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THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE … · “Snow Days,” bringing sleds, hot chocolate, and fun winter games to open spaces throughout the city. This gives families a chance

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Page 1: THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE … · “Snow Days,” bringing sleds, hot chocolate, and fun winter games to open spaces throughout the city. This gives families a chance

THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTUREJANUARy/FEbRUARy/MARcH 2015

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Urban Park Ranger Nature and Visitor CentersBRoNxPelham Bay Ranger Station: Pelham Bay Park. bruckner boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue. 718.319.7258

Van Cortlandt Nature Center: Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at West 246th Street and broadway. 718.548.0912

BRooKLYN Salt Marsh Nature Center: Marine Park. East 33rd Street and Avenue U. 718.421.2021

MANHATTANBelvedere Castle: Central Park. 79th Street, mid-park. 212.628.2345

QUEENSAlley Pond Park Adventure Center:Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester boulevard, under the Grand central Parkway. 718.217.6034 or 718.217.4685

Forest Park Visitor Center: Forest Park. Woodhaven boulevard and Forest Park Drive. 718.846.2731

Fort Totten Visitors Center: Fort Totten Park. Enter the park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212th Street and cross Island Parkway and follow signs. 718.352.1769

STATEN ISLANDBlue Heron Nature Center: Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan boulevard. 718.967.3542

For Nature and Visitor Center hours, call the specific location.

2 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

As the snow, ice, and slush fall upon New york city, many of us are inclined to stay in the warmth of our homes, enjoying the holiday joy and time with our loved ones. but at Nyc Parks, we know that this is perhaps the best time of year for New yorkers to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

The winter morphs our Parks into wonderlands of joy for millions of children and adults alike. In New york city, the juxtaposition of snow and skyscrapers is very iconic; the icicles and white coating change the character of the outdoors into something a little bit more magical. And our parks provide many reasons to get outside, even during the coldest months. On days when snow cover prevents “business as usual” for many New yorkers, hundreds of staff from Nyc Parks mobilize to host “Snow Days,” bringing sleds, hot chocolate, and fun winter games to open spaces throughout the city. This gives families a chance to get outside, get active, and enjoy the season.

When the weather outside is frightful, consider it an opportunity to explore a side of New york city that we are only able to enjoy for a few months every year. Our Urban Park Rangers, the spokespeople

for New york city’s natural wonders, continue to offer many unique opportunities throughout the winter. Join them to identify raccoon tracks in the snow, spot Red-tail Hawks in bare tree branches, and strap on snow shoes for a winter hike. This winter season, the Urban Park Rangers are introducing several new programs. Nature’s Workshop programs will give you and your family an opportunity to create a project while enjoying one of our nature centers. Our Outdoor Skills program will prepare you for your adventures in the great outdoors and teach you how to be prepared for the unexpected. Winter is the best time to join the Urban Park Rangers as they search for winter wildlife, including seals, owls and eagles.

So this season, make sure to grab your snowsuit, boots, mittens, and hat, and head to your nearest park! New york city parks are open year-round, and we are ready to welcome you. Let an Urban Park Ranger show you how to enjoy the outside even on the greyest of days; if the cold doesn’t stop our city, it doesn’t have to stop you, either!

Message FromPaul Fontana, chief of Staff for Public Programs

Director Sarah AucoinDeputy Director bonnie McGuire

Deputy Director Richard SimonGraphic Designer Elizabeth Green

THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Urban Park Rangers1234 Fifth AvenueNew York City 10029

credit: Daniel Avila | Nyc Parks

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nyc.gov/parks/rangersURBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 3

cPI’s first phase will target 35 community parks and 55 neighborhoods across the five boroughs, reaching approximately 220,000 New yorkers living within a 10-minute walk of the targeted parks. In its entirety, the initiative’s first phase represents over $173 million in capital and expense funding.

