There are many varieties of Salamanders at IHP; Two lined, Red-backed, and the very notable Dusky Salamander, which has not been recorded in Northern Westchester for decades. Perhaps the pristine, untouched, land and streams that exist in the park, make it possible for this species to thrive.
— Spring Wildlife of Indian Hill Park
The Claytonia Virginica, otherwise known as the Spring Beauty, is an important early spring source of nectar and pollen to a wide range of pollinators. This plant prefers partial shade in moist rich humusy soils with good drainage.
Spring Wildlife of Indian Hill Park
Frogs
The frog is a good luck symbol for many cultures around the world, and one can only hope that the abundant species of frogs found at Indian Hill Park, will serve as a good-luck charm for the residents of Bedford as well. On any given spring day, you may spy one of the many frogs listed below:
Green frogs are made up of two subspecies; the bronze frog and the northern green frog. Their eggs are laid in a loose cluster that often floats on the water’s surface or is draped on underwater plants. Each cluster usually consists of 1,000 to 5,000 eggs that hatch in 3-5 days!
Pickerel frogs are most often found at the edges of streams and are recognizable due to the “hand-drawn” squares on their dorsal surface.
Wood frogs lay their eggs in vernal pools and are one of the first to begin the breeding season. Males can be heard making quack-like calls day and night.
It’s important to note that due to the negative effect of development, degradation, and pollution, habitat loss is becoming a growing issue for the frog population.
Featured Bedford Environmentalist and Preservationist: Wilhelmine Kirby Waller
Born in 1914, Ms. Waller lived her entire life in Bedford. A staunch advocated for the protection of the environment, she campaigned against the use of DDT, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and chemical contamination, while working tirelessly in favor of conservation legislation. She was both a member and president of The Garden Club, an early member of the Board of the Mianus Gorge Preserve, and was a key player in the structuring of the Bedford Planning Board with the goal of preserving the quality of life in Bedford. She was honored with the Frances K Hutchinson Medal in 1971 in recognition of her conservation efforts. She promoted environmental issues by serving on committees for four American Presidents; Nixon, Ford, Carter, and George W. Bush as well as serving on committees for Governor Rockefeller. Known as the “Grand Dame of Bedford”, she died in 2004.