Armstrong Preserve

Features and size

This 43-acre preserve offers three short trails through a variety of landscape features. The yellow trail begins at the kiosk and passes by a vernal pool backed by a 40 foot cliff. As of March 2018, a viewing bridge allows access to the center of the pool to observe developing frogs and other aquatic life.

Native plant restoration areas surround the pool with trees, shrubs and wildflowers planted to replace invasive species. The yellow trail continues through a small demonstration meadow edged with berry-producing shrubs, bluebird boxes, and benches for quiet contemplation before it descends into a lowland forest bordering the Cross River Reservoir. Hikers may continue past the stone wall marking the preserve’s boundary and onto land owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Protection. The yellow trail then crosses into the Richards Preserve and joins its loop trail, marked in white.

Armstrong’s white loop trail is short but packed with stunning views of rock outcroppings and cliffs banded in the pinks and grays of Fordham Gneiss.  Features to explore include Turtle Rock, Enchanted Mountain, and Gnome Church, all of which are marked.

The blue loop trail is accessed from the white trail and encircles an open forest of mature oaks with grass-like sedge growing beneath.  PRLC fenced a large forest regeneration area here and are patiently awaiting the results.

Tours of the Armstrong House backyard native plant gardens, plant propagation nursery, compost system and off-the-grid green energy system are periodically available, by appointment.

History of the Preserve

John Corbin, a New York editor and playwright, built the Armstrong House as a three-season retreat in 1912. The property was then called “Crow’s Ledge” and featured far-reaching views to the Cross River Reservoir and a carefully tended oak grove. Corbin’s heir and nephew sold the property in 1961 to sisters Betty and Catherine Armstrong, who used the house as a summer retreat. Dr. Catherine Armstrong bequeathed her house and lands to the PRLC upon her death in 1999. The preserve opened in 2004 and trails were marked and improved in 2012-2013. The Armstrong House was completely renovated by PRLC staff and volunteers as an off-the-grid residence and meeting space.

Flora & Fauna

The carefully tended outdoor classrooms at Armstrong’s vernal pool, meadow, forest regeneration area, and backyard represent native plant communities commonly found in our local area before the dramatic increase in deer population and influx of invasive species. PRLC staff and interns have recorded the presence of approximately 250 plant species, 7 kinds of frogs and toads, 5 species of reptiles, and scores of birds ranging from house wrens to interior forest species like the scarlet tanager. Pileated woodpecker and Barred owl are common year-round, and Wild turkeys occasionally stop by. Mammals include deer, coyote, fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk, woodchuck, vole, and mink. A variety of mushrooms can be found after a good rain.