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Home , Baisley Pond Park, Blue Heron Park, Clove Lakes Park, Concrete Plant Park, Forest Park (Queens), Gowanus Canal

Outdoors Outdoors THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2010 iinn NNewew YYorkork CCityity

Includes CALENDAR OF URBAN RANGER CHILDREN PROGRAMS

Artist: Anne Yen| ©2009 NYC Department of & Recreation 2 CITY OF PARKS & RECREATION www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers RANGERS

Message from: Ken Struve, Executive Director, City Access New York If you’re a kid, what’s long school-based residencies in social studies and science adapted better than munching on to the needs of EVS students, and aligned to state learning standards. a chocolate chip cricket Since 2005, Adapted Arts & Science has also co-hosted a week-long cookie? Or seining in a inclusive science camp, Summer Science, with its partner Rocking salt ? Or rowing the Boat — an environmental education organization located along on River in a the . Like the Citywide Science Scholarships, Summer handmade boat? It’s a Science is an inclusive program where EVS students attend on-the- great way to spend your water programming alongside sighted peers whom they invite. summer. But if you’re a kid Adapted Arts & Science is made possible by generous support from with a disability, chances the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation, the Reader’s Digest Partnership for are you won’t get to do Sight Foundation, and from the Foundation for the Supporters of the many of these things. Disabled. If you would like to view a new video documenting Adapted City Access New York is Arts & Science, please visit www.viddler.com/explore/cityaccess/ a non-profi t organization videos/1/. that focuses on bringing Adapted Arts & Science is just one of many collaborative projects mainstream resources that CANY provides for people with disabilities in NYC. Our programs into the lives of people for people of all ages with developmental or sensory disabilities, with disabilities. Among promote inclusion and lifelong access to educational, vocational and the many programs that City Access New York (CANY) implements, cultural opportunities. We work collaboratively with our partners to we are especially proud to partner with the Urban Park Rangers identify barriers to participation in schools and in the community, and (UPR) to provide Citywide Science Scholarships to youngsters who adapt the content and delivery of programs to diverse needs. Please are visually impaired or blind. For the past two years, CANY and the contact us at [email protected] if you would like to learn Rangers have provided more than 75 scholarships for Ranger summer more about CANY, or visit our website at www.cityaccessny.org. camps and school holiday programs. Best of all, CANY and the Rangers worked together to adapt content and develop inclusive settings so that kids with and without disabilities can learn and play together The Urban Park Rangers encourage all New Yorkers through accessible hands-on science in real world settings. to visit city parks and connect with the natural world. Parks’ goal is to go beyond mere compliance with the Citywide Science Scholarships are part of a larger inclusive project Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide greater called Adapted Arts & Science for EVS Students. Educational Vision access and increased opportunities for recreation and participation Services, or EVS, is the largest education program in the world serving by removing obstacles to participation, and through strategic children who are blind or visually impaired, and serves about 1,100 partnerships. For more information on accessability in New York students in . Adapted Arts & Science also provides year- City parks, visit us on the web at www.nyc.gov/parks.

parks. When complete, the Bronx River Greenway will span Outdoor News 23 miles and extend the full length of the Bronx River, from OPENING SIGNALS A NEW VISION FOR Westchester PUBLIC SPACE County through the Bronx to the On October 12, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Deputy . Parks Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, Council Member Maria and its non- del Carmen Arroyo, Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, Community profi t partner Board 2 District Manager John Robert, Alexie Torres-Fleming, the Bronx Executive Director of Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, and River Alliance Bronx River Alliance chairperson Joan Byron to cut the ribbon on are working Concrete Plant Park, situated along the western shore of the Bronx to complete River between & Bruckner Boulevard. the New York The seven-acre park, New York City’s newest waterfront public City portion of space, is the latest link to be developed as part of the Bronx River the greenway. Greenway. A reclamation of a former industrial wasteland, it now Approximately includes a multi-use recreational path for running, cycling, and 6.5 miles of New York City’s rollerblading, and is a model for 21st century vision in parks across Photographer: Malcolm Pinckney | © NYC Department of Parks & Recreation the country. portion of the greenway are currently in place with the full portion anticipated to The new park features a waterfront promenade, kayak/canoe be completed within the next fi ve years. launch, green lawns, a reading circle, native tidal © THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE plantings, landscaping, and established park entrances at Westchester Avenue and the Bruckner Boulevard. Silos fromom thethe old concrete plant remain as sculptural elements and remindersnders ooff the site’s past. Funding for the $11.4 million project was providedoviv ded by Mayor Bloomberg ($6.3 million), a federal grant secured byby Congressman José E. Serrano ($3.9 million), mitigation funds fromfrom OutdoorsOutdoors the construction of the Croton Water Filtration Plant through thethhe iininn NewNNewew YYorkYorkork CCityCityity New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the Municipal Water Finance Authority ($592,000), Bronx Borough Planning Sarah Aucoin, Director President ($540,000), and a grant from the Recreational Trails ProgramsP Bonnie McGuire, Deputy Director Program of the NY State Offi ce of Parks, Recreation, and Historicriic OperationsOperaatio Richard Simon, Deputy Director Preservation ($100,000). ProgramsPrograms Marta Arroyo, Program Manager The site of Concrete Plant Park served as a concrete mixing plant Graphicraphic DesignDesign Elizabeth Green, Graphic Artist which operated from the late 1940s through 1987. Concrete Plant Park is the latest link to be developed along the Bronx River Researchch Shalini Beath, Grants Manager Greenway, a ribbon of multi-use pathway linked by waterfront Urban Park Rangers • 1234 • New York City 10029 URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers CITY OF NEW YORK PARKS & RECREATION 3 A Child’s Sense of Wonder

By Bonnie McGuire, Deputy Director, Urban Park Rangers the three-foot wide trail. Two campers were chosen each time to Early on in my career as an Urban Park Ranger, I was leading a group make sure the caterpillar made it safely across the path and didn’t get of 25 Junior Ranger summer campers around the Nature stepped on, while the others observed and tried to count the steps it Trail in Marine Park. I was trying to teach them about the importance took! of salt . It was a very clear, summer day; a great day to spot By the time we got back to the nature center, I didn’t want to see a wide variety of animals in the marsh. At the beginning of the another woolly bear caterpillar in my life. But as a Park Ranger, not trail one camper screamed “Look at that thing!” All the campers to mention and an academically trained entomologist, I was pretty crowded around him, while I made my way over. Expecting to see a happy about sharing those moments with the campers. And I’m quite snake, turtle, or possibly something dead, I was slightly taken aback sure they will remember that experience for a while, if not the rest of to fi nally discover the source of their excitement. It was a woolly their lives! Later in the summer some of the campers came back to caterpillar, the larval stage of the Isabella Tiger moth. And that was it; camp, and they were still fascinated by those woolly caterpillars. the end of my salt marsh program. In the blink of an eye, the program shifted from what I wanted to talk about to what they wanted to hear To see a camper’s eyes light up the fi rst time they see a woolly about. For the rest of the hour we had together, we talked about caterpillar, green frog, egret, or garter snake, catch their fi rst fi sh, caterpillars, moths, butterfl ies and their life cycles, what they eat, shoot with a bow and arrow, paddle a canoe, or pitch a tent is one how they fl y, of the greatest parts of my job as an Urban Park Ranger. And making where they these activities available right here in New York City is an honor and a live and even privilege. if they sleep Junior Ranger Summer Day Camp is off ered at Blue Heron Nature or not. Where I Center in , Salt Marsh Nature Center in , Inwood could, I threw Hill Nature Center in , and Nature Center in tidbits in the Bronx. The camp off ers the best of the Urban Park Ranger about the salt experience, combining instructional elements (ecology, birds, insects, marsh and plants, trees, reptiles and amphibians, fi sh, Native American Pathways the oceans, and much more) with hands-on recreational elements (canoeing, but our focus fi shing, seining, orienteering, archery, and more) and park restoration was where projects (tree plantings, native plant gardens and more). Campers © Robert Hambley | Dreamstime.com they wanted earn patches to celebrate each accomplishment. The week-long it to be, on that woolly caterpillar. As we hiked around the mile-long program culminates in an overnight camp-out in the park where trail, we stopped and checked out each of the 104 woolly caterpillars campers pitch their own tents, make s’mores, and go on a night hike on the trail that day. We talked about the width of the brown stripe in search of nocturnal creatures! versus the black stripes, and I explained that according to legend, the narrower brown stripe meant the winter would be a cold one. For more information please check out the website at At each stop, we closely watched the caterpillar make its way across www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 212-360-2774. Junior Ranger Day Camp Summer 2010 (ages 8-11) Your child can paddle a canoe in quiet blue waters edged with bright green grass and explore nature from a whole new perspective. Junior Rangers participate in fun & educational activities and games, immersed in a natural park setting. A summer full of fun! Located in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island. Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm. Extended hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. We accept Human Resources Administration (HRA) vouchers.

