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THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE July / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2011

Includes CALENDAR OF RANGER FREE Programs 2 NYCParks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Hi Everyone! I was so excited when I was Archery program. Summer is a great time to Message From: asked to write the opening message this tune up your bike, strap on your helmet, and summer’s in Outdoors in NYC. It was only one take a Cycling tour of a famous park, or sign Pearl the Squirrel year ago that I joined NYC Parks and what an up to spend a night under the stars with me adventure it has been! The Urban Park on a Family Camping program. Rangers really know how to have fun. Last summer I went camping every weekend I am not going to spend one day cooped up and I took my first ride in a canoe. It was in my tree this summer! On my days off, I awesome! In the fall I graduated from the am going to visit , fly a kite, and Park Ranger Academy and in the winter enjoy a concert in the park. I am also going I taught my first Winter Survival program. But to plant an acorn for every new friend I the most fun I had was making friends with make! So climb out of your tree this hundreds of kids who visited me in the park. summer and explore all the NYC Parks has to offer. Please do your part to help keep When I was a little squirrel growing up in our parks looking clean and beautiful by , I could not wait to climb taking your trash with and leaving nothing down from my tree each day and explore the behind. See you in the parks! forest. My friends and I learned the names of all the trees, and discovered which oaks A complete list of all Parks programs can be had the sweetest acorns. We had scavenger found by visiting www.nyc.gov/parks. 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

MANHATTAN Urban Park Ranger (BC): Blue Heron Nature Center (BHNC): . 79th St., mid-park. . 222 Poillon Avenue, Nature and 212.628.2345 between Amboy Road & Hylan Boulevard. 718.967.3542 Visitor Centers Dana Discovery Center (DDC): Central Park. 110th St. & Lenox Ave. High Rock Ranger Station (HRRS): Bronx 212.860.1376 High Rock Park. Park in the lot at the end of Crotona Nature Center, (CNC): Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Ave., and . Enter the park at Charlotte St. Inwood Hill Nature Center (IHNC): follow signs. 718.667.6042. & Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061 . Enter park at W. 218th St. & Indian Road. 212.304.2365 or Nature Center (OBNC): 212.304.3401 . Section 2 of Orchard Beach. 718.885.3466 Pelham Bay Ranger Station, under Adventure Center (APPAC): construction (PBRS): Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Blvd., Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. & under the Grand Central Parkway. Wilkinson Ave. 718.885.3467 718.217.6034 or 718.217.4685

Van Cortlandt Nature Center (VCNC): Visitor Center (FPVC): THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at W. Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. & Forest Park July / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2011 246th St. & . 718.548.0912 Drive. 718.846.2731 Sarah Aucoin, Director Visitors Center (FTVC): Bonnie McGuire, Deputy Director Richard Simon, Deputy Director Fort Totten Park. Enter park at fort entrance, Marta Arroyo, Program Manager Salt Marsh Nature Center (SMNC): north of intersection of 212 St. and Cross Elizabeth Green, Graphic Designer Marine Park. East 33rd St. & Avenue U. Island Pkwy. and follow signs. 718.352.1769 Shalini Beath, Grants Manager 718.421.2021

Fort Greene Visitor Center (FGVC): Urban Park Rangers 1234 Fifth Avenue . Enter the park at Myrtle City 10029 Avenue and Washington Park. 718.722.3218 URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 3

Urban Farm at Debuts Site is the Battery’s First Public Urban Farm Since the Dutch Planted their Cottage Gardens in in 1625. Public Welcomed to Plant and Farm at 80 Organic Vegetable Plots

