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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
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Volunteer Workday: Clayton Williams Garden
at Clayton Williams Memorial Garden, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join us for a volunteer workday at Clayton Williams Garden in Harlem, where we'll tackle seasonal maintenance tasks, including debris cleanup and mulch spreading.
Free!
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!
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
Monday, January 20, 2025
Ferry Point Park Martin Luther King Jr. Day Coastal Cleanup
at Emerson Ave. & Harding Ave. (in Ferry Point Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks Stewardship as we celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by helping us protect coastal areas in Ferry Point Park!
Free!
Event
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
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!
Saturday, January 25, 2025
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!
Sunday, January 26, 2025
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!
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Owls and Birds of Prey
at Queens County Farm Museum (in Queens Farm Park), Queens 
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Led by our STEM team, you will learn about barn owls and snowy owls. These are two different types of birds of prey.
Kids
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
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!
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Coney Island Street Tree Care and Coastal Cleanup
at Park House (in Kaiser Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come work with NYC Parks Stewardship to care for local street trees and coastline!
Free!
Event
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!
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
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
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!
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Kissena Park Forest Restoration
at Kissena Velodrome Parking Lot (in Kissena Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect the forested areas in Kissena Park!
Free!
Volunteer Workday: Phoenix Community Garden
at Phoenix Community Garden, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join community gardeners and GreenThumb staff for a volunteer workday to build raised garden beds, expanding the garden's capacity to grow fresh food.
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
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
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
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!
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!
RESCHEDULED: Volunteer Workday: George Washington Carver Community Garden
at George Washington Carver Community Garden, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how to join a GreenThumb community garden and participate in garden maintenance activities at George Washington Carver Community Garden in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Free!
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.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!
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Birding: All About Pigeons
at Lawn Area (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Pigeons are among some of the most abundant species of birds in our city. Learn more about what makes these birds so unique and interesting.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.
Free!
Monday, February 17, 2025
Kids Week: All About Owls Hike and Craft
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about all about owls while taking a hike through the trails of Blue Heron Park. End the afternoon with an owl nature craft.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Natural Dyes
at Sunset Park Playground (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park rangers in using plant materials to make fabulous dyes! Bring a white cotton clothing item or get a handkerchief to tie-dye
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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, February 18, 2025
Kids Week: Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge 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 winter flora and fauna on a wild scavenger hunt! Follow the trail of urban wildlife and unique pl
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: Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Playground for All Children (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fun nature scavenger hunt! Participants will learn how to use a map to uncover hidden clues and discover the nature in the park along the way.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Kids Week: Nature Origami Art
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn some origami! Learn to make frogs, birds, and other nature using only paper and your imagination.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Survival Skills for Kids
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Rangers will demonstrate how to properly start a fire without matches, and give kids a chance to try themselves.Rangers will also be teaching shelter building and other skills
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birds of Play
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers and learn how birds fly, design your own paper “bird-plane,” and compete to see who rules the skies!
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 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
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
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!
Kids Week: Nature Bingo
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we search to fill our Bingo Cards with sights and sounds of the season! We will use our senses to explore the local flora and fauna.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Tree Tunes
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a day of musical fun in Prospect Park. Learn about all the different ways our forest can sing and join our natural band!
Free!
Kids
Friday, February 21, 2025
Alley Pond Park Forest Restoration
at Northern Boulevard and 234th Street (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect the forested areas in Alley Pond Park!
Free!
Kids Week: Hibernation Staycation
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at the Fort Greene Visitor Center for an afternoon by a nice warm fire. Check out some of the furs that keep our native animals warm in winter.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding for Kids
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Bird watching can be fun, especially during the winter season. Learn all about different ways to identify birds in our parks.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Meet the Critters
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Poetry Around the Campfire
at Entrance - Beach 35th Street and Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us in the afternoon for poetry writing by the fire. Let's come together to share our unique poems and create new ones that capture the essence of the season.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Alley Pond Park Forest Restoration
at Northern Boulevard and 234th Street (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect the forested areas in Alley Pond Park!
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:00 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!
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Trail Work Thursdays
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!
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