Butler Memorial Sanctuary
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Butler Memorial Sanctuary is a 291-acre wildlife sanctuary located in the town of Bedford, New York.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The sanctuary was established in 1969 by Arthur and Mae Butler, who donated their land to the Nature Conservancy.
One of the main reasons to visit Butler Memorial Sanctuary is to experience the natural beauty of the area. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and meadows, all of which provide habitats for a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the sanctuary's trails and observing the wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and mammals, such as deer and coyotes.
The sanctuary also features several points of interest, including the Butler Memorial Chapel, which was built in memory of Arthur and Mae Butler. The chapel is available for weddings and other events and offers stunning views of the sanctuary's landscape. Another point of interest is the Butterfly Garden, which is home to a variety of butterfly species.
Interesting facts about the sanctuary include that it is the largest contiguous forested area in Westchester County and that it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976. The sanctuary also includes a 10-acre lake, which provides a habitat for fish and other aquatic species.
The best time of year to visit Butler Memorial Sanctuary depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and summer are the best times for birdwatching and observing wildflowers, while fall and winter offer opportunities for hiking and observing wildlife.
Overall, Butler Memorial Sanctuary is a beautiful and unique destination in New York that offers visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of the area and observe a variety of wildlife species.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
|
||
Croton Point Park
|
||
Mountain Lakes Park
|
Westmoreland Sanctuary
Guard Hill Park
Cat Rocks Park
Huntwood Park
Wampus Pond County Park