Year-End Appeal 2019

For more than 50 years, Teatown has protected open space and shared with generations a place and a community to connect with and learn about nature. What began through one family’s gift of land has grown tremendously. Its 1,000-acre preserve and 15 miles of trails make Teatown the largest independent, community-supported nature preserve in Westchester County.

Amidst the frenetic pace and wired intensity of 21st-century life, Teatown provides the place to experience the wonders of nature. In addition to being a refuge during times of stress, Teatown inspires ecologically literate citizens.

The preserve’s diverse habitat provides people of all ages with a unique living laboratory for educational programs. From its beginnings, Teatown has always emphasized hands-on, experiential learning. Teatown was the site of Westchester County’s first Natural Science Summer Camp, the first science-based cooperative for municipal volunteers on land use issues (the Environmental Leaders Learning Alliance), and the region’s first Environmental Science Center for high school and college students to conduct field based research. Our Environmental Education team delivers programs to more than 20,000 children and adults each year.

As we face the effects of a changing climate and the imperative to reverse these destructive trends, we must remember one simple fact: We seek to protect what we love. Teatown only exists because of the continued love, commitment, and support of the community. We endeavor to continuously improve and to question—how do we protect and best steward the land? How do we share it so that it can be accessible and a place of joy and discovery? What does it teach us? How do we share what we observe and learn? Why is environmental education so important?

We may never fully answer or resolve these questions, but nonetheless we have grown significantly in size and impact. What we do know is that in today’s world, environmental awareness and stewardship is no longer an “elective course.” It is a core requirement for every citizen. And so, Teatown continues to evolve and pursue its mission to inspire our community to lifelong environmental stewardship because it must. We strive to maintain the beauty and diversity that generations have enjoyed and loved and we challenge ourselves to remain relevant and essential.

So, as this year draws near to its close, we ask you to dig deep and give generously to a place and organization that is here because you cared enough to imagine it and support its growth for over half a century. Please give what you can to our Annual Appeal. Your donation will go to the care of our preserve and trails and help us to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

With heartfelt thanks to you and yours,

Kevin Carter
Executive Director

If you are the age of 70 ½ or older, you may want to consider making a tax-free charitable donation to Teatown Lake Reservation through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). A QCD is a direct transfer of funds up to $100,000 annually directly from a traditional IRA (or Roth IRA), payable to qualified charities. In addition to the benefits of giving to charities you care deeply about, you can use QCDs to satisfy your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your retirement account. Please contact your tax professional to further discuss your eligibility.

Teatown Lake Reservation is a 501 (C) (3) charitable organization; your donation is fully tax deductible as specified by IRS laws.