Teatown Breaks Ground on $26 Million Campus Transformation
October 10, 2025 — Ossining, NY
Yesterday afternoon, Teatown Lake Reservation celebrated a major milestone in its history: the groundbreaking of its long-planned campus transformation project.
Under bright autumn skies, community members gathered alongside local leaders, staff, volunteers, partners, and even Teatown’s beloved animal ambassadors to mark the start of a $26 million renovation and expansion effort that will reimagine the 1,000-acre preserve’s educational and visitor experience.
Marcia Saunders, Chair of Teatown’s Board of Trustees
A Vision for the Future
The ceremony, held on Thursday, October 9 at 3 PM, featured remarks from Kevin Carter, Teatown’s Executive Director; Marcia Saunders, Chair of Teatown’s Board of Trustees; Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; New York State Senator Peter Harckham (40th District); Assembly Member Dana Levenberg (95th District); Assembly Member Matt Slater (94th District); Eric Bunge, FAIA, and Amanda Morgan, AIA, of nARCHITECTS; and Gail Wittwer-Laird of Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners.
Marie Roche, Associate Director of Education Programs and Nova the barred owl
When completed, the project will include:
- A brand-new 5,400-square-foot Education Center with dedicated teaching and learning spaces, an outdoor deck, and a green roof.
- A fully renovated Nature Center that will enhance accessibility, energy efficiency, and visitor flow.
- A reimagined pedestrian campus, featuring ecologically sensitive landscaping, improved pathways, and reconfigured access that will better connect visitors to Teatown’s mission of lifelong environmental stewardship.
Community and Connection
Local elementary students joined elected officials to help commemorate this exciting milestone symbolizing the next generations of environmental leaders that Teatown hopes to inspire through the new Education Center.
Of course, no Teatown celebration would be complete without its animal ambassadors. Nova, a barred owl, made a special appearance, delighting guests and reminding everyone of the living connections that make Teatown such a vital part of the Hudson Valley.
Looking Ahead
Construction will take approximately 12–16 months, during which Teatown’s trails and programs will remain open to the public. When the new campus opens, it will stand as a model of sustainability and accessibility—one that deepens Teatown’s ability to educate, engage, and inspire the thousands of visitors who pass through its gates each year.
Follow Teatown’s progress on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes updates as this exciting transformation unfolds.
: Ben Hider Ben Hider Images
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Amy Mott
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