OutdoorsIN NEW YORK CITYJanuary/February/March 2019

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Welcome to Outdoors in New York City

Urban Park Ranger FacilitiesPlease call specific locations for hours.

BRONXPelham Bay Ranger Station // (718) 319-7258Pelham Bay Park // Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Van Cortlandt Nature Center // (718) 548-0912Van Cortlandt Park // West 246th Street and Broadway

BROOKLYN Salt Marsh Nature Center // (718) 421-2021Marine Park // East 33rd Street and Avenue U

MANHATTANPayson Center // (212) 304-2277Inwood Hill Park // Payson Avenue and Dyckman Street

QUEENSAlley Pond Park Adventure Center (718) 217-6034 // (718) 217-4685Alley Pond Park // Enter at Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway

Forest Park Ranger Station // (718) 846-2731Forest Park // Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive

Fort Totten Visitors Center // (718) 352-1769Fort Totten Park // Enter the park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway and follow signs

STATEN ISLANDBlue Heron Nature Center // (718) 967-3542Blue Heron Park // 222 Poillon Ave. between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

As winter takes hold in New York City, it is natural to want to stay inside. But at NYC Parks, we know that this is a great time of year for New Yorkers to get active and enjoy the outdoors.

When the weather outside is frightful, consider it an opportunity to explore a side of the city that we can only experience for a few months every year. The Urban Park Rangers continue to offer many unique opportunities throughout the winter. Join us to kick off 2019 on a guided New Year’s Day Hike in each borough. This is also the best time to search for winter wildlife, including seals, owls, and eagles. Kids Week programs encourage families to get outside and into the park while school is out.

This season, grab your boots, mittens, and hat, and head to your nearest park! New York City parks are open and ready to welcome you year-round.

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Winter Hiking Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.

BRONX Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, Feb. 3 // Nature Exploration: John Muir TrailVan Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway

Sunday, March 3 // Hunter Island Night Hike Pelham Bay Park // 6:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Feb. 20.

BROOKLYN Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Prospect Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

Sunday, Feb. 3 // Photo Scavenger Hunt Hike Sunset Park // 1:00 p.m. Seventh Avenue at 43rd Street

Saturday, March 9 // Winter Meditation Hike Prospect Park // 11:00 a.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

MANHATTANTuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day HikeFort Tryon Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Washington Avenue and Margaret Corbin Circle

Sunday, Feb. 24 // Winter Wildlife Night HikeInwood Hill Park // 6:00 p.m. Payson Playground, Dyckman Street and Henshaw Street

Saturday, March 30 // Northern Manhattan Parks Super HikeInwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 20.

QUEENS Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Forest Park // 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Buddy Monument, Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South

Sunday, Feb. 24 // Nature Exploration Hike Flushing Meadows Corona Park // 1:00 p.m.Mauro Playground, Park Drive East and 73rd Terrace

Sunday, March 17 // Hike the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway Cunningham Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet in parking lot at 73rd Avenue and Hollis Hills Terrace

STATEN ISLAND Tuesday, Jan. 1 // New Year’s Day Hike Bloomingdale Park// 11:00 a.m.Playground at Ramona Avenue and Lenevar Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 16 // Healthy Heart Hike Clove Lakes Park // 11:00 a.m.Parking lot from Clove Road and Park Drive

Saturday, March 30 // Conservation HikeBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m.Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road

Sunday, Feb. 24 // African-American History Month: The Birthplace of Hip Hop Cedar Playground // 1:00 p.m. West 179th Street between Cedar Avenue and Sedgwick Avenue

Saturday, March 9 // The Explorer’s Club: Deer Exploration Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach

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Urban Park Ranger ProgramsFrom winter birding to survival workshops, the Urban Park Rangers are hosting fun outdoor activities all winter long. For a complete detailed listing of programs and to register, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers.

BRONX Sunday, Jan. 13 // Seal Exploration Pelham Bay Park // 10:00 a.m.Orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of Orchard Beach

Saturday, Jan. 19 // The Explorer’s Club: Fire MakingVan Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Saturday, Jan. 26 // Astronomy: The Winter Sky Van Cortlandt Park // 6:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, Jan. 27 // Birding: Owls Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Saturday, Feb. 2 // The Explorer’s Club: Cartographer’s Orienteering Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 9 // Birding: Winter Birds Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, Feb. 10 // Valentine’s Day Hike and Craft Van Cortlandt Park // 11:00 a.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

Sunday, Feb. 17 // The Explorer’s Club: Natural Cordage and Knot TyingVan Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

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Sunday, March 17 // Women’s History Month: Anne Hutchinson Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Meet at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Course, 870 Shore Road

Saturday, March 30 // Birding: Hawk Watch Van Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m.Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