• maps and • plants and trees • Native American • insect collecting • crafts compasses • conservation exploration • bird watching • hikes • • insects • ecology • planting trees • seining • • fish • wilderness canoeing • building shelters • scavenger hunts • • birds survival archery • games and much more!

For more information visit our website: www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers 4 CITY OF NEW YORK PARKS & RECREATION www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

City of New York Urban Park Rangers Parks & Recreation Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor EXPLORER PROGRAMS Adrian Benepe, Commissioner

Arts and Culture Fishing Special Events See, hear, and participate in crafts, Catch a fish! Freshwater and Our Special Events celebrate nature poetry, writing, dance, acting, saltwater fishing available. and are great fun for all ages! readings, photography and open Equipment provided, catch and microphone nights in our beautiful release only. parks and nature centers. Hiking & Biking Survival & Orienteering Learn to survive in the wild. From Adventure and leisure hikes and bike Birding using a map and compass to knot- rides. Nature walks, historic tours, tying and shelter-building, the Learn everything you need to know and greenbelt rides. about birds. Programs highlight Rangers have workshops to help different bird types, special park you safely enjoy your outdoors areas and seasonal highlights. History experiences. Learn about the important role of our parkland in New York City Camping history and hear the fantastic stories MillionTreesNYC Enjoy a night sleeping under the the Urban Park Rangers have to tell. A citywide initiative to plant and care stars in New York City. Space for one million new trees in New is limited! Programs require Kids Activities York City by 2017. RESERVATIONS. Visit www.nyc.gov/ Join us for a variety of children- parks/rangers/reservations for more centered activities. Nature crafts, information. sing-a-longs, play dates, storytime, Adventure Course and more! Check for special out of Canoeing school and vacation programs. The Adventure Visit our Parkids NYC website at Course features ropes course Learn to canoe and explore New www.nycgovparks.org/kids/ to find activities that promote team-building York City’s waterways. First-come, fun online kids activities. and problem–solving skills. Free first-served, unless otherwise noted. public programs on Sundays through Bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and a Nature Exploration November. Visit www.nyc.gov/ snack. Ages 8 and up. Be prepared parks/rangers for more information. to get wet and dirty. Learn about plants, , or stars in the sky. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a flashlight for evening programs. RANGER STATIONS & NATURE CENTERS BRONX MANHATTAN

