep trail uphill along the back of the Hudson National Golf Course and from there to Brinton Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the Audubon preserves.
Our main trail is a boardwalk through a wetland. There are benches along several trails, including the boardwalk, which ends in a gazebo that is large enough for groups and /or classes.
There is parking at the end of Fox Road (the end of Lounsbury Road). Or you can drive on the dirt road across the golf course’s 6th fairway and park in the Arboretum itself. There’s parking for about 6 cars, assuming everyone parks considerately and doesn’t hog space. There is room there for a small school bus to turn around, if you’re bringing a group. Most people prefer to park at the end of Fox Road and walk to the Arb (that way they get to see the golf course. The distance is about 1200 feet and the road is reasonably level.
We allow dogs ONLY if they are leashed and controlled.
We do not allow anyone to remove living plants or animals, including for school science projects. Also, fires are prohibited, as they are in all of Croton’s parks.
We hold several fund raisers and a variety of guided hikes and free programs. These are posted on our web site (www.crotonarboretum.org) and announced in TREELINE, the quarterly newsletter that goes to members.
Other than all too rare grants, the Arb. gets no government funding, which means we depend on memberships, contributions and the proceeds of fundraisers to carry out our projects (like completing the main trail) and our family programs. An annual family membership costs $25