The announcement was held at bowne Playground in Queens—one of 35 sites that will benefit from an infusion of capital investment, community outreach, expanded recreational programming, and increased maintenance.

cPI represents the first phase of Nyc Parks: Framework for an Equitable Future. The framework outlines Nyc Parks’ commitment to increasing the accessibility and quality of New york city’s parks in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs through a dynamic series of immediate steps and long-term initiatives to support sustainable, equitable park development and implement targeted level of service improvements across the park system.

Thanks to significant investments by the city council in increased funding for gardeners, maintenance workers, and community partnership, parks in the cPI initiative will receive critical operating support to sustain the capital investments. Additional staff and resources will be allocated across critical categories including community outreach, capital and planning, recreational programming, and park maintenance. community engagement and stewardship is a hallmark of cPI. Through Partnerships for Parks, a joint program of Nyc Parks and the city Parks Foundation, using the proven catalyst model, Nyc Parks will engage community stakeholders, such as “Friends of” groups, and help them build their own capacity to use, program, and be advocates for their

parks. The program will also engage agency partners, including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Education, the New york city Housing Authority, and the Administration for children’s Services to achieve shared goals.

The community Parks Initiative will bring Nyc Parks’ agency resources together in a coordinated way to better leverage our investments, efficiently targeting those resources to address open space needs in underserved communities through a multi-faceted approach. cPI is a scalable and intensive approach to improving

the small parks that directly serve communities. It is also just one of many steps Nyc Parks will take toward building a more equitable future for our park system. Mayor de blasio has committed New york city to building and fostering the growth of economic opportunity, social equity, and livable neighborhoods. With the community Parks Initiative, Nyc Parks supports Mayor de blasio’s commitment to aggressively tackle equity issues in our communities.

On October 7, 2014, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, launched the Community Parks Initiative—a multi-faceted program to invest in under-resourced public parks located in New York City’s densely populated and growing neighborhoods with higher-than-average concentrations of poverty.

Community Parks Initiative

credit: Daniel Avila | Nyc Parks

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nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS4 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URbAN PARK RANGERS

How long have you been an NYC Parks Urban Park Ranger?I have had the privilege of being an Urban Park Ranger since May 2010.

Where have you worked?I started as a seasonal Ranger in central Park and moved to Pelham bay Park in the bronx as a full time Ranger in September 2011. These two parks are very different. While I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of central Park, with its millions of visitors, Pelham bay Park has given me the opportunity to observe how New yorkers use their open spaces. Plus, there is an amazing amount of wildlife here; I would

never have thought I would see deer, coyotes, seals and more in the bronx!

What do you enjoy most about being an NYC Parks Urban Park Ranger?I really enjoy the diversity of tasks this job offers. Every day is different and presents a subsequent range of new challenges. From introducing second graders to the urban forest, to investigating coyote sightings, you just never know what to expect. One must adhere to their training yet be able to think on their feet.

What are your favorite programs?I prefer and excel at Ecology and History programs. Ecology, the study of ecosystems, allows us to respond to and interpret the stimuli of the natural world as it manifests during the moment. For example, to observe an owl spring from its roost in search of prey while leading a group of young people in the woods is incredibly exciting. As for History, we are fortunate to live in a city with a rich and varied historical significance. From Native Americans, to british Soldiers, and the Industrial Revolution, New york city has seen it all.

Have you ever created a program?Since the parks of New york city are so rich in history, I wanted to create a program that demonstrated to people how the landscape of our city has evolved over the decades. I became seduced by the history of the bronx and enhanced a program about the history of the Estates of Pelham bay. before 1888, the area that would become Pelham bay Park was partitioned into 28 estates, of which bartow-Pell Mansion is the only remaining building. On the tour, we hike to the foundational remnants of the other homes and discuss the research and photographs that I have integrated into the program. This program is now offered at least once a year and has developed quite a following.

What is your favorite park and why?I would have to say Pelham bay Park is my favorite. As well as being the largest park in New york city at 2,772 acres, it has varied and diverse ecosystems, like a coastal ecosystem and an urban forest, which I use as outdoor classrooms. This affords the opportunity to explore distinct yet overlapping ecosystems. A park such as Pelham bay provides us with an invaluable chance to see how the different flora and fauna interact.

