THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE July/August/September 2014

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

Summer is the season when New Yorkers Urban Park Rangers can help you discover Message From: take full advantage of all NYC Parks has to our 29,000 acres of parklands. offer. The more than 800 athletic fields, Liam Kavanagh nearly 1,000 playgrounds, and 695 tennis There is no better place to make the most courts operated by NYC Parks are in full use out of a summer excursion than the 10,000- First Deputy Commissioner and our 8 beaches comprising over 14 miles acre wetland in Brooklyn and Queens known of coastline and 55 outdoor pools receive as Greater Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks. millions of visitors trying to keep cool in Thanks to the partnership between NYC NYC Parks & Recreation the summer heat. Our summer concerts Parks and the this offer plenty of options for music lovers protected area consisting of islands, and our tours and exhibitions of the 50th waterways, meadowlands, and beaches is anniversary of the World’s Fair at Flushing more accessible to New Yorkers than ever Meadows Corona Park are a must for before. Greater Jamaica Bay-Rockaway history buffs. Parks is an environmental sanctuary for over 300 species of birds including the ’s forests, meadows, and shorelines endangered piping plover, 80 types of are also great places to explore. When I visit butterflies, and 75 varieties of finfish, and these places with my granddaughter, every with more than 20 miles of greenway and rock, stick, and puddle becomes part of a open space it is ideal for activities such as natural playground filled with plants and hiking, biking, camping, birding, fishing, animals that turns an everyday outing into surfing, boating, and even golfing. And no an adventure. Even a quintessential Brooklyn summer would be complete without visiting girl like my granddaughter can enjoy the the beach. Since Hurricane Sandy more great outdoors without leaving her than $140 million has been invested to favorite borough. repair and restore Rockaway Beach. Last summer, there were more than 3 million The best guides to aid in your own visitors to Rockaway Beach. This year, we exploration and appreciation of New York hope to see even more beach-goers enjoy City’s outdoor areas are the Urban Park the sand and water! Rangers. Whether fishing at Van Cortlandt Park, practicing archery at Willowbrook The Urban Park Rangers are ready and able Park, canoeing at Bayswater Park, hiking to help you explore this great natural the Waterfall Trail at Prospect Park, or treasure – one of America’s leading urban camping at Inwood Hill Park, the parks for outdoor exploration – and the rest Credit: Malcolm Pinckney | NYC Parks unparalleled expertise provided by the of ’s renowned parks.

BROOKLYN continued STATEN ISLAND Urban Park Ranger Fort Greene Visitor Center: Blue Heron Nature Center: Fort Greene Park. Enter the park at Myrtle Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue, Nature and Avenue and Washington Park. 718.722.3218 between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard. Visitor Centers 718.967.3542 High Rock Ranger Station: Belvedere Castle: High Rock Park. Park in the lot at the end of Bronx Central Park. 79th St., mid-park. Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Avenue, and Crotona Nature Center: 212.628.2345 follow signs. 718.667.6042 Crotona Park. Enter the park at Charlotte St. and Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061 Inwood Hill Nature Center: For hours, call the specific location. Inwood Hill Park. Enter park at W. 218th St. Orchard Beach Nature Center: and Indian Road. Under Renovation due to Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 of Orchard Super-Storm Sandy Beach. 718.885.3466

Pelham Bay Ranger Station: QUEENS Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. and Alley Pond Park Adventure Center: Wilkinson Avenue. 718.319.7258 Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Blvd., THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE under the Grand Central Parkway. Van Cortlandt Nature Center: 718.217.6034 or 718.217.4685 Urban Park Rangers Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at 1234 Fifth Avenue W. 246th St. and Broadway. 718.548.0912 New York City 10029 Forest Park Visitor Center: Forest Park. Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive. 718.846.2731 BROOKLYN Director Deputy Director Sarah Aucoin Richard Simon Salt Marsh Nature Center: Fort Totten Visitors Center: Marine Park. East 33rd Street and Avenue U. Deputy Director Graphic Designer Fort Totten Park. Enter park at fort entrance, Bonnie McGuire Elizabeth Green 718.421.2021 north of intersection of 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway and follow signs. 718.352.1769

Cover Photo Credit: David Goldemberg | NYC Parks URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 3

Go Park! Go Cricket! By Matthias Augustin

Cricket is very much alive in New York City. It’s played in New York City parks in all five boroughs, mainly on weekends. In recent years, as the sport has grown more popular, the Parks Department has designed and built beautiful new cricket fields across the city.