On April 11, 2011 Parks & Recreation “The Farm is a natural outgrowth of the with architect partner Shane Neufeld utilized Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Battery Battery Conservancy’s ongoing commitment over 5,000 bamboo poles which were donated Conservancy President Warrie Price were to community outreach and envisioning to the Conservancy by renowned artists Mike joined by members of the Millennium High creatively the future of life in the City.” and Doug Starn. The bamboo is repurposed School Environmental Club and 200 first from their internationally acclaimed and sixth graders from P.S. 276 and P.S. 896 The Urban Farm occupies one full acre of installation work ‘Big Bambú: You Can’t, You to inaugurate the new Urban Farm at the the Battery’s verdant parkland at the Don’t, and You Won’t Stop,’ which occupied Battery. Also present were architect and southernmost tip of Manhattan – along The Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden designer Shane Neufeld, and Battery Chefs at – and will be in during the summer and early autumn of 2010. Wade Burch of Merchant Market, and Zak operation for two years until construction Pelaccio and Kevin Pomplun of Fatty Cue. begins on the Battery Garden Bikeway It will also function as an outdoor classroom connecting the East and West Sides of where students and volunteer members of “Urban agriculture is critical in our city to Manhattan. the public – including community groups, strengthen the connection between New local residents, members of the Downtown Yorkers and the food they eat,” said Parks & It originated with a request from students of work force, and military veterans - can Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. Millennium High School’s Envrionmental plant, cultivate, harvest, and eat fresh “We are delighted to partner with the Club to plant a vegetable garden in the park. produce. During the preparation of its soil Battery Conservancy in establishing this It led to a farming initiative that now for planting, the Urban Farm already has urban farm which will promote hands-on includes eight schools with over 650 welcomed more than 650 students from learning about the living environment, students participating. kindergarten through 12th grade, from eight nutrition, history, civics and the arts. And schools: PS3 The John Melser what better location than in the Battery – The Urban Farm will now serve the Lower Charrette School; PS89 Liberty School; the site where the Dutch first planted their Manhattan community as a sustainable PS276 School; IS289 cottage gardens back in 1625!” outdoor farming destination to include 80 Middle School; IS896 Lower organic vegetable plots. These will lie within Manhattan Community Middle School; M560 “From its structure to its program, from its an “architecture” conceived by New York City-as-School; Claremont Preparatory seeds to its enrichment of the park’s soil, designer Scott Dougan, who created a School; and Millennium High School. from its potential for bringing people planting footprint that pays playful tribute to together and teaching us about healthy , a wild American turkey who has Members of the public who would like to eating, the Urban Farm at the Battery is a resided since 2003 in the Battery and is much get their hands into the soil at the sustainable exercise in both progressive loved by the public. Tracing a perimeter that Urban Farm can learn more by going to: horticulture and design excellence,” said evokes Zelda’s silhouette, including her www.thebattery.org Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price. distinctive head and tail feathers, Dougan

Urban Park Rangers 1234 Fifth Avenue New York City 10029 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 MANHATTAN STATEN ISLAND Sunday, July 24 Sunday, July 24 Saturday, July 9 Biking / Van Cortlandt to Pelham Bay Park Biking / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / 72nd Biking / Midland Beach 10 a.m. / Midland 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Street and Riverside Drive Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard West 246th Street and Broadway Sunday, August 28 Sunday, July 31 Sunday, August 14 Biking/ Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m. / Inwood Mountain Biking / Wolfe’s Pond Park Biking / to Pelham Bay Hill Nature Center, West 218th Street and 11 a.m. / Cornelia Avenue and Chester Park 11 a.m. / Lafayette and Metcalf Indian Road Avenue Avenues Sunday, August 14 QUEENS Biking / 11 a.m. / BROOKLYN Sunday July 10 Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street Sunday, July 10 & August 28 Biking / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / Totten Biking / 12 p.m. / Meet Road and Cross Island Parkway under the arch at Grand Army Plaza 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, are welcome. For registration programs, first-served, but a few require registration participants are chosen by lottery. due to the level of difficulty. Advanced To enter your name in the lottery, visit canoeing programs are for experienced nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on the dates canoers only. Children 8 years old and up listed below.

Basic Level: Intermediate Level: Advanced Level: All skill levels, including Some experience Experience 1 children 8 years and older. 2 preferred. 3 required.