Crotona Nature Center, seasonal (CNC): Crotona (BC): . 79th St., Park. Enter the park at Charlotte St. & Crotona mid-park. 212.628.2345 Park East. 718.378.2061 Dana Discovery Center (DDC): Central Park. Orchard Nature Center, seasonal (OBNC): 110th St. & Lenox Ave. 212.860.1376 . Section 2 of . Inwood Hill Nature Center (IHNC): Inwood Hill 718.885.3466 Park. Enter park at W. 218th St. & Indian Road. Pelham Bay Ranger Station (PBRS): Pelham 212.304.2365 or 212.304.3401 Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. & Wilkinson Ave. 718.885.3467 Van Cortlandt Nature Center (VCNC): . Enter the park at W. 246th St. Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (APPAC): & . 718.548.0912 Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Blvd., under the Grand Central Parkway. 718.217.6034 or 718.217.4685 Visitor Center (FPVC): Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. & Forest Park Drive. 718.846.2731 Visitors Center (FTVC): Fort Totten Park. Enter park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212 St. and Cross Island Pkwy. and follow signs. 718.352.1769 STATEN ISLAND BROOKLYN Blue Heron Nature Center (BHNC): Blue Heron Salt Marsh Nature Center (SMNC): Marine Park. Park. 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road East 33rd St. & Avenue U. 718.421.2021 & Hylan Boulevard. 718.967.3542 Fort Greene Visitor Center (FGVC): Fort Greene High Rock Ranger Station (HRRS): High Rock Park. Enter the park at and Park. Park in the lot at the end of Nevada Washington Park. 718.722.3218 Avenue, off Rockland Ave., and follow signs. 718.667.6042. URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers WINTER 2010 5 Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should stay inside — get out and enjoy the outdoors. The Bronx Rangers will introduce you to all the borough has to off er, from winter hikes to winter birding and more. Saturday, January 2 Sunday, January 31 Saturday, March 6 Birding Club / Van Cortlandt Park 9 a.m. / Winter Survival / Crotona Park 11 a.m. VCNC Once a month, every month, come / CNC If you were lost in a winter bird with us! Bring your own binoculars if wilderness, how would you survive? Join you have them. us for tips and tricks to get by in the cold! Sunday, January 3 Saturday, February 6 Trail Adventure / Pelham Bay Birding Club / Van Cortlandt Park 9 a.m. / Park 10 a.m. / Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 VCNC Once a month, every month, come Shore Rd. The Siwanoy people used these bird with us! Bring your own binoculars if trails for hunting and gathering. Join us as you have them. we walk in their footsteps, “hunting” for wildlife and gathering memories. Sunday, February 7 Seal-Shore Safari / Pelham Bay Park Saturday, January 9 1 p.m. / OBNC Seals hang out by the Birding Club / Van Cortlandt Park 9 a.m. / Family Scavenger Hunt / Van Cortlandt beach between December and March and VCNC Once a month, every month, come Park 1 p.m. / VCNC Search for the hidden you’ll get to see them during low . bird with us! Bring your own binoculars if treasures on the wooded trails of Van Wear warm and comfortable clothes. Bring you have them. Cortlandt Park. Fun for the whole family. your own binoculars if you have them. Prizes! Sunday, March 7 Saturday, February 13 River Views/ Riverdale Park 11 a.m. Sunday, January 10 Valentine’s Day Eco-Crafts / Van Cortlandt / Corner of , Seal-Shore Safari / Pelham Bay Park 2:30 Park 1 p.m. / VCNC Get the creative southbound service Rd. and W. 232 St. p.m. / OBNC Seals hang out by the beach juices flowing as we look to nature to Join us for some birding and enjoy the between December and March and you’ll inspire crafts for your loved ones. beautiful river vistas. Bring your own get to see them during low tide. Wear binoculars if you have them. warm and comfortable clothes. Bring your Sunday, February 14 own binoculars if you have them.. Saturday, March 13 Plants Alive in a Cold World / Van Saturday, January 16 Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / VCNC Learn how Winter Waterfowl / Van Cortlandt Park 10 plants survive the cold winter months. a.m. / VCNC A great variety of ducks and other birds spend the winter at the Van Sunday, March 14 Cortland Lake. Learn some interesting facts about them. Whooo said that? / Pelham Bay Park 1 p.m. / OBNC Winter is the best time to see wild owls in New York City. Don’t miss Sunday, January 17 this opportunity! Wacky Winter Waterfowl / Pelham Bay Park 10 a.m. / PBRS Join us the third Saturday, March 20 Sunday of every month, for the next three months. Bring your own binoculars if you Springtime Meanderings / Van Cortlandt have them. Park 11 a.m. / VCNC Dust off your hiking boots and help us welcome springtime! Sunday, March 21 Whooo Said That? / Pelham Bay Park Backyard Birding / Crotona Park 10 a.m. 1 p.m. / OBNC Winter is the best time to / CNC Crotona Park is home to many see wild owls in New York City. Don’t miss species of birds. Join us as we help you to this opportunity! identify them. Don’t forget your binoculars if you have them! Saturday, February 20 Winter Weeds / Van Cortlandt Park Saturday, March 27 11 a.m. / VCNC Join us for an exploration Early Spring Migrants / Van Cortlandt Park of the shapes and textures of wildflowers 9 a.m. / Broadway Ave. and Mosholu Ave. in the winter. Here come the warblers! The very first of the migratory birds are coming through, Sunday, February 21 and we’re going to find them! Saturday, January 23 Wacky Winter Waterfowl / Pelham Bay Frozen Fungus Among-Us / Van Cortlandt Park 10 a.m. / OBNC Join us the third Sunday, March 28 Park 1 p.m. / VCNC Who would think Sunday of every month. Bring your own Hike to Split Rock / Pelham Bay Park that dead tree trunks, fallen logs, and binoculars if you have them. 11 a.m. / Split Rock Golf House, on Shore rotting stumps could be exciting places to Road, near Bartow-Pell Mansion Join explore in the winter? Saturday, February 27 us on a beautiful hike to Split Rock while Winter Waterfowl / Van Cortlandt Park learning about and Sunday, January 24 10 a.m. / VCNC A great variety of ducks indigenous people of the area. Whooo Said That? / Pelham Bay Park and other birds spend the winter at the 1 p.m. / OBNC Winter is the best time to Van Cortland Lake. Learn some interesting see wild owls in New York City. Don’t miss facts about them. this opportunity! Sunday, February 28 Saturday, January 30 Winter Tree I.D. / Crotona Park 2 p.m. Secrets of Snowflakes / Van Cortlandt Park / CNC Test your tree knowledge, as we 1 p.m. / VCNC What makes snowflakes learn how to identify trees without their so