THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE July / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2011 Includes CALENDAR OF URBAN PARK RANGER FREE Programs
2 NYCParks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Message From: Pearl the Squirrel Hi Everyone! I was so excited when I was asked to write the opening message this summer s in Outdoors in NYC. It was only one year ago that I joined NYC Parks and what an adventure it has been! The Urban Park Rangers really know how to have fun. Last summer I went camping every weekend and I took my first ride in a canoe. It was awesome! In the fall I graduated from the Park Ranger Academy and in the winter I taught my first Winter Survival program. But the most fun I had was making friends with hundreds of kids who visited me in the park. When I was a little squirrel growing up in Van Cortlandt Park, I could not wait to climb down from my tree each day and explore the forest. My friends and I learned the names of all the trees, and discovered which oaks had the sweetest acorns. We had scavenger hunts and made crafts out of what nature provided. Now there is nothing I love more than connecting kids to the natural world while showing them ways to stay fit and exercise their brains. This summer, the Urban Park Rangers offer dozens of family friendly programs that I m sure you re going to go nuts for. Young kids will love letting their imaginations run free as they use found objects to express themselves on the Imagination Play program, and older kids can build their muscles and improve their aim on an Archery program. Summer is a great time to tune up your bike, strap on your helmet, and take a Cycling tour of a famous park, or sign up to spend a night under the stars with me on a Family Camping program. I am not going to spend one day cooped up in my tree this summer! On my days off, I am going to visit Coney Island, fly a kite, and enjoy a concert in the park. I am also going to plant an acorn for every new friend I make! So climb out of your tree this summer and explore all the NYC Parks has to offer. Please do your part to help keep our parks looking clean and beautiful by taking your trash with and leaving nothing behind. See you in the parks! A complete list of all Parks programs can be found by visiting www.nyc.gov/parks. Urban Park Ranger Nature and Visitor Centers Bronx Crotona Nature Center, (CNC): Crotona Park. Enter the park at Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061 Orchard Beach Nature Center (OBNC): Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 of Orchard Beach. 718.885.3466 Pelham Bay Ranger Station, under construction (PBRS): Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. & Wilkinson Ave. 718.885.3467 Van Cortlandt Nature Center (VCNC): Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at W. 246th St. & Broadway. 718.548.0912 Salt Marsh Nature Center (SMNC): Marine Park. East 33rd St. & Avenue U. 718.421.2021 Fort Greene Visitor Center (FGVC): Fort Greene Park. Enter the park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park. 718.722.3218 Belvedere Castle (BC): Central Park. 79th St., mid-park. 212.628.2345 Dana Discovery Center (DDC): Central Park. 110th St. & Lenox Ave. 212.860.1376 Inwood Hill Nature Center (IHNC): Inwood Hill Park. Enter park at W. 218th St. & Indian Road. 212.304.2365 or 212.304.3401 Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (APPAC): Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Blvd., under the Grand Central Parkway. 718.217.6034 or 718.217.4685 Forest Park Visitor Center (FPVC): Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. & Forest Park Drive. 718.846.2731 Fort Totten Visitors Center (FTVC): Fort Totten Park. Enter park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212 St. and Cross Island Pkwy. and follow signs. 718.352.1769 Blue Heron Nature Center (BHNC): Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road & Hylan Boulevard. 718.967.3542 High Rock Ranger Station (HRRS): High Rock Park. Park in the lot at the end of Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Ave., and follow signs. 718.667.6042. THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE July / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2011 Sarah Aucoin, Director Bonnie McGuire, Deputy Director Richard Simon, Deputy Director Marta Arroyo, Program Manager Elizabeth Green, Graphic Designer Shalini Beath, Grants Manager Urban Park Rangers 1234 Fifth Avenue New York City 10029
URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 3 Urban Farm at the Battery Debuts Site is the Battery s First Public Urban Farm Since the Dutch Planted their Cottage Gardens in New Amsterdam in 1625. Public Welcomed to Plant and Farm at 80 Organic Vegetable Plots On April 11, 2011 Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price were joined by members of the Millennium High School Environmental Club and 200 first and sixth graders from P.S. 276 and P.S. 896 to inaugurate the new Urban Farm at the Battery. Also present were architect and designer Shane Neufeld, and Battery Chefs Wade Burch of Merchant Market, and Zak Pelaccio and Kevin Pomplun of Fatty Cue. Urban agriculture is critical in our city to strengthen the connection between New Yorkers and the food they eat, said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. We are delighted to partner with the Battery Conservancy in establishing this urban farm which will promote hands-on learning about the living environment, nutrition, history, civics and the arts. And what better location than in the Battery the site where the Dutch first planted their cottage gardens back in 1625! From its structure to its program, from its seeds to its enrichment of the park s soil, from its potential for bringing people together and teaching us about healthy eating, the Urban Farm at the Battery is a sustainable exercise in both progressive horticulture and design excellence, said Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price. The Farm is a natural outgrowth of the Battery Conservancy s ongoing commitment to community outreach and envisioning creatively the future of life in the City. The Urban Farm occupies one full acre of the Battery s verdant parkland at the southernmost tip of Manhattan along State Street at Pearl Street and will be in operation for two years until construction begins on the Battery Garden Bikeway connecting the East and West Sides of Manhattan. It originated with a request from students of Millennium High School s Envrionmental Club to plant a vegetable garden in the park. It led to a farming initiative that now includes eight schools with over 650 students participating. The Urban Farm will now serve the Lower Manhattan community as a sustainable outdoor farming destination to include 80 organic vegetable plots. These will lie within an architecture conceived by New York designer Scott Dougan, who created a planting footprint that pays playful tribute to Zelda, a wild American turkey who has resided since 2003 in the Battery and is much loved by the public. Tracing a perimeter that evokes Zelda s silhouette, including her distinctive head and tail feathers, Dougan with architect partner Shane Neufeld utilized over 5,000 bamboo poles which were donated to the Conservancy by renowned artists Mike and Doug Starn. The bamboo is repurposed from their internationally acclaimed installation work Big Bambú: You Can t, You Don t, and You Won t Stop, which occupied The Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden during the summer and early autumn of 2010. It will also function as an outdoor classroom where students and volunteer members of the public including community groups, local residents, members of the Downtown work force, and military veterans - can plant, cultivate, harvest, and eat fresh produce. During the preparation of its soil for planting, the Urban Farm already has welcomed more than 650 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, from eight New York City schools: PS3 The John Melser Charrette School; PS89 Liberty School; PS276 Battery Park City School; IS289 Hudson River Middle School; IS896 Lower Manhattan Community Middle School; M560 City-as-School; Claremont Preparatory School; and Millennium High School. Members of the public who would like to get their hands into the soil at the Urban Farm can learn more by going to: www.thebattery.org
4 NYCParks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Biking Are you staycationing in New York City this summer? A cycling tour of one of New York City s premier parks is the perfect way to get more from your vacation at home. See more in less time while burning calories! Our Urban Park Ranger cycling guides will introduce you to some of the most famous parks in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views, public artwork, landscape design and an abundance of wildlife. Biking programs are suitable for all ages and generally proceed at a leisurely pace. You must supply your own bicycle and helmets are required. We recommend bringing plenty of water and a light snack. Bronx Sunday, July 24 Biking / Van Cortlandt to Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway Sunday, August 14 Biking / Soundview Park to Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Lafayette and Metcalf Avenues Sunday, July 10 & August 28 Biking / Prospect Park 12 p.m. / Meet under the arch at Grand Army Plaza Sunday, July 24 Biking / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / 72nd Street and Riverside Drive Sunday, August 28 Biking/ Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road Sunday July 10 Biking / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway Saturday, July 9 Biking / Midland Beach 10 a.m. / Midland Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard Sunday, July 31 Mountain Biking / Wolfe s Pond Park 11 a.m. / Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue Sunday, August 14 Biking / Conference House Park 11 a.m. / Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street
URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 5 Canoeing Few truly unique 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. On an Urban Park Ranger canoe program, you can go from novice to expert in one just one summer! Most canoe programs are first-come, first-served, but a few require registration due to the level of difficulty. Advanced canoeing programs are for experienced canoers only. Children 8 years old and up are welcome. For registration programs, participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on the dates listed below. 1 Basic Level: All skill levels, including children 8 years and older. Intermediate Level: 2 Some experience 3 preferred. Advanced Level: Experience required. Bronx Saturday, July 9, August 27, September 24 Basic Canoeing / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East Saturday, July 16, Sunday, August 7, & Saturday, September 3 Basic Canoeing / Van Cortlandt Park 12 p.m. / Van Cortlandt south and Major Deegan Expressway Sunday, July 31 Advanced Canoeing / Pelham Bay Park 11:30 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on July 20. Saturday, August 13 Advanced Canoeing / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on August 3. Brooklyn Saturday July 9, Sunday July 24, Sunday August 7, Saturday August 27, & Saturday September 3 Basic Canoeing / Marine Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Avenue U and Burnett Street Saturday July 30, Sunday August 21, Sunday, September 19 Basic Canoeing / Prospect Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Audubon Center, East Drive at Lincoln Road Manhattan Saturday, July 16, July 30, August 13, & August 27 Basic Canoeing / Central Park 11 a.m. 3 p.m. / Harlem Meer near Lasker Pool, enter park on 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Sunday, August 21 Basic Canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. 4 p.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road Intermediate Canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road Saturday, September 17 Intermediate Canoeing/ Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m. 4 p.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road Queens Friday, July 1& August 5 Basic Canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway Saturday, July 9 Advanced Canoeing / Bayswater Park 12 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on June 29. Saturday, July 23 Advanced Canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on July 13. Queens continued Saturday, August 6 Basic Canoeing / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 9 a.m. 11 a.m./meet on the southeast side of Meadow Lake, across the small bridge, just west of the Van Wyck Expressway Saturday, August 20 Advanced Canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on August 10. Advanced Canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on August 24. Staten Island Saturday July 2, Sunday July 24, & Sunday August 28 Basic Canoeing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place Sunday, July 10 & Saturday, September 10 Basic Canoeing / Wolfe s Pond Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m./cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue Saturday, August 13 Basic Canoeing / Willowbrook Park 11 a.m. 2 p.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Avenue
6 NYCParks 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 spring and summer, and we look forward to welcoming your family. Family Camping programs take place in all five boroughs, but space is limited and families are chosen by lottery. To enter your family in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on the dates listed below. Dinners are supplied; however we are unable to meet certain specific dietary requests. BRONX Friday, July 1 Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. Friday, July 22 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Friday, August 5 Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the on July 27. Friday, August 19 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10. Friday, July 1 Family Camping / Marine Park 7 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc. gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. Friday, July 22 Family Camping / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Friday, August 5 Family Camping / Fort Greene Park 7 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27. continued Friday, August 19 Family Camping / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10. Saturday, July 2 Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. Friday, July 22 Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Friday, August 5 Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27. Friday, August 19 Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10. Saturday, July 2 Family Camping/ Fort Totten Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. Saturday, July 16 Family Camping/ Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 6. continued Saturday, July 30 Family Camping/ Cunningham Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 20. Saturday, August 13 Family Camping/ Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 3. Saturday, August 27 Family Camping / Cunningham Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 17. Friday, July 8 Family Camping/ Wolfe s Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 29. Friday, July 22 Family Camping/ Wolfe s Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Friday, August 19 Family Camping/ Wolfe s Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10. Friday, August 26 Family Camping/ Wolfe s Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 17.
URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 7 Fishing and Archery Mastering any new skill requires practice and patience. Fishing and Archery programs help develop these skills while connecting you with nature. Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways on every fishing program. Whether you chose to grab a simple bamboo pole at a quiet lake, or join more advanced salt water or fly fishing programs, the Rangers have a program that fits your skill level. Our trained Rangers will demonstrate the safe and proper way to draw a bow and shoot an arrow. Families and children ages 8 years and older are welcome to participate in our fishing and archery programs. Participation in a mandatory safety reviews lead by a trained Ranger is required. All equipment is provided. All fishing programs are catch and release only and most fishing programs are first-come, first-served. Seining programs, which use nets to catch creatures close to shore, are great for kids of all ages. BRONX Sunday, July 3 & August 21 Freshwater Fishing / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East Sunday, July 17 & August 28 Freshwater Fishing / Van Cortlandt Park 12 p.m. / Van Cortlandt south and Major Deegan Expressway Saturday, July 30 Archery / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway Saturday, August 20 Seining the Shores / Pelham Bay Park 12 p.m. / Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach Sunday, July 17 Freshwater Fishing / Prospect Park 1 p.m. / Wellhouse Drive at West Dive, enter the park at Park Circle Sunday, August 14 Freshwater Fishing / Prospect Park 12 p.m. / Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road Saturday, July 16 Freshwater Fishing / Harlem River Park 12 p.m. / 139th Street and Fifth Avenue continued Sunday, July 17 Saltwater Fishing / Inwood Hill Park 10 a.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road Sunday, August 7 Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / West Harlem Piers Park, West 125 Street and Hudson River Sunday, August 21 Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 1 p.m. / Pier I at 70th Street and Hudson River Saturday, September 24 Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / Pier I at 70th Street and Hudson River Sunday, July 10 Saltwater Fishing / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 9 a.m. / World s Fair Marina Pier 1, North of Citi Field, between 126th Street and Grand Central Parkway Sunday, July 24 Freshwater Fishing / Kissena Park 11 a.m. / Rose and Oak Avenues Sunday, August 7 Freshwater Fishing / Brookville Park 2 p.m. / 147th Avenue and 235th Street Sunday, August 21 Saltwater Fishing / Bayswater Park 1 p.m. 3 p.m. / Bay 32nd Street and Beach Channel Drive continued Saturday, September 3 Freshwater Fishing / Alley Pond Park 10 a.m. / Alley Pond Park Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard Sunday, July 3 & August 21 Freshwater Fishing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. 1 p.m. / Park Drive and Clove Road Sunday, July 17, August 7, & September 25 Saltwater Fishing / Midland Beach 10 a.m. 12 p.m. / Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Avenue and Father Capadonno Boulevard Sunday, August 14 Seining the Shores / South Beach 2 p.m. / Boardwalk at Sand Lane entrance Saturday, July 30 & September 3 Archery / Willowbrook Park Archery Range 11 a.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Avenue
8 NYCParks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Hiking and Orienteering Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and 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 may explore nature, discover our City s rich history and diverse culture, or just unplug from the world to clear your head. On Nature Exploration Hikes we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. Our Night Hikes are great for families! Fitness Hikes feature less talking and more walking, for those who don t mind a vigorous two hour hike. Learn how to navigate using a map and compass on our Orienteering programs. Special geo-cache programs teach you how to use a GPS while searching for hidden prizes. Hiking and Orienteering programs feature intensity levels ranging from light (a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), 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. BRONX Saturday, September 10 Nature Exploration (moderate) / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway Sunday, September 25 Nature Exploration (light) / Pelham Bay Park 2 p.m. / Pelham Bay Ranger Station, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue Saturday, September 24 Nature Exploration (light) / Prospect Park 11 a.m. / Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road Sunday, August 14 Night Hike (moderate) / Central Park 7:30 p.m. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Saturday, September 3 Orienteering (light) / Central Park 11 a.m. / Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and midpark Sunday, August 14 Orienteering (light) / Forest Park 12 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive continued Saturday, September 24 Fitness Hike (vigorous) / Forest Park 9 a.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive Nature Exploration (moderate)/ Conference House Park 2 p.m. / Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street Sunday, September 18 Nature Exploration (moderate) / Bloomingdale Park 11 a.m. / Ramona Avenue and Lenevar Avenue
URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/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. Their stories can be found in the names of our streets, our architecture, and our parks. Urban Park Rangers specialize in interpretation of historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city s long history. Fans of military history can explore our city s role in various conflicts at Brooklyn s Fort Greene Park and Queens Fort Totten Park. Architecture and the history of the Hudson River are explained at Manhattan s Little Red Lighthouse and Highbridge Park. Native American culture is celebrated in special programs and lectures throughout the five boroughs and park history programs tell the story of your favorite parks from the past to their future. Certain popular programs have limited space and require registration. BRONX Sunday, July 10 Revolutionary New York: The Battle of Pell s Point / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 Shore Road Sunday, August 7 Natural History: Crotona Park / Crotona Park 2 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East Native America: Powwow Presentation for Kids / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East Sunday, July 3, August 7, & August 28 Revolutionary New York: Explore Life in the Colonies / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park Sunday, July 31 Civil War New York: The Underground Railroad Van Trip / Fort Greene Park 11 a.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 20. Saturday, August 20 Revolutionary New York: Battle of Brooklyn Van Tour / 10 a.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the on August 10. continued Historic New York: The New York Skyline / Brooklyn Bridge Park 1 p.m. / Pier 1, Old Fulton Street and Furman Street Sunday, September 25 Historic New York: Breweries of Old New York / 11 a.m. / Bushwick and Montrose Avenues Saturday, July 9 August 13, & September 10 Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse / Fort Washington Park 1 p.m. 4 p.m. / Enter the park at 181 Street and Plaza Lafayette Sunday, July 10, August 14, & September 25 Historic New York: The Highbridge / Highbridge Park 1 p.m. / Amsterdam Avenue and West 174th Street Sunday, July 10 Revolutionary New York: Forts of Central Park / Central Park 1 p.m. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Saturday, September 10 Historic New York: City Hall to Battery Park / City Hall Park 11 a.m. / Park Row and Beekman Street Sunday, July 3, July 17, August 7, August 28, & September 25 Civil War New York: Fort Totten / Fort Totten Park 10 a.m. / Fort Totten Visitors Center, 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway Saturday, July 16, July 23, August 20, September 17, September 24 Freshkills Tour / Fresh Kills Park 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. / TBA. To register, visit www.nyc.gov/ parks one month before the program date.
