The Irvington Woods

At 400 Acres, The Irvington Woods is one of the largest forested areas in Southern Westchester and possesses tremendous ecological value. As part of one of the largest continuous corridors of open space in the New York City Metropolitan area, it provides sanctuary for diverse wildlife, and includes the largest fresh water wetlands in Southern Westchester county.

It’s extensive trail way system is accessible from several trailheads for hiking and biking. Irvington High School’s award-winning scholar-athlete varsity cross-country team practices on the trails here.

The Irvington Woods and the O’Hara Nature Center are rich with educational value and have been the site for school-based programs with the Irvington Union Free School District and other area schools and recreational sponsored educational programs.

Explore The Irvington Woods...

News

In 2021, Irvington received a grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a tree inventory and develop a management plan for The Irvington Woods. The $21,360 grant will fund the project which is expected to be completed by the middle of 2022.

The Village of Irvington is developing its first Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) for Irvington Woods.  Arborist Miguel Berrios of LBS Ecological has been working closely with the Village of Irvington, its Recreation and Parks Department, and the O’Hara Nature Center to inventory the Woods and determine best management practices to improve forest health.

The vision for the project is to create a CFMP that will serve as clear directions to improve the Village's urban forest management efforts in the Woods. In recommending the most effective combination of site interventions for Irvington Woods, the project will enable improvements in native species diversity retention, invasive plant removal, evidence of the regeneration and growth of native tree species, and protection of the public via reduced risk from hazardous trees. A healthy, regenerating forest will improve quality of life, and deliver economic, social and health benefits. 

On March 14, 2022, a virtual public presentation was held to discuss the current state of the Irvington Woods along with recommendations from the Community Forest Management Plan.

View the Public Presentation: https://youtu.be/7Z4iW50nh74