OutdoorsIN NEW YORK CITYJuly/August/September 2019

2 Outdoors, July/August/September 2019

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

This summer, the Urban Park Rangers continue to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Since 1979, the Urban Park Rangers have helped New Yorkers and visitors of all ages to discover and explore our city’s natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and active conservation.

Each weekend, our Urban Park Rangers feature programs designed to engage your sense of adventure and improve your knowledge of the natural world. We invite you and your family to join us while we hike our way through the Bronx, explore the various ecosystems of Manhattan and Staten Island, learn more about local parks in Queens, explore the shores of Brooklyn, and participate in a night under the stars in the park, among other activities this summer. Join us for Raptor Fest in Central Park on September 14 and learn more about birds of prey in our urban jungle, such as hawks, owls, eagles and falcons.

Whether you’re a frequent participant or a first-timer, the Urban Park Rangers invite you to experience NYC Parks this summer!

Cover photo: NYC Parks

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Family Camping Sleep under the stars! Camp overnight in our parks with the Urban Park Rangers as your hosts and guides. Pitch a tent and settle in for a night of adventure. Our family-friendly camping programs feature guided night hikes, s’mores, and activities to enhance your experience. Tents are provided. Participants are chosen by lottery.

BRONX Sunday, July 14 // Family Camping and FirebuildingVan Cortlandt Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 3.

Saturday, Aug. 3 // Family CampingPelham Bay Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 24.

Friday, Aug. 16 // Family Camping Van Cortlandt Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Saturday, Sept. 21 // Family Camping and Celestial Navigation Van Cortlandt Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

BROOKLYN Saturday, July 6 // Family Camping Marine Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, June 26.

Sunday, July 21 // Family Camping and Insect ExplorationMarine Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 10.

Saturday, Aug. 10 // Family Camping Prospect Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 31.

Saturday, Aug. 24 // Family Camping and Astronomy Marine Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Friday, Sept. 20 // Family Camping Prospect Park // 7:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

MANHATTANFriday, July 12 // Family CampingCentral Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 3.

Saturday, July 20 // Family CampingFort Tryon Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 10.

Friday, Aug. 16 // Family Camping and Owl ProwlInwood Hill Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Saturday, Aug. 24 // Family CampingFort Tryon Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Friday, Sept. 20 // Family Camping and Owl ProwlInwood Hill Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

QUEENS Saturday, July 20 // Family Camping Alley Pond Park // 6:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 10.

Friday, Aug. 2 // Family Camping and Astronomy Fort Totten Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 24.

Saturday, Aug. 10 // Family Camping Alley Pond Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 31.

Saturday, Sept. 7 // Family Camping and AstronomyFort Totten Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Saturday, Sept. 28 // Family Camping Alley Pond Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

STATEN ISLAND Friday, July 12 // Family Camping Wolfe’s Pond Park // 7:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 3.

Saturday, July 27 // Family Camping Conference House Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 17.

Friday, Aug. 9 // Family CampingBlue Heron Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins Wednesday, July 31.

Friday, Aug. 23 // Family Camping and Insect ExplorationWillowbrook Park // 7:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Saturday, Sept. 28 // Family Camping and Pond EcologyBlue Heron Park // 6:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Saturday, Aug. 17 // The Explorer’s Club: Navigating The WoodsVan Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m.Mosholu Avenue and Broadway

Sunday, Aug. 18 // “Over the Hill” Hilltop Hike: Tallapoosa PointPelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.m. Lottery registration begins Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Saturday, Aug. 24 // Historic New York: Orchard BeachPelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.m. Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 Orchard Beach

Sunday, Sept. 8 // The Explorer’s Club: Survival Crash CourseVan Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, Sept. 22 // Urban Birding Along The Bronx River FoodwayConcrete Plant Park// 1:00 p.m.Meet inside the park at Bruckner Boulevard.