10 NYCParks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS Kids and Family We connect children with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world. Children who spend time outdoors develop strong imaginations and learn to socialize better with others. Urban Park Rangers are role models who encourage children to let their imaginations run wild in a safe, supportive atmosphere. While most of our programs are family friendly, the programs highlighted here are specifically for young children and families. Whether enjoying a family friendly movie under the stars, freeing your imagination playing in nature, or learning about conservation through eco-crafts, a free Ranger program is the perfect addition to your family s weekend. All supplies provided. BRONX Saturday, August 20 Seining the Shores / Pelham Bay Park 12 p.m. / Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach Sunday, August 28 Imagination Play / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway Native America: Powwow Presentation for Kids / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East Thursday, July 28, August 25, September 8 Movies Under the Stars / Marine Park 8 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U Kids Nature Crafts / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U Sunday, August 28 Scavenger Hunt / Central Park 11 a.m. / Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and midpark. Sunday, September 18 Puppet Show / Inwood Hill Park 4 p.m. 6 p.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road Sunday, September 18 Scavenger Hunt / Brookville Park 2 p.m. / Brookville Boulevard and 144th Avenue Sunday September 25 Scavenger Hunt / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 10 a.m. / Meet at the Unisphere, Avenue of the States behind the Queens Museum of Art Sunday, July 17 & Sunday, August 14 Seining the Shores / South Beach 2 p.m. / Boardwalk at Sand Lane entrance Sunday, August 7 Butterfly Exploration / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 11 Wildlife Viewing New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to deer and seals, wildlife viewing opportunities exist year-round in all of our parks and beaches. Wildlife viewing is a perfect activity for any age. Today wildlife viewing is recognized as one of the nation s fastest growing activities. 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. BRONX Saturday, July 2, August 6, September 3 Birding / Van Cortlandt Park 8 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway Saturday, September 17 Birding / Sound View Park 11 a.m. / Lafayette and Metcalf Avenues Saturday, July 2, August 6, September 3 Birding / Marine Park 8 a.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U continued Saturday, September 17 Brooklyn-Queens Birding Van Trip / Marine Park 8 a.m. 5 p.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the on September 7. Sunday, July 31 Birding / Central Park 11 a.m. / 100th Street and Central Park West Saturday, August 20 Bat Exploration / Central Park 7:30 p.m. / Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and midpark continued Sunday, September 18 Birding / Central Park 10 a.m. / Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and mid-park Sunday, September 18 Birding / Idlewild Park 11 a.m. / Springfield Lane and 147th Avenue Sunday, August 7 Butterfly Exploration / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard Saturday, August 27 Birding/ Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard Pond Life Exploration / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard Sunday, September 18 Birds of Prey / High Rock Park 2 p.m. / High Rock Ranger Station, parking lot at the end of Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Avenue and follow signs
THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Alley Pond Park Adventure Course Try a free Outdoor Adventure that fosters trust, problem solving, and team-building right in your own back yard at beautiful Alley Pond Park. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/ adventurecourse or call the Urban Park Rangers at the Alley Pond Adventure Center, 718.217.4685 or 718.217.6034.