Woodcock Nature Center: A Wilton Haven

Commune with nature at Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton. This 149 acre preserve provides habitat for hundreds of species to call home. Free and open to the public 365 days a year, there are three miles of well-maintained trails that traverse wetlands and forests. Take a load off on one of the many benches along the way where you can be still and watch wildlife like birds, turtles, snakes and lizards. The center offers a great opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature in a safe and supportive way. There are classes available for children as young as 18 months as well as overnight summer camps for teenagers. Check their website for upcoming programs.

Woodcock Nature Center
56 Deer Run Road
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 762-7280
www.woodcocknaturecenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/woodcock-nature-center-wilton

Public Domain/Public Domain

Cove Island Park: Hit The Beach

Located in the Cove Island section of Stamford, this is one of the most popular beach recreation destinations in town. That’s because it has facilities for just about everyone. Runners and walkers flock to the one-mile loop trail, with a separate path for bikers and rollerbladers. On the shoreline, there are many great fishing spots that lure local anglers. It’s a great place for birdwatching as well, with over 300 native species present. An interpretive trail running along the water’s edge provides great information on the flora and fauna of the region. There’s even a small aquarium on the grounds run by SoundWaters, a nonprofit educational organization. The one thing to keep in mind is that admission to the park is not free.  Non-residents pay $20 for a one-day pass, but Stamford residents can apply for a year-round pass for free. On Saturdays and Sundays there are public sails around Long Island Sound, which are a great value.

Cove Island Park
1125 Cove Road
Stamford, CT 06902
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cove-island-park-stamford

The High Line: New York City’s Most Unusual Park

The far west side of downtown Manhattan is an interesting bit of land—originally a bustling port, what is now known as the Meatpacking District has seen the majority of its industry flee to Brooklyn and beyond as rents increase in the city. Moving in are galleries, clubs, and restaurants. Towering above the neighborhood is the High Line, a disused railroad track that used to connect warehouses but has been vacant for years. Recently, the City of New York transformed a stretch of the High Line into an elevated park, accessible by a number of stairways. Featuring spectacular views of the Hudson River, the park is also home to a rotating food concession, with each vendor having 29 days to impress visitors before being replaced. In addition, the park hosts rotating public art exhibitions from a variety of creators. It’s a spectacular and original part of New York history brought beautifully into the present. For more information, visit www.thehighline.org.

Pin It on Pinterest