special? Bring your family and find out. leaves. Snowflake crafts for kids. 6 OOutdoorsutdoors iin inn NNewNewew YYorkYorkork CCityCityity www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS This winter, take a walk back in time to experience the American Revolution, architectural marvels and more. The Brooklyn Rangers will be your guide as you explore Kings County. Saturday, January 2 Saturday, January 9 cont’d Sunday, January 17 cont’d Early Morning Birding / Marine Park Winter Wilderness Survival / Fort Greene Book Blitz / Marine Park 3 p.m. / SMNC 8 a.m. / SMNC Park 11 a.m. / FGVC Do you know how See January 3 listing. to build a fire without matches? Do you know how to build a shelter? Now that Saturday, January 23 winter is in full force, join us and learn the Early Morning Birding / Marine Park secrets to surviving old man winter in the 8 a.m. / SMNC wild. Fort Greene’s Founders / 1 p.m. / FGVC This program looks at the historic figures that shaped this park. Join us for a look at the pivotal players in Fort Greene’s storied past and take a peek inside the Prison Ships Martyrs Monument. Winter Plant Identification / 1 p.m. / Center, East Dr. and Lincoln Rd. Just because there Winter Tree I.D. / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. are no leaves doesn’t mean you can’t / FGVC Join us for a stroll around the park identify plants! Learn to use the winter as we identifying over 40 species of trees characteristics of trees and shrubs to find dotting the landscape of Brooklyn’s Oldest out what they are. Park. Saturday Night Live: Open Mic Story Slam Resolutions Kept! / Prospect Park 1 p.m. / /Marine Park 7 p.m. / SMNC The theme Wellhouse Drive in front of the Maryland tonight will be Saltiness. All participants 400 Monument Keep your New Year’s will have five minutes to tell a story fitness goals in mind by coming on a related to the theme of saltiness. It can be rigorous hike up the highest elevation in Forever Evergreen / Prospect Parkark 1 p.m. funny; it can be sad;d; but it must be true. Prospect Park. / Picnic House, West Dr. and ThThirdi St. Contestants will droprop their names into a They’re more than holiday decorations…ora hat and a lucky tenn wwill be called to the Sunday, January 3 Learn to identify the many typeses oof pine, front to tell their story.tor All are welcome. Wonderful Walt Whitman / Fort Greene fir, and spruce trees in thehe park! Park 1 p.m. / FGVC Walt Whitmann was Sunday, January 24 a man of many passions and convictions.ctions. Sunday, January 10 Trains & Trolleyseys / Fort Greene Park Chief among them was the desire for …And theyey ccalled it Macaroni! / Fort 11 a.m. / FGVC RemembeRemember the days green-space in the area today knownn as Greene Park 1 p.m. / FGVCVC Takeake a frfresh of streetcarseetcars and els? Head backbac to the Fort Greene. Join us as we celebrateate one of pasta prospecprospective of how Britishh fforces good old days, when trolleys clatteclattered and driving forces behind this park.k. routedd America’s troopsoops in the BatBattle of clanged along the streets of BrookBrooklyn. Brooklyn.lyn. Book Blitz / Marine Park 3 p.m. / SMNC Book BBlitz / Marine Park 3 p.m. / SMNC It’s back! Join us for our third annual book BookkB Blitz / Marinerine Park 3 p.m. / SMNC See JanuaryJan 3 listing. blitz at the Salt Marsh Nature Center. Every See January 3 listing.ting. Sunday we will read an environmentally Saturday,S January 30 themed book and follow up with an Early Morning Birding / Marine Park activity. Recommended for children 7- 12. Saturday, Januaryaryy 1 16 Earlyy Morning BirdiBirdingding / Marine Park 8 a.m. / SMNC 8 a.m.m. / SMNC Monday, January 4 MarineMa Mammal Watch / Monday Night Lecture: Marine Park / Journeyey ThrougThrough Time: Fort Greeneree / FFort Beach 11 a.m. / Boardwalk at W 10 Street Marine Park 7 p.m. / SMNC To riring in the Greeneeene Park 11 a.m. / FGVC ThThis edition Thee beach may be empty of all its human New Year, we’re holding a symposiumposium on of our popular wwalking tour willll sshowcase swimmers,ers, but don’t forget ababout the our new park. With the nature trail closed ththe neighborhood surroundinging the ppark. seals, whales,s, and dolphidolphins! Come learn and winter well-underway join members We may even take a peekeek inside the PrisonPris about local marinene mammmammals and try and of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Ships Martyrs. Wear comfortableomfortable shoes; catch a glimpse of them. Parks Department’s own Natural Resourcesrces the tour will last approximatelyy 11½ hours. Group to discuss the exciting future of Sunday, Januaryyy3 331 Flower of the Month: The Carnationnat / Marine Park. The talk will range from Fanning the Flamesmes / Fort Greene Park Marine Park 1 p.m. / SMNC FlowFlowers have invasive species removal to shifting wildlife 11 a.m. / FGVC NYNYC has been the site long been a part of many culturesure of the . Come with thoughtful questions of many massive fifires, from the earliest world. During this first installment,en come and an open mind. colonial times up until today. Learn all to learn about the biology andd culcultural about them. Saturday, January 9 importance of the carnation.on. Book Blitz / Marine Park 3 p.m. / SMNC Sunday, Januaryyy17 17 See January 3 listing. African Americansns and the AmeriAmerican Revolution / Fort Greene Park 11 a.m. / Monday, February 1 FGVC In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday Night Lecture: Salt Marshes: Day, we’ll examine the often overlooked A Natural and Unnatural History /Marine contributions of African Americans in the Park 7 p.m. / SMNC Marine Park plays fight for America’s independence. host to one of science’s leading ladies; Dr. Judith Weis, Professor of Biological History Club: Hot dogs / Marine Park Sciences at and 1 p.m. / SMNC Join us as we explore visiting scientist at the US Department the history of the hot dog: Coney Island’s of Environmental Protection. Dr. Weis most iconic food item. We’ll sample some has conducted extensive research on of the finer incarnations of the fantastic environmental stresses in estuaries and frankfurter and wonder at this sausage’s recently co-authored a book called Salt miraculous journey: from German peasant Marshes: A Natural and Unnatural History food to mass-produced pick of the which seeks to explain the ecological American patriot. function of places like Marine Park! She Early Morning Birding / Marine Park will offer a multimedia presentation on 8 a.m. / SMNC urban estuaries and answer questions. URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers WINTER 2010 7

