Enjoy a day of relaxation and education  - a Wild Flower Island Tour for Six at Teatown Lake Reservation.

The two-acre Wildflower Island is a refuge within the greater Teatown preserve. This unique sanctuary is home to over 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers. The Island’s flora is unusually diverse; the surrounding lake provides favorable light and moisture, as well as isolation from the disturbances of people and animals. 

Visitors enter through wrought-iron gates and cross a small wooden bridge leading to an Island path. Experienced guides lead visitors along the path, describing the unique features of the Island’s wildflowers, most of which are native to our area.

Wildflower Island is “managed” only to the extent that invasive alien plants are removed and certain native competitive species are not encouraged. We invite you to take a guided tour of Wildflower Island and enjoy the beauty of our natural heritage. 

The island garden was developed in 1982 by Warren Balgooyen (then Director of Education) and aided by Marjorie Swope. Wildflower Island was formally dedicated on May 15, 1983 to Louise Malsin, a longtime supporter of Teatown, who, until her death, was a member of the Board of Trustees. Jane Darby was the first curator and her work is continued today by Leah Kennell. 

Teatown is located in the hills and highlands of New York’s Hudson Valley. This bioregion includes parts of five counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange. Nearly 80% of the region lies east of the Hudson River in Westchester and Putnam counties. About 785,000 people share the 936-square-mile area with a rich diversity of habitats, plant and animals. The nationally-acclaimed Hudson River Estuary and majestic Hudson Highlands form the region’s backbone. The natural bounty is especially surprisingly considering that New York City and its 12 million residents are located less than 50 miles to the south.

Regrettably, the Hudson Hills and Highlands is threatened by sprawling development, invasive species, climate change, pollution, little regional planning, and species extinctions. We recognize that the need for Teatown’s leadership in regional nature conservation has never been greater!