Hudson River Audubon Society

Nature Walks

Our last Nature Walk of the year was December 14, 2024. We will resume walks again in March, 2025 (posted here, check back). Walks take place at Lenoir Nature Preserve and are led by Debbi Dolan, our Conservation Chair. She knows all about the bird, butterfly and plant life there and how changes occur over the seasons. We meet at the Lenoir Nature Center, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers, pictured below

FYI: The walks are on level paved pathways, except for the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden. A slightly inclined stairway leads to the garden, and the paths within are covered with wood chips. You can leave the walk before we enter the Copper Beech Trail, which leads through a wooded area, on a dirt path, with some rocks and roots to watch out for, and small inclines and descents. The walks are one and a half hours long and cover about a mile. Binoculars needed for optimum experience; loaners are available if you let Debbi know beforehand. Parking available; port-a-potties by Nature Center.

Debbi’s report on the last walk she led:

Nature Walk, December 14, 2024: Although the temperature hovered around freezing, our group braved the chill and were rewarded with the sights and sounds of 19 bird species. How animals and trees adapt in winter was discussed. We visited the butterfly garden that has many seeds and berries to support wildlife.

Hearing the relentless cries of American Crows, we decided to investigate the complaint. Frances was able to get to the source - a Barred Owl well camouflaged in an evergreen. Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, a Carolina Wren and Blue Jays also sounded the alarm. It was seemingly unperturbed and didn’t budge. A herd of deer bounded from the Copper beech Trail to the meadow near the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden. The browsing of deer has been detrimental to the understory where animals feed and hide.

Hope to see you again when our nature walks resume in March 2025. — Debbi Dolan