Sunday, February 14 Saturday, February 20 cont’d Winter Waterfowl / Prospect Park 10 a.m. Family Scavenger Hunt / Prospect Park / , Parking Lot and East Dr. 1 p.m. / Wollman Rink, Parking Lot and Take a stroll around Prospect Lake while East Drive Join us in a nature themed we look for some winter visitors to NYC. scavenger hunt in the . Bring your own binoculars and dress for Prizes will be awarded to the winners! the weather. Saturday Night Live: Game Night / Marine Nature Crafts for Kids / Fort Greene Park Park 6 p.m. / SMNC Put on your tin top 1 p.m. / FGVC Learn about nature as we hat, rev up your plastic car and get ready explore the park for materials to use in our to roll the dice, its board game time! Bring works of art. Geared for kids 4 - 12; must your favorite game and a few contenders. be accompanied by an adult. History Club: The History of Valentine’s Sunday, February 21 Day / Marine Park 1 p.m. / SMNC From Presidential Secrets / Fort Greene Park Roman martyrs to gangland massacres 11 a.m. / FGVC Learn little known to greeting cards and candied hearts — facts about our Commanders in Chief. Valentine’s Day has evolved into something Then stick around to win prizes in our at once romantic and ridiculous. Come Presidential Trivia Contest. on down for some candy and some fun Who, Who, Who Did I Eat? / Marine Park reflections on a holiday that makes hardly 1 p.m. /SMNC Find out what owls love any sense at all. to eat by dissecting owl pellets at the Salt Marsh Nature Center. KIDS’ WEEK Saturday, February 27 Early Morning Birding / Marine Park 8 February 15-19 a.m. / SMNC Saturday, February 6 Early Morning Birding / Marine Park Kids’ Week at the Fort! / Fort Greene Tales from the Crypt / Fort Greene Park 8 a.m. / SMNC Park 10 a.m. / FGVC Schools out and the 1 p.m. / FGVC Join us for a reading of kids are bored. What to do? Come to Fort portions from Recollections of the Jersey Redoubt Roundup / Fort Greene Park Greene to learn about history and nature, Prison Ships, as well as a profile of a few of 1 p.m. / FGVC Please join us as we and then make crafts to take home. the prison ship martyrs themselves. discuss the history of the fortifications that Ages 5-12. have protected New York and her Harbor Don’t Walk. Leap! / Prospect Park 1 p.m. / over the years. MONDAY — Colonial Kids Wellhouse Drive in front of the Monument Keep your fitness goals in Flower of the Month: The Iris / Marine TUESDAY — Insect Insanity mind by coming on a rigorous hike up the Park 1 p.m. / SMNC Flowers have long highest elevation Prospect Park. been a part of many cultures of the world. WEDNESDAY — Bird Brained During this second installment, please THURSDAY — Wild About Animals Sunday, February 28 come to learn about the biology and Brooklyn’s Beautiful & cultural importance of the iris. FRIDAY — Native American Stories & Buildings / Fort Greene Park 11 a.m. / Games FGVC Take a virtual tour of the borough’s Sunday, February 7 architecturally interesting buildings. From Criminals, Cops and Capers / Fort Greene Kids’ Week at the Marsh! / Marine Park brownstones to churches to mansions and Park 11 a.m. / FGVC Trace the roots 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. / SMNC Spend mid- cottages, we have them all. of the modern NYPD from the night winter break with the Rangers exploring watchmen of Dutch Colonial times up to the salt marsh at Marine Park. Nature Evolution of the Field Guide / Marine Park today’s high-tech enforcement techniques. Walks, crafts, team-building activities, 11 a.m. / SMNC Take a tour through time Along the way, we’ll talk about some of performances, and more. Morning and as we take a look at how field guides have the more colorful and unusual crimes and afternoon activities. Ages 12 and under. changed over the years. From amateur to the people who committed them. advanced and birds to shells, field guides MONDAY — Build a Bug 10 a.m. and have opened up a whole new world for Surviving the winter / Prospect Park Animal Tracks 1 p.m. many of us. 1 p.m. / Picnic House, Third St. and West TUESDAY —Portable Adventure 10 a.m. Dr. Learn how the winter residents of and Create a Nature Collage 1 p.m. Monday, March 1 Prospect Park survive the cold weather. Monday Night Lecture: The Hudson Dress appropriately for cold weather while WEDNESDAY — Owl Pellet Dissection School of Painting / Marine Park 7 p.m. we are snug at home. 10 a.m. and Children’s Winter Nature /SMNC “Art and the Environment: Hike 1 p.m. Looking at Environmental Narratives in Saturday, February 13 American Works of Art from Cole to Early Morning Birding / Marine Park THURSDAY — Portable Adventure Hopper.” These visual narratives convey 8 a.m. / SMNC 10 a.m. and Backyard Bass Ice Fishing intertwining strands of meaning as critical Derby 1 p.m. today as they were yesterday. Dr. Tara Marylanders, Marble Headers and Mad Weiss will interpret the subject matter FRIDAY — Build a Bird Feeder 10 a.m. Men / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / FGVC from a post-industrial stance. Among the and Fun with Map and Compass 1 p.m. The Battle of Brooklyn ripped through our themes to be considered are conceptions backyard in August of 1776. Get to know of the environment — symbolic, visionary, the heroes and villains of this pitched contradictory and damaging. battle. Saturday, February 20 Early Morning Birding / Marine Park Wild Romance / Prospect Park 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6 8 a.m. / SMNC / Picnic House, Third St. and West Dr. Early Morning Birding / Marine Park Celebrate Valentine’s Day by learning The Giving Trees / Fort Greene Park 8 a.m. / SMNC about how animals court each other. Bring 1 p.m. / FGVC You will be surprised by your sweetheart for this lovely hike. Nature Crafts for Kids / Fort Greene Park how many different species of trees are 1 p.m. / FGVC Learn about nature as we located within the friendly confines of Fort explore the park for materials to use in our Greene Park. Learn how these trees got works of art. Geared for ages 4 -12; must their names, what they were used for in be accompanied by an adult. the past, and what they give us today. 8 OOutdoorsutdoors iin inn NNewNewew YYorkYorkork CCityCityity www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Saturday, March 6 cont’d Saturday, March 20 Sunday, March 28 cont’d Flower of the Month: The Daffodil / Brooklyn Celebrates Baseball / Marine Marine Park 1 p.m. / SMNC Flowers have Park 7 p.m. / SMNC This year, we’ll long been a part of many cultures of the join Professor and world. During this third installment, come Historian Lee Lowenfish in recalling the to learn about the biology and cultural storied life of Branch Rickey. Rickey importance of the daffodil. invented baseball’s “farms system” created full time spring training facilities and, most Sunday, March 7 notably, integrated the game of baseball Women’s History Tea Party / Fort Greene by signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Park 11 a.m. / FGVC Let’s hear it for Dodgers. Lowenfish, author of Branch the girls! In honor of Women’s History Rickey: Baseball’s Ferocious Gentleman and Month, we’ll discuss how our foremothers Columbia University Lecturer, will offer a shaped our history. Enjoy a cup of tea and multimedia presentation regarding Rickey’s tea sandwiches and share stories of your renowned role at the Dodgers. Hot dogs favorite women. and trivia will be served up after the lecture courtesy of the Salt Marsh Alliance. Native American Storytelling / Marine Early Morning Birding / Marine Park Park 1 p.m. / SMNC Did you know 8 a.m. / SMNC Marine Park was once home to a tribe of Native Americans? Known for many Redoubt Roundup / Fort Greene Park talents, their story telling is some of the 1 p.m. / FGVC See February 6 listing. best. All ages are welcomed. Trackers Delight / Marine Park 1 p.m. / SMNC Join the Rangers to learn how to Saturday, March 13 identify animal tracks. Find out the species, Early Morning Birding / Marine Park 8 behavior, and size of these animals! a.m. / SMNC Saturday Night Live: Jam at the Marsh / Winter Waterfowl / Prospect Park 11 a.m. Marine Park 6 p.m. / SMNC Bring a harp, / Wollman Rink, Parking Lot and East Dr. a trombone or a jug—we take all comers. See February 14 listing. It’s a night for jamming with strangers or collaborating with friends. Sunday, March 21 Spring Fever! / Fort Greene Park 11 a.m. / FGVC Celebrate the first day of spring with a walk around the park to see what’s new, and then head back to the Visitors Center to create nature crafts. All materials KIDS’ WEEK are free. Program is geared for ages 4 - 12; must have an adult present. March 29-April 2 Here Comes the Sun / Marine Park 1 p.m. Kids’ Week at the Fort! / Fort Greene / SMNC It’s the Vernal Equinox! What is Park 10 a.m. / FGVC Schools out and the the science behind the number of daylight kids are bored. What to do? Come to Fort hours? Come learn about the solar system Greene to learn about history and nature, Ides and / Marine Park 1 p.m. / and earth science! and then make crafts to take home. SMNC If you don’t know what causes the Ages 5-12. tides, this is the chance for you to learn! Saturday, March 27 Learn about shore ecology and the unique MONDAY — It’s All Fun and (Colonial) Early Morning Birding / Marine Park food web found here at Marine Park. Games 8 a.m. / SMNC Sunday, March 14 The McWalk / McCarren Park 1 p.m. / TUESDAY — Archaeology Adventure Irish History / Fort Greene Park 11 a.m. / Bedford Ave. and North 12 St. Join us WEDNESDAY — March of Time FGVC Join us for a cup of Irish Tea as we on a walk from McCarren to McGolrick trace the history of the “Old Sod” from Park and discover their past, present, and THURSDAY — State Flags the ancient Celts to the present day’s Celtic future. Tiger. We’ll also look at how Erin’s sons FRIDAY — The Giving Tree and daughters shaped the US. Origami Animal Art / Marine Park 1 p.m. / SMNC Join us for a lesson on origami Kids’ Week at the Marsh! / Marine Park Bridge and Arch Tour / Prospect Park and make your own paper pieces of art! 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. / SMNC Spend mid- 11 a.m. / Audubon Center, East Dr. and What creature will you create? winter break with the Rangers exploring Lincoln Rd. Take a stroll as we look at the the salt marsh at Marine Park. Nature architecture put in place by Olmstead and Sunday, March 28 Walks, crafts, team-building activities, Vaux to give this park a more spacious feel. Journey through Time: Brooklyn Brews / performances, and more. Morning and Wear comfortable shoes, dress weather Bushwick 11 a.m. / Bushwick Ave. and afternoon activities. Ages 12 and under. appropriately. Montrose Ave. We’re taking our popular MONDAY — Build a Bug 10 a.m. and History Club: Let’s Go Gowanus! / Brooklyn Brews on the road! View Brewers’ Animal Tracks 1 p.m. Gowanus 1 p.m. / Second St. Row, once the home of many brewing and the Bundle up and companies and sample some of the most TUESDAY — Portable Adventure 10 a.m. prepare yourself for an urban adventure. architecturally interesting buildings in and Create a Nature Collage 1 p.m. Today, we’ll explore the site of Brooklyn’s Bushwick. WEDNESDAY — Owl Pellet Dissection westernmost waterway: The Gowanus Easter Egg Orienteering / Prospect Park Canal. From teeming tidal inlet to 10 a.m. and Children’s Spring Nature Hike 1 p.m. / Picnic House, Third St. and West 1 p.m. potential site –the Gowanus has Dr. Learn the basics of how to use a experienced a storied metamorphosis from compass and then set your skills to a test THURSDAY — Portable Adventure natural estuary to poisoned wasteland. while searching for clues that will you 10 a.m. and Backyard Bass Ice Fishing Thanks to dogged efforts by the city and to the hidden eggs! Fun for the whole Derby 1 p.m. the community, it’s coming back and plans family. are in the works for extensive ecological FRIDAY — Build a Bird Feeder 10 a.m. restoration. and Fun with Map and Compass 1 p.m. URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers WINTER 2010 9

