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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, April 2, 2025
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 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!
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!
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!
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 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 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!
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
Spring Break Hike through the 'North Shore Green Crescent'
at Franklin Avenue & Arnold Street (in Jones Woods Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Enjoy Winter and winterbreak with a Hike!
Join NYC Parks, the New Brighton Citizens Committee Civic and the Staten Island Environmental Justice Coalition for a guided hike/walking tour of North Shore Staten Island's ‘Green Crescent’: the natural area of Jones Woods, Goodhue, Allison Pond and Snug Harbor Parks.
Free!
Event
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!
Fresh Creek Wetlands Restoration with the Opportunity Hub
at Fresh Creek Nature Preserve, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect wetland areas in the Fresh Creek Nature Preserve! Volunteers will support restoration work and learn the importance of ecosystem health.
Free!
Kids Week: Magnetic Archery
at Lawn Area (in McKinley Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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 and targets.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Meet the Critters
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
From stick bugs to snakes, meet the animals that call the center their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Native Planting Party
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month discussing pollinators and plants. Don't forget to take home your planted seed to start your own native plant garden.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Playground (in Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park), Queens
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
Creatures of the Night with Tenafly Nature Center
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Discover what really makes an animal nocturnal and what they need to survive.
Kids
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Entrance - Bard Avenue and Delafield Place (in Walker Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Kids
Friday, April 18, 2025
Kids Week: Metaverse Scavenger Hunt
at Freshkills North Park Entrance (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a nature scavenger hunt inspired by the popular mobile game application "Pokemon Go". See how many of these can be found where the metaverse meets nature
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding Bingo
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fun game of bingo where participants will learn about different birds that call New York City their home.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Native Planting Party
at Entrance - East Broadway & Essex St (in Seward Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Month discussing pollinators and plants. Don't forget to take home your planted seed to start your own native plant garden.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Earth Day Plant ID and Stewardship
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
12:30 p.m.–2:00 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!
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Wildlife Viewing: Rabbits
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they look for signs of rabbits and experience the joy of spotting these adorable creatures in the wild!
Free!
Birding: Spring Migration
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Powell's Cove Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Earth Day: Planting the Pollinator Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Help restore and replant our pollinator garden as we create space for bees, birds and other species. Learn more about the ways pollinator species help plants flourish in our parks.
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!
Wednesday, April 23, 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!
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