OutdoorsIN NEW YORK CITYJanuary/February/March 2019
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Welcome to Outdoors in New York City
Urban Park Ranger FacilitiesPlease call specific locations for hours.
BRONXPelham Bay Ranger Station // (718) 319-7258Pelham Bay Park // Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue
Van Cortlandt Nature Center // (718) 548-0912Van Cortlandt Park // West 246th Street and Broadway
BROOKLYN Salt Marsh Nature Center // (718) 421-2021Marine Park // East 33rd Street and Avenue U
MANHATTANPayson Center // (212) 304-2277Inwood Hill Park // Payson Avenue and Dyckman Street
QUEENSAlley Pond Park Adventure Center (718) 217-6034 // (718) 217-4685Alley Pond Park // Enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway
Forest Park Ranger Station // (718) 846-2731Forest Park // Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive
Fort Totten Visitors Center // (718) 352-1769Fort Totten Park // Enter the park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway and follow signs
STATEN ISLANDBlue Heron Nature Center // (718) 967-3542Blue Heron Park // 222 Poillon Ave. between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
As winter takes hold in New York City, it is natural to want to stay inside. But at NYC Parks, we know that this is a great time of year for New Yorkers to get active and enjoy the outdoors.
When the weather outside is frightful, consider it an opportunity to explore a side of the city that we can only experience for a few months every year. The Urban Park Rangers continue to offer many unique opportunities throughout the winter. Join us to kick off 2019 on a guided New Year’s Day Hike in each borough. This is also the best time to search for winter wildlife, including seals, owls, and eagles. Kids Week programs encourage families to get outside and into the park while school is out.
This season, grab your boots, mittens, and hat, and head to your nearest park! New York City parks are open and ready to welcome you year-round.
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Winter Hiking Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.
BRONX Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
Sunday, Feb. 3 // Nature Exploration: John Muir TrailVan Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway
Sunday, March 3 // Hunter Island Night Hike Pelham Bay Park // 6:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
BROOKLYN Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Prospect Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road
Sunday, Feb. 3 // Photo Scavenger Hunt Hike Sunset Park // 1:00 p.m. Seventh Avenue at 43rd Street
Saturday, March 9 // Winter Meditation Hike Prospect Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road
MANHATTANTuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day HikeFort Tryon Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Washington Avenue and Margaret Corbin Circle
Sunday, Feb. 24 // Winter Wildlife Night HikeInwood Hill Park // 6:00 p.m. Payson Playground, Dyckman Street and Henshaw Street
Saturday, March 30 // Northern Manhattan Parks Super HikeInwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 20.
QUEENS Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Forest Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Buddy Monument, Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South
Sunday, Feb. 24 // Nature Exploration Hike Flushing Meadows Corona Park // 1:00 p.m.Mauro Playground, Park Drive East and 73rd Terrace
Sunday, March 17 // Hike the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Cunningham Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet in parking lot at 73rd Avenue and Hollis Hills Terrace
STATEN ISLAND Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Bloomingdale Park// 11:00 a.m.Playground at Ramona Avenue and Lenevar Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 16 // Healthy Heart Hike Clove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m.Parking lot from Clove Road and Park Drive
Saturday, March 30 // Conservation HikeBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m.Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road
Sunday, Feb. 24 // African-American History Month: The Birthplace of Hip Hop Cedar Playground // 1:00 p.m. West 179th Street between Cedar Avenue and Sedgwick Avenue
Saturday, March 9 // The Explorer’s Club: Deer Exploration Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach
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Urban Park Ranger ProgramsFrom winter birding to survival workshops, the Urban Park Rangers are hosting fun outdoor activities all winter long. For a complete detailed listing of programs and to register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers.
BRONX Sunday, Jan. 13 // Seal Exploration Pelham Bay Park // 10:00 a.m.Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach
Saturday, Jan. 19 // The Explorer’s Club: Fire MakingVan Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
Saturday, Jan. 26 // Astronomy: The Winter Sky Van Cortlandt Park // 6:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
Sunday, Jan. 27 // Birding: Owls Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Saturday, Feb. 2 // The Explorer’s Club: Cartographer’s Orienteering Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 9 // Birding: Winter Birds Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
Sunday, Feb. 10 // Valentine’s Day Hike and Craft Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
Sunday, Feb. 17 // The Explorer’s Club: Natural Cordage and Knot TyingVan Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
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Sunday, March 17 // Women’s History Month: Anne Hutchinson Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Meet at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Course, 870 Shore Road
Saturday, March 30 // Birding: Hawk Watch Van Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway
BROOKLYN Sunday, Jan. 13 // Nature’s Workshop: Natural Jewelry MakingMarine Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 2.
