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Home , Canarsie Pol, Dead Horse Bay, Forest Park (Queens), Jamaica Bay, Paerdegat Basin, Ruffle Bar

U. S. Department of the Interior Gateway Visitor Programs and Events Summer 2019 ,

Beach Plums in bloom; Marine Park Bridge viewed from Plumb Beach, Jamaica Bay. Photo by Don Riepe

Highlighted programs and event If you are in the mood to lend a hand there And you may want to take advantage These are some special pro- are some volunteer opportunities for you: of these special events: grams offered at Jamaica Bay this sum- Monthly Beach Clean-ups mer. Summer Solstice Sunset Walk Beginning Kayak programs, no reserva- North Channel Bridge Jamaica Bay Refuge tions required: Saturdays: June 1, July 6, August 3 Friday, June 21 Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM , Seaplane Ramp National Trails Day Diamondback Terrapin Walk Saturdays and Sundays Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge May 25 – August 31 Sunday, June 2 June 20, 21, and 22 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 1 PM – 4 PM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Canarsie Pier Kayaking Tryout And here are some Recurring Programs Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival; Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn that are offered through the summer : 13th Annual Event Saturdays Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge May 25 – August 31 Campfire Fridays Saturday, August 17 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Wise Clock, @ Bay 6 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM July 5 – August 30 Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM See the details for these and many Riis Landing, more programs and events in the list- Sundays Birding for Beginners ings below. May 26 – August 25 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Saturdays, May 18 through September 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Visitor Center Hours A Walking Tour of Historic Canarsie Pier Kayaking Tryout Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Fort Tilden (Meet in front of Building 1) Saturdays Open 7 days, 9 AM- 5 PM Sundays in June, July, and August May 25 – August 31 Ryan Visitor Center 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Wednesday – Sunday 9 AM– 5 PM Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Kayak tryouts for those who have never Permits and Retail Store 9AM-4 PM Tilden’s fortifications, and learn about the done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 fort’s role in defending and up with an adult. No reservation re- Camp Store through two world wars and the Cold War. quired. Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-4 PM ♥ 1 mile Friday-Sunday, 9 AM—8 PM Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout Explore Historic Hangar B Riis Landing, Queens Volunteer Opportunities Floyd Bennett Field Sundays Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, and Monthly Beach Clean-ups May 26 – August 25 August 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM North Channel Bridge 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never Saturdays: June 1, July 6, August 3 Join a park ranger for a tour of Hangar B done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and the aircraft inside, which are part of and up with an adult. No reservation re- Join the National Park Service and Sadha- Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history! na: Coalition of Progressive Hindus for quired. our monthly beach clean-up at the North Channel Bridge as part of an ongoing ef- fort to improve the coastline of Jamaica Bay. Kayak Programs on the Water Programs and events

National Trails Day Welcome to Gateway National Recreation June Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Area’s Jamaica Bay, the westernmost bay Sunday, June 2 along Long ’s south shore. The bay’s World Science Festival Great Fish 1 PM – 4 PM open water, creeks, inlets and salt Count Join us on National Trails Day as we con- teem with wildlife, from spawning fish, Canarsie Pier duct some trail maintenance around the shrimp and horse shoe crabs, to mud snails, Saturday, June 1 refuge. All tools will be provided, just laughing gulls, and terrapin turtles. Nation- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM bring yourself in a sturdy pair of footwear al Park Service stewards protect this re- Striped bass and bluefish and fluke, oh and long pants. Call 718-318-4340 for markable wildlife refuge deep within the my! Now in its 4th year, this hugely popu- more information. metropolis and present lar, all-age, hands-on event is a celebration free, fun and educational paddling pro- of the marine life in the waters surround- Recurring Programs ing our five boroughs. Top marine biolo- grams to experience it first-hand. Join us! Campfire Fridays For all programs: dress to get wet, wear gists and scientists will work with you and Wise Clock, Jacob Riis Park @ Bay 6 shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, your kids to discover–and count–the many June 28 – August 30 sunscreen and a snack. Kayaks, personal species of fish and marine creatures (even 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM floatation devices, paddles and instruction seahorses) right here in our own city wa- Sand, S’mores, and Singing Rangers - join will be provided. terways. No net needed. We’ll provide us for the iconic experience of a National The shortest paddles are called everything, including . Just head on down and help us count. Park campfire program each Friday even- “Kayaking Tryouts” Slightly longer trips ing at Jacob Riis Park. We encourage you are simply called “paddles,” for those with Hummingbird Hide-and-Seek to bring your own campfire stories, songs, a little bit more experience. “Excursions” Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and instruments. are the longest trips intended for those who Saturday, June 1 have paddled the listed distance before. 