Inwood Hill Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, July 29, 2003

PARKS & RECREATION CELEBRATES SECOND YEAR OF EAGLE REINTRODUCTION

What do three local politicians, BP and Parks & Recreation have in common? They all support the Urban Park Rangers’ continuing efforts to reintroduce the American Bald eagle to New York City. And, they all converged at Inwood Hill Nature Center in July to commemorate one of the most ambitious wildlife projects in Parks & Recreation’s history.

To recognize the second year of the eagle reintroduction program, sponsored by BP, the Urban Park Rangers hosted "An Evening with the Eagles" gathering on July 10. This community-focused celebration included the music of Latin Jazz Alliance, catering by Fairway (the store also provides fish to feed the eaglets), and a visit by some feathered friends: a hybrid gyr falcon and a young spectacled owl. Guests were able to access the nature center’s interactive exhibits and to look at the eagle hacksite via the "eagle-cam." Exhibiting wildlife artist Jonathan Shaw was busy with the task of completing a life-like rendering of an American Bald Eagle. All of his works at the Center are for sale and will be on display through August 29.

The evening featured remarks by Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, New York State Senator Eric Schneiderman, New York State Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, City Council Member Robert Jackson, and BP’s Howard Miller. Competing with cheers from the adjacent little league baseball game, each speaker underscored the importance of parks to local communities. Urban Park Ranger Director Sara Hobel took the opportunity to promote the Junior Rangers program, a weeklong outdoor recreation and education program for youth ages 8-11.

With many special projects like the eagle reintroduction program, Junior Rangers, and the Urban Park Ranger Explorer Programs taking place there, Inwood Hill Park promises to be an exciting place to visit this summer.

The Inwood Hill Nature Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Check the website at www.nyc.gov/parks or pick up a copy of the RedTailer to learn about upcoming events wherever the Urban Park Rangers are found.

"To dry one’s eyes and laugh at a fall,

And baffled, get up and begin again."

(1812-1889)

Know Before You Go

Muscota Marsh