The White Plains area can be chilly in April, so if you plan to participate in outdoor activities, take along a light jacket and appropriate clothing. Because New York temperatures can be unpredictable in early spring (an 80 degree day followed by a 60 degree day is not all that uncommon), check the weather a few days before embarking on your Arbor Day activities.
Arbor Day is a good day to reflect on nature, and heading to a local nature preserve in the White Plains area can facilitate that reflection. The Kitchawan Preserve (parks.westchestergov.com) is a 208-acre area with hiking and nature trails, as well as bird-watching and biking opportunities. The Read Wildlife Sanctuary is a 178-acre preserve known for its diverse marine and bird life, as well as its duck population, and boasts three miles of hiking trails. The Marshlands Conservancy is a 173-acre preserve with a nature center and three miles of hiking trails. Over 230 species of birds have been spotted here. The Lenoir Preserve is only 40 acres, but holds a variety of plants and trees imported from all over the world, including copper beeches, gingkos, and douglas firs. You may be lucky enough to catch a hawk migration in late spring.
The Lasdon Park, Arboretum, and Veterans Memorial is a 234-acre protected space with formal gardens and plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees imported from all over the world. In addition to the arboretum and botanical gardens, the park also offers hiking trials, a bird sanctuary, a garden shop, and, if you are really interested in learning more about plants, shrubs, and trees, frequent botanical arts classes. Check the events calendar for an updated list of classes (parks.westchestergov.com).
The Osborn Arboretum holds a yearly informative tree walk every Arbor Day (www.westchester.com) hosted by volunteer nature enthusiasts. The walk is free and is open to the public.
There are about 50 parks in and around White Plains, New York, most with hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding opportunities, pavilion and picnic areas, fishing, and campsites. Parks are usually open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk year-round, though you should call ahead to confirm if campgrounds are open at the park of your choice over Arbor Day weekend. The Westchester County Government website's Parks and Recreation Department (tourism.westchestergov.com) provides further information. White Plains area parks include Croton Point Park, Twin Lakes Park, Croton Gorge Park, Franklin Roosevelt State Park, and Glen Island Park.