Join the Rangers to learn about Manhattan’s wildlife by attending our birding programs.

Sunday, January 3 A Well Troddin’ Path / Riverside Park 1 p.m. / 72 St. and Riverside Dr. Ring in the New Year as you trod along the paths of Riverside Park and try to walk the entire length of the park. Saturday, January 9 Early Birding / 8 a.m. / IHNC On our early morning bird walk through Inwood Hill Park we’ll be looking for winter waterfowl, , owls, and much more. Sunday, January 10 Winter Tree I.D. / Central Park 2 p.m. / DDC Test your identification skills on a hike through the North Woods and study trees in their dormant state. Dress for the cold! Saturday, January 16 Park Clean-Up / Inwood Hill Park 8 a.m. / IHNC You never know what artifacts we may unearth in this historic park while you help keep the park beautiful. Sunday, January 17 Nature Scavenger Hunt / Central Park 1 p.m. / BC Put your nature knowledge to the test! Fun for kids of all ages. Saturday, February 13 Saturday, March 6 Eagle Watch / Inwood Hill Park 8 a.m. Winter Survival / Inwood Hill Park Saturday, January 23 / IHNC Join us on a walk to the Hudson 1 p.m. / IHNC Learn about surviving in Galileo’s Telescope with Jason Kendall River as we look for Bald Eagles that visit below freezing temperatures. This course / Inwood Hill Park 10 a.m. / IHNC We the city this time of year. will review proper clothing on winter will talk about who Galileo was, when expeditions, finding food, and building he lived, why the telescope was such an Sunday, February 14 shelter. important invention and discuss how his Valentine’s Day Poetry Hike / Central Park observations challenged the world. Then Garden Walk / 11 a.m. / BC Express your love of nature 12 p.m. / Ninth St. and Ave. A Bring your we will fast-forward to today, and see as while hiking to the most romantic spots how the Hubble Space Telescope is doing walking shoes; we’re in for a trek through around Central Park. You’re invited to the community gardens of the Lower the same thing. Length: 60 minutes. bring your favorite poems to read as we Appropriate for All Ages. East Side. We’ll start and end in Tompkins make stops along the way. Square Park. Sunday, January 24 Saturday, February 20 Sunday, March 7 Winter Waterfowl Watch / Central Eagle Watch / Inwood Hill Park 8 a.m. / GPS Adventure / Central Park 11 a.m. / Park 10 a.m. / BC Ducks and geese fly IHNC See February 13 listing. thousands of miles to spend the winter BC Come for a hike around Central Park in New York City’s Central Park. Join us as we look for the park’s hidden treasures. for a walk past our ponds to Sunday, February 21 Bring your own GPS units or borrow one see what waterfowl are spending winter Native American Winter Games/ Central from us. vacationing in NYC and learn about the Park 2 p.m. / BC Venture into the Ramble amazing adaptations and journeys of these to learn and play some traditional Native Saturday, March 13 robust travelers. Dress for the cold and American games. Children and adults Before the Ides of March / Riverside Park bring binoculars! welcome! Please dress for the cold. 5 p.m. / Hippo Playground, 91 St. and Riverside Dr. A cloud of gloom hangs Saturday, January 30 Saturday, February 27 over the Ides of March. Let’s take this Advanced Hiking / Inwood Hill Park Eagle Watch / Inwood Hill Park 10 a.m. / opportunity to take a spooky walk through 10 a.m. / IHNC Hike at a vigorous pace IHNC See February 13 listing. the Park after dark. through the Inwood forest to Dyckman Kids Movie Night II / Inwood Hill Park fields and over to Fort Tryon. Bring proper Sunday, March 14 7 p.m. / IHNC Join us for our second footwear and prepare for a challenge. installment of Kids Movie Night featuring The Fascinating Tales of Women / Central Park 11 a.m. / Bethesda Fountain, mid Kids Movie Night I / Inwood Hill Park “: The Meltdown”. There will be light refreshment served during the movie. park at 72 St. As part of National Women’s 7 p.m. / IHNC Join us for our first History Month, learn more about some installment of Kids Movie Night featuring To register, visit http://nyc.gov/parks/ rangers/register on February 17. 20 max. prominent women in history. Our tour “Charlotte’s Web”. There will be light begins at the famed Bethesda Fountain, refreshment served during the movie. To one of many fascinating tales of women register, visit http://nyc.gov/parks/rangers/ Sunday, February 28 whose work and lives we will explore on a register on January 20. 20 Max Raptors: The Master’s of the Sky / tour around Central Park. Central Park 12 p.m. / BC Explore the Sunday, January 31 natural history, biology and ecology of Native American Story Telling and Owl Watch / Central Park 5 p.m. / 100 St. raptors with a lecture and hawk walk. Puppet Show / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. / and Central Park West It’s a great time of Discover how birds of prey inspire humans. IHNC Join us for some wonderful stories year to observe and enjoy raptors in NYC. Legends, spirituality, religion, folklore, art, that were passed down through Native music, dance, photography, sport mascots, American culture. All ages welcome. Sunday, February 7 falconry and national symbols. Winter Waterfowl Watch / Central Park 10 a.m. / BC See January 24 listing. 10 OOutdoors utdoors iin inn NNewNewew YYorkYorkork CCityCityity www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Saturday, March 20 Sunday, March 21 Sunday, March 28 Ethno Botany of the Hallett Nature The First Signs of Spring! / Central Park Sanctuary / Central Park 1 p.m. / Gapstow 11 a.m. / BC We’ll keep our eyes out for bridge at the 59 St. Pond The blossoms, birds and bugs that are springing tribe made great use of the vast natural back into the city on our walk through resources of New York. The Rangers will Central Park. lead a walk though the woodlands of the Hallett Sanctuary in search of the trees and plants that they used for food, shelter, medicine and musical instruments. Open Mic Night / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / IHNC Bring your instruments, prose, or poetry and contribute to a night of fun filled free form expression. Saturday, March 27 Early Birding / Inwood Hill Park 10 a.m. / IHNC See January 9th listing. Ranger Story Telling / Central Park 11 a.m. / DDC Want to find out how a Ramble Scramble / Central Park 12 p.m. / Park Ranger spends their time? Come and BC Come dust off your hiking boots as we learn about the exciting life of a Ranger in do some rock scrambling. A great fun fact New York City Parks. filled walk for curious geologists with lots of energy. Native American Ethno Botany / Inwood Hill Park 12 p.m. / IHNC The forest of Kids Movie Night III / Inwood Hill Inwood Hill Park provided the Lenape tribe Park 7 p.m. / IHNC Join us for our third with many natural resources that were vital installment of Kids Movie Night featuring Leisurely Spring Hike / to their survival. Join us for an educational “Over the Hedge”. There will be light 12 p.m. / Margaret Corbin Circle On our hike to learn about the vibrant Native refreshment served during the movie. leisurely stroll of Fort Tryon we will visit American history and ethno botany of this To register, visit http://nyc.gov/parks/ the Heather Garden to find out what is in unique park. rangers/register on March 17. 20 max. bloom and enjoy the beautiful views of the as we learn about the history of this magnificent park.

