Marshlands Conservancy is a 147-acre nature preserve in the city of Rye, New York, that is fully owned and operated by Westchester County Parks. It has numerous wildlife habitats from ponds to creeks to a large meadow area, succession forest, freshwater wetlands and the only extensive salt marsh in Westchester.
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Discriminatory, and unfairly hostile male staff.
We visited Easter Sunday morning with the intent of making a meaningful donation, but was unfortunately met with so much hostility and discrimination from the male staff on duty that we will be looking for another preserve to donate to.
As frequent hikers and nature preserve visitors, we know that pets are not allowed in conservancies for good reason, but I do have a US trained and certified service dog (NOT emotional support) for a valid, personal reason.
The male staff - without understanding that my dog was a service animal - came shouting at me and my husband using a rude and accusatory tone - despite our patiently answering all his questions and willingness to show proof for the service animal:
The staff aggressively asked in front of other guests why we didn’t read the signs (that pets were not allowed on premise). When we said my dog was a service animal, he didn’t believe us and said “that is an emotional support animal” and that we needed to show a “service animal tag/vest“ - this isn’t actually required by the Disability Act. We do have a vest and ID tag but just did not bring with us that morning, knowing they’re not required by the Disability Act as evidence.
When we offered to show him the service animal letter and certification - which ARE the only forms of proof needed to comply with the Disability Act - the staff refused to see the letter and continued to angrily dismiss us for “not having a vest”, saying “you better have it with you next time”, and tried to take down our car license number in an intimidating manner.
We visited and answered the staff’s questions in complete good faith and respect for the wildlife. Our small service dog is well trained, and was very quiet in my arms throughout the visit to the Conservancy.
We are so disappointed to be met with such unwarranted and unfair aggression (on Easter Sunday) at a place that was supposed to welcome a positive and serene experience, according to...
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Although I have been here as a child, over twenty years ago, those memories are very faint and I was practically unaware of them. Recently, over the past 2-4 years essentially, I rediscovered the area. I've ran into wild turkeys on numerous occasions - they are big and seem threatening, which is somewhat intentional on their part I believe, but if you are quiet and respectful you can watch them or sidestep right by them. It's very nice to go out as far as you can - a long hike that will result in a pleasant discovery of the shoreline with a lot more open space, wind, and fresh ocean air....
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The Marshlands Conservancy is a gorgeous wildlife sanctuary located in Rye, New York.
In June of 2023, I brought my wife and myself for a visit to the Conservancy and we loved traveling through and viewing the massive forest, the meadow, and the multitude of wooded trails.
The Marshlands Conservancy is said to be the home for over 230 different species and my wife and I were fortunate to see various different birds and deers roaming the forests.
If you enjoy outdoor excursions and love viewing wildlife, then you should definitely visit the Marshlands...
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