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AccessibilityUrban Park Rangers
Our Urban Park Rangers are full of knowledge about history, astronomy, animals, plants, and more. Attend a Ranger-led event with your family and see how much fun learning can be!
Urban Park Rangers Events
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Beach 54th and Almeda Avenue (in Rockaway Community Park), Queens
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!
Event
Fantasy Forest Part 2: Immersive Storytelling Hike
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Follow a theatrical story told by the Rangers as we traverse “there and back again” into the forest, leaving reality behind and chasing a land of mysticism and magic.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at West 90th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Winter Wilderness Survival
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn all about how to prepare and survive outdoors during the colder winter temperatures.Try your hand at making a friction fire and building shelters with tarps, knots, and more
Free!
Event
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights.
Free!
Event
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–10:00 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!
Birding: Winter Birds
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the trails identifying various woodland birds and other birds that have migrated for the winter.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Wilson Avenue and Weirfield Street (in Irving Square Park)
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers for an exploration of the trees in Irving Square Park! Learn how to identify trees in the winter and gain a new perspective of the trees living in our city.
Free!
Advanced Winter Tree ID
at West 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Trees have a special place in our environment. Join us for a hike of Riverside Park and take a deeper dive into learning the intricacies of winter tree identification.
Free!
Event
Birding: Owls
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Alley Pond Park Environmental Center, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join this Urban Park Ranger led walk as we look for evidence of wildlife in the park.
Free!
Winter Wonderland Craft
at Maine Avenue and Willard Avenue (in Westerleigh Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how the cold weather brings changes in landscape and habitats in our parks and discover the composition of snowflakes and how each one takes a unique shape.
Free!
Event
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Hart Island Tour (South Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday January 8, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Shore Parkway and Rabbi Block Street (in Calvert Vaux 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!
Winter Tree ID
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us for a hike of Von Briesen Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!
Winter Nature Crafts
at Track (in Thomas Jefferson Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Get creative as we use the park as an inspiration to construct a winter inspired nature craft. All crafts material will be provided.You must supply the creativity and positive vibes.
Free!
Kids
Living With Urban Coyotes
at Playground (in Ferry Point Park), Bronx
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Learn about the basic biology of these super smart and energetic animals.
Free!
Astronomy: Intro to Stargazing
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Learn some of the basics of astronomy. This week marks the start of a rare, limited opportunity to view Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus in the same night sky.
Free!
Astronomy: Planetary Parade
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Learn some of the basics of astronomy. This week marks the start of a rare, limited opportunity to view Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus in the same night sky.
Free!
Sunday, January 26, 2025
The Van Cortlandt Super Hike (Vigorous)
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
. Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Van Cortlandt Park on an 8 mile journey through the park’s diverse forest ecosystems. Wear comfortable shoes
Free!
Prospect Park Super Hike
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Explore the hidden paths, waterways, meadows and woods the way that Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux intended for visitors in this 585 acre green gem of Brooklyn.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Sharrott Avenue and Hylan Boulevard (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.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 our waters.
Free!
Birding: Raptors
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore Inwood Hill Park's ecosystem and determine what kind of raptors make it their home.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Animal Adaptations
at 82nd Avenue and Hollis Hills Terrace (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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!
Lunar New Year Campfire
at Silent Springs Playground (in Kissena Corridor Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers as they celebrate Lunar New Year with a warm campfire! Rangers will provide a crafting table to create various snake arts to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Free!
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Birding: Winter Birds
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the trails identifying various woodland birds and winter waterfowl.
Free!
Winter Sensory Perception Hike
at Seaview Avenue Lawn (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Explore the sights, sounds, smells and feel of winter on this exploratory hike. Connect with nature in fun and new ways while learning more about the season.
Free!
Discovery Hike: World Wetlands Day
at Brookville Boulevard and 144 Avenue (in Brookville Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about the importance of wetlands and the vital role they play in an ecosystem.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Winter Watercolor Painting
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Let the tranquility of winter flow in your paintings. The Rangers will provide the art supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Winter Wildlife
at West 108th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Birding: All About Woodpeckers
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they guide you through the forest of Alley Pond Park while highlighting the signs and tracks of woodpeckers.
Free!
Groundhog Day Hibernation Hike
at Martling Avenue and Slosson Avenue (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Did Staten Island Chuck see his shadow this morning? Find out on this hike while learning more about how other animal species spend their winters in New York City parks.
Free!
Kids
Outdoor Skills: Knots and Paracord Crafts
at Central Lawn (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in learning and practicing some useful knots that can come in handy. Paracords and guidance will be provided.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Wigwam Gathering and Campfire
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Explore and enter our recently restored Lenape wigwam and enjoy an afternoon by a warm campfire. Learn how to use a bow drill and other methods to start a fire.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Groundhogs
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Today is Groundhog Day. Learn more about this rodent species and the origins of the holiday that honors them.
Free!
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Hart Island Tour (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Pre-Valentines Day "Bee Mine" Exploration and Craft
at Lower Parking Lot (in Greenbelt Recreation Center), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in learning more about bees while creating a buzz with a craft for a loved one.
Free!
Historic Harlem Parks Super Hike
at Manhattan Avenue and West 110th Street (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike from Morningside Park through St. Nicholas Park and ending at the Northern tip of Jackie Robinson Park.
Free!
Black History Month: Nature Poetry
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a spoken word and poetry session at the Fort Greene Visitor Center. Learn about Black History in Fort Greene Park and take part in creating poetry.
Free!
Winter Landscape Photography
at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Whether you have a fancy camera or a just cell phone camera to learn how to frame the natural beauty of winter through the lens. Bring your own camera or smartphone.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.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!
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Outdoor Skills: Orienteering
at Arden Woods Parking Lot, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about the sport of orienteering: a fun, new way to experience Arden Woods.
Free!
Winter Waterfowl Stamp Art
at 164th Street and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
oin the Rangers to learn more about the history of bird conservation in the United States and design your very own duck stamp
Free!
Black History Month: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk discussing Brooklyn's significant history to the abolitionist movement in the United States.
Free!
Black History Month: Langston Hughes and Love Potion Brews
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Craft your own color-changing love potion while enjoying the jazz poetry of Langston Hughes, and learn about his impact on the Harlem Renaissance.
Free!
Black History Month: Seneca Village
at West 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with NYC Parks! Learn about the lives of Seneca Village's residents in the 1800s and the community's place in pre-Central Park.
Free!
Historic New York: The Fur Trade
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn more about prominent figures in the fur trade that helped establish city as a merchant hub and how it has affected the ecosystems of the natural world.
Free!
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Please dress warmly.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Parking Lot - Winchester Boulevard and Union Turnpike (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.
Free!
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