BROOKLYN Sunday, Jan. 13 // Nature’s Workshop: Natural Jewelry MakingMarine Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Sunday, Jan. 20 // Survival Series: Survival 101 Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, Jan. 27 // Nature’s Workshop: Nature Journals Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, Feb. 3 // Survival Series: Shelter Building Prospect Park// 1:00 p.m. Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

Saturday, Feb. 9 // African-American History Month: Brooklyn and The Underground Railroad Brooklyn Bridge Park // 11:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Saturday, Feb. 16 // Survival Series: Fire MakingFort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Sunday, March 3 // Historic New York: Nature and Design Prospect Park // 1:00 p.m. Meet under the Arch at Grand Army Plaza

Sunday, March 10 // Science Discovery Workshop Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Sunday, March 17 // Women’s History Month: Gravesend Gravesend Cemetery // 11:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 6.

Saturday, March 23 // Nature’s Workshop: Natural Music InstrumentsFort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Saturday, March 30 // Survival Series: Cordage and Rope Making Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

MANHATTANSunday, Jan. 13 // The New York City History Club: Central ParkCentral Park // 1:00 p.m. West 72nd Street and Central Park West

Sunday, Jan. 20 // Astronomy: The SupermoonCentral Park // 6 :00 p.m. The Great Hill, West 106th Street and Central Park West

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Sunday, Jan. 27 // Gather Around the CampfireInwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Sunday, Feb. 3 // Winter Tree ID Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center, West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 9 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Bald EaglesInwood Hill Park // 9:00 a.m. Payson Playground, Dyckman Street and Henshaw Street

Sunday, Feb. 17 // The New York City History Club: Revolutionary War History Fort Tryon Park // 1:00 p.m. Anne Loftus Playground, Dyckman Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 23 // African-American History Month: Seneca VillageCentral Park// 1:00 p.m. West 81st Street and Central Park West

Saturday, March 2 // High Line Park: Past and PresentHigh Line Park // 10:00 a.m. West 34th Street between 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue

Saturday, March 9 // Women’s History Month: The Women Within Central Park Central Park // 11:00 a.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Sunday, March 10 // The New York City Naturalist Club: Fungus Among-us! Inwood Hill Park // 11:00 a.m. Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

Saturday, March 16 // The New York City History Club: The Forts of Central Park Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Fifth Avenue and East 106th Street

Saturday, March 23 // The New York City History Club: The Hidden Streams and Wetlands of Manahatta: Sherman Creek Highbridge Park // 1:00 p.m. Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, March 13.

QUEENSSunday, Jan. 13 // Park of the Month: Baisley Pond Park Baisley Pond Park // 10:00 a.m. Meet in the parking lot at Baisley Boulevard and 155th Street

Saturday, Jan. 19 // Birding: Hawk Watch Flushing Meadows Corona Park // 11:00 a.m.Meet inside the park at the Unisphere

Sunday, Jan. 20 // Nature’s Workshop: Nature Illustrations Forest Park // 1:00 p.m.Meeting location TBA. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 9.

Sunday, Jan. 27 // Birding: Winter WaterfowlBrookville Park // 1:00 p.m.Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road

Sunday, Feb. 3 // Winter Tree ID Captain Tilly Park // 10:00 a.m. Meet at Chapin Parkway and Gothic Drive

Sunday, Feb. 10 // African-American History Month: The Flushing Freedom MileDaniel Carter Beard Square // 1:00 p.m.Northern Boulevard and Linden Place

Saturday, Feb. 16 // Park of the Month: Powell’s Cove Park Powell’s Cove Park // 10:00 a.m.11th Avenue and 130th Street

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Sunday, Feb. 17 // Historic New York: George Washington’s PathAlley Pond Park // 1:00 p.m.Enter at Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway and proceed to the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course

Sunday, Feb. 24 // AstronomyAlley Pond Park // 6:00 p.m.Enter at Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway and proceed to the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course

Saturday, March 9 // Coastal Ecology ExplorationRockaway Beach // 1:00 p.m. Beach 94th Street and Shorefront Parkway

Sunday, March 16 // AstronomyFort Totten Park // 6:00 p.m.Fort Totten Visitor Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Enter park and follow signs to the Visitor Center.

Sunday, March 10 // Women’s History Month: Historic Women in Queens Marie Curie Playground // 11:00 a.m. 46th Avenue and 211th Street

Saturday, March 23 // Park of the Month: Cunningham ParkCunningham Park // 10:00 a.m.Meet in parking lot at Union Turnpike and 196th Place

Saturday, March 30 // Historic New York: Fort Totten Tunnel TourFort Totten Park // 10:00 a.m.Fort Totten Visitor Center, Totten Road and Cross Island Parkway. Enter park and follow signs to the Visitor Center.