Credit: Daniel Avila | NYC Parks

Some of my favorite spots, which have been playing in Walker Park since 1876, You’re playing at your best. Your shots dedicated cricket fields recently built or when the park’s name was Livingston Park. come off the grass beautifully. You’re reconstructed, include Canarsie Cricket middling the ball just right. Your timing is Field in Brooklyn at Seaview and Paerdegat There are cricket stars from virtually good. All’s right with the world. Avenue North; Spring Creek Park at every country and corner touched by the Gateway Drive off Erskine Street in British Commonwealth, which introduced Three things everyone in the world seems Brooklyn; Idlewild Park in Queens at 223rd the game all over the world, from Africa to love are music, food, and sports. So next Street and Springfield Lane; Baisley Pond to Australia, Asia to Europe and the time you walk by or drive by a game, stop Park in Queens at North Conduit Avenue Caribbean, and today, its fans have and inquire. Cricket lovers are only too and Baisley Boulevard; and Van Cortlandt made it a staple in the United States happy to share their love of the sport. Park in the Bronx at Broadway and West and here in our New York City parks. For more information about cricket fields 242nd Avenue to West 250th Avenue. In The season is from May to October, citywide, go to nyc.gov/parks and search Staten Island, Walker Park is home to the depending on weather. “Cricket.” oldest running cricket club in the United States – the Staten Island Cricket Club When the game is going well, cricket Matthias Augustin is the Director of (SICC). They were founded in 1872 and have players say, “Everything’s clicking.” Brooklyn Construction for NYC Parks.

What do you enjoy most about where I forget that I am in a city. The Ranger in the being a Ranger? beaches here offer tranquil beauty and It’s amazing to have a job where I am incredible opportunities to view wildlife Spotlight: constantly learning new things. Sometimes like Snowy Owls in winter, endangered I get to learn from trainings and research, shorebirds that arrive in the spring, and Judith Velosky but more often, I learn through experience humpback whales that migrate through and observation of nature, which I the waters in late summer. Urban Park Ranger particularly enjoy. Being outdoors year- Sergeant round is also something that I really love What are you most proud of? about my job. Animal rescues are a big part of our job and it’s a tremendous feeling to help What are your favorite programs? injured wildlife, especially when it’s I enjoy teaching our outdoor skill programs something as magnificent as a raptor. I’m like camping, fishing and canoeing. It’s also proud to serve the public on a daily wonderful to offer these kinds of basis and in times of emergency such as experiences to people who live in the city. Hurricane Sandy. After Sandy, we mostly In my favorite program, Wilderness addressed safety issues in the parks and Survival, we teach participants how to trees that had fallen throughout the city, make fires, gather food and water, and but we also helped with some recovery build a shelter from natural materials. It’s efforts like distributing supplies in the so fun to learn and teach survival tactics hardest-hit areas of the city. I feel in a city park, and since we lead these fortunate to be able to reach out to survival programs in the fall and winter, it’s and help those in need. usually colder and sometimes snowy, so the need to survive seems more pressing. What are your hobbies/interests? My husband and kids are my main focus. What is your favorite park and why? We all love being outdoors and try to go for It’s a tie between two parks on the edges hikes or bike rides whenever possible. We of New York City: Pelham Bay Park in the just rode the 5-Boro Bike Tour, which was Bronx and Rockaway Beach in Queens. awesome! I also love watching live sports, Pelham Bay Park has beautiful hiking trails going to museums, listening to music and where you can explore forests and exploring all those urban spaces in New wetlands along the Long Island Sound and York City that I don’t see during my work see animals like wild turkeys, owls, and days, which are mostly spent in the city’s deer. Rockaway Beach is the other park natural areas. It’s the best of both worlds!

Credit: Elizabeth Green | NYC Parks 4 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Ranger’s Choice

Our bright and talented Urban Park Rangers are what make our Weekend Adventure programs so amazing. This summer we are featuring some of our Rangers’ favorite Weekend Adventure experiences. From stunning wildlife viewing to behind-the-scenes access, these programs are not to be missed.

Space is limited on all Ranger’s Choice programs and registration is required. Visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register to register.

