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
Native Protection & Invasive Species Education Workshop
Sunday, September 7, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
In collaboration with the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LH PRISM) and their ISF crew, this hands-on practice workshop is designed to understand the importance of native species protection, through invasive species education and control. Invasive species like black jetbead, wineberry, mugwort, Japanese knotweed, porcelain berry and Japanese honeysuckle will be targeted and removed by hand in several areas to protect other native species; learn how to properly identify and remove them. Bring long pants, sunscreen and bug spray, water and snacks. Work gloves will be provided. Please be aware that poison ivy, ticks and other insects may be present in the area as we will be working off-path. Please email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com. In the event of rain this workshop may be cancelled or rescheduled.
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, September 7, 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, September 11, 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
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, September 14, 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
A Guided Tour of the Jay Estate Meadow (offered in English and Spanish)
Sunday, September 14, 2025 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Free and Open to all audiences/All ages. Meadow enthusiasts can visit the site of the oldest man-managed meadow in NY State, dated back to the First Peoples settlements in the area. Learn about the ongoing management practices and efforts to preserve the now established meadow at the Jay Estate, part of this invaluable historical heritage, within the Boston Post Road Historic District.