What are you most proud of as a Ranger?I think I am most proud of the impact I have had on teachers and students. Working with dedicated teachers and their students in parks throughout the bronx really makes me feel like I am empowering them to become engaged in their community. Teachers ask to schedule additional programs with me by name. Students from programs in previous years remember me from our first encounter. My history programs also have a following of patrons.

What would you tell someone who wants to be a Ranger?This is a challenging but rewarding job. you must really want it. Urban Park Rangers are committed to their mission of connecting New yorkers to the natural world, and they bring their passion for nature with them wherever they go. I would encourage future Rangers to apply to become a seasonal Assistant Urban Park Ranger. If you love what you are doing over your first summer, you will probably enjoy it as a career. but you must always remain flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn new things.

What are your hobbies/interests?My greatest passion is heli-skiing in my home state of colorado. I don’t get to do that too much around here! I also get great pleasure from playing guitar and visiting New york city’s many art museums.

Ranger in the Spotlight The Urban Park Rangers connect New Yorkers to the natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management and active conservation. For over 30 years the Urban Park Rangers have helped New Yorkers of all ages discover the great outdoors, uncovering the natural wonders that exist right here in their own backyard.

Grant Wheeler Urban Park Ranger

credit: Elizabeth Green | Nyc Parks

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nyc.gov/parks/rangersURBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 5

BRoNxSATURDAY, JANUARY 24Pioneering Skills: Building with Ropes and Wood / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / TBA Many plants can produce natural cordage, which our ancestors used to construct many things. you’ll learn basic knots and employ those skills for building a variety of simple useful objects that can be enjoyed in the woods and at home. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, January 14th.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15Camp Cooking 101 / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / TBAbecome a campfire foodie! Learn the basics on camp etiquette, how to set up a campfire, and make a meal with a Dutch oven. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, March 4th.

BRooKLYNSATURDAY, MARCH 28 Gravesend Cemetery Tour / Gravesend Cemetery 11 a.m. / TBADating back to 1643, Gravesend cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent early residents of old brooklyn. We will explore the cemetery while sharing their stories. Participants chosen by lottery. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, March 18th.

MANHATTANSUNDAY, JANUARY 11North Manhattan Parks Super Hike (moderate) / Inwood 11 a.m. / TBADiscover the hidden gems found in the parks of northern Manhattan. Hikers will see the old rock shelters used by Lenape Natives at Inwood Hill Park, observe the cloisters building in Fort Tryon Park, and finish at the legendary Little Red Lighthouse. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Saturday, January 3rd.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28Lantern Night Hike / Central Park 7 p.m. / TBADiscover central Park at night. The Rangers will discuss history and nocturnal wildlife on this night hike from belvedere castle to wild places in the woods. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, February 18th.

QUEENSSATURDAY, MARCH 21Nature Photography: Urban Parks / Astoria Park 1 p.m. / TBAbring your camera and get inspired by the powerful images of urban parks in winter. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, March 11th.

STATEN ISLANDSATURDAY, MARCH 14Nature Photography: Winter Woods / High Rock Park 11 a.m. / TBA bring your camera and get inspired by the powerful images of nature in winter. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, March 4th.

Our bright and talented Urban Park Rangers are what make our Weekend Adventure programs so amazing. Each season we are featuring some of the 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. Please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register to register.

Ranger’s Choice

credit: Daniel Avila | Nyc Parks

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6 NYC Parks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

BRoNxFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6Astronomy: Jupiter at opposition / Van Cortlandt Park 6 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway Jupiter will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view Jupiter and its moons!

SATURDAY, MARCH 7The Night Sky / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

BRooKLYNSATURDAY, JANUARY 3Astronomy: Quadrantids Meteor Shower / Marine Park 6 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22The Night Sky / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

MANHATTANFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6Astronomy: Jupiter at opposition / Central Park 7 p.m. / North side of the Great Lawn, 85th Street mid-parkJupiter will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view Jupiter and its moons!

