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Meet and learn about NYC's wildlife neighbors, from the fish and crabs of our waters to the hawks and eagles of our skies. Our expert Urban Park Rangers, Parks Wildlife Unit, and our partners and friends lead wildlife-viewing tours and lectures all across the New York City. Join us! To learn more about NYC's wildlife and what to do when encountering wildlife, please visit our Urban Wildlife page.
Wildlife Events
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Woodlawn Wednesdays
at Woodlawn Playground (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx 
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Help restore the beautiful woodlands on the east side of Van Cortlandt Park! Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers like you play a vital role in preserving this important urban ecosystem.
Free!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 10 Central Road (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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
at VCPA Garden & Compost Site (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park.
Free!
Waterfront Data: Bridging Science & Community on Randall's Island
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join RIPA & New York Sea Grant for a discussion on data sharing. After the discussion, join a tour of the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh for a microplastic sampling demo.
Free!
Event
Friday, March 28, 2025
Forest Fridays
at VCPA Garden & Compost Site (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Help restore Van Cortlandt Park’s vital urban forest! Join our Forest Friday events to remove invasive plants like multiflora rose, bittersweet, and porcelain berry. Your efforts will create space for native plants to thrive and support the long-term health of this 640-acre ecosystem.
Free!
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Alley Pond Park Trail Work
at 67th Avenue and 233rd Street
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health, as well as close desire lines in order to help restore the forest and create a healthier ecosystem.
Free!
Seton Falls Park Forest Restoration
at Crawford Avenue and Boller Avenue (in Seton Falls Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health.
Free!
Event
Guided Tour of Conference House Park, the Biddle & Rutan Houses
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island , H.H. Biddle House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island , Rutan-Becket House (in Conference House Park), Staten Island, Almer G. Pavilion (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Take a walk back in history as you tour two historic houses! The The H.H. Biddle House was built in the 1840s and today features ongoing history and art exhibits. The Rutan-Beckett House was also built in the 1840s and features original 1950s furnishings from its most recent renovation, as well as ongoing history and art exhibits.
Free!
Event
Let's Go Birding Together (LGBT) with NYC Bird Alliance
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join an experienced bird guide from NYC Bird Alliance for a free tour of Randall’s Island Park in search of fleeting, feathered friends at the beginning of spring!
Free!
Birding: Early Spring Migrants
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk along the Salt Marsh Nature Trail to discover and learn about different migratory birds that are in the NYC area during early Spring.
Free!
Event
Birding: Spring Migration
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Salt Marsh Nature Trail to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Event
Birding: American Woodcocks
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an evening nature walk at Pelham Bay Park to learn all about the wacky world of woodcocks
Free!
Event
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Birding: Spring Migration
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Highland Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Event
Discovery Hike: Disturbed Habitat and Invasive Plant Ecologies
at Kissena Velodrome Parking Lot (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for useful tips on non-native plant ID and very rewarding non-native plant removal activities. Tools will be provided.
Free!
Event
Public Garden Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx , Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens every Sunday. Each walk varies with the Guide leading it.
Free!
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 10 Central Road (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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
at VCPA Garden & Compost Site (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park.
Free!
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Horse of Course
at Bandshell - Jackie Robinson Recreation Center (in Jackie Robinson Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Join NYC Parks Mounted Unit and meet a real horse officer at the Horse of Course program and discover the vital role of horses in city parks enforcement. Learn about how we care for the horses, where they live, and what they eat. All ages welcome!
Free!
Cross Country Course Volunteer Days
at VCPA Garden & Compost Site (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park.
Free!
Volunteer Workday: Garden of Life
at Garden of Life (in ), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how to join a GreenThumb garden and engage in EarthMonth activities, such as building trellises and spreading soil.
Free!
World Aquatic Animal Day
at Beach 94th St. Amphitheater (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to celebrate the existence of aquatic animals and their importance. Learn about the current threats to marine animals and what we can do to protect them.
Free!
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Bug Buddies!
at Queens County Farm Museum (in Queens Farm Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Calling all bug enthusiasts for a monthly Bug Buddies program with our STEM Coordinator and resident bug expert, Keith McManus!
Kids
Discovery Hike: Disturbed Habitat and Invasive Plant Ecologies
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for useful tips on non-native plant ID and very rewarding non-native plant removal activities. Tools will be provided.
Free!
Public Garden Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx , Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens every Sunday. Each walk varies with the Guide leading it.
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Brookville Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free!
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 10 Central Road (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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Volunteer Workday: Citizens for a Better Community Garden
at Citizens for a Better Community Garden, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how to join a GreenThumb garden and engage in EarthMonth activities, such as filling raised beds with soil and disassembling plant structures.
Free!
Birding: Spring Migration
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Crotona Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Signs of Spring Hike
at Alley Pond Park Environmental Center, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in appreciating the early flowers of spring! Hike through a restored natural area to observe emerging buds, arriving birds, and blooming flowers.
Free!
Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hunt
at Freshwater Wildflower Meadow (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
It’s almost Spotted Lanternfly season at Randall’s Island Park which means that it’s time to learn about these insects and how to manage their populations at this free program!
Free!
Kids
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Spring Birding
at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Explore the gardens and woodlands with birder Gabriel Willow to look for resident and rare birds as they pass through on their northern journey or settle down for the season.
Nature Exploration Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Inwood Hill Park and find out what plants and animals call his Forever Wild site home.
Free!
Public Garden Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx , Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens every Sunday. Each walk varies with the Guide leading it.
Free!
Monday, April 14, 2025
Kids Week: Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fun nature scavenger hunt! Set sail through Brooklyn’s flora and fauna on a wild scavenger hunt! Follow the trail of urban wildlife and unique pl
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Earth Month Native Planting Party
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month with the Urban Park Rangers in a service-oriented event focused on native wildflower planting and its benefits to park ecosystems.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Junior Arborist Day
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about our Urban Forest and why we need trees and why they matter
Free!
Kids Week: Freshwater Fishing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Want to go fishing but don’t know how or where to start? Join our Urban Park Rangers for free lessons! Learn how to properly use a fishing rod or cast a net. Ages 8 and up
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn the art of archery with free lessons taught by our expert Urban Park Rangers. This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows, foam axes and targets.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Exploration for Kids
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
The natural world is the best playground in New York City! Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike through the wonders of Central Park..
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Field House (in Archie Spigner Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 10 Central Road (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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at 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!
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