Are you looking for a place to get away from the stress and noise of the city? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of nature? Do you want to learn something new and meaningful? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should visit Welwyn Preserve, a 204-acre nature preserve in Glen Cove, New York. Welwyn Preserve is the former estate of Harold Irving Pratt, an oil tycoon and philanthropist who built a lavish mansion and gardens there in 1906. Today, the preserve offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.

Hike, Bike, or Birdwatch on the Nature Trails

One of the best ways to enjoy Welwyn Preserve is to explore its four marked nature trails that lead you through a stunning wooded stream valley, freshwater ponds, swamps, a coastal salt marsh, and a stretch of Long Island Sound shoreline. You can marvel at the scenic views and spot more than 100 species of birds, as well as small native mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that live in the preserve’s habitats. The trails are great for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. You can also bring your dog along, as long as you keep it on a leash.

Learn About the Holocaust at the Memorial & Educational Center

Another highlight of Welwyn Preserve is the Holocaust Memorial & Educational Center, which is located in the renovated mansion of the Pratt family. The center offers exhibits and educational programs that aim to educate visitors about the history and lessons of the Holocaust. You can see artifacts, documents, photographs, and artworks that show the horrors and aftermath of the Nazi genocide. You can also hear the stories and testimonies of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, as well as the heroes who resisted and rescued them. The center is open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Relax in the Gardens and Greenhouses

Welwyn Preserve also features a beautiful garden that was designed by the famous Olmsted brothers. The garden was commissioned by Harriet Pratt, a horticulturist who worked on the 1939 World’s Fair and the New York Botanical Gardens. She dedicated her life to creating “gardens for all months of the year” according to Sir Francis Bacon’s advice. Along with the lush garden, she also built multiple elaborate greenhouses herself. Sadly, the greenhouses have been neglected over time, but they still offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. You can find them behind the mansion, carriage houses, and tennis courts down a narrow cobblestone path. You can also see some floral graffiti that adds some charm to the decayed structures.

Have Fun at the Beach

If you are looking for some sun and sand, you can go down to the beach that was once the Pratts’ private retreat. You can chill on the shore and enjoy the views of Long Island Sound. You can also swim, fish, or kayak in the water. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset every day.

Welwyn Preserve is a hidden gem in Long Island that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to discover nature, learn about history, or just have fun, you will find it at Welwyn Preserve. It is a place where you can connect with yourself, with others, and with nature. It is a place where you can find new things and make lasting memories.

View our video below to get a feel for what you will see around the park as we explored the grounds, structures, and some of the trails through the marsh and along the Long Island Sound.