The Hudson River Valley was listed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2000 list as one of the 11 most endangered sites in our nation. And yet, year after year, our park is (ab)used as a setting for high impact events such as large concerts and R.V. jamborees. Recently Teller's Point was severely (irreparably?) damaged when used as an unsupervised movie set. The 6000-year-old shell middens were indiscriminately destroyed. There is very little opportunity for this sensitive area to recover. Croton Point Park needs to be recognized for the treasures it holds before allowed to be denuded, paved over and totally exploited.

As a popular petition signed by thousands of concerned Westchester residents and submitted to the county government (albeit, unacknowledged) stated: "In order to preserve the natural resources of our parks, we need to establish guidelines that strike a balance for their use between recreational activities that severely impact the fragile green spaces and conservation oriented pursuits that focus on the rich historical heritage and tranquil wildlife areas."

Not only will a focus on passive recreation (Croton Point Park as an interpretive center) prolong the physical integrity of our park, but Westchester County's best kept secret will generate revenue.

Underhill Wine Cellars - The oldest documented wine cellars in the nation, they are in danger due to poor ventilation. Caretakers have been considering installing gates to allow circulation.

Yew Trees - planted by Robert Underhill, they are on a special registry of Westchester County's historic trees. There is no information about them in the park -- although knowledgeable visitors come just to see them.

Brickworks - exposed by a fallen willow tree during Hurricane Floyd. The excavated site could be excavated and an educational site with an impervious transparent cover so visitors could see the brick kiln channel structures. It could be surrounded by a kiosk providing information about the important Hudson River industry.

The 1606 Native-American Fort on the Bluff - The area should be preserved or at least identified for visitors. (Similarly, the Native American Cemetery in the same location.) Vulture Incident - September 19, 1780 - George Sherwood and John P. Peterson triggered an alarm and persuaded Colonel Livingston to bring a four-pound cannon from Verplanck to Croton Point. It was fired against the British sloop Vulture -- causing it to withdraw and forcing Major John Andre, with plans of West Point, to attempt to return to British lines on horseback. There is a plaque on Croton Point referring to the event -- but there could be much more emphasis given that this is the 225th anniversary.

Model Airplane Area - Surely this area belongs to eagles and history buffs. Instead of a signs reading "Watch out for low-flying planes," signs should read "Hikers, bird-watchers, nature lovers, and history buffs welcome here."

Bungalow Colony - Only a small exhibit in the Nature Center refers to this unique piece of Croton Point history.

Bulkhead - Apparently Westchester County is considering spending $500,000 to control erosion along the shoreline -- although it is nor clear what is to be "saved," or if other methods of control have been explored.