Credit: NYC Parks

BRONX MANHATTAN QUEENS continued Sunday, July 20 Sunday, August 3 Sunday, July 6 Ranger’s Choice: Island Hopping / Orchard Ranger’s Choice: Fortress Central Park / Plover Day! / Rockaway Beach 11 a.m. Beach 9 a.m. / Location TBA Come spend a Central Park 11 a.m. / Location TBA The - 2 p.m. / B52nd Street and the boardwalk day exploring the islands that surround the remains of a primitive fort from the War Discover one of New York City’s endangered Orchard Beach Estuary by canoe. Join a of Independence and the War of 1812 species: The Piping Plover! Games, crafts small group of fellow experienced canoers can still be found in historic Central Park. and educational activities raise awareness as we go exploring the islands around Discover the forgotten role these forts of this amazing shorebird. Orchard Beach. Participants are chosen by played in our nation’s history. Registration lottery. To enter your name in the lottery required. To register, please visit Saturday, September 6 visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Ranger’s Choice: Fort Tour by Candlelight / Thursday, July 10th. Wednesday, July 23rd. Fort Totten 7:30 p.m. / Location TBA This is an exciting opportunity to visit this historic Sunday, September 7 Saturday, August 9 waterfront fortress in the twilight hours Ranger’s Choice: Hawk Watch / Pelham Bay Ranger’s Choice: Little Red by and walk through its tunnels by candle Park 1 p.m. / Location TBA The old Pelham Candle light / 8 p.m. light. Registration required. To register, Bay landfill remains closed to the public, / Location TBA The Jeffrey’s Hook visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on making it a great place to watch migrating lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to Wednesday, August 27th. birds of prey. Join a small group of fellow its current site in 1921, has become widely birders as we go in search of these avian known as the children’s literary landmark hunters. Registration required. To register, “The Little Red Lighthouse.” Join us as we STATEN ISLAND visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on explore this unique landmark by candlelight. Saturday, August 30 Thursday, August 28. Registration required. To register, visit Ranger’s Choice: Archery / Willowbrook nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Park 1 p.m. / Location TBA Ages 8 and up. Wednesday, July 30th. Participants are chosen by lottery. To BROOKLYN enter your name in the lottery visit Saturday, July 5 nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Ranger’s Choice: Camping 101 / Marine QUEENS Wednesday, August 20th. Park 11 a.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center Sunday, July 6 Put your outdoor skills to the test! Learn Ranger’s Choice: Hike and Paddle Sunday, September 14 the best way to pitch a tent, build a fire, Excursion Adventure / Alley Pond Park Ranger’s Choice: Archery / Willowbrook become familiar with camping equipment 10 a.m. / Location TBA We will start Park 1 p.m. / Location TBA / Ages 8 and up. and explore the surrounding parkland. our excursion at the Alley Giant (a tulip Participants are chosen by lottery. To tree that is one of the oldest and largest enter your name in the lottery visit trees in Queens), then we will hike to nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Oakland Lake and go canoeing. Wednesday, September 3rd. Registration required. To register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, June 25th. URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 5

Canoeing

Few 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 progress from a novice to an expert in just one summer!

Most canoe programs are first-come, trained Ranger is required. Advanced first-served, but a few require registration canoeing programs are for experienced due to the level of difficulty. Participation canoers only. Children 8 years old and up in a mandatory safety review led by a are welcome.