Sunday, Jan. 20 // Survival Series: Survival 101 Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Sunday, Jan. 27 // Nature’s Workshop: Nature Journals Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Sunday, Feb. 3 // Survival Series: Shelter Building Prospect Park// 1:00 p.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road
Saturday, Feb. 9 // African-American History Month: Brooklyn and The Underground Railroad Brooklyn Bridge Park // 11:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Saturday, Feb. 16 // Survival Series: Fire MakingFort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
Sunday, March 3 // Historic New York: Nature and Design Prospect Park // 1:00 p.m. Meet under the Arch at Grand Army Plaza
Sunday, March 10 // Science Discovery Workshop Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Sunday, March 17 // Women’s History Month: Gravesend Gravesend Cemetery // 11:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 6.
Saturday, March 23 // Nature’s Workshop: Natural Music InstrumentsFort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
Saturday, March 30 // Survival Series: Cordage and Rope Making Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U
MANHATTANSunday, Jan. 13 // The New York City History Club: Central ParkCentral Park // 1:00 p.m. West 72nd Street and Central Park West
Sunday, Jan. 20 // Astronomy: The SupermoonCentral Park // 6 :00 p.m. The Great Hill, West 106th Street and Central Park West
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Sunday, Jan. 27 // Gather Around the CampfireInwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Sunday, Feb. 3 // Winter Tree ID Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center, West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 9 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Bald EaglesInwood Hill Park // 9:00 a.m. Payson Playground, Dyckman Street and Henshaw Street
Sunday, Feb. 17 // The New York City History Club: Revolutionary War History Fort Tryon Park // 1:00 p.m. Anne Loftus Playground, Dyckman Street and Seaman Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 23 // African-American History Month: Seneca VillageCentral Park// 1:00 p.m. West 81st Street and Central Park West
Saturday, March 2 // High Line Park: Past and PresentHigh Line Park // 10:00 a.m. West 34th Street between 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue
Saturday, March 9 // Women’s History Month: The Women Within Central Park Central Park // 11:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
Sunday, March 10 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Fungus Among-us! Inwood Hill Park // 11:00 a.m. Isham Street and Seaman Avenue
Saturday, March 16 // The New York City History Club: The Forts of Central Park Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Fifth Avenue and East 106th Street
Saturday, March 23 // The New York City History Club: The Hidden Streams and Wetlands of Manahatta: Sherman Creek Highbridge Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 13.
QUEENSSunday, Jan. 13 // Park of the Month: Baisley Pond Park Baisley Pond Park // 10:00 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at Baisley Boulevard and 155th Street
Saturday, Jan. 19 // Birding: Hawk Watch Flushing Meadows Corona Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet inside the park at the Unisphere
Sunday, Jan. 20 // Nature’s Workshop: Nature Illustrations Forest Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Sunday, Jan. 27 // Birding: Winter WaterfowlBrookville Park // 1:00 p.m.Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road
Sunday, Feb. 3 // Winter Tree ID Captain Tilly Park // 10:00 a.m. Meet at Chapin Parkway and Gothic Drive
Sunday, Feb. 10 // African-American History Month: The Flushing Freedom MileDaniel Carter Beard Square // 1:00 p.m.Northern Boulevard and Linden Place
Saturday, Feb. 16 // Park of the Month: Powell’s Cove Park Powell’s Cove Park // 10:00 a.m.11th Avenue and 130th Street
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Sunday, Feb. 17 // Historic New York: George Washington’s PathAlley Pond Park // 1:00 p.m.Enter at Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway and proceed to the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course
Sunday, Feb. 24 // AstronomyAlley Pond Park // 6:00 p.m.Enter at Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway and proceed to the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course
Saturday, March 9 // Coastal Ecology ExplorationRockaway Beach // 1:00 p.m. Beach 94th Street and Shorefront Parkway
Sunday, March 16 // AstronomyFort Totten Park // 6:00 p.m.Fort Totten Visitor Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Enter park and follow signs to the Visitor Center.
Sunday, March 10 // Women’s History Month: Historic Women in Queens Marie Curie Playground // 11:00 a.m. 46th Avenue and 211th Street
Saturday, March 23 // Park of the Month: Cunningham ParkCunningham Park // 10:00 a.m.Meet in parking lot at Union Turnpike and 196th Place
Saturday, March 30 // Historic New York: Fort Totten Tunnel TourFort Totten Park // 10:00 a.m.Fort Totten Visitor Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Enter park and follow signs to the Visitor Center.