SATURDAY, MARCH 14The Night Sky / Inwood Hill Park 5 p.m. / Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

QUEENSSUNDAY, JANUARY 4Astronomy: Quadrantids Meteor Shower / Cunningham Park 6 p.m. / Meet at parking lot on Union Turnpike and 197th Street

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21The Night Sky / Fort Totten 6 p.m. / Fort Totten Visitor Center, 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway

STATEN ISLANDSATURDAY, JANUARY 31Astronomy / Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / Comfort station west of Cornelia Avenue

SATURDAY, MARCH 21The Night Sky / Conference House Park 6 p.m. / Conference House Visitor’s Center, Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard

Astronomy and Night Sky Programs

credit: Elizabeth Green | Nyc Parks

Our Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. Many programs feature astronomy experts and all equipment is provided. Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system, using the naked eye to locate stars and planets.

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BRoNxSATURDAY, JANUARY 10Medicinal Plants / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and BroadwayLearn how common plants have been used by humans throughout history to ease pain and cure disease.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22Taste of Nature / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and BroadwayEveryday food sometimes has surprising origins. Discover how many familiar tastes are created with common plants.

BRooKLYNSUNDAY, JANUARY 11Build a Bird Feeder / Marine Park 1 p.m. / TBALearn about winter birds in your neighborhood and what they like to eat. build your very own bird feeder from recycled materials. Participants chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Thursday, January 1st.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Weather Exploration and Monitoring / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue UWinter is the best time to learn about weather, weather anomalies, and our changing climate through some fun weather experiments and outdoor exploration.

MANHATTANSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1Seed Germination Workshop / Inwood Hill Park 2 p.m. / TBAGet a jump on your spring gardening. Learn about native flowers and pollinators. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn more about gardening and start their own seeds to take home. All materials provided. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, January 21st.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7Nature’s Music Workshop / Inwood Hill Park 12 p.m. / TBALearn about what trees and natural materials are used to build modern day and tribal musical instruments. Examples of instruments including log drums and Native American flutes will be on display. Participants will construct an authentic Native American instrument. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, February 25th.

QUEENSSATURDAY, JANUARY 24Citizen Science Bird Feeder Workshop / Fort Totten 11 a.m. / TBAcitizen Science projects empower you to contribute to valuable scientific studies. Learn about Project FeederWatch, a citizen Science program, as well as other citizen Science projects and how to participate in them. Participants will also make natural bird feeders to take home. Registration required. To register visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, January 14th.

STATEN ISLANDSUNDAY, JANUARY 18Indoor Composting Workshop / Blue Heron Park 1 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14Winter Journal Writing / Blue Heron Park 1 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21owls and Pellets / Blue Heron Park 1 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

nyc.gov/parks/rangersURBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 7

Urban Park Rangers Nature Centers are your gateway to New York City parks. Each serves as an in–park community center for public education, recreational activities, and environmental studies. This winter, join us for the Nature’s Workshop series. Each program in this series explores its topic in depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. All supplies provided.

Nature’s Workshop

credit: Nyc Parks

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BRoNxSUNDAY, JANUARY 25Historic New York: Split Rock / Pelham Bay Park 1 p.m. / Bartow-Pell Mansion (Shore Road)

BRooKLYNSATURDAY, JANUARY 31New York and the American Revolution / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

SUNDAY, MARCH 22Historic New York: Nature and Design / Prospect Park 1 p.m. / Meet under the arch at Grand Army Plaza

MANHATTANSUNDAY, JANUARY 18A Park for the People: Central Park / Central Park 1 p.m. / Doris Freedman Plaza, 60th Street and 5th Avenue

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14Historic New York: Foundations of Inwood / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. / Payson Center, Payson Avenue and Dyckman Street

QUEENSSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1Historic New York: The World’s Fair / Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 1 p.m. / Meet at the Unisphere

QUEENS continuedSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28Fort Totten Tunnel Tour / Fort Totten 1 p.m. / Fort Totten Visitor Center, 212th Street and Cross Island Parkway

STATEN ISLANDSUNDAY, MARCH 1Historic New York: Goodhue Park / Goodhue Park 1 p.m. / Goodhue Center, Clinton Avenue and Prospect Avenue

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

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 and architecture of selected neighborhoods or parks. Native American culture is celebrated in special programs throughout the five boroughs.

