Inwood Hill Park

Born To Be Wildlife: New Yorkers Learn About Their Furry And Feathered Friends At Urban Wildlife Appreciation Day

On Saturday, May 3, NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers joined hundreds of kids and their families in Inwood Hill Park for the 5th annual Urban Wildlife Appreciation Day. The day was an opportunity for New Yorkers of all ages to meet the feathered, furry, and scaly inhabitants of their city’s parks and open spaces. Attendees were able to interact with a screech owl, porcupine, red-tailed hawk, baby possum, kestrel, snapping turtle, skunk, peregrine falcon, and other animals; learn about the best places in New York City and New York State to observe wildlife; participate in kids’ activities; and listen to live musical performances.

"Urban Wildlife Appreciation Day brings environmental education to life," said Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh. "Today, we get to meet some of the fascinating species that call New York City home, and learn how to become better stewards of our urban ecosystem."

The Urban Park Rangers were established in 1979 as the uniformed stewards of New York City's green spaces. The Urban Park Rangers connect New Yorkers to the natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and active conservation. The Rangers are New York State Peace Officers and deputized Special Patrolmen of the City of New York. They run year-round programs on topics ranging from building an outdoor survival shelter, fishing, and orienteering to birding, park history, and arts and crafts. Some programs require advance registration, most programs are suitable for all ages, and all programs are free.

For more information about the Urban Park Rangers and the programs that they offer visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers.

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Muscota Marsh