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 Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, August 17, 2025 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Come and discover the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens this spring! The gardens will be open to the public two days a week. Enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Required
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, August 21, 2025 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Come and discover the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens this spring! The gardens will be open to the public two days a week. Enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Required
Jams at Jay: Bandits on the Run
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Jay Heritage Center
Please join us on the lawn in front of the Jay Mansion for some foot-stomping music from Indie-Americana music group, Bandits on the Run. This Brooklyn-based trio combines three singers, lots of musical instruments and genre-defying sound. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshment of choice and join us for a free show at Hay Heritage Center! Please visit our
website for more information. Open to all ages.
Registration: Required
Native Protection Workshop
Sunday, August 24, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Please join us for a workshop led by Ryan McClean, in partnership with LH PRISM, to learn about the important of native species protection through invasive species education and control. Invasive species like black jetbead, mugwort, Japanese knotweed, and more will be targeted and removed by hand in several areas to protect native species. Bring long pants, sunscreen and bug spray. Work gloves will be provided. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Required
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, August 24, 2025 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Come and discover the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens this spring! The gardens will be open to the public two days a week. Enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Registration: Required
