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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, March 30, 2019
Historic New York: Fort Totten Tunnel Tour
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens 
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Tour the "hidden" areas of the Fort Totten battery with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Conservation Hike
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.
Free!
Animal Tracks
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will teach you the basics of wildlife tracking. By the end, you will be skilled in recognizing differences between a raccoon's and common housecat's tracks.
Free!
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
Survival Series: Cordage and Rope Making
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers are well-versed in outdoor lore. Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: City Squirrels
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Ever wonder how squirrels are able to thrive in an urban environment? Learn about the basic biology and habits of these abundant and curious mammals.
Free!
Kids
Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike (Moderate)
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join our park rangers on a vigorous hike through Inwood Hill Park's old growth forest and Ft Tryon's Alpine Garden, Linden Terrace, and Heather Garden. Registration is required.
Free!
Sunday, March 31, 2019
WIldlife Viewing: Waterfront Wildlife
at Bush Terminal Piers Park (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
This waterfront park features a variety of birds and other wildlife. Learn about the local ecosystem and the important role it plays in the lives of wildlife.
Free!
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Parking Lot (in Astoria Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Making
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life. All programs are family friendly, but are recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and reduce stress. On this hike, we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest.
Free!
Saturday, April 6, 2019
The Explorer's Club: Birding for Kids
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, spring migration is an exciting time to be out observing birds in the parks.
Free!
Kids
The New York City History Club: The Hidden Streams and Wetlands of Manahatta: Collect Pond
at Lafayette Street and Franklin Street (in Collect Pond Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss the hidden parkland of the area formerly known as Manahatta.
Free!
Historic New York: Revolutionary and Colonial Cooking
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the traditions of colonial cooking and the people who lived in this area of Brooklyn centuries ago.
Free!
Queens Park of the Month: Kissena Park
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Queens Park of the Month series programs features some historical and natural highlights of some local favorite parks.
Free!
Ecosystem Explorers: Nocturnal Species
at Comfort station (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Be an explorer with the Urban Park Rangers as we venture into habitats that exist in New York City Parks!
Free!
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Registration is required.
Free!
Animal of the Month Club: Northern Gannet
at Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join our park rangers at Ocean Breeze for a chance to view abd learn more about Northern Gannets, a little known resident species of Staten Island.
Free!
Survival Series: Backpacking Preparation
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Do you pack life-saving items when you go hiking? The Urban Park Rangers will show you the essentials to pack as they lead you through this natural preserve.
Free!
Wake Up the Garden
at 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Whether you are a new gardener or an experienced one, we can help you learn new things and grow your garden.
Free!
Understanding Urban Wildlife
at Chapin Parkway and Gothic Drive (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers to learn about our interesting neighbors, such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, snakes, and many more.
Free!
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Freshwater Fishing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Catch-and-release fishing is a great way to get outdoors and discover nature just a few blocks from home.
Free!
Kids
Outdoor Skills: Fire Making
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers are well versed in outdoor lore. This program focuses on fire-making skills, and is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
The Secret Life of Muskrats
at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we view beavers and muskrats in their natural habitat and see how their lives impact New Yorkers.
Free!
Event
Hunter Island Sunset Hike
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Witness the wonder of sunset with the largest park in New York City as your backdrop. Registration is required
Free!
Event
Little Red Lighthouse Lantern Tour
at Fort Washington Park, Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Join us as we explore this unique landmark at night. Space is limited and participants are chosen via lottery. Registration opens on April 3.
Free!
Event
Sunday, April 14, 2019
The New York City Naturalist Club: Micro Organisms Hike
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Microorganisms have a macro impact in our parks. Challenge your perspective on this hike as we marvel in the natural world from a micro scale.
Free!
Over the Hill: Hilltop Hike with the Urban Park Rangers
at Jamaica Avenue and Elton Street (in Highland Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers during our 40th Anniversary as we hike "over the hill" inside of our parks. This hike features Highland Park. Hike uphill across border lines to explore this hidden gem.
Free!
Event
Birding: Raptors
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Historic New York: Old Croton Aqueduct
at 242nd Street and Van Cortlandt Park East (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join our park rangers on a walk through Van Cortlandt Park to learn about the Old Croton Aqueduct, NYC's first water supply system.
Free!
Event
Survival Series: Build your Own Fire Starting Kit
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors. Recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, April 20, 2019
The New York City Naturalist Club: Spring Bird Walk
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in New York City.
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The rhythm of the waves, the sun on your face, and the exhilaration of slicing through the water all add up to an experience you'll never forget.
Free!
Composting 101
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Decomposition is a natural process that helps create healthy new soils. Discover how to speed up this process and reduce household waste by learning the basics of home composting.
Free!
Earth Day Crafts and Games
at Redwood Playground (in Cunningham Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in this celebration of Earth Day. Engage your creative side and participate in fun games.