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

BRONX BROOKLYN continued QUEENS Saturday, July 12 Sunday, August 3 Sunday, July 13 Paddling 101 (Basic) / Van Cortlandt Park Fresh Creek Birding Excursion (Advanced) / Intermediate Canoeing / Flushing Meadows 11 a.m. / Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Fresh Creek Park TBA / Location TBA Corona Park 11 a.m. / Meet on the southeast Park South and the Major Deegan, meet Participants are chosen by lottery. side of Meadow Lake, across the small near the golf house. Participants are To enter your name in the lottery visit bridge, west of the Van Wyck Expressway chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on lottery visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Wednesday, July 23. Saturday, August 2 on Wednesday, July 2nd. Idlewild Birding Excursion (Intermediate) / Saturday, August 23 Idlewild Park 11 a.m. / Location TBA Sunday, July 27 Basic Canoeing / Marine Park 11 a.m. – Participants are chosen by lottery. Pelham Bay Birding Excursion (Intermediate) 1 p.m. / Burnett Street and Avenue U To enter your name in the lottery visit / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Location TBA nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Participants are chosen by lottery. Wednesday, July 23rd. To enter your name in the lottery visit MANHATTAN nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Saturday, July 5 Sunday, August 17 Thursday, July 17th. Basic Canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 2 p.m. – Intermediate Canoeing / Bayswater Park 5 p.m. / Enter at 218th Street and Indian Road 12 p.m. / Meet at B35th Street and Beach Saturday, August 16 Channel Drive Basic Canoeing / Crotona Park 11 a.m. – Saturday, July 26 2 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Canoe Adventure (Advanced) Saturday, September 20 Street and Crotona Park East / Inwood Hill Park 10 a.m. / Location TBA Basic Canoeing / Oakland Lake 1 p.m. / Participants are chosen by lottery. Meet at entrance of the park on Cloverdale Sunday, August 24 To enter your name in the lottery visit Boulevard and 46th Avenue Basic Canoeing / Van Cortlandt Park nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Enter the park at Van Wednesday, July 16th. Cortlandt Park South and the Major STATEN ISLAND Deegan, meet near the golf house Sunday, August 10 Saturday, July 5 Randall’s Island Salt Marsh Excursion Basic Canoeing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. (Advanced) / Randall’s Island Park 10 a.m. / – 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond BROOKLYN Location TBA Participants are chosen by Place Sunday, July 6 lottery. To enter your name in the lottery Basic Canoeing / Prospect Park 11 a.m. visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Sunday, July 20 – 1 p.m. / Prospect Park Audubon Center, Wednesday, July 30th. Basic Canoeing / Willowbrook Park 11 a.m. East Drive and Lincoln Road -2 p.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Avenue Saturday, August 30 Saturday, July 19 Hudson River Canoe Adventure (Advanced) Saturday, August 9 White Island Birding Excursion (Advanced) / / Inwood Hill Park 12 p.m. / Location TBA Basic Canoeing / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. Marine Park TBA / Location TBA Participants Participants are chosen by lottery. To – 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooks are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in enter your name in the lottery visit Pond Place the lottery visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/ nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on register on Wednesday, July 9. Wednesday, August 20th. 6 NYC Parks 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. 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.

Photo by Richard Simon | NYC Parks

BRONX BROOKLYN continued QUEENS continued Saturday, July 5 Friday, August 29 Friday, August 8 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping / Marine Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping / Cunningham Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Location TBA Register on Tuesday, Location TBA Register on Tuesday, July 29th. June 25th. August 19th. Saturday, August 30 Friday, July 18 Saturday, September 20 Family Camping / Fort Totten 6 p.m. / Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park Family Camping / Prospect Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Location TBA Register on Wednesday, August 20th. Wednesday, July 9th. September 10th. Friday, September 12 Saturday, August 9 Family Camping / Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / MANHATTAN Location TBA Register on Tuesday, Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Saturday, July 19 September 2nd. July 30th. Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Friday, August 22 July 9th. STATEN IS LAND Family Camping / Van Cortlandt Park Friday, July 11 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Friday, August 1 Family Camping / High Rock Park 6 p.m. / Wednesday, August 13th. Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Tuesday, July 1st. Location TBA Register on Tuesday, July 22nd. Saturday, September 13 Saturday, August 2 Family Camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / Saturday, August 23 Family Camping / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Family Camping / Central Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Tuesday, July 22nd. September 3rd. Location TBA Register on Wednesday, August 13th. Friday, August 15 Family Camping / Conference House Park BROOKLYN Friday, September 5 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Tuesday, Saturday, July 12 Family Camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / August 5th. Family Camping / Marine Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Location TBA Register on Wednesday, August 27th. Saturday, September 6 July 2nd. Family Camping / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Friday, July 25 QUEENS August 27th. Family Camping / Marine Park 6 p.m. / Saturday, July 5 Location TBA Register on Tuesday, July 15th. Family Camping / Fort Totten 6 p.m. / Friday, September 19 Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Family Camping / High Rock Park 6 p.m. / Saturday, August 16 June 25th. Location TBA Register on Tuesday, Family Camping / Owl’s Head Park 6 p.m. / September 9th. Location TBA Register on Wednesday, Saturday, July 26 August 6th. Family Camping / Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / Location TBA Register on Wednesday, July 16th. URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 7

Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing is a great way to get outdoors and discover nature just a few blocks from home. Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways on every fishing program.Y ou can try to hook a largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, carp or chain pickerel. Whether you choose to grab a simple bamboo pole at a quiet lake, or join more advanced saltwater or fly fishing programs, the Rangers have a program that fits your skill level.