History

credit: Daniel Avila | Nyc Parks

credit: Daniel Avila | Nyc Parks

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nyc.gov/parks/rangersURBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 9

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. Hiking programs feature intensity levels ranging from light (a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), to moderate (longer, faster paced hikes on rugged terrain), to vigorous (long distance, with hills and rugged terrain).

Hiking

BRoNxSATURDAY, JANUARY 17Nature Exploration: Hunter Island (moderate) / Pelham Bay Park 1 p.m. / orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of orchard Beach

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Hunter Island Night Hike / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / TBA Owls, deer, coyotes, and raccoons are among the many animals that call Pelham bay Park home. Join the Rangers for this rare winter night hike. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on Wednesday, February 4th.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8Nature Exploration: John Muir Trail (vigorous) / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Mosholu Avenue and Broadway

BRooKLYNSATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Nature Exploration: Salt Marsh Nature Trail (light) / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7Winter Tree ID (light) / Prospect Park 11 a.m. / Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

SATURDAY, MARCH 7Nature Exploration (light) / Canarsie Park 1 p.m. / Remsen Avenue and Seaview Avenue

MANHATTANSUNDAY, JANUARY 4Nature Exploration (moderate) / Central Park 1 p.m. / Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

MANHATTAN continuedSUNDAY, MARCH 1Nature Exploration (moderate) / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. / Isham Street and Seaman Avenue

QUEENSSATURDAY, JANUARY 10Winter Tree ID (light) / Kissena Park 11 a.m. / Rose Avenue and oak Avenue

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7Nature Exploration (moderate) / Forest Park 11 a.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive

SUNDAY, MARCH 15Nature Exploration (light) / Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 11 a.m. / Mauro Playground Park Drive East and 73 Terrace

STATEN ISLANDSUNDAY, JANUARY 11Fitness Hike (vigorous) / High Rock Park 11 a.m. / Park in lot at the end of Nevada Avenue

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15Nature Exploration (moderate) / Clove Lakes Park 1 p.m. / Park Drive and Clove Road

SUNDAY, MARCH 29Scavenger Hunt Hike (light) / Conference House Park 1 p.m. / Conference House Visitor’s Center, Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard

credit: Daniel Avila | Nyc Parks

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BRoNxSUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Finding Your Way / Van Cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Mosholu Avenue and BroadwayIf you lost your way could you navigate to safety? Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn basic cartography skills, learn how to use a compass, and learn Native American navigational skills while walking through Van cortlandt Park.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28Fire Making Skills / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and BroadwayFire is mankind’s greatest discovery. Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors.

BRooKLYNSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15Animal Tracking / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue ULearn to identify animal tracks to understand animal behavior.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21Fire Making Skills / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U Fire is mankind’s greatest discovery. Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors.

MANHATTANSATURDAY, JANUARY 17Finding your Way: Maps and Compasses / Central Park 1 p.m. / Belvedere Castle, 79th Street and mid-parkIf you lost your way could you navigate to safety? Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn how to navigate using a map and compass.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8Fire Making Skills / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. / Isham Street and Seaman AvenueFire is mankind’s greatest discovery. Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors.

QUEENSSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22Knot Tying / Forest Park 1 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor Center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive Knots, hitches, lashings; discover the diversity and practical uses of knots in the outdoors.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14Fire Making Skills / Alley Pond Park 11 a.m. / Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central ParkwayFire is mankind’s greatest discovery. Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors.