Outdoors, July/August/September 20194

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

BRONX Sunday, July 7 // The Explorer’s Club: Eastchester Bay Clean UpPelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Saturday, July 13 // Island Hopping Canoeing (Intermediate) Pelham Bay Park // 11:00 a.m.For ages 8 and up. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 3.

Saturday, July 20 // The Explorer’s Club: Tibbett’s Brook Hike Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, July 21 // Orchard Beach Lagoon Birding Excursion (Intermediate)Pelham Bay Park // Noon Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 10.

Saturday, July 27 // Astronomy Van Cortlandt Park // 8:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, Aug. 4 // Naturalist Walk Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Mosholu Avenue and Broadway

Saturday, Aug. 10 // Freshwater Fishing 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.

Sunday, Aug. 11 // Historic New York: The Birthplace of Hip HopCedar Playground // 11:00 a.m. West 179th Street between Cedar Avenue and Sedgwick Avenue

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Saturday, Sept. 28 // Nature Exploration HikeSeton Falls Park // 11:00 a.m.Baychester Avenue and East 233rd Street

Sunday, Sept. 29 // Sunset and S’moresVan Cortlandt Park // 6:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

BROOKLYN Saturday, July 13 // City of Water Day: Prospect Park Waterfall HikeProspect Park // 10:00 a.m. Picnic House, Fifth Street and West Drive

Sunday, July 14 // Survival Skills: Primitive Tool Making Fort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor’s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Saturday, July 20 // Brooklyn Heights Sunset History Hike Brooklyn Bridge Park // 7:00 p.m. Registration begins on Wednesday, July 10.

Saturday, July 27 // Nature’s Workshop: Gardening 101 Marine Park // 1:00 p.m.Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, July 28 // Birding by Canoe (Intermediate) Marine Park // 1:00 p.m.Burnett Street and Avenue U. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 17.

Saturday, Aug. 3 // Gather Around the CampfireMcCarren Park // 7:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 24.

Sunday, Aug. 4 // SeiningMarine Park // 1:00 p.m. Burnett Street and Avenue U

Saturday, Aug. 17 // White Island Sunset Canoe Trip (Advanced)Marine Park // 5:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Sunday, Sept. 8 // Nature Discovery: Pond Life Canarsie Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at Park House, 88th Street and Seaview Avenue

Sunday, Sept. 15 // Nature Exploration Hike: Bugs and Butterflies Marine Park // 11:00 a.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, Sept. 22 // Prospect Park Super HikeFort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Saturday, Sept. 28 // Nature’s Workshop: Musical Instruments Fort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor’s Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Sunday, Sept. 29 // Ranger’s Choice: Jamaica Bay Greenway Bike TourMarine Park // 1:00 p.m.Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

MANHATTANSunday, July 7 // Manhattan Gardening Club: Midsummer GrowthInwood Hill Park // 11:00 a.m.218th Street and Indian Road

Photo: NYC Parks

6 Outdoors, July/August/September 2019Photo: NYC Parks

Sunday, July 14 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Hawk WatchTompkins Square Park // 2:00 p.m. Avenue A and St. Mark’s Place

Sunday, July 21 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Inwood Forest Inwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m.Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, July 27 // Historic New York: The Little Red LighthouseFort Washington Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Washington Park, West 178th Street and the Hudson River

Sunday, July 28 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Botany WalkFort Tryon Park // 11:00 a.m.Margaret Corbin Circle and Fort Washington Avenue

Saturday, Aug. 3 // Terrariums: Tiny Ecosystems Inwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 24.