Participation in a mandatory safety review led by a trained Ranger is required. All equipment is provided. All fishing programs are catch-and-release only and most fishing programs are first-come, first-served. Seining programs, which use nets to catch fish and crustaceans close to shore, are great for kids of all ages. Families and children ages 8 years and older are welcome to participate in all other fishing programs. Credit: Scott Reynhout | NYC Parks

BRONX QUEENS STATEN ISLAND Sunday, July 13 Saturday August 23 Saturday, July 19 Freshwater Fishing / Crotona Park 1 p.m. / Seining / Frank Charles Memorial Park Freshwater Fishing / Willowbrook Park Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street 1 p.m. / 165th Street and 99th Avenue 11 a.m. / Eton Place and Richmond Avenue and Crotona Park East Sunday September 14 Sunday, August 10 Sunday, August 17 Freshwater Fishing / Kissena Park 1 p.m. / Freshwater Fishing / Clove Lakes Park Freshwater Fishing / Van Cortlandt Park 164th Street and Oak Avenue 11 a.m. / Parking area west of Park Drive 11 a.m. / Enter the park at Van Cortlandt and Clove Road Park South and the Major Deegan, meet near the golf house.

BROOKLYN Sunday, July 27 Fishing and Crabbing / American Veterans Memorial Pier 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Bay Ridge Avenue and Shore Road

Saturday, September 6 Seining / Marine Park 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Burnett Street and Avenue U

MANHATTAN Saturday, July 12 Seining and Fishing / Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Enter at 218th Street and Indian Road

Sunday, September 7 Saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. / West Harlem Piers at 125th Street and the Hudson River

Credit: NYC Parks 8 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Hiking

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, places often off-limits to the general public. On our hikes, you can gain orienteering skills , explore our city’s rich history, or just take an hour to unplug from the world.

On Nature Exploration Hikes we will to use a GPS while searching for hidden discover the plants and animals that inhabit prizes. Hiking and Orienteering programs the urban forest. Our Night Hikes allow feature intensity levels ranging from light participants to see parks in a different light, (a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), and are great for families. Fitness Hikes to moderate (longer, faster paced hikes on feature less talking and more walking, for rugged terrain), to vigorous (long distance, those who don’t mind a vigorous two-hour with hills and rugged terrain). For all hike. Learn how to navigate using a map hiking programs we recommend wearing and compass on our Orienteering programs. comfortable shoes or boots, and packing Special geo-cache programs teach you how water and a light snack.

Credit: NYC Parks

BRONX BROOKLYN MANHATTAN Saturday, September 20 Sunday, July 13 Sunday, July 27 Nature Exploration: John Muir Trail Nature Exploration (Light) / Canarsie Park City Hall to Brooklyn Bridge Park Hike (Vigorous) / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / 10 a.m. / Remsen Avenue and Seaview (Moderate) / City Hall Park 10 a.m. / Mosholu Ave and Broadway Avenue Location TBA Registration required. To register visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register Saturday, September 27 Sunday, August 31 on Wednesday, July 16th. Night Hike (Light) / Van Cortlandt Park Nature Exploration (Light) / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 10 a.m. / Picnic House, Fifth Street and Sunday, September 14 246th Street and Broadway West Drive Ethnobotany Hike (Light) / Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m. / Meet at park entrance at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

QUEENS Saturday, July 19 Nature Exploration Hike (Moderate) / Forest Park 1 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive

Sunday August 24 Nature Hike (Moderate) / Cunningham Park 11 a.m. / Parking lot on Union Turnpike and 197th Street

STATEN ISLAND Sunday, July 6 Nature Exploration (Light) / Conference House Park 1 p.m. / Conference House Park Visitor’s Center, Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard

Saturday, September 27 Hike the Greenbelt (Vigorous) / High Rock Park 11 a.m. / Nevada Avenue Parking Lot, end of Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Avenue.

Credit: Daniel Avila | NYC Parks URBAN PARK RANGERS nyc.gov/parks/rangers NYC Parks 9

History

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. Revolutionary New York programs focus on the history of New York during the pre- and post-Colonial Period. Historic New York programs highlight the history of selected neighborhoods or parks. Architecture and the history of the Hudson River are explained at Manhattan’s Little Red Lighthouse.

All programs are historic walking tours unless otherwise noted. Certain popular programs have limited space and require registration.

