New Castle, NY—Westchester Land Trust (WLT), a nationally accredited land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bedford Hills, NY, announced the permanent protection of three parcels of land totaling 11.71 acres in New Castle. Preserved in perpetuity by a conservation easement, the landowner de-developed the property by repairing construction damage and removing asphalt road, utilities, and trash, to serve as green space open to the community, as Round Rock Preserve.

Kingfisher Philanthropies, a non-profit 501c3 created by New Castle residents, originally purchased the land from the developer of a nearby subdivision to protect it from further development.  Kingfisher Philanthropies contacted WLT to ensure the land would remain undeveloped forever. Conservation of this property protects a ridge line from development and scenic viewshed for thousands of people who travel the Saw Mill River Parkway and reside in the Towns of Mount Kisco and New Castle.

“This project is a perfect example of the power individual action can have, not only protecting open space, but reimagining possibilities for land that has already been partially or fully developed,” said Janelle Robbins, vice president of conservation at Westchester Land Trust. “We’re grateful this land will be returned to its natural state for the community to enjoy.”

The protected land is directly connected to a 46-acre conservation easement and two-acre preserve, both held by WLT. It’s also adjacent to several acres of Town- and Village-held open space. The Town/Village-owned Kisco Mountain and Leonard Park, as well as the Saw Mill River Audubon Choate Sanctuary, are all within two miles of the new easement.

The property rises to an elevation of 563 feet, approximately 100 feet above the neighboring homes, to a round hill with fantastic 180-degree views of the surrounding area and winter views of downtown Mount Kisco. Most of the property is native upland forest composed of 75 to 100-year-old red oaks, tulip trees, and sugar maples. Kingfisher Philanthropies is working to restore part of the property into a native meadow and have committed to invasive removal and replanting of native plant species to this area, including working with a local girl scout, Stephanie Kasulka, to kickstart the project. Stephanie’s scouts and other volunteers have also installed nesting boxes for Eastern bluebird, New York State’s bird.

“Kingfisher Philanthropies worked proactively to safeguard the biodiversity of this land and maintain water quality in the surrounding area by protecting the property from development,” said Gentian Falstrom, land projects manager at WLT. “We commend them for taking action to ensure this space remains open as a benefit to the local community.”

“We are so glad to be working hand in hand with the inspiring and steadfast team at Westchester Land Trust to protect this recovering property, adjacent to acres of pristine woodlands and wetlands,” said Laura Desmarais, a trustee of Kingfisher Philanthropies, “and it’s a joy to welcome the community to experience this peaceful and beautiful spot.”

Round Rock Preserve is open to the public for hiking from April 1 to December 31, dawn to dusk. More information can be found at roundrockpreserve.org.