One of the greatest assets the Village of Garden City has is the Garden City Bird Sanctuary/Tanners Pond Environmental Center (GCBS/TPEC). Ever since Rob Alvey transformed it back in 1996 from a mere storm water basin and into an environmental oasis, both residents and non-residents have been able to enjoy the refuge and tranquility it offers. And of all the annual events the GCBS hosts, one of the nicest is the Winterfest. This year’s was the largest one yet. The premise behind Winterfest is one of remembrance—both for the history of this very special sanctuary and the people, both past and present, who oftentimes wind up getting donated trees and other greenery dedicated to them. While the weather for this recent gathering was unsurprisingly Arctic in nature, the GCBS is the kind of place that begs a visit when the weather warms up considerably. A stroll through the nearly three-quarters of a mile’s worth of walking trails and paths that wend through the sanctuary’s nine acres of property will quickly drown out the clatter and noise of everyday life thanks to the lush foliage that envelops this green space. It’s the perfect kind therapy that doesn’t require a prescription or a visit to the doctor.
—Dave Gil de Rubio
