Teatown Lake Reservation

Specialties

Teatown Lake Reservation’s mission is to inspire our community to lifelong environmental stewardship.

We realize our mission through environmental education, stewardship of Teatown’s preserve, and regional conservation of the Hudson Hills and Highlands. At the center of all our endeavors is teamwork and partnership, because nature conservation and environmental health are possible only when people and their communities work together for the common good. The Teatown team is made of our members, donors, volunteers, board, staff and program participants. Our successes are only possible because of their hard work and dedication to our mission. In addition, we seek collaborations with other organizations and businesses who share our vision.

History

Established in 1980.

The name Teatown dates back to 1776 when tea was scarce due to British taxation. A man by the name of John Arthur moved to the northern Westchester area hoarding a chest full of tea with thoughts of selling it at huge profit. A group of women called Daughters of Eve found out about the tea and demanded Mr. Arthur sell the tea at a reasonable fee. After refusing, the women laid siege to the farmhouse. Mr. Arthur finally agreed to sell the tea at a fair price in exchange for a peaceful withdrawal. Hence, the area became known as «Teatown.»

Teatown Lake Reservation was born from the generosity of one family and has continued to grow with the support of numerous additional benefactors who all share a common goal: to preserve the beauty and share the educational value of their environment.

Teatown’s property was owned by Arthur Vernay, who built «The Croft» south of Spring Valley Road. That estate subsequently passed to Dan Hanna; in 1917, he con

Meet the Manager

Kevin C.

Manager

Kevin Carter, Executive Director

Kevin brings a broad range of experience, based on a sixteen-​year career in leading science and children’s museums. These have included the California Science Center, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and, most recently, Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, CT, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. In each, Kevin developed innovative ways to deliver complex technical subjects in engaging ways, delighting visitors and taking the discovery experience beyond the walls of the museum. Kevin’s initial entry to the museum world came from his work in IMAX film production and exhibition. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema/​Television and is keenly aware of the importance of technology and collaborative efforts in making the Teatown experience among the very best.