Ruth Walgreen Franklin & Winifred Fels Sanctuary
Cedar Waxwing by Holly Ellerbusch
North Salem, 204 acres, 3 miles of trail
The Sanctuary is mostly low deciduous woodlands, red maple swamp, and shrub swamp, which Barred Owl, Wild Turkey, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Great Crested Flycatcher, Pileated Woodpecker, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Worm-eating Warbler call home.
Conservation
The Westchester Land Trust and North Salem Open Land Foundation both hold conservation easements on the property.
Hit the Trails
We rely mostly on volunteer trail stewards to maintain our hiking trails. Our partners at the New York New Jersey Trail Conference provide free training and organize volunteers.
If you’d like to become a volunteer trail steward, please email us.
History
The Sanctuary consists of several gifts of land over time, initially made to National Audubon and later transferred to Bedford Audubon. The largest parcels were donated in memory of the Sanctuary’s two namesakes.
Leave No Trace
The Sanctuary is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.
Use your best judgement regarding inclement weather, including the risk of wildfire.
Stay on marked trails to prevent damage to sensitive ecosystems.
No dogs or other pets allowed. We do love dogs. But dogs, even the most well-behaved, pose a threat to ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. There are many local dog parks where you and your furry sidekick can safely hike and play.
The Sanctuary is for passive recreation. This includes walking and hiking, birding, photography, and nature appreciation and study. No bicycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, or other motorized vehicles are allowed.
No collecting.
Report any trail problems to Tait Johansson.
Visit the Ruth Walgreen Franklin & Winifred Fels Sanctuary
Directions
- The Sanctuary is located between Titicus Road (Route 116) and Hardscrabble Road on the north side of the Titicus Reservoir in North Salem.
- From Interstate 684 in Purdys, take Titicus Road/Route 116 east along the Reservoir to Delancey Road.
- Take a left onto Delancey Road.
- Take a left onto the second Lakeview Drive, a loop road.
- Go down a steep hill, and park on the side of the road just before the hairpin turn.
- The trailhead is to your right.
The Bedford Audubon is open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Monday-Saturday)
Sanctuary trails are open from dawn-dusk 7 days a week.