Bronx Manhattan Queens continued Saturday, July 9, August 27, Saturday, July 16, July 30, August 13, Saturday, August 6 September 24 & August 27 Basic Canoeing / Flushing Meadows Basic Canoeing/ Crotona Park Basic Canoeing/ Central Park 11 a.m.– Corona Park 9 a.m.–11 a.m./Meet on the 12 p.m./ Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte 3 p.m./ Harlem Meer near Lasker Pool, southeast side of Meadow Lake, across the Street and Crotona Park East enter park on 110th Street and Lenox small bridge, just west of the Van Wyck Avenue Expressway Saturday, July 16, Sunday, August 7, & Saturday, September 3 Sunday, August 21 Saturday, August 20 Basic Canoeing/ Van Cortlandt Park Basic Canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. Advanced Canoeing / Fort Totten Park 12 p.m./ Van Cortlandt south and Major – 4 p.m./ Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the Deegan Expressway 218th Street and Indian Road lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10. Sunday, July 31 Sunday, September 4 Advanced Canoeing/ Pelham Bay Park Intermediate Canoeing/ Inwood Hill Park Sunday, September 4 11:30 a.m./ TBA. To enter your name in the 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m./ Inwood Hill Nature Advanced Canoeing/ Fort Totten Park lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Center, West 218th Street and Indian Road 11 a.m./ TBA. To enter your name in the on July 20. lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Saturday, September 17 on August 24. Saturday, August 13 Intermediate Canoeing/ Inwood Hill Park Advanced Canoeing/ Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m.–4 p.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, 11 a.m./ TBA. To enter your name in the West 218th Street and Indian Road Staten Island lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Saturday July 2, Sunday July 24, on August 3. & Sunday August 28 Queens Basic Canoeing / Friday, July 1& August 5 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooklyn Basic Canoeing/ Fort Totten Park Brooks Pond Place Saturday July 9, Sunday July 24, 11 a.m./ Totten Road and Cross Island Sunday August 7, Saturday August 27, Parkway Sunday, July 10 & Saturday, & Saturday September 3 September 10 Basic Canoeing/ Marine Park 11 a.m.– Saturday, July 9 Basic Canoeing / Wolfe’s Pond Park 2 p.m./ Avenue U and Burnett Street Advanced Canoeing/ Bayswater Park 11 a.m.– 2 p.m./Cornelia Avenue and 12 p.m./ TBA. To enter your name in the Chester Avenue Saturday July 30, Sunday August 21, lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Sunday, September 19 on June 29. Saturday, August 13 Basic Canoeing/ Prospect Park 11 a.m.– Basic Canoeing / 2 p.m./ Audubon Center, East Drive at Saturday, July 23 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Lincoln Road Advanced Canoeing/ Fort Totten Park Avenue 11 a.m./ TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. 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 BROOKLYN continued QUEENS continued Friday, July 1 Friday, August 19 Saturday, July 30 Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park 6 p.m. Family Camping / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / Family Camping/ 6 p.m. / / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 20. August 10. Friday, July 22 Saturday, August 13 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping/ Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit MANHATTAN TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Saturday, July 2 nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 3. Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / Friday, August 5 TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit Saturday, August 27 Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. Family Camping / Cunningham Park 6 p.m. 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Friday, July 22 visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on on July 27. Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / August 17. TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit Friday, August 19 nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / STATEN ISLAND TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit Friday, August 5 Friday, July 8 nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / August 10. TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27. nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 29.

BROOKLYN Friday, August 19 Friday, July 22 Friday, July 1 Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping / Marine Park 7 p.m. / TBA. TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc. visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. August 10. Friday, August 19 Friday, July 22 Family Camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / QUEENS TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit Saturday, July 2 nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13. Family Camping/ Fort Totten Park 6 p.m. / August 10. TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit Friday, August 5 nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22. Friday, August 26 Family Camping / Fort Greene Park 7 p.m. / Family Camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit Saturday, July 16 TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27. Family Camping/ Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit August 17. nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 6. 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 provided. All fishing programs are catch and older are welcome to participate in our release only and most fishing programs are fishing and archery programs. Participation first-come, first-served. Seining programs, in a mandatory safety reviews lead by a which use nets to catch creatures close to trained Ranger is required. All equipment is shore, are great for kids of all ages.