STATEN ISLANDSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7Shelter Building / Blue Heron Park 1 p.m. / Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Develop skills that will help you create shelter from natural and man-made objects.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28Fire Making Skills / Willowbrook Park 11 a.m. / Comfort Station, Eton Place and Richmond AvenueFire is mankind’s greatest discovery. Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors.

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

Our Urban Park Rangers are well versed in outdoor lore. Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life. Whether you are preparing for an extended journey through the woods or just want to be more prepared for any situation, a wilderness survival program is perfect for you. All programs are family friendly, but are recommended for ages 8 years and older.

outdoor Skills

credit: Jeff billak | Nyc Parks

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BRoNxSUNDAY, JANUARY 11Seal Exploration / Pelham Bay Park 10 a.m. / orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of orchard Beach

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8Birding: owls / Pelham Bay Park 1 p.m. / orchard Beach Nature Center, Section 2 of orchard Beach

SATURDAY, MARCH 21Living with Urban Coyotes / Van Cortlandt Park 1 p.m. / Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street and Broadway

BRooKLYNSUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Birding: Winter Birds / Prospect Park 11 a.m. / Prospect Park Audubon Center, East Drive and Lincoln Road

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Wildlife Viewing: City Squirrels / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

MANHATTANSATURDAY, JANUARY 10Birding: Eagles / Inwood Hill Park 9 a.m. / Payson Center, Payson Street and Dyckman Avenue

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21Birding: Eagles / Inwood Hill Park 9 a.m. / Payson Center, Payson Street and Dyckman Avenue

QUEENSSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8Winter Birds of Prey / Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 11 a.m. / Meet at the Unisphere

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14Birding: Winter Birds / Highland Park 11 a.m. / Park Entrance opposite Vermont Place Parking Lot

SUNDAY, MARCH 1Birding: owls / Alley Pond Park 4 p.m. / Alley Pond Park Adventure Center, Winchester Boulevard, under the Grand Central Parkway

STATEN ISLANDSUNDAY, JANUARY 25Birding: Winter Waterfowl / Willowbrook Park 11 a.m. / Comfort Station, Eton Place and Richmond Avenue

SATURDAY, MARCH 7Birding: Winter Birds / Clove Lakes Park 11 a.m. / Park Drive and Clove Road

nyc.gov/parks/rangersURBAN PARK RANGERS NYC Parks 11

New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. 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.

Wildlife Viewing

Page 12: THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE … · “Snow Days,” bringing sleds, hot chocolate, and fun winter games to open spaces throughout the city. This gives families a chance

BRoNx FEBRUARY 16 & 19 Monday & Thursday / Van cortlandt Nature center, West 246th Street and broadwayFEBRUARY 17 & 20 Tuesday & Friday / Pelham bay Park 1 p.m. / Pelham bay Nature center, bruckner boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue FEBRUARY 18 Wednesday / crotona Park 1 p.m. / crotona Nature center, charlotte Street and crotona Park East

BRooKLYNFEBRUARY 16-20 Monday - Friday / Marine Park 1 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U

MANHATTANFEBRUARY 16, 18, 20 Monday, Wednesday, & Friday / central Park 2 p.m. / Dana Discovery center, 110th Street and Lenox AvenueFEBRUARY 17 & 19 Tuesday & Thursday / Inwood Hill Park 2 p.m. / Payson center, Payson Street and Dyckman Avenue

QUEENSFEBRUARY 16 & 17 Monday & Tuesday / Fort Totten 1 p.m. / Fort Totten Visitor center, 212th Street and cross Island ParkwayFEBRUARY 18 & 19 Wednesday & Thursday / Forest Park 1 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor center, Woodhaven boulevard and Forest Park DriveFEBRUARY 20 Friday / Alley Pond Park 1 p.m. / Alley Pond Park Adventure center, Winchester boulevard, under the Grand central Parkway

STATEN ISLANDFEBRUARY 16-20 Monday - Friday / blue Heron Park 1 p.m. / blue Heron Nature center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan boulevard

Visit www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers

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

KIDS WEEK February 16-20