Sunday, Aug. 11 // Basic CanoeingCentral Park // 11:00 a.m. West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

Sunday, Aug. 18 // The New York City Naturalist Club: The Ramble Central Park // 1:00 p.m. East 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue

Sunday, Sept. 8 // Basic Canoeing Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Harlem Meer, West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

Sunday, Sept. 15 // Inwood Rocks! Inwood Hill Park // 2:00 p.m. Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, Sept. 21 // East Village Garden Walk Tompkins Square Park // 11:00 a.m. Avenue A and St. Marks Place

Sunday, Sept. 22 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Fall MigrationInwood Hill Park // 10:00 a.m. Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, Sept. 28 // Saltwater FishingEast River Park // 11:00 a.m. East 10th Street and East River

Sunday, Sept. 29 // Nocturnal Wildlife Hike Inwood Hill Park // 7:00 p.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

QUEENSSunday, July 7 // Park of the Month: Crocheron Park Crocheron Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at 35th Avenue and Corbett Road.

Saturday, July 13 // Ice Age New York Forest Park // 1:00 p.m.Meet at Forest Park Visitor Center.

Sunday, July 14 // Park of the Month: Basic Canoeing at Golden Pond Crocheron Park // 11:00 a.m.Golden Pond, end of 35th Avenue, near Corbett Road

Saturday, July 27 // Sustainable Crafts: Tree Cookie PaintingAlley Pond Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway.

Sunday, July 28 // SeiningFrancis Lewis Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet at Third Avenue and 14th Street.

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Sunday, Aug. 4 // Park of the Month: Birding at Brookville ParkBrookville Park // 11:00 a.m. Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road

Saturday, Aug. 17 // Canoeing (Intermediate)Bayswater Park // 1:00 p.m.Meet at Beach 36th Street and Norton Avenue.

Sunday, Aug. 18 // Fort Totten Adventure Quest Fort Totten // 10:00 a.m.Meet at Fort Totten Visitors Center.

Saturday, Aug. 24 // Park of the Month: Fishing at Brookville ParkBrookville Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet at Brookville Boulevard and 147th Avenue.

Sunday, Sept. 15 // Park of the Month: Idlewild Park PreserveIdlewild Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at 149th Avenue and 225th Street.

Saturday, Sept. 21 // Coastal Exploration Rockaway Beach // 11:00 a.m. Meet at Beach 59th Street Playground.

Sunday, Sept. 22 // Park of the Month: Birding by Canoe at Idlewild ParkIdlewild Park // 11:00 a.m.Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

STATEN ISLANDSunday, July 7 // Finding Your WaySilver Lake Park // 11:00 a.m. Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Drive

Sunday, July 14 // Ecosystem Explorers: WildflowersBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue

Saturday, July 20 // Basic CanoeingClove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m. Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place

Sunday, July 21 // Archery Willowbrook Park // 11:00 a.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 10.

Saturday, Aug. 3 // Freshwater Fishing Clove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Park Drive and Clove Road

Photos: NYC Parks

Sunday, Aug. 4 // Nature Bike TourBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, July 24.

Sunday, Aug. 11 // Ecosystem Explorers: Coastline SeiningOcean Breeze Pier // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue

Saturday, Aug. 17 // Bio Blitz Nature Walk Blue Heron Park // 11:00 a.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave.

Sunday, Aug. 18 // Basic Canoeing Willowbrook Park // 11:00 a.m. Comfort Station near parking lot from Eton Place entrance

Sunday, Sept. 8 // Nature Bike TourSouth Beach // 11:00 a.m. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

Sunday, Sept. 15 // Birding: Fall MigrantsBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue

Saturday, Sept. 21 // Basic CanoeingClove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m. Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place

Sunday, Sept. 22 // Ecosystem Explorers: Micro-EcosystemsAllison Pond Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue

Saturday, Sept. 29 // Basic CanoeingWillowbrook Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Eton Place entrance of Richmond Avenue

Raptor FestSaturday, Sept. 14, 2019Noon–3:00 p.m.Central Park, East MeadowEast 98th Street and Fifth Avenue FREE EVENT

Join NYC Parks at Raptor Fest, hosted by the Urban Park Rangers. This event showcases many amazing birds of prey, also known as raptors, that are found throughout New York City and beyond—including eagles, falcons, owls, and hawks. This family event will include education and activity stations along with live birds of prey performing aerial feats.