Marshlands Conservancy

Marshlands Conservancy is a 147-acre nature preserve in the city of Rye, New York, fully owned and operated by Westchester County Parks.[3] It has numerous wildlife habitats, ranging from ponds to creeks to a large meadow area, succession forest, freshwater wetlands, and the only extensive salt marsh in Westchester.The park is a "rare expanse of undeveloped land along the Sound" "dedicated to providing undisturbed habitat for wildlife and a peaceful oasis for people to discover and understand the their natural environment.Another donation of 17 acres was contributed by Fanny Wickes Parsons in 1977 with the caveat "that no garages or maintenance buildings be erected and that no marinas be built on or near the shorefront of the tract.That same year, a Friends group was organized to help staff the shelter and provide tours as well as raise additional funds to supplement the maintenance and mowing of the meadow.[6] The discovery of 88 stone fishtail points and fragments, 31 of which were collected between 1981 and 1987 by Stuart Fiedel, further suggests encampments of what is known as an Orient phase or culture at the site.A trail guide published in the 1980s under the auspices of then Westchester County Executive Alfred DelBello and Parks Commissioner Joseph M. Claverly noted the location of both native and invasive species along pathways, in the woods, next to bridges and by the beach and marsh.
Rye Marshlands archaeological artifacts.
Map of Boston Post Road Historic District's 5 contributing properties plus historic watercourses, the East Stream and West Creek.
Rye Marshlands Conservancy - pottery fragments from archaeology 1969
Salt marsh in early autumn.
Salt marsh in winter with Canada Geese in the water.
Long meadow in early autumn.
U.S. Historic districtContributing propertyU.S. National Historic Landmark DistrictRye, New YorkBoston Post Road Historic District (Rye, New York)Westchester CountyLong Island SoundBoston Post Road Historic DistrictNational Historic Landmark DistrictImportant Bird AreaIndigenous peoplesWoodland periodsJay EstateJohn JayBlind Brook watershedkillifishAlfred DelBelloinvasive speciesAudubonNorway maplesNational Register of Historic PlacesNational Park Service