STATEN ISLANDSunday, Jan. 6 // Ecosystem Explorers: GrasslandsBrookfield Park // 1:00 p.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road

Saturday, Jan. 12 // AstronomyWillowbrook Park // 6:00 p.m. Archery Field parking lot from the Eton Place entrance

Sunday, Jan. 13 // Historic Brookfield Brookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road

Sunday, Jan. 20 // Animal of the Month: Northern HarrierBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot entrance at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 2 // Ecosystem Explorers: Pond Ecology Blue Heron Park // 11:00 a.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave.

Sunday, Feb. 3 // African-American History Month: Sandy Ground Bloomingdale Park // 11:00 a.m. Playground at Ramona Avenue and Lenevar Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 9 // Birding: Winter BirdsSilver Lake Park // 11:00 a.m. Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Drive

Sunday, Feb. 10 // Animal of the Month: Seal WatchLemon Creek Park // 2:00 p.m. Fishing pier at Sharrott Avenue and Hylan Boulevard

Sunday, Feb. 17 // Ecosystem Explorers: Micro-EcosystemsAllison Pond Park // 1:00 p.m. Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue

Saturday, Feb. 23 // Birding: Winter WaterfowlBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road

Saturday, March 2 // Nocturnal HikeWolfe’s Pond Park // 6:00 p.m. Comfort Station near the parking lot at the end of Cornelia Avenue

Sunday, March 10 // Animal of the Month: FoxBrookfield Park // 11:00 a.m. Parking lot at Brookfield Avenue and Arthur Kill Road

Sunday, March 24 // Women’s History Month: Women of the LenapeConference House Park // 1:00 p.m. Visitors Center parking lot at Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street

Saturday, March 30 // Animal TracksBlue Heron Park // 11:00 a.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

School’s out! Take the kids to the park to enjoy a variety of nature programs. Get outside and get excited!

Urban Park Rangers Kids WeekFeb. 18–22, 2019

BRONX

Monday, Feb. 18 Orienteering for Kids Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Nature Exploration Van Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center West 246th Street and Broadway

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Birds of Prey Crotona Park // 1:00 p.m. Crotona Nature Center Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East

Thursday, Feb. 21 Urban Forest Exploration Pelham Bay Park // 1:00 p.m. Pelham Bay Nature Center Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

Friday, Feb. 22 Winter Scavenger Hunt Van Cortlandt Park // 1:00 p.m. Van Cortlandt Nature Center West 246th Street and Broadway

BROOKLYN

Monday, Feb. 18 Find My Way: Maps and Compasses Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Shelter Building Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Fort Greene History and Colonial Games Fort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitors Center Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Nature Games Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Thursday, Feb. 21 Birds of Prey Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U

Thursday, Feb. 21 Build a Birdfeeder Fort Greene Park // 1:00 p.m. Fort Greene Visitors Center Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

Friday, Feb. 22 Knot Tying Marine Park // 1:00 p.m. Salt Marsh Nature Center East 33rd Street and Avenue U

MANHATTAN

Monday, Feb. 18 Geology Rocks! Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Reptiles and Amphibians Inwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Payson Playground Dyckman Street and Henshaw Street

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Trees and Winter Wildlife Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center,West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

Thursday, Feb. 21 Birds of Prey Inwood Hill Park // 1:00 p.m. Payson PlaygroundDyckman Street and Henshaw Street

Friday, Feb. 22 All About Owls Central Park // 1:00 p.m. Dana Discovery Center,West 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

QUEENS

Monday, Feb. 18 Nature Exploration Forest Park // 11:00 a.m. Forest Park Visitor Center Woodhaven Blvd and Forest Park Drive

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Who Lives Here? Fort Totten Park // 11:00 a.m. Fort Totten Visitor CenterTotten Road and Cross Island Parkway

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Gather Around the Campfire Alley Pond Park // 11:00 a.m. Pond Park Adventure Course, Winchester Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway

Thursday, Feb. 21 Nature Puppet Show Forest Park // 11:00 a.m. Oak Ridge, 1 Forest Parkway

Friday, Feb. 22 Birding for Kids Kissena Park // 11:00 a.m. Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue

STATEN ISLAND

Monday, Feb. 18 Be A Tree Detective Westerleigh Park // 1:00 p.m. Maine Avenue and Neal Dow Avenue

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Ranger Recycle Games Blue Heron Park // 1:00 p.m. Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave.

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Lenape Bingo Conference House Park // 1:00 p.m. Conference House Visitors Center Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street

Thursday, Feb. 21 Winter Scavenger Hunt Von Briesen Park // 1:00 p.m. Parking lot from Bay Street and School Road entrance

Friday, Feb. 22 Tent Building Walker Park // 1:00 p.m. Delafield Place and Bard Avenue