THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

Transcription

1 THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

2 2 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Message From Chris Noel, ADA Accessibility Coordinator Credit: Denise Mattes NYC Parks And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer. F. Scott Fitzgerald Summer has finally arrived! If you are a person living with a disability, as I am, or know someone who is, this is the season to get outdoors. If you are looking to challenge yourself this summer, NYC Parks offers a variety of adaptive sports programs at many of our parks and recreation centers across the five boroughs. Fun activities for all to enjoy include Wheelchair Softball, Wheelchair Tennis, Beep Baseball, Paralympic Track and Field, Adaptive Aquatics and more. Please keep in mind that all NYC Parks Adaptive Sports are for everyone, disabled or not. So if you get the inkling to experience the thrill of playing an adaptive sport, we have a sports wheelchair waiting for you! Or, if sun and surf interest you, come visit one of our many beautiful public beaches, all accessible with the addition of Mobi- Mat beach mats which create accessible pathways along the beach. At some locations we also have beach wheelchairs on hand to help seniors, or anyone with an ailment affecting their mobility, to traverse the sand. If your heart is set on swimming, ADA pool lifts are available at many of our outdoor pool sites to make getting in and out of the water easy for everyone. If you prefer to explore the world of the great outdoors, you can sign up for an Urban Park Rangers tour of a natural wildlife area. Go canoeing, fishing, bird watching or set up an appointment to make a group visit to our Adventure Course and design a series of accessible challenges for the day. Trust me, nothing beats the Turbo Swing when it comes to highlighting the importance of teamwork. And finally, 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To honor the amazing achievements of the disability rights movement and energize its bright future, the City of New York is proud to announce ADA25NYC, a campaign that will educate New Yorkers about issues surrounding disability. Participate in the first annual Disability Pride Parade on July 12th and numerous other events! Learn more by visiting nyc.gov. For more information on Parks adaptive programs visit the NYC Parks Adaptive Events calendar at events/accessibility. Enjoy! Urban Park Ranger Nature and Visitor Centers Pelham Bay Ranger Station: Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue Orchard Beach Nature Center: Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 of Orchard Beach Van Cortlandt Nature Center: Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at West 246th Street and Broadway Salt Marsh Nature Center: Marine Park. East 33rd Street and Avenue U Belvedere Castle: Central Park. 79th Street, mid-park Alley Pond Park Adventure Center: Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway or Forest Park Visitor Center: Forest Park. Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive Fort Totten Visitors Center: Fort Totten Park. Enter the park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway and follow signs Blue Heron Nature Center: Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard For Nature and Visitor Center hours, call the specific location. THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Director Sarah Aucoin Deputy Director Bonnie McGuire Urban Park Rangers 1234 Fifth Avenue New York City Deputy Director Richard Simon Graphic Designer Elizabeth Green

3 nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 3 Water Safety in New York City Did you know that New York City s coastline is longer than those of Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco combined? Roughly 155 miles of it is comprised of publicly accessible parks and open spaces managed by NYC Parks. The City s coastline provides enormous educational and ecological benefits, and it offers a sense of openness to New Yorkers that is a welcome respite to an often crowded city life. It s our responsibility at NYC Parks to ensure that safety is built into the infrastructure of our waterfront parks. Last summer, we completed a citywide review of all of our boat launches and implemented a number of safety enhancements, including the installation of self-closing gates, solar powered emergency call boxes, life rings and throw lines. We also increased signage, and instituted a weekly inspection protocol of all of these elements by our enforcement staff. Wear a Life Jacket when Boating. Even expert swimmers should wear a life jacket while boating. Never use air-filled or foam beach toys instead of a life jacket. Be Safe in the Sun. When at the beach, pool, or park this summer, wear sun screen, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool. Know Before You Go. Check weather conditions, avoid thunder and lightning, and get real-time beach opening and water quality information by visiting nyc. gov or calling 311. Written by Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner of New York City Department of Parks & Recreation This summer, we urge you to take caution when you re in and around open water, and enjoy our city of islands in a safe and fun way with the Urban Park Rangers. From learning to canoe, to exploring the ecosystem of our waterways, or taking a nature hike along the shore the Rangers offer a plethora of adventures to help you enjoy the city s waterfront, without ever having to get wet. We ll also supply all equipment, including life jackets. And if jumping right in is your thing check out one of our 55 outdoor pools, or 8 public beaches, which will be staffed with lifeguards all summer long. If you don t know how to swim, join one of our free Learn to Swim programs, held at more than 30 pools throughout the city. Let s all have a safe and healthy summer. Here are some tips to remember when you re in and around the water: Never Leave Children Unattended. Teach children the importance of water safety and stay within arm s reach while swimming. Obey All Posted Signs and Flags. Read all signs and follow the directions of lifeguards. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas and never allowed when a red flag is posted. Credit: NYC Parks

