Growing a healthy forest understory is incredibly difficult when heavy local deer populations consume native seedlings before they can establish. This outdoor field experience at Teatown Lake Reservation introduces woodlot owners to a unique botanical control environment: Wildflower Island. This restricted-access, two-acre sanctuary is isolated by water and protective management barriers, preserving a pristine native ecosystem that has largely vanished across the broader Hudson Valley landscape.

Led by an experienced guide, participants will walk the paths to observe how native trees, delicate woodland ferns, and blooming shrubs thrive when protected from excessive browse pressure. The tour highlights how soil quality, natural canopy shade, and wetland edges intersect to support diverse plant communities. Landowners will gain practical insights into the true impact of deer pressure and leave with a better understanding of how to identify native understory indicators on their own properties. Due to the sensitive nature of this island sanctuary, space is limited and registration is required.

REGISTER HERE

This event is hosted by Teatown Lake Reservation. Teatown is a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center in the Lower Hudson Valley, with 15 miles of hiking trails, a two-acre island refuge for over 230 species of native wildflowers, year-round programming, wildlife exhibits, and natural science day camps during the summer and school breaks.

Can't make it to this event? Check out related MyWoodlot content here:
https://mywoodlot.com/interests/nature-wildlife/identify-weeds-and-wildflowers/