OutdoorsIN NEW YORK CITYApril/May/June 2018

2 Outdoors, April/May/June 2018

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

Outdoors in New York City is a quarterly newsletter that highlights Urban Park Ranger programs and events throughout NYC Parks. This issue focuses on all nature has to offer during spring.

Soak in the season while exploring nature on a hike through the forest. Tap into your sense of adventure while canoeing or overnight camping within the five boroughs. NYC Parks manages more than 30,000 acres for you to explore, and the Urban Park Rangers invite you to celebrate Earth Day, Arbor Day, National Trails Day, and other special events at our parks. It’s a great time to get outside with your family at our Kids Week programs or our annual Urban Wildlife Festival—join us to learn more about the diverse ecosystem and natural areas around us.

Cover photo: NYC Parks

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Sunday, April 22 // Earth Day HikeSeton Falls Park // 11:00 a.m. East 233rd Street and Baychester Avenue

Sunday, April 22 // Earth Day Hike Marine Park// Noon Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, April 22 // Earth Day HikeInwood Hill Park // 11:00 a.m.Payson Center, Payson Avenue and Dyckman Street

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Earth Day NYC Parks has plenty of ways for you to celebrate Earth Day this year, with volunteer opportunities at your local parks, family-friendly festivals, lectures, crafts, and more! Visit nyc.gov/parks for a complete list of Earth Day Events.

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Sunday, April 22 // Celebrate Earth Day Flushing Meadows Corona Park // 10:00 a.m.Meet inside the park at the Unisphere

Sunday, April 22 // Earth Day: Senses Walk Ocean Breeze Park // 1:00 p.m. Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, 625 Father Capodanno Boulevard

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Urban Park Ranger ProgramsFor a complete detailed listing of programs and to register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers.

BRONX Sunday, April 8 // Birding: Hawk Watch Pelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.mMeeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Mar. 28.

Saturday, April 14 // Survival Series: Pack and Prepare Pelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Saturday, April 21 // Fitness Hike Van Cortlandt Park // 10:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Saturday, April 28 // Survival Series: Forest First AidVan Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, April 29 // Freshwater FishingCrotona Park // NoonCrotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East. Ages 8 and up.

Saturday, May 12 // Survival Series: Water Filtration TechniquesPelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Sunday, May 20 // Revolutionary New York: Washington’s Slow Retreat to Victory Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Friday, May 25 // Family CampingVan Cortlandt Park // 7:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, May 16th.

KIDS WEEK APRIL 2–6The kids are out of school, now get them out of the house! Head to the park and join Urban Park Rangers FREE Kids Week programs. Immerse your kids, and yourself, in the natural world. Experience history, wildlife, birds, bugs, and more.

For a complete list of programs and descriptions visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers. Ages 12 and under.

MONDAY, APRIL 2 // 1:00 P.M. Bronx: Pelham Bay Nature Center // Brooklyn: Salt Marsh Nature Center // Manhattan: Payson Center // Queens: Captain Tilly Park // Staten Island: Clove Lakes Park

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 // 1:00 P.M. Bronx: Van Cortlandt Nature Center // Brooklyn: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Fort Greene Visitor Center // Manhattan: Dana Discovery Center // Queens: Alley Pond Adventure Course // Staten Island: Greenbelt Nature Center

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 // 1:00 P.M. Bronx: Crotona Nature Center // Brooklyn: Salt Marsh Nature Center // Manhattan: Inwood Hill Park // Queens: Willow Lake // Staten Island: Ocean Breeze Pier

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 // 1:00 P.M. Bronx: Orchard Beach Nature Center // Brooklyn: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Fort Greene Visitor Center //Manhattan: Dana Discovery Center // Queens: Fort Totten Visitor Center // Staten Island: Bloomingdale Park

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 // 1:00 P.M. Bronx: Van Cortlandt Nature Center // Brooklyn: Salt Marsh Nature Center // Manhattan: Payson Center // Queens: Forest Park Visitor Center // Staten Island: Willowbrook Park

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Sunday, June 3 // Basic Canoeing Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Enter the park at Bailey Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South. Meet at the Golf House. Ages 8 and up.

Saturday, June 9 // Survival Series: Firebuilding Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Saturday, June 16 // Basic Canoeing Crotona Park // Noon Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East. Ages 8 and up.

Saturday, June 23 // Survival Series: Overnight Wilderness SurvivalVan Cortlandt Park // 6:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, June 13.

BROOKLYN Saturday, April 7 // Nature’s Workshop: Seashore Nature Art Marine Park // 1:00 p.m.Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Saturday, April 14 // Nature’s Workshop: Rubber Band CreationsMarine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, April 15 // Birding: Spring Migration Prospect Park // 10:00 a.m. Prospect Park Picnic House, 5th Street and West Drive

Friday, April 20 // Family Camping and Nature Meditation Marine Park // 7:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, April 11

Sunday, April 29 // Brooklyn Shoreline Bicycle Tour American Veterans Memorial Pier // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, April 18.

Sunday, May 6 // Saltwater Fishing American Veterans Memorial Pier // 2:00 p.m. Bay Ridge Avenue and Shore Road. Ages 8 and up

Sunday, May 13 // Basic CanoeingProspect Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

Sunday, May 27 // Nocturnal WildlifeMarine Park // 8:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Saturday, June 2 // Family Camping Prospect Park // 6:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, May 23.