4 4 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Ranger s Choice NYC Parks bright and talented Urban Park Rangers are what make our Weekend Adventure programs so amazing. This summer we are featuring some of our top picks for outdoor adventure from stunning wildlife viewing to behind-the-scenes access, these programs are not to be missed. Space is limited on most Ranger s Choice programs and registration is required. SUNDAY, JULY 19 Ranger s Choice: Island Hopping / Orchard Beach 9 a.m. / TBA Spend a day exploring the islands that surround the Orchard Beach Estuary by canoe. Experienced paddlers only. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Thursday, July 9th. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Ranger s Choice: Hawk Watch / Pelham Bay Park 1 p.m. / TBA The old Pelham Bay landfill remains closed to the public, making it a great place to watch migrating birds of prey. Join a small group of fellow birders as we go in search of these avian hunters. To register, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Thursday, August 27th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Ranger s Choice: Hike and Paddle Gerrittsen Creek / Marine Park 10 a.m. / TBA Join us for a vigorous hike through the sandy paths of Marine Park then launch a canoe from Gerrittsen Beach and paddle back to the Salt Marsh Nature Center with us. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Tuesday, August 11th. SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Ranger s Choice: Highbridge Park History / Highbridge Park 11 a.m. / TBA Named after New York City s oldest bridge, Highbridge Park is home to an unusual geologic makeup and an early engineering marvel that greet visitors who stroll the pathways north and south. Let the Urban Park Rangers guide you through the park as these stories are told. To register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, July 22nd. continued SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Ranger s Choice: Little Red Lighthouse Lantern Tour / Fort Washington Park 8 p.m. / TBA The Jeffrey s Hook Lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to its current site in 1921, has become widely known as the children s literary landmark The Little Red Lighthouse. Join us as we explore this unique landmark at night. To register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, July 29th. SUNDAY, JULY 5 Plover Day! / Rockaway Beach 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. / B59 Street and the Boardwalk Discover one of New York City s endangered species: The Piping Plover! Family friendly games, crafts and educational activities raise awareness of this amazing shorebird. Credit: NYC Parks continued SATURDAY, JULY 18 Ranger s Choice: Flushing Freedom Mile / Daniel Carter Beard Mall 1 p.m. / TBA This walk highlights historic sites in Flushing, dating back as early as the late 1600 s. Flushing was home to a famous inventor, a passageway of the Underground Railroad and has one of the city s few landmarked trees. Our tour route takes you on a journey through past, present and future. To register, visit, nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday, July 8th. SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27 Ranger s Choice: Lunar Eclipse / Fort Totten Park 8 p.m. / TBA The full moon will put on a rare show tonight as a total lunar eclipse will occur. Learn interesting facts about the night sky, the moon and observe a lunar eclipse happening right before your eyes. To register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/ register on Wednesday, September 16th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Ranger s Choice: Archery / Willowbrook Park 1 p.m. / TBA A beginner s introduction to the sport of archery. Ages 8 and up. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/ register on Wednesday, August 19th. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Ranger s Choice: Archery / Willowbrook Park 1 p.m. / TBA A beginner s introduction to the sport of archery. Ages 8 and up. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday, September 2nd.

