Friends' 35th Birthday Celebration
2025-09-20 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
Celebrate 35 years of The Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary, a mostly volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a musical performance by Scott Wenzel’s Big Band. Champagne and cake will be served.

Planting at the Edith Read Shoreline
2025-10-02 14:00 - 17:00

Fall Fest 2025
2025-10-11 12:00 - 17:00

Red-tailed Hawk: Master of the Skies
2025-10-26 14:00 - 15:30
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of North America’s most common and impressive birds of prey. These adaptable hunters thrive in forests, fields, and even cities. These raptors play a vital role in ecosystems by maintaining ecological balance as apex predators. We will attempt to observe them in the Sanctuary. Please bring binoculars.

In Search of Clay: Harvest, Make N’ Take
2025-11-01 13:00 - 14:30
We will harvest natural clay from habitats within the Sanctuary. You will be allowed to create items of your choice (pots, animals, etc.), and take them home with you.

Birding with the Audubon Society
2025-11-02 07:00 - 10:00
Join Anne Swaim, Executive Director of Saw Mill River Audubon on a venture to observe birds that visit the Sanctuary. Meet near Playland Lake in the back of the main Playland parking lot. Then, continuing to Edith Read Sanctuary. Please bring binoculars. Registration is required. To register, please go to

https://www.sawmillriveraudubon.org

Volunteer Work Project- A Late Look at the Invasives and Their Removal
2025-11-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:30
One of the best times to control vegetation is, surprisingly, now. Many plant species are in a period of dormancy. Great for service credit hours. Please bring work gloves. Hand tools and demonstrations are provided.

Otters: Playful Predators of Waterways
2025-11-09 14:00 - 15:30
Found in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas around the world, they play a key role as top predators, helping maintain healthy fish and invertebrate populations. We will learn how these mammals use tools, display strong social bonds, and serve as important indicators of ecosystem health.

Winter Duck Migration Observation
2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:30
Come witness, through a tripod scope, the behavior and movements of these waterfowl visitors. Please bring binoculars.

The World of Bamboo
2025-11-15 13:00 - 14:30
We will explore and harvest some bamboo to see how it thrives before the cold of wintertime. We will look at the inside and outside makings of these grasses, as well as make some simple items. Hand tools will be provided. Anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteer Work Project- A Late Look at the Invasives and Their Removal
2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:30
One of the best times to control vegetation is, surprisingly, now. Many plant species are in a period of dormancy. Please bring work gloves. Hand tools and demonstrations are provided.

The Secret Life of Black Bears: Adaptations, Habits and Human Encounters
2025-11-23 14:00 - 15:30
Black bears are the most widespread bear species in North America, known for their adaptability to diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to suburban areas. This discussion will explore their physical traits, diet, seasonal behaviors such as hibernation, survival strategies, and the challenges they face.

More Birding with the Audubon Society
2025-12-06 08:00 - 10:00

Submit Photography and Artwork for Read Photography Exhibit
2025-12-06 13:00 - 16:00
Submit your photographs and other artwork of Wildlife and Natural Landscapes. Photographs and artwork must be framed and wired for hanging. One photograph/art piece per person please!

The Clever Survivors: Raccoons in the Wild and Urban Landscapes
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:30
Raccoons are highly adaptable mammals known for their intelligence, dexterous paws, and masked faces. Native to North America, they thrive in forests, wetlands, and increasingly in urban environments. This discussion will explore their behavior, diet, social structure, and interactions with both natural ecosystems and human communities.

Third Annual Photography and Art Exhibit for Read Sanctuary
2025-12-13 13:00 - 16:00
Sanctuary

Come and view peoples’ talents and love for wildlife and nature through photography and artwork. Refreshments will be provided. Event sponsored by the Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary and the Westchester County Department of PARKS, Exhibit will be on display through Saturday, January 31st, 2026.

The Eastern Cottontail: A Common, Yet Fascinating Rabbit
2025-12-21 14:00 - 15:30
The Eastern Cottontail is the most widespread rabbit species in North America, easily recognizable by its fluffy white tail. Despite its common presence in fields, gardens, and suburban areas, it plays a crucial role in ecosystems as both an herbivore and a prey species for a variety of predators. This discussion will explore the Eastern Cottontail’s behavior, diet, reproductive strategies, and adaptations that allow it to thrive in both wild and human-altered landscapes.

Winter Tree ID - Buds 'n’ Bark
2026-01-10 13:00 - 14:30
Come join the Nature Center Staff in a simple lesson to help identify trees in the wintertime by their buds and bark. An interactive program that will look at a variety of tree species.

Winter Waterfowl Watching
2026-01-17 09:30 - 11:00
Established in 2024, World Waterfowl Day is celebrated on January 17th each year. Join the staff of Pace University’s Suburban Biodiversity Conservation Center in celebrating this holiday by observing wintering waterfowl in their natural habitats at the Read Wildlife Sanctuary on the shores of Long Island Sound, all while learning about their natural history!

Reserve your free spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-waterfowl-watching-tickets-1968832820967?aff=oddtdtcreator

Volunteer Work Project- A Late Look at the Invasives and Their Removal
2026-01-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-28 13:00 - 14:30
One of the best times to control vegetation surprisingly is now. Many plant species are in a period of dormancy.

Great for service credit hours.

Please bring work gloves. Hand tools and demonstrations are provided.

MLK Day of Service
2026-01-19 10:00 - 12:00

Waterfowl Migrants and Shorebird Sightings
2026-01-31 10:00 - 11:30
This may be the right time to observe both types of birds in action, from the brackish waters of the lake to the salty shoreline adjacent to the Long Island Sound. Please bring binoculars and dress for the weather.

Winter Tracking and Tracing
2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:30
Come take a guided journey to identify different animal tracks throughout the sanctuary learning about markings and species in the area. Also included is a take home plaster print.

Volunteer Work Project- Trail Maintenance
2026-02-14 13:00 - 14:30
Come and help keep our trails publicly accessible by clearing any debris on them.

Great for service credit hours.

Please bring work gloves. Hand tools and demonstrations are provided.

Weeds of Winter
2026-02-21 13:00 - 14:30
We will identify weeds and other plants during their winter months, and learn how they cope with this dormant period.

Birding with the Audubon Society
2026-02-27 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-03-07 08:00 - 10:00
Join Anne Swaim, Executive Director of Saw Mill River Audubon on a venture to observe birds that visit the Sanctuary. Meet near Playland Lake in the back of the main Playland parking lot. Then, continuing to Edith Read Sanctuary. Please bring binoculars. Registration is required. To register, please visit: https://www.sawmillriveraudubon.org
