Sweetly-scented milkweed near the open water

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.

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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.

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.

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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Click on these photos for larger images and more information about the sanctuary.