5 nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 5 Canoeing Few experiences compare with being on the open water in New York City. The rhythm of the waves, the sun on your face, and the exhilaration of slicing through the water all add up to an experience you ll never forget. Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. Skill Levels Basic: Great for all skill levels, including children (8 years and older). Intermediate: Some experience preferred. Advanced: Experience required. Participation in a mandatory safety review led by a trained Ranger is required. Advanced canoeing programs are for experienced paddlers only. Children aged 8 and older are welcome. SATURDAY, JULY 11 Paddling 101 (Basic) / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / TBA Learn to paddle with the Rangers and then use your new skills to explore the shores and learn about life at the lake. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday, July 1st. SUNDAY, JULY 26 Orchard Beach Lagoon Birding Excursion (Intermediate) / Pelham Bay Park 10 a.m. / TBA Explore the Orchard Beach lagoon, as we look for birds in this estuarine habitat of the Long Island Sound. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Thursday, July 16th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Basic Canoeing / Crotona Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 Basic Canoeing / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and the Major Deegan, meet near the golf house. SUNDAY, JULY 5 Basic Canoeing / Prospect Park 11 a.m. 1 p.m. / Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road continued SATURDAY, JULY 18 White Island Birding Excursion (Advanced) / Marine Park TBA / TBA A birding-by-canoe expedition! Explore the waters of Gerritsen Creek and paddle by this special island where only wildflowers and wild birds reside. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/ parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, July 9th. SUNDAY AUGUST 9 Intermediate Canoeing / Kaiser Park 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. / Neptune Avenue and Bayview Avenue SUNDAY, JULY 5 Hudson River Canoe Adventure (Advanced) / Inwood Hill Park 12:30 pm / TBA Take a journey down the Hudson River by canoe to see a side of New York City that few get the chance to see. Prior canoeing experience is required. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, June 24th. SATURDAY, JULY 25 Basic Canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 3 p.m. 6 p.m. / Enter at 218th Street and Indian Road SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Basic Canoeing / Central Park 12 p.m. 3 p.m. / Harlem Meer, 110th Street and Lenox Avenue SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Randall s Island Salt Marsh Excursion (Advanced) / Randall s Island Park 10 a.m. / TBA Explore the natural salt marshes and Forever Wild areas that surround Randall s Island. Prior canoeing experience is required. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/ parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, August 19th. SUNDAY, JULY 12 Canoeing Willow Lake (Intermediate) / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 11 a.m. / Meet on the southeast side of Meadow Lake, west of the Van Wyck Expressway SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Idlewild Birding by Canoe Excursion (Advanced) / Idlewild Park 11 a.m. / TBA Enjoy a peaceful paddle in the wetlands of Jamaica Bay and view the incredible birds of this habitat. To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, July 22nd. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Canoeing (Intermediate) / Bayswater Park 11 a.m. / Meet at B35th Street and Beach Channel Drive SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20 Basic Canoeing / Crocheron Park 1 p.m. / Meet at Golden Pond, 35th Avenue and Corbett Road SATURDAY, JULY 4 Basic Canoeing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place SUNDAY, JULY 12 Basic Canoeing / Willowbrook Park 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Avenue SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Basic Canoeing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place

6 6 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Family Camping We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. Camping affords us the opportunity to unplug from the diversions of everyday life and to laugh and play with our families. The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping throughout the summer, and we look forward to welcoming your family. Programs take place in all five boroughs, but space is limited and families are chosen by lottery. FRIDAY, JULY 3 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 7 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, June 24th. continued FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 Family Camping / Marine Park 7 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Tuesday, August 18th. continued FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 Family Camping / Fort Totten Park 7 p.m. / rangers/register on Tuesday, July 28th. SUNDAY, JULY 19 Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park 7 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, July 8th. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Family Camping / Prospect Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, September 9th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Family Camping / Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, August 19th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, July 29th. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park 7 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, August 12th. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register Wednesday, September 2nd. SATURDAY, JULY 11 Family Camping / Marine Park 6 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday July 1st. SUNDAY, JULY 26 Family Camping / Marine Park 6 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Tuesday, July 14th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Family Camping / Prospect Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, August 5th. SATURDAY, JULY 18 Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visi;t nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday, July 8th. FRIDAY, JULY 31 Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 7 p.m. / rangers/register on Tuesday, July 21st. SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday, August 12th. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 7 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, August 26th. SATURDAY, JULY 4 Family Camping / Fort Totten 6 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on Wednesday, June 24th. SATURDAY, JULY 25 Family Camping / Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, July 15th. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Family Camping / Fort Totten Park 7 p.m. / rangers/register on Tuesday, September 1st. FRIDAY, JULY 10 Family Camping / High Rock Park 7 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, July 1st. SATURDAY, JULY 18 Family Camping / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, July 8th. SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Family Camping / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Tuesday, July 22nd. SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Family Camping / High Rock Park 6 p.m. / rangers/register on Wednesday, July 29th. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Family Camping / Conference House Park 7 p.m. / TBA To enter the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Tuesday, August 4th.