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Birding for Beginners “Tryouts” and “Skills Sessions” are for first Hike out into the North Garden to hear Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge time paddlers, or those who wish to im- about the amazing journey of the Ruby- Saturdays, May 18 through September prove their skills and practice. There is throated hummingbird. Learn how they 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM something for everyone. build their nests, what they eat (and who Join us for an introductory nature walk All programs require a reservation eats them), and other fun facts that make where you will learn the essentials of bird- unless it is indicated that there is “No reser- them so special. Then spend time looking watching. ♥ 1 mile. vation required.” Call 718-338-3799 for through a scope, trying to observe them in more information, and to make a reserva- their natural habitat. All ages welcome. Osprey Watch Guided Walk tion. Dress for the weather. ♥ 1 mile. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sundays, May 19 through September Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout National Trails Day 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn , Queens Learn all about the amazing Osprey on Seaplane Ramp Sunday, June 2 this guided walk of the West Pond Trail. Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM We’ll talk about their incredible migration May 25 – August 31 We’re teaming up with NYC Urban Park and the inspiring story of how conserva- 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Rangers in celebrating National Trails tion efforts were able to bring this species Kayak tryouts for those who have never Day! What better way to celebrate than back from the brink. ♥ 1 mile. done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 getting out and enjoying the fresh air in and up with an adult. No reservation re- one of New York City’s parks. Family quired. friendly activities will be offered. *Please note this is an off-site event hosted at For- Guardian of the Gateway: est Park. For more information, call: 718- 318-4340.

Page 4. For updates, visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/gate, on Facebook at Gateway , or on Twitter, @GatewayNPS. Excursion Join the Brooklyn Amateur Astronomers Asso- Kayak Skills Session and Practice Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn ciation for stargazing. Cancelled if overcast. Paddle Seaplane Ramp Riis Landing, Queens Wednesday, June 5 The Horseshoe Crab’s Crown Friday, June 14 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Exhibit Opening 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Paddlers at every skill level will enjoy on this trip. Learn about the history of the is- Sunday, June 9 time on the water trying out new strokes land and the plants and animals that thrive 1:30 Reading or perfecting the standards. Participate there. ♥ 4.5 miles. 2:00 –4:00 PM Opening reception in fun demonstrations. No reservation Join us for the exhibit opening and reading by required. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle the author, Heather Feather of her children’s Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn book. Exhibit, showing the creation of the Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Seaplane Ramp book runs for two months. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Wednesday, June 5 Seaplane Ramp 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Paddle Wednesday, June 19 First time paddlers follow along the shoreline Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM salt and historic airport tarmac and re- Wednesday, June 12 Kayak tryouts for those who have never turn a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruc- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM done it before. Open to the public, ages tion provided. ♥ 1 mile. Kayak Jamaica Bay's North shore to Paerdegat 6 and up with an adult. No reservation Creek from Canarsie Pier and return. NYC required. Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Urban Park Rangers join in to seine the bay Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn and show us what’s under the water. ♥ 2 Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field miles. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Thursday, June 6 Seaplane Ramp 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Pollinator Plant Party Part 3 Wednesday, June 19 Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 Wednesday, June 12 First time paddlers follow along the miles. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM shoreline and historic airport Help us tend to some of our new additions to tarmac and return a little “saltier” than Island Channel Paddle the pollinator garden. We’ll be doing some at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn garden maintenance, planting, and talking all mile. Seaplane Ramp about pollinators and their role here at the Ref- Thursday, June 6 uge. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Seaplane Ramp Thursday, June 20 Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. Wednesday, June 12 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the Paddle First time paddlers follow along the shoreline shoreline salt marsh and historic airport Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and re- tarmac and return a little “saltier” than Friday, June 7 turn a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruc- at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM tion provided. ♥ 1 mile. mile. Experience Dead Horse Bay from the water on this pleasant paddle across to Plumb Beach. Fire Control Tower Excursion Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an Riis Landing, Queens Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn adult. ♥ 2 miles. Thursday, June 13 Seaplane Ramp 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Thursday, June 20 Capsize! From Riis Landing, paddle along the Rocka- 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Riis Landing, Queens way shoreline past Rockaway Cove to the Kayak tryouts for those who have never Friday, June 7 WWII Fire Control Tower. Enjoy a natural done it before. Open to the public, ages 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM history discussion and return with incoming 6 and up with an adult. No reservation Learn how to fall out of your kayak and get back to Riis Landing. ♥ 4 miles. required. back in. Children over 11 and adults are wel- comed to participate in this program. Rockaway Cove Paddle Seaplane Kayaking Tryout Riis Landing, Queens Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Diamondback Terrapin Walk Thursday, June 13 Seaplane Ramp Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Friday, June 21 June 6, 7, and 8 Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula Kayak tryouts for those who have never Come along as we head out on the West Pond along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 done it before. Open to the public, ages Trail in search of nesting diamondback terra- miles. 