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Wild NYC is at the other end of your doorstep! Explore New York's urban forests, streams, and wildlife with these fun outdoor activities.
Nature Events
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Free!
Kids
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Free!
Kids
Friday, December 6, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Team RIVER Saturday
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Hunters Point South Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Poppenhusen Avenue and 119th Street (in Hermon A. MacNeil Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. To enhance your experience, please bring your own binoculars and field guides.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the Long Island Sound.
Free!
Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Roots and Shoots Brigade at Eastern Queens Alliance! Our program empowers young minds to take charge, explore environmental initiatives, and develop leadership skills!
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of campfire activities such as stories, songs and more
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Free!
Winter Celebration and Tree Lighting
at West 121st Street Picnic Area and Handball Courts (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Morningside Park lights up tallest living tree in a NYC Park in Winter Celebration and Tree Lighting on December 7th 4pm-6pm
Free!
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Winter Wildlife
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - East 90th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us for a hike of Idlewild Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!
The Billion Oyster Project
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Since 2014, the Billion Oyster Project has worked to restore the New York harbor oyster population. Why is that important? Find out why. Hear about their projects in Brooklyn and Queens.
Free!
Monday, December 9, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Woodlawn Wednesdays: Forest Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park
at Woodlawn Playground (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers help restore the woodlands on the east side of Van Cortlandt Park. Tasks vary by season and focus on invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and planting native species to promote a healthy forest ecosystem.
Free!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Free!
Kids
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Free!
Kids
Friday, December 13, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, December 14, 2024
12/14 Forest Park Winter Vine Sweep
at Buddy Monument (in Forest Park), Queens
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust for a winter vine sweep in Forest Park's natural areas.
Free!
Team RIVER Saturday
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Holiday Origami Ornament Making
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in folding various paper evergreen trees and animal themed tree ornaments. Papers provided, Ranger guided folds and steps.
Free!
Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Roots and Shoots Brigade at Eastern Queens Alliance! Our program empowers young minds to take charge, explore environmental initiatives, and develop leadership skills!
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. To enhance your experience, please bring your own binoculars and field guides.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Urban Wildlife
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city!
Free!
Open Hours at Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Education Center
at 99 Plymouth Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center.
Free!
The Bokashi Method to Prep Your Soil
at Down to Earth Garden, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Learn about the application guidelines on the bokashi method for preparing your soil whether in late fall, during the winter, or early spring from Bokashi educator, Shig Matsukawa.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks.
Free!
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Von Briesen Park and Fort Wadsworth Winter Tree ID
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and the National Park Service Rangers for this tree exploration hike at Von Briessen Park and Fort Wadsworth. Registration opens Wednesday December 4
Free!
Plants and Animals of Ecology Park
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Ecology Park is host to 14 different native plant communities. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk to discover how the unique animals and plants in this park survive the winter
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Ornament Making
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This winter, join the Urban Park Rangers for the Nature's Workshop series. Create your own nature inspired holiday ornament to take home for the holidays.
Free!
Kids
Outdoor Skills: Advanced Firebuilding and Safety
at Playground (in Rufus King Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
What can you use to build a fire? Explore this site as we search for different materials to use as kindling and learn advanced techniques to build an outdoor fire.
Free!
Monday, December 16, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
Junior Naturalist: Winter Science Sampler
at Idlewild Park Preserve Environmental Science Learning Center (in Idlewild Park)
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Young naturalists will uncover how plants and animals adapt to the cold through fun experiments, outdoor adventures, and creative activities.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Woodlawn Wednesdays: Forest Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park
at Woodlawn Playground (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers help restore the woodlands on the east side of Van Cortlandt Park. Tasks vary by season and focus on invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and planting native species to promote a healthy forest ecosystem.
Free!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Art from the Heart: An exhibition of vintage artwork by local artists of Staten Island's South Shore
at H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Art From the Heart, arranged by the Tottenville Historical Society at the historic H.H. Biddle House features vintage paintings from their collection.
Free!
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