7 nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 7 Fishing Catch-and-release fishing is a great way to get outdoors and discover nature just a few blocks from home. Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways on every fishing program. You can try to hook a largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, or chain pickerel. Whether you choose to grab a simple bamboo pole at a quiet lake, or join more advanced saltwater or fly fishing programs, we have a program that fits your skill level. All equipment is provided. Participation in a mandatory safety review led by a trained Ranger is required. Fishing Programs are catch-and-release only and most are first-come, first-served. Children 8 years and older are welcome. Seining Programs, which use nets to catch fish and crustaceans close to shore, are great for kids of all ages. SUNDAY, JULY 12 Freshwater Fishing / Crotona Park 1 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Seining / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / Meet at Front Gate, Cross Island Parkway and Totten Road SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13 Freshwater Fishing / Kissena Park 1 p.m. / 164th Street and Oak Avenue SATURDAY, JULY 26 Freshwater Fishing / Clove Lakes Park 10 a.m. / Parking lot at Park Drive and Clove Road SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Seining / Seaside Wildlife Nature Park 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. / Cleveland Avenue and Mansion Avenue SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Freshwater Fishing / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Park South and the Major Deegan, meet near the golf house. SATURDAY, JULY 25 Fishing and Crabbing / American Veteran s Memorial Pier 1 p.m. 3 p.m. / Bay Ridge Avenue and Shore Road SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Seining / Marine Park 11 a.m. 1 p.m. / Burnett Street and Avenue U SATURDAY, JULY 11 Saltwater Fishing / Harlem River Drive Greenway Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Enter the park from pedestrian ramp at 135th Street SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 12 p.m. 3 p.m. / West Harlem Piers at 125th Street and the Hudson River Credit: G. Khalil NYC Parks

8 8 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Hiking and Orienteering Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and a fun way to reduce stress. Regardless of the intensity level, it is a great way to burn calories and stay fit. Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City and places often off-limits to the general public. On our hikes, you can gain orienteering skills, explore our city s rich history, or just take an hour to unplug from the world. On Nature Exploration Hikes we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. Fitness Hikes feature less talking and more walking, for those who want to tackle a vigorous two-hour hike. Hiking and Orienteering programs feature intensity levels ranging from light (a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), to moderate (longer, faster paced hikes on rugged terrain), to vigorous (long distance, with hills and rugged terrain). For all hiking programs we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, and packing water and a light snack. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Nature Exploration: John Muir Trail (Vigorous) / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / Mosholu Avenue and Broadway SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Night Hike (Light) / Van Cortlandt Park 7 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway SUNDAY, JULY 26 City Hall to Brooklyn Bridge Park Hike (Moderate) / City Hall Park 10 a.m. / The Fountain at Park Row and Beekman Street Explore the history of City Hall Park before walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. This one way hike will end in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you will enjoy views from the East River in this expansive park. Space is limited and registration is required, please visit on Wednesday, July 15th. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Thomas Jefferson Park to Randall s Island (Moderate) / Thomas Jefferson Park 11 a.m. / 112th Street and 1st Avenue Enjoy the urban wildlife and landscaping of Thomas Jefferson Park. Then journey along the greenway to Randall s Island to explore the salt marshes and waterside views of the City. SATURDAY, JULY 11 Nature Exploration Hike (Moderate) / Forest Park 1 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 Nature Hike (Moderate) / Cunningham Park 11 a.m. / Parking lot on Union Turnpike and 197th Street SUNDAY, JULY 5 Nature Exploration Hike (Moderate) / Freshkills 11 a.m. / Schmul Playground, Wild Avenue and Pearson Street SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Nature Photography Hike / Von Briesen Park 11 a.m. / School Road and Bay Street SUNDAY, JULY 19 Orienteering and Compasses / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Evening Tree Walk / Fort Greene Park 7 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Medicinal Plants (Light) / Prospect Park 11 a.m. / Picnic House, Fifth Street and West Drive Credit: Anthony Prastaro NYC Parks