Credit: Daniel Avila | NYC Parks

BRONX BROOKLYN MANHATTAN Sunday, September 21 Sunday, September 7 Sunday, July 13 Historic New York: Estates of Pelham / Gerritsen Grist Mill and Farmhouse / Little Red Lighthouse / Fort Washington Pelham Bay Park 1 p.m. / Bartow-Pell Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Park 1 – 4 p.m. / Enter the park at 181st Mansion (Shore Road) Once there were Center / Wood pilings still remain over Street and Plaza Lafayette The Jeffrey’s many mansions on the shores of Pelham 360 years after the original foundation of Hook lighthouse, erected in 1880 and Bay; now only Bartow-Pell remains. Learn Gerritsen Mill was first laid down. Come moved to its current site in 1921, has about the neighboring grand country for a guided exploration of the area become widely known as the children’s estates on this fascinating hike with an surrounding one of the first water-powered literary landmark “The Little Red Urban Park Ranger. mills in North America and discover its Lighthouse.” Rangers will lead a tour value both past and present. to rediscover the history of this unique landmark.

QUEENS Sunday August 3 History of Fort Totten / Fort Totten 1 p.m. / Fort Totten Visitor Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Follow signs to the Visitor Center A pristine forest surrounding a preserved Civil War fortress, Fort Totten Park provides not only recreation and relaxation but a fascinating glimpse into New York’s past.

STATEN ISLAND Sunday, September 21 Revolutionary New York: Staten Island, 1776 / Conference House Park 1 p.m. / Conference House Park Visitor’s Center, Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard The Conference House was the site of a 1776 peace conference which attempted to end the Revolutionary War. Discover Staten Island’s role in the American Revolution and how those events shaped the Island of today.

Credit: NYC Parks 10 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Astronomy and Night Sky Programs

The wonders of the universe are ready to be discovered and New York City parks are the perfect place to stargaze and explore the night sky. Our Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Learn about the effects of light pollution and discover the best places in NYC for amazing views of the sky.

Astronomy programs feature the use programs highlight the history and folklore of telescopes and binoculars to observe of the solar system, using the naked eye to specific astronomical events. Many locate stars and planets. Programs are best programs feature astronomy experts and enjoyed on clear nights, so please call all equipments is provided. Night Sky ahead if weather conditions are not clear.

Credit: Elizabeth Green | NYC Parks

BRONX Saturday August 2 Astronomy / Van Cortlandt Park 8 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

BROOKLYN Saturday, August 9 Perseid Meteor Shower / Marine Park 9 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U The Perseid meteor shower, one of the brighter meteor showers of the year, occurs every August, peaking around August 9-13.

MANHATTAN Saturday, September 20 The Night Sky /Central Park 8 p.m. / The Great Hill / Enter at 106th Street and Central Park West

QUEENS Saturday, August 16 Astronomy/ Rockaway Beach 8:30 p.m. / Meet at B116th and boardwalk

STATEN ISLAND Saturday, September 13 The Night Sky / Wolfe’s Pond Park 8 p.m. / Comfort Station west of Cornelia Avenue

Credit: NYC Parks 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.

Credit: NYC Parks

BRONX BROOKLYN MANHATTAN Sunday, July 6 Sunday, August 10 Saturday, August 16 Birding: Shore Birds / Pelham Bay Park Nocturnal Wildlife / Marine Park 7 p.m. / Entomology Exploration / Central Park 11 a.m. / Orchard Beach Nature Center, Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street 11 a.m. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th Section 2 of Orchard Beach and Avenue U Street and Lenox Avenue

Sunday, August 3 Saturday, September 27 Sunday, August 31 Birding / Van Cortlandt Park 10 a.m. / Birding: Brooklyn Road Trip / TBA / Nocturnal Wildlife / Inwood Hill Park 8 p.m. Mosholu Avenue and Broadway Location TBA The Rangers are taking you / Meet at park entrance at Isham Street on a road trip in search of early fall and Seaman Avenue migrants. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on QUEENS Wednesday, September 17. Sunday, July 20 Birding: Ridgewood Reservoir / Highland Park 10 a.m. / Meet at main park entrance across from Vermont Place Parking Lot

Sunday September 7 Nocturnal Wildlife / Alley Pond Park 7 p.m. / Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway

STATEN ISLAND Saturday, July 26 Birding / Blue Heron Park 10 a.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

Sunday, August 17 Nocturnal Wildlife / Blue Heron Park 8 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

Credit: David Goldemberg | NYC Parks THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Raptor Fest Experience the thrill of viewing New York’s premier predators, live and up close with the Urban Park Rangers, and the Prospect Park Audubon Center!

Sunday, October 5 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Prospect Park, the Peninsula (Enter on Vanderbilt Street)

Free Event For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311.