Sweetly-scented milkweed near the open water
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Restifo Sanctuary
51 peaceful acres in the southern part of Westerlo, near the Greene County line. The area is mostly wetlands and open water, with excellent opportunities for bird-watching and nature observation. Owned and managed by Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. |
The sanctuary is on one side of Maple Avenue Extension between County Routes 403 and 405, west of South Westerlo. The kiosk is near the open water, with a small parking area on the shoulder. A short, fairly level, blue-blazed trail takes you on a pleasant walk through the mixed woodlands.
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In 2013 Joseph Restifo donated this area to Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. He was a nature lover who spent many happy hours with the wildlife around his Westerlo home. You can learn more about Mr. Restifo at the kiosk.
The red-winged blackbird perches on a single stalk.
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The map at the kiosk shows the sanctuary as a large, irregular-shaped area on the right-hand (east) side of the road. Your best views of the open area and wetlands are from the shoulder. Park by the kiosk and walk a short way down the road to the water.
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