9 nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 9 History and Culture Ice age glaciers, Native Americans, Dutch traders, British Redcoats, and the Underground Railroad have all left their mark on New York City. Urban Park Rangers specialize in interpretation of historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city s long history. All programs are historic walking tours unless otherwise noted. Certain popular programs have limited space and require registration. Revolutionary New York programs focus on the history of New York during the preand post-colonial Period. Historic New York programs highlight the history of selected neighborhoods or parks. Architecture and the history of the Hudson River are explained at Manhattan s Little Red Lighthouse. All programs are historic walking tours unless otherwise noted. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Historic New York: Old Croton Aqueduct / Highbridge Park 11 a.m. / University Avenue and W. 170th Street Water is life! During New York s early years, clean water was paramount to the success of our great metropolis. The Croton Aqueduct brought the water we needed to combat the cholera epidemic of the 1880s. Hike across the High Bridge with the Urban Park Rangers and learn how New York City s oldest bridge (completed in 1848) actually brought water from the Bronx to Manhattan, and allowed our city to grow into the Twentieth Century. continued SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Gerritsen Grist Mill and Farmhouse / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U Wood pilings still remain more than 360 years after the original foundation of Gerritsen Mill was first laid down. Explore the area surrounding one of the first water-powered mills in North America and discover its value both past and present. SUNDAY, JULY 12 Little Red Lighthouse/ Fort Washington Park 1 p.m. 4 p.m. / Enter the park at 181st Street and Plaza Lafayette The Jeffrey s Hook Lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to its current site in 1921, has become widely known as the children s literary landmark The Little Red Lighthouse. Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open House, first-come, firstserved. SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Historic New York: Fort Totten / Fort Totten 1 p.m. / Fort Totten Visitor Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Follow signs to Visitor Center SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Historic New York: The World s Fair / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 10 a.m. / Meet at the Unisphere SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Historic New York: Photography Pioneers / Alice Austen Park 11 a.m. / Hylan Boulevard and Edgewater Street Bring your camera and get inspiration from Alice Austen s amazing, historic photos. SATURDAY, JULY 4 Historic New York: Colonial Life / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park Fort Greene Brooklyn holds an important place in the history of the Colonies and the American Revolution. Learn about the traditions, dress, and games of the colonial people and Native Americans who lived in this area of Brooklyn centuries ago. Credit: Daniel Avila NYC Parks

10 10 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Astronomy and Night Sky Programs Our Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. Many programs feature astronomy experts and all equipment is provided. Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system, using the naked eye to locate stars and planets. SATURDAY AUGUST 1 Astronomy / Van Cortlandt Park 8 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Perseid Meteor Shower / Marine Park 9 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U The Perseid meteor shower, one of the brighter meteor showers of the year, occurs every August, peaking around August SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 The Night Sky / Fort Greene Park 9 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 The Night Sky: Constellation Stories / Highbridge Park 8 p.m. / Meet outside of Recreation Center at 173rd Street and Amsterdam SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Astronomy / Rockaway Beach 8:00 p.m. / Beach 116th Street and Boardwalk SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 The Night Sky / Wolfe s Pond Park 8 p.m. / Comfort Station west of Cornelia Avenue and Hylan Boulevard Credit: Malcolm Pinckney NYC Parks

11 nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 11 Wildlife Viewing New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and fawns, to seals and salamanders, wildlife viewing opportunities exist year-round in all of our parks and beaches. Wildlife viewing is a perfect activity for any age. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in New York City. We offer Birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique wildlife viewing opportunities during particular seasons. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides, or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair. SUNDAY, JULY 5 Kids Tide Pool Exploration / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Living with Urban Coyotes / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Seaside Wildlife Exploration / Canarsie Park 1 p.m. / Remsen Avenue and Seaview Avenue SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Entomology Exploration / Central Park 11 a.m. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street and Lenox Avenue SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Living with Urban Coyotes / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. / Payson Center, Dyckman Street and Payson Avenue SUNDAY, JULY 19 Birding: Ridgewood Reservoir / Highland Park 10 a.m. / Meet at main park entrance across from Vermont Place parking lot SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Living with Urban Coyotes / Forest Park 1 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive continued SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19 Nocturnal Wildlife / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 8 p.m. / Mauro Playground, Park Drive East and 73rd Terrace SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26 Birding: Fall Migrants / Alley Pond Park 9 a.m. / Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway SATURDAY, JULY 25 Wildlife Viewing: Raptor Watch / Freshkills 11 a.m. / Schmul Playground, Wild Avenue and Pearson Street SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 Nocturnal Wildlife / Blue Heron Park 8 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Birding / Fort Greene Park 10 a.m. / Fort Greene Visitor s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 ) Birding: Brooklyn Road Trip / TBD / TBD The Rangers are taking you on a road trip in search of early fall migrants. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/ register on Wednesday, September 16th. Credit: Richard Simon NYC Parks

12 Back to School with the Urban Park Rangers An unforgettable learning experience for students. September Special. The Urban Park Rangers are offering free in-school The Natural Classroom programs to schools in Community Parks Initiative Zones for the month of September. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce your class to the natural environment and New York City s premier outdoor educators, the Urban Park Rangers. Space is limited, so act fast! To view the Community Parks Initiative Zones visit: Numerous topics, all customizable. Botany: Plant Power Climate Change: Adapting in NYC Ecology: The Web Of Life Entomology: Buggin Out Explorers: Way To Go! Native Americans: Pathways To The Past Ornithology: Parks Are For The Birds Trees: Something Big is Taking Root Urban Raptors: Masters of the Sky For information, visit or to schedule a program, call 311 or