New Rochelle’s Nature Study Woods and Eastchester’s adjacent Twin Lakes Park are comprised of sections of The Hutchinson River which section off these parcels of wildland used today as public natural areas. It is 220 acres in total, made of woods, lakes, marshes, and fields all in one!

During the full 4.8 mile journey, the trail will diverge under the Hutchinson River Parkway, and with Twin Lakes Farm located adjacent, hikers may have to share the trail with horseback riders once in a while. The marshes and ponds along the route are home to waterfowl such as the Hooded Merganser during these cool months, and in wooded areas one can most certainly spot a deer or turkey.

This entire area, including the river and the highway, are named after the historic Anne Hutchinson, who was expelled in the 1630s from the Massachusetts bay Colony for advocating freedom of religion. After the passing of her husband, Anne Hutchinson moved to New Netherland (now New York’s Pelham Bay), which is east of where the now named Hutchinson River empties. She and a majority of her family was killed by members of the Siwanoy natives of the area during Kieft’s War.

Because of this rich history, the Nature Study and Twin Lakes trails along the Hutchinson River belong to Westchester County’s “Colonial Greenway”, a system of nature trails that all connect to many of America’s historic figures!

Today, Nature Study woods is used by all, as its accessible by the public. Walking, running, hiking, bird-watching, fishing and more. Because of its close location, my old high school even uses it for class settings, such as for labs. I have visited multiple times with my old Environmental Science class, where we have tested soil type and acidity, and identified natural species. Our high school Forensics Class uses the location to stage simulated crime scenes for students to analyze. With now learning its rich history and geography, I can’t wait to go back and keep this in mind!