Highlights of the Park
Here you find additional information
about other points of interest within the park.
American Chestnut Grove
Lasdon is vital to research in both the local and national arenas as well, particularly chestnut tree research. Since 1992, when a three-acre grove of rare American chestnut trees was discovered in the arboretum, Westchester County has been working with the American Chestnut Foundation to develop a disease-resistant form of this tree. In conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Forest Service, Lasdon is also the first site in the lower Hudson Valley for butternut tree research.
Chinese Friendship Garden
In 1997 the County became a sister city with Jinzhou in China. A Chinese delegation came to the park and lived here that summer to construct an ornate pavilion and along with the help of the Parks Department, developed a garden surrounding the pond near the western end of the park. While the pavilion is quite aesthetic it is challenged by climate. Every 5 years or so we must restore much of the paint and wood work at the pavilion.
Historic Tree Walk
When you aim your smart phone at the icon shown at left will be visible at each stop on the Lasdon Historical Tree Walk. You can access information about each of the historical trees you encounter. Some interesting tips and techniques about each tree will be available as well as growing features to enhance your walk.
Lasdon Lilac Collection
Dr. Craig Hibben, a founding member of the Friends of Lasdon Park and Arboretum and former plant pathologist at the New York Brooklyn Botanic Garden Research Station, designed and helped plant one of the largest collections of lilac in Westchester County. Over 90 species are planted here and every May the walk is full of fragrant purple, white and rose blooms.
Dinosaur Garden (seasonal)
Visit our popular dinosaur garden, there you can use your smart phone to scan the Zappar codes on each sign. Meet Lexi the T-Rexy who will give fun facts about dinosaurs. When you’re done, take a photo with Lexi and and post it at #LexiatLasdon!
Lasdon Memorial Garden
In 2001 Nan Laitman, daughter of William and Mildred Lasdon, donated a 1-acre memorial garden for her parents. This beautiful garden is often used as a background for many formal photographs including wedding photos. The garden is composed of three separate gardens; a fragrance garden, a synoptic shrub border, and a formal garden. The circles are planted with colorful, seasonal floral displays of spring tulips, summer annuals, and fall mums.
