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AccessibilityUrban Park Rangers
Our Urban Park Rangers are full of knowledge about history, astronomy, animals, plants, and more. Attend a Ranger-led event with your family and see how much fun learning can be!
Urban Park Rangers Events
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Doggie Day Hike
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Freshwater Fishing
at Lefrak Center at Lakeside (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Learn the art of fishing in Prospect Park. Try your hand at catching some bluegill, crappie and bass. All equipment will be provided. Recommended for ages 8 and older.
Free!
Greenbelt Hike (Vigorous)
at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of the Greenbelt on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Old Croton Aqueduct Super Hike
at West Kingsbridge Road and Aqueduct Avenue (in ), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore what remains of New York City’s first water supply system. We begin at the Northern end of Aqueduct Walk and end at the Highbridge Water Tower.
Free!
Staten Island Nature Spotlight: Pond Habitats
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Lakes and ponds are thriving habitats to various species of birds, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Autumn Landscape Watercolor Painting
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Get inspired by the changing seasons and let the colors of fall flow in your artwork. The Urban Park Rangers will provide the supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Free!
Event
Nature Exploration: Captain Tilly Park
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Rangers will introduce you to the many species of birds, plants and other living species within Captain Tilly Park.
Free!
Event
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Urban Wildlife: Wild Turkeys
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
oin the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the wild turkeys that are seen on Staten Island.
Free!
Birding: Waterfowl
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us for a walk of McCarren Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!
Autumn Gardening: Bulb Planting
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 as we plant bulbs for our spring garden. Daffodils and tulips go in the ground in the fall so we’ll have flowers in the spring!
Free!
Event
Deer Exploration Hike
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Oh deer! Learn more about this majestic species and explore the park in search of signs and traces of its presence.
Free!
Event
Native American Heritage Month: Lenape of Staten Island
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
During Native American Heritage Month, explore the past and present experience of Native Americans.
Free!
Event
Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Elmhurst Park Grand Avenue Entrance (in Elmhurst Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of exploration and discovery by uncovering hidden treasures amidst the scenic beauty of nature.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Hart Island Tour (South Tour)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday November 13.
Free!
Friday, November 29, 2024
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Prospect Park
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: The Alley Giant
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Wolfe's Pond to Acme Pond
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. This loop hike is roughly 4 miles roundtrip through woodland paths and uphill/downhill inclines.
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Cass Gallagher Trail
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike!
Free!
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On this Friday, work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. This hike will take you through the hills Inwood Hill and Fort Tryon and Parks.
Free!
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Wildlife Viewing: Winter Wildlife
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Entrance - 68th Street and Colonial Road (in Owl's Head 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. All equipment provided.
Free!
Native American Heritage Month: The Siwanoy
at Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Hike with the Urban Park Rangers along the SiwanoyTrail and learn about the Siwanoy’s history and way of life.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Wreath Making
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in making handmade wreaths with invasive plant species that grow in New York City parks. All crafting materials will be provided. Registration opens Nov 20.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Autumn Landscape Watercolor Painting
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Get inspired by the changing seasons and let the colors of fall flow in your artwork. The Urban Park Rangers will provide the supplies, all you need to bring is your creativity.
Free!
Shell Crafts
at Beach 94th St. Amphitheater (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Get creative with the Urban Park Rangers as we make unique ocean-inspired art. Make anything from jewelry to sculptures using shells and other materials provided by the Rangers.
Free!
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Historic New York: Boss Tweed
at Entrance - 215th Place and 33rd Road (in Crocheron Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about the notorious Tammany Hall leader.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join this Urban Park Ranger led walk as we look for evidence of wildlife in the park.
Free!
Highbridge Highlights Hike
at McNally Plaza (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a super hike of Highbridge Park to discuss ecology and history while taking in the views of the East River.
Free!
Historic New York: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a walk through Brooklyn’s history as a hotbed of the Abolitionist movement.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Cordage and Weaving
at Entrance (in Margaret I. Carman Green - Weeping Beech), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn the ancient art of weaving, an activity historically done during the winter months using materials that were harvested and processed during warmer seasons.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us for a hike of Orchard Beach in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Hunters Point South Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Poppenhusen Avenue and 119th Street (in Hermon A. MacNeil Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. To enhance your experience, please bring your own binoculars and field guides.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:00 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!
Historic New York: New York Harbor
at Broadway and Beaver Street (in Bowling Green), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an exploration of New York City history through the lens of the natural harbor and its development.
Free!
Gather Around the Campfire
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of campfire activities such as stories, songs and more
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights.
Free!
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Winter Wildlife
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
12:00 p.m.–1:00 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!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Entrance - East 90th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Holiday Printmaking and Ornaments
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they teach you some fun and easy printmaking techniques. Registration opens Wednesday November 27
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us for a hike of Idlewild Park in search of different tree species and learn some ways to identify these trees during the changing season.
Free!
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Hart Island Tour (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday November 27
Free!
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Birding: Christmas Bird Count
at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for this annual community science project counting and identifying birds while we hike in the park.
Free!
Holiday Origami Ornament Making
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in folding various paper evergreen trees and animal themed tree ornaments. Papers provided, Ranger guided folds and steps.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
On Nature Exploration hikes, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. To enhance your experience, please bring your own binoculars and field guides.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Urban Wildlife
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city!
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks.
Free!
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