Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, January 9, 2001

JANUARY ’01 RANGER WALKS & TALKS

THE BRONX: Saturday, January 13: HIKE THE NORTH WOODS. With the mosquitoes out of our way the north woods become a more peaceful place to walk through. We'll see tall trees, rocky outcrops, and maybe some interesting animals on our way. Van Cortlandt Park Mosholu Ave. & B'way. 1 PM. For further information, call (718) 548-0912.

Sunday, January 14: CRAGDON EXPEDITION. Walk through this picturesque 39-acre park. Learn about its fascinating history and its namesake, the first American born saint, Elizabeth Seton. Seton Falls Park, High Rock Plgd. East 233rd St. near Baychester Ave.1 PM. For further information, call (718) 548-0912.

Saturday, January 20: WHOOO CAN WE FIND II? Prowl for owls with us. Dress warmly! Van Cortlandt Park , Urban Forest Ecology Center B'way & West 246th St. 3 PM. For further information, call (718) 548-0912.

Sunday, January 21: HUNTER ISLAND HIKE. Visit this healthy natural area in winter. We may be lucky enough to spot an owl or hawk. Pelham Bay Park, Orchard Beach Nature Center. 1 PM. For further information, call (718) 548-0912.

Saturday, January 27: NAME THAT TREE. Learn how to ID a tree by the bark, buds and other distinctive characteristics. Crotona Park, Nature Center, Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East. 1 PM. For further information, call (718) 548-0912.

BROOKLYN: Tuesday, January 9: MARSH BY MOONLIGHT. Take an after-dinner hike by the light of the full moon. We will look for signs of marsh nightlife: raccoons, opossums, and others. Dress warmly and bring a hot drink. Marine Park, Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd St. & Ave. U. 8 PM. For Further information, call (718) 421-2021.

Friday, January 26: TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR. Search the winter sky for constellations and more on a star-studded evening with the Rangers. Dress warmly and bring a hot drink. Marine Park, Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd St. & Ave. U. 7 PM For further information, call (718) 421-2021.

Saturday, January 27: TREE FOLKLORE. Enjoy the subtle beauty of trees in winter, and hear their stories. Saratoga Park, Howard Ave. & Macon Sts. 2 PM. For further information, call (718) 421-2021.

SATURDAY NIGHTS LIVE. Enjoy live entertainment with the Rangers. Fun for all ages! Marine Park, Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd St. & Ave. U. 7 PM. For further information, call (718) 421-2021.

MANHATTAN: Saturday, January 13: PICTURE THIS. Calling all shutterbugs! Bring your camera, and we'll supply the subjects. Central Park, Bethesda Terrace, 72nd Street, mid-park. 11 AM. For further information, call (212) 628-2345.

Saturday, January 13: DISCOVER DYCKMAN. Over-run by British and Hessian soldiers during the Revolutionary War, the Dyckman House boasts a reconstructed Hessian Soldiers' hut and Revolutionary War artifacts. Dyckman House Museum, 4881 B'way at 204th St. 1 PM. For further information, call (212) 628-2345.

Saturday, January 20: CHILDREN'S STORY HOUR. Indoors, we'll read stories about local history including the Lenapes and the Little Red Lighthouse. Then, kids can make their own picture books! Inwood Hill Park, Urban Ecology Center, 218th St. & Indian Rd. 11 AM. For further information, call (212) 628-2345.

Saturday, January 27: WINTERING BIRDS. Learn to identify resident birds by sight and sound. Bring binoculars if you have them. Inwood Hill Park Urban Ecology Center, 218th St. & Indian Rd. 9 AM. For further information, call (212) 628-2345.

Sunday, January 28: "PROMISE OF THE PARK" ...a walking tour and a show. Explore the hilly terrain in Central Park's North End and discover its ecology and history. Then we'll go to the Museum of the City of New York, where you'll see a musical for children about the creation of Central Park. Central Park, 100th Street and Central Park West. Noon-3 PM. For further information, call (212) 628-2345.

QUEENS: Sunday, January 14: HAIKU HIKE. Come join the Rangers Stroll through snow-covered forests. And hear us babble. Cunningham Park, Parking lot, 197th St. & Union Turnpike. 1 PM. For further information, call (718) 217-6034.

Saturday, January 20: WINTER ADAPTATIONS. Learn how plants and animals adapt to winter weather. Explore the woods, and learn about natural selection. Then, warm up in the Visitor Center, and dissect owl pellets. Forest Park, Buddy Monument, Myrtle Ave. & Park Lane South.1 PM. For further information, call (718) 217-6034.

Sunday, January 21: WINTER TREE ID. Learn to recognize and identify common trees found in the city. Whether on the street or in the woods, the Rangers will show distinguishable characteristics for identifying trees in the winter. Kissena Park, Boathouse, 164th St. & Oak Ave. 11 AM. For further information, call (718) 217-6034.

Sunday, January 28: WINTER SEARCH PARTY. Learn winter tree and plant identification with the Rangers. Enjoy a nice nature walk then participate in a nature scavenger hunt. Kissena Park Boathouse, 164th St. & Oak Ave. 1 PM. For further information, call (718) 217-6034.

STATEN ISLAND: Saturday, January 13: NATURETREK: WINTER 2001. Start the New Year right on a long hike into the Greenbelt. Learn how to prepare for cold weather. Dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear, and bring water. High Rock Park, Visitor's Center. Park Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Ave. 10 AM. For further information, call (718) 667-6042.

Saturday, January 20: ORIENTEERING. Navigate your way through the south shore's woodland areas. Learn how to use a map and compass for safe hiking, then try out your skills on an orienteering trail. Wolfe's Pond Park, Parking lot, Cornelia Ave., off Hylan Blvd. 1 PM. For further information, call (718) 667-6042.

Saturday, January 27: WINTER FESTIVAL. Fun and frolic in a winter wonderland, from snowshoes to igloos. Learn to dress and prepare for cold weather. Enjoy indoor crafts and hot cocoa. Blue Heron Park, Nature Center Poillon Ave., bet. Hylan Blvd. & Amboy Rd.11 AM-3 PM. For further information, call (718) 667-6042.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, January 12, 1988)

HOW TO SUCCEED AT PARKS BY REALLY TRYING

The Parks Academy wants you. Or more precisely, the Academy wants you to want them. "We want to change the image of the Training Division from something you're forced to do to something you want to do," said Janice Melnick, Director of the Parks Academy.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"I like to walk about amidst the beautiful things that adorn the world; but private wealth I should decline, or any sort of personal possessions, because they would take away my liberty."

George Santayana (1863-1952)

Know Before You Go

Paerdegat Basin Park