STATEN ISLANDSunday, Jan. 6 // Ecosystem Explorers: GrasslandsBrookfield Park // 1:00 p.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road
Saturday, Jan. 12 // AstronomyWillowbrook Park // 6:00 p.m. Archery Field parking lot from the Eton Place entrance
Sunday, Jan. 13 // Historic Brookfield Brookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road
Sunday, Jan. 20 // Animal of the Month: Northern HarrierBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot entrance at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 2 // Ecosystem Explorers: Pond Ecology Blue Heron Park // 11:00 a.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave.
Sunday, Feb. 3 // African-American History Month: Sandy Ground Bloomingdale Park // 11:00 a.m. Playground at Ramona Avenue and Lenevar Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 9 // Birding: Winter BirdsSilver Lake Park // 11:00 a.m. Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Drive
Sunday, Feb. 10 // Animal of the Month: Seal WatchLemon Creek Park // 2:00 p.m. Fishing pier at Sharrott Avenue and Hylan Boulevard
Sunday, Feb. 17 // Ecosystem Explorers: Micro-EcosystemsAllison Pond Park // 1:00 p.m. Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue
Saturday, Feb. 23 // Birding: Winter WaterfowlBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road
Saturday, March 2 // Nocturnal HikeWolfe’s Pond Park // 6:00 p.m. Comfort Station near the parking lot at the end of Cornelia Avenue
Sunday, March 10 // Animal of the Month: FoxBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road
Sunday, March 24 // Women’s History Month: Women of the LenapeConference House Park // 1:00 p.m. Visitors Center parking lot at Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street
Saturday, March 30 // Animal TracksBlue Heron Park // 11:00 a.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
School’s out! Take the kids to the park to enjoy a variety of nature programs. Get outside and get excited!
Urban Park Rangers Kids WeekFeb. 18–22, 2019
BRONX
Monday, Feb. 18 Orienteering for Kids Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Nature Exploration Van Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center West 246th Street and Broadway
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Birds of Prey Crotona Park // 1:00 p.m. Crotona Nature Center Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East
Thursday, Feb. 21 Urban Forest Exploration Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue
Friday, Feb. 22 Winter Scavenger Hunt Van Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center West 246th Street and Broadway
BROOKLYN
Monday, Feb. 18 Find My Way: Maps and Compasses Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Shelter Building Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Fort Greene History and Colonial Games Fort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitors Center Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Nature Games Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Thursday, Feb. 21 Birds of Prey Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U
Thursday, Feb. 21 Build a Birdfeeder Fort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitors Center Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park
Friday, Feb. 22 Knot Tying Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U
MANHATTAN
Monday, Feb. 18 Geology Rocks! Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Reptiles and Amphibians Inwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Payson Playground Dyckman Street and Henshaw Street
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Trees and Winter Wildlife Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center,West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue
Thursday, Feb. 21 Birds of Prey Inwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Payson PlaygroundDyckman Street and Henshaw Street
Friday, Feb. 22 All About Owls Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center,West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue
QUEENS
Monday, Feb. 18 Nature Exploration Forest Park // 11:00 a.m. Forest Park Visitor Center Woodhaven Blvd and Forest Park Drive
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Who Lives Here? Fort Totten Park // 11:00 a.m. Fort Totten Visitor CenterTotten Road and Cross Island Parkway
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Gather Around the Campfire Alley Pond Park // 11:00 a.m. Pond Park Adventure Course, Winchester Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway
Thursday, Feb. 21 Nature Puppet Show Forest Park // 11:00 a.m. Oak Ridge, 1 Forest Parkway
Friday, Feb. 22 Birding for Kids Kissena Park // 11:00 a.m. Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue
STATEN ISLAND
Monday, Feb. 18 Be A Tree Detective Westerleigh Park // 1:00 p.m. Maine Avenue and Neal Dow Avenue
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Ranger Recycle Games Blue Heron Park // 1:00 p.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave.
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Lenape Bingo Conference House Park // 1:00 p.m. Conference House Visitors Center Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street
Thursday, Feb. 21 Winter Scavenger Hunt Von Briesen Park // 1:00 p.m. Parking lot from Bay Street and School Road entrance
Friday, Feb. 22 Tent Building Walker Park // 1:00 p.m. Delafield Place and Bard Avenue