Saturday, June 9 // Basic Canoeing Prospect Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

Saturday, June 16 // Nature’s Workshop: Wind Energy WorkshopFort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor’s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

MANHATTANSaturday, April 7 // Historic New York: Little Red LighthouseFort Washington Park // 1:00 p.m.Enter the park from the pedestrian bridge at West 181st Street and Riverside Drive

Sunday, April 15 // Bridges and Arches of Central Park Central Park // 11:00 a.m. East 60th Street and 5th Avenue

Photo: NYC Parks

6 Outdoors, April/May/June 2018Photo: NYC Parks

Saturday, April 21 // Rangers Choice: Landscape Natural HistoryInwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, April 28 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Hawk Nest WatchTompkins Square Park // 1:00 p.m. St Marks Place and Avenue A

Sunday, May 6 // Rangers Choice: Three Sisters Garden PlantingInwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, April 25.

Sunday, May 13 // Basic CanoeingCentral Park // 11:00 a.m. Harlem Meer, West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

Saturday, May 19 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Urban WildlifeCentral Park // 11:00 a.m. East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue

Saturday, May 26 // Twilight Canoe AdventureCentral Park // 8:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, May 16.

Saturday, June 2 // National Trails Day Hike Inwood Hill Park // 11:00 a.m.Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, June 9 // Family CampingInwood Hill Park // 7:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, May 30.

Sunday, June 17 // Saltwater Fishing East River Park // Noon Enter park at East 10th Street and FDR Drive

Friday, June 22 // Family Camping Central Park // 7:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, June 13.

QUEENSSaturday, April 7 // Historic New York: Fort Totten Fort Totten Park // 10:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 28.

Sunday, April 15 // Stargazing Club: New Moon Fort Totten Park // 8:00pmFort Totten Visitors’ Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Follow signs to Visitors’ Center

Saturday, April 21 // Nature Exploration HikeHighland Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet at parking lot on Vermont Place

Sunday. April 29 // City Nature ChallengeFlushing Meadows Corona Park// 9:00 a.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, April 18.

Sunday, May 6 // Rangers’ Choice: Gather Around The CampfireRockaway Beach // 7:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, April 25.

Saturday, May 19 // Illustrating Birds Captain Tilly Park // 1:00 p.m. Highland Avenue and 165th Street

Sunday, May 20 // Stargazing Club: The Full MoonAlley Pond Park // 8:00 p.m.Enter at Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway and proceed to the Alley Pond Adventure Course

Urban Wildlife Festival Saturday, May 5Noon-3:00 p.m. Highbridge ParkWest 172nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue

On Saturday, May 5, get to know your wild neighbors, including squirrels, turtles, skunks, raccoons, deer and coyotes—while participating in games and activities to build your awareness and understanding of the natural world.

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Saturday, May 26 // Birding: Hawk WatchAstoria Park // 10:00 a.m. Meet in parking lot at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street

Saturday, June 2 // National Trails Day: Pat Dolan Trail Flushing Meadows Corona Park // 11:00 a.m. Mauro Playground, Park Drive East and 73rd Terrace

Sunday, June 10 // Historic New York: General Slocum Astoria Park // 11:00 a.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, May 30.

Saturday, June 16 // Stargazing Club: New MoonRockaway Beach // 8:00 p.m. Meet at Boardwalk and Beach 116th Street

Saturday, June 23 // Tree ID Hike Captain Tilly Park // 1:00 p.m.Highland Avenue and 165th Street

STATEN ISLANDSaturday, April 7 // Nature’s Workshop Blue Heron Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 28.

Sunday, April 15 // Tree ID HikeClove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m. Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place

Saturday, April 21 // Animal of the Month Club: Northern Gannet Wolfe’s Pond Park // 1:00 p.m. Comfort Station near parking lot at the end of Cornelia Avenue

Saturday, April 28 // Nature Photography: Wildflowers Brookfield Park // 11:00 a.m Parking lot at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue

Friday, May 11 // Family Camping Blue Heron Park // 7:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins Wednesday, May 2.

Sunday, May 13 //ArcheryLemon Creek Pier // 10:00 a.m. Hylan Boulevard and Sharrott Avenue

Sunday, May 20 // Freshwater FishingClove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot near Park Drive and Clove Road

Sunday, May 27 // Staten Island 1680-2018: Historic Houses of Conference House ParkConference House Park // 11:00 a.m. Visitors Center parking lot at Hylan Boulevard Satterlee Street

Saturday, June 9 // Birding: Raptors Brookfield Park // 10:00 a.m. Parking lot at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue

Sunday, June 10 // Saltwater FishingLemon Creek Pier // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Sharrott Avenue and Hylan Boulevard

Saturday, June 16 // Family Camping Willowbrook Park // 6:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, June 6.

Photos: NYC Parks

Be a Tree Detective!Trees make great neighbors—they produce oxygen for you to breathe, they make shade in the summer, and they provide animals with food and shelter. They’re all tree-rific to have around, but they’re not all the same. Did you know that there are almost 240 different kinds of trees growing in NYC?

You can become a Nature Detective by learning how to tell trees apart. Look closely for clues on and near the tree you’re trying to identify, and you’ll see—it’s elemen-tree!

Have something you’d like to share? Tag us @NYCParks on Twitter and Instagram.

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