Join the Urban Park Rangers!Rangers! LookingLo for birding walks inn your borough? Want to meetm other birders? The Looking for hiking in your borough? BIRDINGUrbanUr Park Rangers offer bird Need motivation? The Urban Park walkswa and talks. Rangers offer adventure & birding hikingHIKINGleisure hikes, nature & historic walks and tours, and orienteering events. free!FREE!! canoeing CANOEING Looking for canoeing in your borough? Want to meet other canoe enthusiasts? The Urban Park Rangers offer basic canoeing programs VISIT TODAY for more information at and canoe expeditions. www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers or call 866.692.4295 URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers WINTER 2010 11 Queens has plenty to off er - take a walk with the Rangers and experience birding, hiking, history and more. Spark your interest and if it snows you can always go snowshoeing with the Rangers at Fort Totten. Saturday, January 2 Saturday, January 16 Saturday, February 6 Duck, Duck, Goose / Flushing Animal Tracking / Alley Pond Park 12 p.m. Corona Park 10 a.m. / Mauro Playground, / APPAC See January 23 listing. Park Drive East and 73 Terr. As the weather gets cold, the birding gets hot. Where Did They All Go? / Fort Totten Park Join us as we look for ducks and geese 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Ever walk that consider NYC in the winter is warm! around when it’s cold and wonder how plants and animals survive through the Are You Smarter Than A Park Ranger? / winter? Join us to find out and we might Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building even go snowshoeing, weather permitting. 502 Participants will be asked questions about park history, nature and other areas Sunday, February 7 to see how they size up to their friendly Early Birding / Forest Park 8:30 a.m. / local Urban Park Ranger. FPVC See January 10 listing. Sunday, January 17 The Four Elements of Survival: Part II / Forest Park 1 p.m. / FPVC See January 3 Winter Tree I.D. / 11 a.m. listing. Part II focuses on the importance of / Rose and Ave. Entrance With the collecting drinkable water. Rangers teaching you’ll never “bark up the wrong tree” again once you how to Sleeping Giants / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. identify trees without leaves, / FTVC, Building 502 Did you know that Fort Totten Park has over forty different One for the History Books / Fort Totten species of trees? Come learn ways to Park 1 p.m. / Front Gate, intersection of identify these giants now that they have 212 St. and Cross Island Pkwy. Come gone dormant for the winter. We may celebrate the beginning of Fort Totten even go snowshoeing, weather permitting. Park’s hundred-forty eighth year of existence with a walk around the grounds Saturday, January 23 of this Civil War era Army base. We may Story Time for Children / Fort Totten Park even go snowshoeing, weather permitting. 11 a.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Gather A Century of Building / Fort Totten Park around as we read our favorite nature 1 p.m. / Front Gate, intersection of 212 Sunday, January 3 stories. Refreshments will be served. St. & Cross Island Pkwy. Travel back a The Four Elements of Survival: Part I / Children 8 and under. century or more and explore examples Forest Park 1 p.m. / FPVC In this four part of Colonial Revival architecture found on series, you will learn about the four basic Animal Tracking / this former military base. We’ll identify elements of wilderness survival: shelter, 12 p.m. / Parking lot on Union Tpke. and the buildings and point out their unique water, fire and food. Partt I focuses on the 197 St. Animals leave behind different architectural features. We might even go importance of building a good shelter. signsgns oof their whereabouts, from scat to snowshoeing, weather permitting. tractracks. Learn to keep track of them all. Shooting Stars: Quadrantids Meteor Saturday, February 13 Shower / Fort Totten Park 6:30 p.m.m. / Sunday,S January 24 Duck, Duck, Goose / FTVC, Building 502 The Quadrantids are Early Birding / Forest Park 8:30 a.m. / 11 a.m. / Jamaica Ave. and Elton St. See an above average meteor shower, with FPVC See January 10 listing. January 16 listing. up to 40 meteors per hour at their peak. Come stargaze with us in search of this , , and Buffleheads…Ohh Seasonal Crafts for Kids / Fort Totten and other celestial extravaganza. Weatherr My! / Fort Totten Park 10 a.m. / FTVC,VC Park 11 a.m. / FTVC, Building 502 With permitting. Call 718.352.1769 on day of Building 502 Come walk along the watersw winter weather keeping us inside, come program to confirm. of the to discover thee get creative by using all that winter has left diverse winter birding in your backyard.ard behind for us. Children 8 and under. Saturday, January 9 Binoculars provided. Winter Wonderland / Fort Tottenn Park Sunday,S February 14 11 a.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Discoverver Saturday,S January 30 The Four Elements of Survival: Part IV / all that Fort Totten Park hass to offer as Duck,Duc Duck,k, Goose / Forest Park 1 p.m. / FPVC See January 3 we guide you throughhro this historichistoricalsto and 11 a.m. / Parkingarking lot on Baisley Blvd. and listing. Part IV focuses on the importance nature related scavengerscav hunt.nt.t. AAll agaagesgesg 1515555 St. Seee January 16 listing.listi of foraging for food. welcomed. We mayma even goo snowshoeing,ssnowshonowshhoeinhoeingg,, weatherr permittingpermitting. WiWWinter Owlwl Prowl / Alley Pond Park NNature’s Sweet Treats / Fort Totten Park 2 p.m.pp.mp. / APPAC Join us as we introduce 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Many of Denizens of the Dark / AlAlleAAlleylleylley PPoPondond Park yoyyououutu tot our resident Great Horned Owls our favorite seasonal treats are products 4 p.m. / APPAAPPAC Join uss forf r aan n aafter-hours whwwhoho nnestsne in the dark woods of Alley Pond of nature. Come learn about the origins hike as we search foror babbats,aats,t ,raracco owls PaPark.k AAloAlong the way we’ll point out all the of our favorite teas, coffees and other and whateverr elsee lurkslurkrksk in the dark. Bring a creaturecreatureseaturesrees thatth make up the interesting food seasonal delights and treat your taste buds. flashlight, butut leaveeavee youryou fear at home. web. BinocBinocularsnoculaulars pprovided. Saturday, February 20 Sunday, January 100 Sunday,SundaSundnday,ndayday,ddaay,y,, JJanuary 31 Scavenger Hunt / Kissena Park 11 a.m. Early Birdingding / Forest ParParkararkrkkk8 88:38:30300 a.m. / BirdsBirBBirdrdddss of “Paradise” / Powells Park / Rose and Oak Aves. Entrance Kids of FPVC Thee early bird gets ththehhee worm! Be 1111 aa.m.m. / IntersectionIntersec of 130 St. and all ages can hunt for hidden treasures sure to set your alarm clockk aandnd join us foforr 111 Ave. Joinoin us for a walk through this throughout the park. Earn prizes! this morning programprogram. ddiverse habitatbitat to see winter waterfowl, shsshorebirds,, and many forestfore dwellers. Making Tracks / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. Makingg Tracks / Fort Tottenenn ParkPa 1 p.m. BiBBinoculars recommended. / FTVC, Building 502 See January 10 / FTVC,TVC, Building 502 Learnarn hhow to listing. identify and locate aanimal tracks found in Theh Four Elements of Survival: Part III / anand around woodland areas. You willill be Forest Park 1 p.m. / FPVC See Januarynuary 3 Sunday, February 21 surprised to learn which animalss call Fort listing. Part III focuses on the importancertance Early Birding / Forest Park 8:30 a.m. / Totten their home. of building a proper fire. FPVC See January 10 listing. Are You Smarter Than A Park Ranger? / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building 502 See January 16 listing. 12 OOutdoors utdoors iin inn NNewNewew YYorkYorkork CCityCityity www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Denizens of the Dark / Kissena Park 4:30 p.m. / Rose and Oak Aves. Entrance See January 9 listing. Saturday, March 20 Duck, Duck, Goose / Flushing Meadows Corona Park 10 a.m. / Mauro Playground, Park Drive East and 73 Terr. See January 16 listing. Spring Has Sprung / Fort Totten Park 10 a.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Spend the morning hiking along Fort Totten Park’s shorelines and wooded areas. Enjoy some of the natural beauty found in our park as we celebrate the Vernal Equinox and the arrival of spring. Sunday, March 21 Early Birding / Forest Park 8:30 a.m. / FPVC See January 10 listing. Solid as a Rock: The Old Fort / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Explore the nineteenth century fortress that helped protect New York City’s harbor from possible naval attack and learn about the history of Willets Point. Saturday, March 27 Saturday, February 27 Sunday, March 7 cont’d From Slumber to Spring / Alley Pond Park Duck, Duck, Goose / Flushing Meadows What’s In the Park After Dark? / 10 a.m. / APPAC With the change in Corona Park 10 a.m. / Mauro Playground, Fort Totten Park 6 p.m. / Front Gate, seasons, the cycle of life is renewed. Many Park Dr. East & 73 Terr. See January 16 intersection of 212 St. and Cross Island organisms awaken from a long winter’s listing. Pkwy. Have you ever wondered what sleep, so be sure to set your alarm clock nocturnal wildlife comes out to play when for this program. Loons, Grebes, and Buffleheads…Oh My! the people are away? Take a walk through Birding for Kids/ Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / Fort Totten Park 10 a.m. / Front Gate, the park with the Rangers and find out. intersection of 212 St. and Cross Island / FTVC, Building 502 Bring the kids to the Pkwy. Come walk along the waters of park for a day of birding by sight and song the Little Neck Bay to discover the diverse Saturday, March 13 watching. Children 12 and under. Limited winter birding in your backyard. Binoculars Health Hike / Alley Pond Park 10 a.m. / number of children’s binoculars available. provided. APPAC See February 20 listing. Scavenger Hunt / Kissena Park 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13 cont’d / Rose and Oak Aves. Entrance See Sunday, February 28 February 20 listing. Nature Knowledge / Baisley Pond Park Be A Nature Detective / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / Parking lot on Baisley Blvd. and 11 a.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Kids put Sunday, March 28 155 St. Test your knowledge of nature as their wildlife investigation skills to the test Return of the Plover / Rockaway Beach you learn about the amazing plants and as we use clues to find natures treasures. 1 p.m. / B 44 St. and Boardwalk Now animals that call Baisley Pond Park home. Children 8 and under. that winter is over, it’s the return of the All Things Algonquin / Fort Totten Park Sunday, March 14 Piping Plover. Learn about the plight of this endangered little shorebird. 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building 502 Native Spring Ahead / Alley Pond Park 1 p.m. / Americans have influenced all areas of APPAC Spring is just around the corner; Solid as a Rock: The Old Fort / Fort Totten New York City. Come learn the history and let’s see what is peeking through our Park 1 p.m. / FTVC, Building 502 See traditions of the Lenape people. forest. March 21 listing. Saturday, March 6 A Century of Building / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / Front Gate, intersection of 212 St. and Cross Island Pkwy. See February 7 listing. Owl Prowl / Cunningham Park 3 p.m. / Parking lot on Union Tpke. and 197 St. Although owls are active at night, they leave signs of their whereabouts that can be seen during the day. Whoooo knows what we’ll find? Sunday, March 7 Early Birding / Forest Park 8:30 a.m. / FPVC See January 10 description. URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers WINTER 2010 13

