Assembly Resolution No. 479

BY: M. of A. Burdick

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Ward Pound
Ridge Reservation of Westchester County, New York

WHEREAS, The variety of public and private parks in our numerous
counties, cities, towns, and villages across New York State serve as
places to foster community and social connection while simultaneously
providing environments which promote greater health and wellbeing; and

WHEREAS, The protection and stewardship of our public parks yield
countless benefits, and it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
uphold these standards to preserve the health, beauty, and accessibility
of our natural landscapes and resources for the enjoyment of all
citizens and visitors, at present and into the future; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation of
Westchester County, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest park in
Westchester County, sprawling over 4,700 acres; and

WHEREAS, This renowned park is a designated Biodiversity Reserve
area and features hemlock gorges, dry uplands, wetlands, ponds, and two
streams, all connected by 35 miles of trails; visitors can explore
meadows, marshes, and vernal pools, as well as other notable diverse
natural features; and

WHEREAS, The two streams on the premises are known as the Cross
River and Stone Hill River; they run through the park and are home to 13
species of native and stocked fish; and

WHEREAS, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is also home to a
blueberry-alder swamp--one of its richest ecosystems which supports a
diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare orchids and amphibians;
and

WHEREAS, The rustic woodlands at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
include evergreen plantations; oak, hickory, and maple forests; and
wooded wetlands; and

WHEREAS, Rich in history and geological diversity, visitors can find
glacial erratics--large boulders deposited by glacial movement formed
over 12,000 years ago--atop the moraine in the park; and

WHEREAS, Former farm roads have been repurposed into hiking and
cross--country skiing trails, and remnants of old farms, including stone
walls and foundations from the 18th and 19th centuries, are still
visible; and

WHEREAS, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is also home to the Trailside
Nature Museum--a small museum which also houses the Delaware Indian
center; artifacts and information about the Delaware (or Lenape)

people--a Native American tribe who inhabited the area--are on display
in the educational center; and

WHEREAS, With a plethora of appealing features for visitors, nature
enthusiasts can experience lean-to camping, utilize beautiful areas for
picnicking, and enjoy unique locations for fishing in addition to its
popular hiking and cross-country skiing trails; and

WHEREAS, Parks are a vital resource to the citizens of New York
State and their innumerable offerings have been enjoyed for many years;
it is no doubt that the notable Ward Pound Ridge Reservation will
continue to draw visitors and prosper for centuries to come; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation of
Westchester County, New York.