Town of Putnam Valley – 28 acres.
Preserve Overview: On the Putnam/Westchester border, the Danner Family Preserve offers an easy walk through an old farm field that is being reclaimed by nature. The field is now mostly brush and smaller trees, and there is a wooded area toward the back of the property that offers some shade and a made-made view of the nearby valley.
Public Uses & Activities: Hiking, nature study, photography, cross-country skiing, educational use.
The Property: The property was donated by Eugene and Josephine Danner in 2007, after they owned it for many years. The Danner Family Preserve is primarily owned by the Westchester Land Trust. The Putnam County Land Trust owns a conservation easement for the portion that is in Putnam County and the Yorktown Land Trust owns a conservation easement for the portion that is in Westchester.
Directions/Location: To get there from eastern Putnam County, the quickest route is to take Route 6 toward Jefferson Valley in Westchester. Turn right onto Route 6N (also called East Main Street). Make a left at the next intersection to stay on East Main Street. Go .5 miles and make a right onto Wood Street. Go another .5 miles and make a left onto Indian Hill Road. The preserve will be on a long flat section of Indian Hill Road on your left hand side. There is a wooden sign in front of the preserve. There is no off-street parking and the shoulder is a small hill, so pull off to the side as best you can. Do not park on the property of the residence across the street.
Visiting the Preserve: The trail on Danner Preserve is a simple loop, using an old road for the trail. A spur trail at the far end of the main loop offers a short excursion into more mature forest. An alternate trail near the northwest corner of the property passes an old cemetery.
Trail Maps, Preserve Photos, etc.: Dogs are allowed provided they are under the control of the owner. For additional info you can also vist the Westchester Land Trust’s website at www.westchesterlandtrust.org, or call them at 914/241-6346.