Free!
Kids
The Explorer's Club: Celestial Navigation
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Using the stars for navigation is an ancient human practice. Learn how to use the night sky as a map by identifying key stars and constellations.
Free!
Event
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Wilderness Skills: The Basics
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Whether you are preparing for an extended journey through the woods or just want to be more prepared for any situation, an outdoor skills program is the perfect fit for you.
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Coney Island
at Parachute Jump (in ), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Between about 1880 and World War II, Coney Island was the largest amusement area in the United States. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walking tour of this famous amusement park.
Free!
Event
Earth Day Hike
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City parks.
Free!
Event
Queens Park of the Month: Kissena Park
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Queens Park of the Month series programs features some historical and natural highlights of some local favorite parks.
Free!
Sensory Perception Hike
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Use all of your senses and explore the park, searching high and low for clues with the Urban Park Rangers as your guide.
Free!
Monday, April 22, 2019
Kids Week: Earth Day Exploration
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore nature on a short hike through Pelham Bay Park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Insect Exploration
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Don't be afraid of getting your hands dirty as we explore high and low in search of amazing insects to discover their important connection to us.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Geology Rocks!
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Today is all about rocks and geology. Let's explore, examine, and climb a rock or two. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and become geologists for the day.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Celebrate Earth Day
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Urban Park Rangers as we explore nature on a short hike through Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Recycling Crafts
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in this celebration of Earth Day. Engage your creative side and breathe new life into reusable items.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Exploration Hike
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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 north Central Park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Sea Shore Exploration
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Take the kids to the park to enjoy a family-friendly, guided hike filled with fun learning activities
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Fort Greene History and Colonial Games
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Step back in time and play some colonial games. The history of Fort Greene Park provides the perfect backdrop as we experience what Colonial-era kids played during their free time.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Insect Exploration
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Don't be afraid of getting your hands dirty as we explore high and low in search of amazing insects to discover their important connection to us.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Beach Scavenger Hunt
at Midland Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Search and collect the many coastal treasures on this sandy beach with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Kids Week: Orienteering for Kids
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will teach you how to navigate to hidden objects placed around the park using a map and compass.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Wilderness Survival
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
On this fun, family-friendly program (recommended ages 8 and up) you will learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birds of Prey
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Spring is a spectacular season for observing birds of prey in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Puppet Show
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Animal puppets tell very interesting stories about nature. Urban Park Ranger programs are the perfect additions to your family's activities.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: All About Owls
at Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex (in Ocean Breeze Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Whooo knows what we will find as we look through owl pellets and learn more about the adaptions of owls!
Free!
Kids
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Kids Week: Coastal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the shore while looking for wildlife living along the bay.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Art
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers hope to inspire and lift your creativity and create works of art using natural materials.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Campfire Activities
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us in Fort Greene Park for campfire activities! Learn about campfire safety, and sing along to some fun campfire songs with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Bug Hunt
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Don't be afraid of getting your hands dirty as we search high and low for amazing insects to discover their important connection to us, and the importance of parks to provide habitats for them.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Spend an afternoon of fun with the Urban Park Rangers playing and learning new and exciting nature games.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Archery
at Willowbrook Park Archery Range (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This program is a beginner's guide to archery, and archery equipment is provided. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Free!
Kids
Friday, April 26, 2019
Kids Week: Insect Exploration
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Don't be afraid of getting your hands dirty as we explore high and low in search of amazing insects to discover their important connection to us.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Scavenger Hunt
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Can you find the herring gull or spot sumac? Enjoy exploring the trails of Marine Park while searching for the items on the hunt list.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: All About Owls
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Mysterious and nocturnal, owls hold a special place in our hearts and our minds. Learn more about this special family of birds and the different types of owls.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birding for Kids
at Willow Lake entrance (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birdwatcher, spring migration is an exciting time to be out in the park. Bring your own binoculars or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, April 27, 2019
City Nature Challenge: Exploration Hike
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge: Biodiversity Blitz
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge: Exploration Hike
at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge: Spring Blossoms
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge: Biodiversity Hike
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge.
Free!
Event
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Our birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Biodiversity Blitz
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Over 60 cities will be competing to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the worldwide 2019 City Nature Challenge.
Free!
Event
Ecosystem Explorers: Wetlands
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Urban wetlands provide a variety of benefits, including improved water quality and stormwater retention. They also serve as critical habitat for native wildlife.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City.
Free!
Freshwater Fishing
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older. Participation is first come, first served.
Free!
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Arts, Culture & Fun: Hike and Paint
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Take a short hike with an Urban Park Ranger and collect natural objects of interest then meet with a trained watercolor teaching artist and we'll put those discoveries on paper, turning nature into art.
Free!
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