Enjoy some serious park-to-park treks, winter birding, historic house tours and we think you’ll agree that winter is awesome on the Island.

Saturday, January 2 Sunday, January 17 cont’d Winter Survival / 2 p.m. / Healthy Hike / 11 a.m. Animal Autographs / Blue Heron Park BHNC See January 17 listing. / Playground at Ramona Ave. and Lenevar 1 p.m. / BHNC Learn to identify who’s Ave. Clear your head and shake off who in the animal kingdom. Saturday, February 13 the post-holiday blahs with a brisk walk Valentine’s Day Eco-Crafts / Blue Heron through the park. Dress appropriately! Park 11 a.m. / BHNC Let your creativity flow and make a heart-felt craft using Winter Waterfowl / natural materials. Materials provided. 2 p.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, just west of Clove Rd. Get a Nature Story Time / Blue Heron Park glimpse of New York’s winter water birds, 2 p.m. / BHNC See January 9 listing. such as brants, buffleheads, and ruddy ducks. Who knows what else we’ll see! Sunday, February 14 Bring your binoculars and a snack. Valentine’s Day Eco-Crafts / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. / BHNC See February 13 Sunday, January 3 listing. Nature Photography / High Rock Park 11 a.m. / HRRS We’ll look for secret Winter Tree I.D. / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. corners of the park to photograph, so / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, bring your camera! just west of Clove Rd. See January 10 listing. Walk / Wolfe’s Pond Park Saturday, January 23 2 p.m. / Comfort Station west of Cornelia Winter Birding / Bloomingdale Park Ave. With its reinforced skull and a 11 a.m. / Playground at Ramona Ave. and chiseled bill the woodpecker is a true New Lenevar Ave. Most people probably don’t KIDS’ WEEK Yorker. Join us as we go in search of these get outside enough during the coldest fascinating creatures. months to appreciate all of the species that February 15 - 19 call New York home for winter. Come out Saturday, January 9 in search of Winter Wrens, White Throated Kids’ Week in the Forest! / Blue Heron Nature Story Time / Blue Heron Park Sparrows, owls and more. Bring your Park 10 a.m. / BHNC Spend mid-winter 11 a.m. / BHNC Gather ‘round for the binoculars, notebook, and warm clothes. break with the Rangers exploring the warmth of classic nature children’s stories forest of Blue Heron Park. Nature Nature Story Time / Blue Heron Park read aloud by a Ranger. walks, crafts, team-building activities, 2 p.m. / BHNC See January 9 listing. performances and more. Making Tracks / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / BHNC Learn how to identify and Sunday, January 24 MONDAY — Making Tracks locate animal tracks found in and around Nature Photography / Blue Heron Park TUESDAY — Maps and More woodland areas, then make your own 11 a.m. / BHNC See January 3 listing. animal track decorations out of paper or WEDNESDAY — Native American Pathways clay. Woodpecker Walk / Wolfe’s Pond Park 2 p.m. / Meet behind Comfort Station THURSDAY — Winter Survival Sunday, January 10 west of Cornelia Ave. See January 3 listing Winter Tree I.D. / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. FRIDAY — Birding 101 / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, Saturday, January 30 just west of Clove Rd. How do you Dabbling Ducks / Clove Lakes Park identify a tree when there are no leaves, 11 a.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. flowers, or fruit? Come with us and we’ll entrance, just west of Clove Rd. See Saturday, February 20 teach you how. January 16 listing. Moses Mountain A-Z Hike/ High Rock Park 11 a.m. / HRRS See if you can find Astronomy Club / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. Native American Pathways / Conference something in nature to match each and / BHNC Gaze at the heavens through our House Park 2 p.m. / Meet by visitors every letter of the alphabet while hiking high-powered telescope, as we identify center, Hylan Blvd. and Satterlee St. your way to Moses Mountain. constellations, stars, and the phases of our Explore the park to discover a variety of satellite, the moon. Weather permitting. objects used by the Native Americans. Dabbling Ducks / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. Please call 718.967.3542 the day of the How did they survive the winter? / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, program to confirm. just west of Clove Rd. See January 16 Sunday, January 31 listing. Saturday, January 16 Winter Survival / Blue Heron Park 11 am. Happy Hibernators / Blue Heron Park / BHNC See January 17 listing. Sunday, February 21 11 a.m. / BHNC Where do all the animals Woodpecker Walk / Wolfe’s Pond Park that call New York City parks home go in Winter Tree I.D. / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. 2 p.m. / Meet behind Comfort Station the winter? Come learn where all of the / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, west of Cornelia Ave. See January 3 wildlife has been camping out until the just west of Clove Rd. See January 10 listing. warm weather arrives. listing. Astronomy Club / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. Dabbling Ducks / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. Saturday, February 6 / BHNC See January 10 listing. Weather / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, Happy Hibernators / Blue Heron Park permitting. Please call 718.967.3542 the just west of Clove Rd. Do you know the 11 a.m. / BHNC See January 16 listing. day of the program to confirm. difference between those dynamic ducks and other feathered friends? Come explore Winter Waterfowl / Clove Lakes Park Saturday, February 27 the world of ducks from those that like to 2 p.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. Making Tracks / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. dabble to those that love to dive. entrance, just west of Clove Rd. See / BHNC See January 9 listing. January 2 listing. Sunday, January 17 Owl Prowl / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. / BHNC Learn all about the owls of Blue Winter Survival / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. Sunday, February 7 Heron Park from what they eat to what / BHNC Join us for our classic survival Local History Club / Blue Heron Park they like. Then go for a stroll in workshop. Navigation, fire starting, gear, 11 a.m. / BHNC In honor of Black History search of these nightly wonders. and more will be covered, just in time for Month, February’s theme will be about the winter season. the role of Staten Island’s most prominent African Americans. What did they do, and what did they overcome in order to earn fame, fortune, or just recognition? 14 OOutdoors utdoors iin inn NNewNewew YYorkYorkork CCityCityity www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Sunday, February 28 Saturday, March 13 Sunday, March 21 cont’d Bunny Hop / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. / Winter Waterfowl / Clove Lakes Park BHNC Spring is upon us and our furry 2 p.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. friends are hop, hop, hoppy to come out entrance, just west of Clove Rd. See and meet some visitors. January 2 listing. Dabbling Ducks / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, Saturday, March 27 just west of Clove Rd. See January 16 Making Tracks / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. listing. / BHNC See January 9 listing. Dabbling Ducks / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14 / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. entrance, Local History Club / Blue Heron Park just west of Clove Rd. See January 16 11 a.m. / BHNC In honor of Women’s listing. History Month, we’ll discuss Staten Island’s most prominent women, from Alice Austen Sunday, March 28 to Joan Baez. Find out what ties they had Nature Story Time / Blue Heron Park Leaping Lizards and Other Critters! / Blue to Staten Island. Perhaps they lived in your 11 a.m. / BHNC See January 9 listing. Heron Park 11 a.m. / BHNC Even though neighborhood. it’s not a leap year, we still like animals that Nature’s Fakers / High Rock Park 2 p.m. rely on jumping to survive. Find out which Astronomy Club / Blue Heron Park 6 p.m. / HRRS April fools is upon us and Mother ones are the fastest, the highest, and the / BHNC See January 10 listing. Weather Nature has lots of tricks she likes to play farthest jumpers. permitting. Please call 718.967.3542 the on us. So let’s see what some of these may day of the program to confirm. be and learn how all of her lovely creatures Nature Story Time / Blue Heron Park adapt to survive. 2 p.m. / BHNC See January 9 listing. Saturday, March 20 Saturday, March 6 Moses Mountain A-Z Hike/ High Rock Park 11 a.m. / HRRS See February 20 KIDS’ WEEK listing. March 29 - April 2 Winter Waterfowl / Clove Lakes Park 2 p.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. Kids’ Week in the Forest! / Blue Heron entrance, just west of Clove Rd. See Park 10 a.m. / BHNC Spend spring January 2 listing. break with the Rangers exploring the forest of Blue Heron Park. Nature Sunday, March 7 walks, crafts, team-building activities, Winter Tree I.D. / Clove Lakes Park Spring Fling / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. / performances and more. 11 a.m. / Martling Pond, Martling Ave. BHNC Happy first day of spring! Let’s see MONDAY — Forest Ecology entrance, just west of Clove Rd. See what Nature has to offer us now that the January 10 listing. weather is starting to change. And let’s see TUESDAY — A-Z Nature Hike who has awoken from their winter nap. Winter Survival / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / WEDNESDAY — Geology Rocks BHNC See January 17 listing. Nature Story Time / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / BHNC See January 9 listing. THURSDAY — Nature’s Fakers Sunday, March 21 FRIDAY — Tremendous Trees Nature Photography / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. / BHNC See January 3 listing. SUMMER EMPLOYMENT BULLETIN BOARD

LOOKING FOR: WANTED: CAMP COUNSELORs SEASONAL PARK Outdoor enthusiasts interested in a RANGERS fun summer experience working Outdoor enthusiasts 21+ years old as a CAMP COUNSELOR interested in a fun summer OR COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING experience working as a at Urban Park Ranger summer camps. SEASONAL PARK RANGER. • 15 -17 years old, Counselor -in- Lead Summer Explorer training positions. • 18+ years old, Camp Counselor Programs. positions.

For more information please check out the website at http://www.nycgovparks.org/rangers. URBAN PARK RANGERS www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers CITY OF NEW YORK PARKS & RECREATION 15 The Natural ClassroomTM TreesNYC: Something Big is taking Root Germinate an interest in trees in your students while reinforcing scientifi c and mathematical concepts. ‘Leaf” the classroom behind, branch out to the park, and help New York become green and clean. Urban Raptors: Masters of the Sky Let your students soar to new heights as they learn about the razor-sharp talons, keen eyesight, and hooked beaks of raptors. Eagles, hawks, owls and more; discover their world and watch them soar. : Te sti ng Citizen Science programs promote public involvement in science research projects and interest in environmental issues. Through the ParKIDS NYC website, the Urban Park Rangers are conducting a water quality monitoring project. Partner with the Rangers to collect and test water samples at various locations in all fi ve boroughs.

The Urban Park Rangers secure grant funding to offset the cost to teachers of participating in The Natural Classroom*. Ask about our current grants and fi nd out if you are eligible for a free or low-cost grant funded program!

*Half price programs for Title I schools. To book your visit call 311 and ask for the URBAN PARK RANGERS. Kids' Korner!

They say that no two snowflakes are exactly the same. This may or may not be true, and it would take a really long time to figure this out for sure, but we do know this: snowflakes form when it’s REALLY cold outside. What we call snowflakes are really a collection of six-sided snow crystals. As moisture collects around dust or other teeny-tiny particles floating around in a cloud, the particles become heavier and fall to Earth as snowflakes. Their shapes are different depending on how high or low in the sky the clouds they form in are. The highest clouds are the coldest, but not the best snow crystal makers — 5 degrees Fahrenheit is best and occurs in clouds found lower in the sky. Believe it or not, even if it gets REALLY REALLY cold, but there are no particles in the clouds, snowflakes will not form. But if they do, get ready for some fun! Skiers and sledders prefer a drier, more powdery snow with more air between the flakes, whereas snow fort and snowball makers, prefer a wetter, less airy snow that sticks together when mushed. One thing to remember, kids: even if it turns out that there are two identical snowflakes out there, no two people are exactly the same, which makes you pretty special.

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