BRONX MANHATTAN continued QUEENS continued Sunday, July 3 & August 21 Sunday, July 17 Saturday, September 3 Freshwater Fishing / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Saltwater Fishing / Inwood Hill Park Freshwater Fishing / Alley Pond Park Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street 10 a.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West 10 a.m. / Alley Pond Park Environmental and Crotona Park East 218th Street and Indian Road Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard

Sunday, July 17 & August 28 Sunday, August 7 Freshwater Fishing / Van Cortlandt Park Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / STATEN ISLAND 12 p.m. / Van Cortlandt south and Major West Harlem Piers Park, West 125 Street Sunday, July 3 & August 21 Deegan Expressway and Hudson River Freshwater Fishing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Park Drive and Clove Saturday, July 30 Sunday, August 21 Road Archery / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 1 p.m. / Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street Pier I at 70th Street and Hudson River Sunday, July 17, August 7, and Broadway & September 25 Saturday, September 24 Saltwater Fishing / Midland Beach 10 a.m. Saturday, August 20 Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / – 12 p.m. / Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Seining the Shores / Pelham Bay Park Pier I at 70th Street and Hudson River Avenue and Father Capadonno Boulevard 12 p.m. / Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach Sunday, August 14 QUEENS Seining the Shores / South Beach 2 p.m. / Sunday, July 10 Boardwalk at Sand Lane entrance BROOKLYN Saltwater Fishing / Flushing Meadows Sunday, July 17 Corona Park 9 a.m. / World’s Fair Marina Saturday, July 30 & September 3 Freshwater Fishing / Prospect Park 1 p.m. / Pier 1, North of Citi Field, between 126th Archery / Willowbrook Park Archery Range Wellhouse Drive at West Dive, enter the Street and Grand Central Parkway 11 a.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Avenue park at Park Circle Sunday, July 24 Sunday, August 14 Freshwater Fishing / 11 a.m. Freshwater Fishing / Prospect Park 12 p.m. / Rose and Oak Avenues / Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road Sunday, August 7 Freshwater Fishing / Brookville Park 2 p.m. / 147th Avenue and 235th Street MANHATTAN Saturday, July 16 Sunday, August 21 Freshwater Fishing / Harlem River Park Saltwater Fishing / Bayswater Park 1 p.m. 12 p.m. / 139th Street and Fifth Avenue – 3 p.m. / Bay 32nd Street and Beach Channel Drive 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 Hiking and Orienteering programs feature discover the plants and animals that inhabit intensity levels ranging from light (a the urban forest. Our Night Hikes are great leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), for families! Fitness Hikes feature less moderate (longer, faster paced hikes on talking and more walking, for those who rugged terrain), to vigorous (long distance, don’t mind a vigorous two hour hike. Learn with hills and rugged terrain). For all hiking how to navigate using a map and compass programs we recommend wearing on our Orienteering programs. Special comfortable shoes or boots, and packing geo-cache programs teach you how to use a water and a light snack. GPS while searching for hidden prizes.

