2025 Geocache Challenge
The 23-acre Jay Estate in Rye is one of two family homes of American founding father John Jay (1745-1829) located in Westchester. Jay was a noted jurist, peacemaker, governor and anti-slavery advocate. The site, which overlooks Long Island Sound is part of the Boston Post Road Historic District, a National Historic Landmark and a stop on Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. It is also one of 100 top attractions in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
The Jay Estate has three owners: 21.5 acres have been owned by New York State Parks in conjunction with Westchester County Parks since 1997. The not-for-profit organization, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) owns the 1838 Greek Revival mansion, and 1.5 acres of land around it. The 1907 Van Norden Carriage House is a second building being restored by JHC; it serves as the Jay Estate Visitor and Education Center.
Under a 2013 agreement, the Jay Estate is managed by JHC for New York State and Westchester County as dedicated parkland. It is used for recreation and hosts programs about American history, social justice, architecture and conservation. The restoration of historic gardens and a 1917 Tennis House are ongoing projects and when finished will be exciting resources for the public.
For hours of operating and other visiting information, please visit: jayheritagecenter.org
Garden workshop Honoring Our Ancestors – Three Sisters
Sunday, June 1, 2025 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
"At the height of the summer, when the days are long and bright, and the thunderers come to soak the ground, the lessons of reciprocity are written clearly in a Three Sisters Garden." (Robin Kimmerer, in Braiding Sweetgrass). Learn the way First Peoples understood and connected with their environment by cultivating the land using companion planting. Other companion planting techniques will be shared. Visit our website (
www.jayheritagecenter.org) for more information.
Summer Loving Crops workshop
Monday, June 2, 2025 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
The second (or third) spring crop is harvested around this time of the year and reminds us that it is time to transition into summer crops. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and cucurbits should go in. Learn ways to plan your garden crops yearly, make the most of your garden space and take some useful tips home with this hands-on practice workshop. Visit our website (
www.jayheritagecenter.org) for more information. In the event of rain this workshop may be cancelled or rescheduled.
Native Protection/Invasive Species Education Workshop
Sunday, June 8, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
In the spirit of New York Invasive Species Awareness Week (NYISAW), which is June 3-9th, and in collaboration with the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LH PRISM) and their ISF crew, Ryan McClean will be leading this hands-on practice workshop designed to understand the importance of native species protection, through invasive species education and control. Please be aware that poison ivy, ticks and other insects may be present in the area as we will be working off-path. Visit our website (
www.jayheritagecenter.org) for more information. In the event of rain this workshop may be cancelled or rescheduled.
Workshop “Fourteen years with LH PRISM, fourteen Invasives: Black Jetbead”
Sunday, June 15, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
This year 2025 represents a 14-year mark and important cornerstone regarding JHC's work on environmental conservation. To celebrate this important cornerstone, along with our partnership with LH PRISM, we are setting a new goal for this year: "Fourteen years, fourteen invasives" where 14 invasive species management projects will be built into 14 workshops in the JHC's programming, as part of our Native Protection Series. Hands-on practice workshop. Please bring long pants, sunscreen and bug spray, water and snacks. Work gloves will be provided. Visit our website (
www.jayheritagecenter.org) for more information. In the event of rain this workshop may be cancelled or rescheduled.