6 and up with an adult. No reservation pins. We’ll talk about these amazing turtles, required. their annual journey to the shores of the Wild- Island Channel Paddle life Refuge, and our efforts to help their off- Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle spring make it safely back to the water. Seaplane Ramp Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Friday, June 14 Seaplane Ramp Stargazing 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Friday, June 21 Floyd Bennett Field – Community Gardens Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Friday, June 7 on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Ben- First time paddlers follow along the 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM nett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula Seaplane Ramp along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 Summer Solstice Sunset Walk Wednesday, July 3 miles. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Friday, June 21 First time paddlers follow along the shore- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Floyd Bennett Field Kayak Excursion line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac The summer season has officially arrived! and Walk in the Park and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Maximize your time outdoors on the longest Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. day of the year with a walk around West Thursday, June 27 Pond. We'll observe the birds and flowers that 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle signify summer in Jamaica Bay, soak up all of Paddle around Floyd Bennett Field to the Sea- Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn that glorious sunshine, and then end with a plane Ramp from the marina and walk back 1 Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying beautiful sunset view. All ages welcome. mile. ♥ 3 miles. Field Dress for the weather. Call (718) 318-4340 to Thursday, July 4 reserve a spot. ♥ 1.5 miles. Kayak Excursion 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Ben- Diamondback Terrapin Walk Friday, June 28 nett Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM ♥ 2 miles. June 20, 21, and 22 Enjoy a scenic excursion up Gerritsen Creek 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM and back. See the and then cool off at Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Come along as we head out on the West Pond the Salt Marsh Nature Center while learning Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Trail in search of nesting diamondback terra- about the wetland habitat with the NYC Ur- Seaplane Ramp pins. We will talk about these amazing turtles, ban Park Rangers. ♥ 4.5 miles. Thursday, July 4 their annual journey to the shores of the Wild- 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM life Refuge, and our efforts to help their off- Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Kayak tryouts for those who have never spring make it safely back to the water. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 Seaplane Ramp and up with an adult. No reservation re- Yellow Bar Excursion Friday, June 28 quired. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Seaplane Ramp First time paddlers follow along the shoreline Beach Channel Excursion Tuesday, June 25 salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and Riis Landing, Queens 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM return a little “saltier” than at the start. In- Friday, July 5 Paddlers head east to see the flora and fauna in struction provided. ♥ 1 mile. 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the shallows behind Ruffle Bar at low tide. ♥ Paddle East along the Rockaway Peninsula 5 miles. Butterflies and Moths of Jamaica Bay to the Beach 88th Street Kayak Launch. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Break for a quick lunch and return to Riis Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Saturday, June 29 Landing on the Ebb tide ♥ 6.25 miles. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field Join naturalist Don Riepe for a slide program Kayak Skills Sessions and Practice Tuesday, June 25 and walk around the refuge to look for butter- Paddle 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, flies, moths, and other pollinators. Learn Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett about their ecology and behavior as well as Riis Landing, Queens Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 the plants they depend on. This program is in Friday, July 5 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM miles. partnership with NYC Audubon and the Paddlers at every skill level will enjoy time American Littoral Society. on the water trying out new strokes or per- Fire Control Tower Excursion Seaweeds, Seashells, and More fecting the standards. Participate in fun Riis Landing, Queens Fort Tilden, Building 1 demonstrations. No reservation required. Wednesday, June 26 Sunday, June 30 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM From Riis Landing, paddle along the Rocka- Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Hike the seashore during an outgoing tide Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn way shoreline past Rockaway Cove to the with American Littoral Society naturalist, WWII Fire Control Tower. Enjoy a natural Seaplane Ramp Mickey Maxwell Cohen, author of Adven- Wednesday, July 10 history discussion and return with incoming tures at the Beach, to look for marine life, tide back to Riis Landing. ♥ 4 miles. 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM coastal birds, and seaside plants. Binoculars, a First time paddlers follow along the shore- magnifying glass and sun protection will be Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac helpful. This program is in partnership with and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn the American Littoral Society. ♥ 1 mile. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Seaplane Ramp Wednesday July Board Game Club June 26, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge First time paddlers follow along the shoreline Ruffle Bar Excursion Wednesday, July 10 salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and re- Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn 2 PM – 4 PM turn a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruc- Seaplane Ramp Come spend some time at the Refuge as we tion provided. ♥ 1 mile. Wednesday, July 3 explore the world of nature-based board 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM games. Feel free to bring your own game to Rockaway Cove Paddle Paddle around this large island in Jamaica share. All ages are welcome. Riis Landing, Queens Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of Thursday, June 27 the island and the plants and animals that Rockaway Cove Paddle thrive there. ♥ 4.5 miles. Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, July 11 regulations of fishing in Jamaica Bay and Idlewild Park Paddle 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM about the fish that live in the waters of the bay! Craft Avenue and Huxley Street, Queens Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows Children will earn a special Junior Ranger Wednesday, August 7 the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula badge for participating. 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 Explore the salt marsh near the head of miles. Ruffle Bar Excursion Jamaica Bay on this idyllic paddle. Open Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. Excursion Seaplane Ramp Enjoy birding with NYC Urban Park Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Wednesday, July 24 Rangers too! ♥ 2 miles. Thursday, July 11 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay Board Game Club Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the is- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on this energetic trip. Learn about the history land and the plants and animals that thrive Wednesday, August 7 of the of Jamaica Bay. ♥ 5 miles. there. ♥ 4.5 miles. 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come spend some time at the Refuge as Shirley Chisolm Park Paddle Board Game Club we explore the world of nature-based Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge board games. Feel free to bring your own Saturday, July 13 Wednesday, July 24 game to share. All ages are welcome. 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Adventure paddle with a National Park Ranger Come spend some time at the Refuge as we Fountain Avenue Park Paddle on City of Water Day! Visit the new Shirley explore the world of nature-based board Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Chisholm State Park and hike to the top for a games. Feel free to bring your own game to Thursday, August 8 stunning vista. Before paddling back, discover share. All ages are welcome. 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM the natural history of the site and how urban Paddle along the North shore of Jamaica development has shaped Jamaica Bay. ♥ 2 Rockaway Cove Paddle Bay to Hendrix Creek and see the thriving miles. Riis Landing, Queens wildlife along the saltmarsh edge of the Thursday, July 25 former landfills. ♥ 2.5 miles. Island Channel Paddle 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows Junior Angler Fishing Clinic Seaplane Ramp the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula Canarsie Pier Wednesday, July 17 along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 Saturday August 11th 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM miles. 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes Learn about the sport of angling through a on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Big Egg Marsh Excursion variety of different approaches with the Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. Beach 88th Street kayak launch in NYS Department of Environmental Con- Far Rockaway servation and join us as we learn about Full Buck Moon Hike Thursday, July 25 local fish. Children will earn a special Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Junior Ranger badge for participating. Wednesday, July 17 Kayak from this exciting new launch site with Reservation required, call 718-318-4340. 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM a National Park Ranger to Big Egg Marsh, Experience the park after dark and learn more learn about the salt marsh and view wildlife Pollinator Plant Party Part 5 about the nocturnal residents of the Jamaica that call Jamaica Bay home. ♥ 3 miles. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Bay Wildlife Refuge. Call 718-318-4340 to Wednesday, August 14 reserve a spot. Island Channel Paddle 10:00 AM -11:00 AM Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn This month most of our pollinator species Pollinator Plant Party Part 4 Seaplane Ramp will be in full bloom. Bees, butterflies, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday and birds abound. Come see how our pro- Thursday, July 18 July 31, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM gress this year has taken root and is flour- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes ishing. Join us as we tend to our blossoming pollinator on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett garden in July. Watering, weeding, and waxing Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. Island Channel Paddle poetic about our favorite pollinators are just a Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn few of the things we’ll be doing at this mid- August Seaplane Ramp summer fiesta. Wednesday, August 14 Ruffle Bar Excursion 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Enjoy unique natural and cultural land- Seaplane Ramp Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn scapes on this intermediate paddle from Thursday, August 1 Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Thursday, July 18 3 miles. Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett on this trip. Learn about the history of the is- land and the plants and animals that thrive Christianpol Marsh Paddle Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn miles. there. ♥ 4.5 miles. Seaplane Ramp Rockaway Cove Paddle Thursday, August 15 Junior Angler Fishing Clinic Riis Landing, Queens 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Canarsie Pier Thursday, August 1 Paddle across island channel and visit the Saturday, July 20 1:30 PM –4:00 PM shallows south of Canarsie Pol. ♥ 3 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows miles. Join this session for first time or novice an- the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula glers. Park rangers will teach you everything along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 from how to set up your pole, the rules and miles. Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM get some birthday cake and play Pin the Riis Landing, Queens Come spend some time at the Refuge as we tail on the Bison. Happy birthday NPS ! Thursday, August 15, explore the world of nature-based board 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM games. Feel free to bring your own game to Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Kayak tryouts for those who have never done share. All ages are welcome. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up Seaplane Ramp with an adult. No reservation required. Beach Channel Excursion Wednesday, August 28 Riis Landing, Queens 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Full Sturgeon Moon Hike Thursday, August 22 Kayak tryouts for those who have never Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 Thursday, August 15 Paddle East along the Rockaway Peninsula th and up with an adult. No reservation re- 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM to the Beach 88 Street Kayak Launch. quired. See the park after dark! Take a nighttime Break for a quick lunch and return to Riis hike around West Pond with a National Park Landing on the Ebb tide ♥ 6.25 miles. Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout Ranger. Learn more about the nocturnal resi- Riis Landing, Queens dents of the Refuge. Call (718) 318-4340 to Kayak Skills Sessions and Wednesday, August 28 reserve a spot. Practice Paddle 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Riis Landing, Queens Kayak tryouts for those who have never Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Friday, August 23 done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM and up with an adult. No reservation re- Seaplane Ramp Paddlers at every skill level will enjoy time quired. Friday, August 16 on the water trying out new strokes or per- 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM fecting the standards. Participate in fun Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout First time paddlers follow along the shore- demonstrations. No reservation required. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac Seaplane Ramp and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Ruffle Bar Excursion Thursday, August 29 Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Seaplane Ramp Kayak tryouts for those who have never Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival Friday, August 23 done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM and up with an adult. No reservation re- Saturday, August 17 Paddle around this large island in Jamaica quired. 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of A day-long festival of activities including the island and the plants and animals that hikes to the East and West Ponds, lectures by thrive there. ♥ 4.5miles. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle prominent shorebird experts, kids programs, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn and more. Learn about bird behavior, biolo- Junior Angler Fishing Clinic Seaplane Ramp gy and how to identify shorebirds in the Canarsie Pier Thursday, August 29 field. Leaders include: Kevin Karlson, Don Saturday, August 24 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Riepe, and Lloyd Spitalnik. This special pro- 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport gram is in partnership with NYC Audubon Join this session for first time or novice an- and the American Littoral Society. For info glers. Park rangers will teach you everything tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at call (718) 474-0896; e-mail: from how to set up your pole, the rules and the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. [email protected] regulations of fishing in Jamaica Bay and about the fish that live in the waters of the Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout JoCo Marsh Excursion bay! Children will earn a special Junior Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Bayswater Park, Queens Ranger badge for participating. Seaplane Ramp Bay 36th Street, Far Rockaway Friday, August 30 Wednesday, August 21 Hike the Trails of Dead Horse Bay 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM New York’s Best Kept Secret Ecosystem Kayak tryouts for those who have never See the thriving salt marsh with the backdrop Floyd Bennett Field - Main Entrance done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 of one of the world's busiest airports, on this Ranger Station and up with an adult. No reservation re- energetic excursion from Bayswater Park Sunday, August 25 quired. through JoCo Creek. Immerse yourself in 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM the estuary! NYC Urban Park Rangers will Hike the trails and shoreline at Dead Horse Island Channel Paddle accompany this paddle. ♥ 4.5 miles. Bay with Mickey Maxwell Cohen, Ameri- Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn can Littoral Society naturalist, author of Seaplane Ramp Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Discovering the Trails of Dead Horse Bay. Friday, August 30 Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Explore the nature and fascinating history of 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Seaplane Ramp this little known area, a living museum of Enjoy unique natural and cultural land- Wednesday the 1950s. Sturdy footwear is essential as scapes on this intermediate paddle from August 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM this is a hazardous area. This program is Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ First time paddlers follow along the shore- presented in partnership with the American 3 miles. line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac Littoral Society. ♥ 1 mile. and return a little “saltier” than at the start. —end of Jamaica Bay listings— Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Founder’s Day, 103rd Birthday of the National Park Service Board Game Club Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, August 25 Wednesday, August 21 Stop by for some birthday themed activities,