BRONX MANHATTAN QUEENS continued Saturday, September 10 Sunday, August 14 Saturday, September 24 Nature Exploration (moderate) / Van Night Hike (moderate) / Central Park Fitness Hike (vigorous) / Forest Park 9 a.m. Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt 7:30 p.m. / Dana Discovery Center, / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Nature Center, West 246th Street and 110th Street and Lenox Avenue Boulevard and Forest Park Drive Broadway Saturday, September 3 Sunday, September 25 Orienteering (light) / Central Park 11 a.m. / STATEN ISLAND Nature Exploration (light) / Pelham Bay Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and mid- Sunday, September 4 Park 2 p.m. / Pelham Bay Ranger Station, park Nature Exploration (moderate)/ Conference Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue House Park 2 p.m. / Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street QUEENS BROOKLYN Sunday, August 14 Sunday, September 18 Saturday, September 24 Orienteering (light) / Forest Park 12 p.m. / Nature Exploration (moderate) / Nature Exploration (light) / Prospect Park Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven 11 a.m. / Ramona 11 a.m. / Audubon Center, East Drive and Boulevard and Forest Park Drive Avenue and Lenevar Avenue Lincoln Road 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 . 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 BROOKLYN continued MANHATTAN Sunday, July 10 Sunday, September 4 Saturday, July 9 August 13, Revolutionary New York: The Battle of Historic New York: The New York Skyline / & September 10 Pell’s Point / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Brooklyn 1 p.m. / Pier 1, Old Historic New York: The Little Red Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 Shore Road Fulton Street and Furman Street Lighthouse / Fort Washington Park 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. / Enter the park at 181 Street and Sunday, August 7 Sunday, September 25 Natural History: Crotona Park / Crotona Historic New York: Breweries of Old New Park 2 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, York / 11 a.m. / Bushwick and Montrose Sunday, July 10, August 14, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East Avenues & September 25 Historic New York: The Highbridge / Sunday, September 4 Highbridge Park 1 p.m. / Amsterdam Native America: Powwow Presentation for Avenue and West 174th Street Kids / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Sunday, July 10 Crotona Park East Revolutionary New York: Forts of Central Park / Central Park 1 p.m. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street and Lenox Avenue BROOKLYN Sunday, July 3, August 7, & August 28 Saturday, September 10 Revolutionary New York: Explore Life in the Historic New York: City Hall to Battery Park Colonies / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort / 11 a.m. / Park Row and Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Beekman Street Washington Park

Sunday, July 31 QUEENS Civil War New York: The Underground Sunday, July 3, July 17, August 7, Railroad Van Trip / Fort Greene Park August 28, & September 25 11 a.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by Civil War New York: Fort Totten / Fort lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, Totten Park 10 a.m. / Fort Totten Visitors visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Center, 212th Street and Cross Island July 20. Parkway

Saturday, August 20 Revolutionary New York: Battle of Brooklyn STATEN ISLAND Van Tour / 10 a.m. / TBA. Participants are Saturday, July 16, July 23, August 20, chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the September 17, September 24 lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Freshkills Tour / Fresh Kills Park 10 a.m. & on August 10. 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 BROOKLYN MANHATTAN Saturday, August 20 Thursday, July 28, August 25, Sunday, August 28 Seining the Shores / Pelham Bay Park September 8 Scavenger Hunt / Central Park 11 a.m. / 12 p.m. / Orchard Beach Nature Center, Movies Under the Stars / Marine Park Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and mid- Section 2 of Orchard Beach 8 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, park. East 33rd Street and Avenue U Sunday, August 28 Sunday, September 18 Imagination Play / Van Cortlandt Park Sunday, September 4 Puppet Show / Inwood Hill Park 4 p.m. – 11 a.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Kids Nature Crafts / Marine Park 1 p.m. / 6 p.m. / Inwood Hill Nature Center, West West 246th Street and Broadway Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street 218th Street and Indian Road and Avenue U Sunday, September 4 Native America: Powwow Presentation QUEENS for Kids / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Sunday, September 18 Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Scavenger Hunt / Brookville Park 2 p.m. / Crotona Park East 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

STATEN ISLAND 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 BROOKLYN continued MANHATTAN continued Saturday, July 2, August 6, September 3 Saturday, September 17 Sunday, September 18 Birding / Van Cortlandt Park 8 a.m. / Van Brooklyn-Queens Birding Van Trip / Marine Birding / Central Park 10 a.m. / Belvedere Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street Park 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / TBA. Participants are Castle, 79th Street and mid-park and Broadway chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Saturday, September 17 on September 7. QUEENS Birding / Sound View Park 11 a.m. / Sunday, September 18 Lafayette and Metcalf Avenues Birding / Idlewild Park 11 a.m. / Springfield MANHATTAN Lane and 147th Avenue Sunday, July 31 BROOKLYN Birding / Central Park 11 a.m. / Saturday, July 2, August 6, September 3 100th Street and Central Park West STATEN ISLAND Birding / Marine Park 8 a.m. / Salt Marsh Sunday, August 7 Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Saturday, August 20 Butterfly Exploration / Blue Heron Park Avenue U Bat Exploration / Central Park 7:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and mid- 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road park 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

Sunday, September 4 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.