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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
Friday, October 26, 2018
Fort Totten Historic Lantern Tours
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens 
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Rangers will use lanterns to guide you through this Civil War-era fort, highlighting its significance in New York City history.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Van Cortlandt Super Hike (Vigorous)
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
This challenging eight-mile hike winds its way through most of the park's many diverse forests and ecosystems. Registration is required.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Land Art and Nature Sculptures
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Each program in this series explores its topic in depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity.
Free!
Kids
Nature's Workshop: Composting
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Composting is an amazing way to reduce personal waste that is shipped to landfills. It also creates amazing supersoil for your own plants or nearby gardens.
Free!
Fort Totten Historic Lantern Tours
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Take a break from the spooks of the Halloween season and tour the Fort Totten Water Battery at night. Rangers will use lanterns to guide you through this Civil War era fort.
Free!
Kids
Astronomy: The Night Sky
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system, using the naked eye to locate stars and planets.
Free!
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Alley Pond Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
On Sundays, the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication, and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Event
The New York City Naturalist Club: Hawk Watch
at East 72nd Street Information Kiosk (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike: Crotona Park
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Let our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests.
Free!
Event
Ranger's Choice: Green-Wood Cemetery History Tour
at Green-Wood Cemetery
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the famous New Yorkers buried here as we explore the rolling acres that surround the graves, tombs, and mausoleums of this peaceful place. Registration is required.
Free!
Alley Pond Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
On Sundays, the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers free outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication, and team building at Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Event
Ghosts of Conference House
at Conference House Park Visitor Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Is Conference House Park Staten Island's most haunted park? Find out on a nighttime hike through an ancient burial ground and into the Conference House. Registration is required.
Free!
Event
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Shelter Building
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Develop skills that will help you create a shelter from natural and man-made objects.
Free!
Fall Foliage Hike: Highland Park
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Our park rangers will explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our forests.
Free!
Event
Outdoor Skills: Shelter Building
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Survival Series: Fire Building
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the outdoors.
Free!
The New York City Naturalist Club: Owl Prowl
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Our park rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Registration required.
Free!
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Animal of the Month Club: Turkey Vulture
at Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.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!
Fall Foliage Hike: Trees of Herbert Von King Park
at Clifton Place and Marcy Avenue (in Herbert Von King Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Let our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in Herbert Von King Park.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Leaf Art
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Find your muse in nature. This workshop will inspire you to create art collages and animal figures with leaves and other objects from nature.
Free!
Kids
Rocks of New York City
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a look into the geological formations of Orchard Beach.
Free!
Kids
Wilderness Skills: Fire Making
at 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
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!
Ranger's Choice: Gather Around the Campfire
at Alley Pond Park, Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Join us around a campfire for an evening of stories, songs, and fun activities. Registration is required. Register on Wednesday, October 24.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Native American Games
at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fun afternoon of games inspired by Native American history and culture.
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Native Americans Past and Present
at Conference House Park Visitor Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn how native tribes used the local waterways, native plants, wildlife in everyday life and how the Lenape legacy lives on today through their words and artifacts still being discovered.
Free!
Northern Manhattan Parks Super Hike (Moderate)
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join our park rangers on a vigorous hike through Inwood Hill Park's old growth forest, Rock Shelters, Overlook Meadow and Ft Tryon's Alpine Garden, Linden Terrace and Heather Garden.
Free!
Birding: Winter Birding
at 68th Street and Colonial Road (in Owl's Head Park), Brooklyn
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.
Free!
Astronomy
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history, and folklore of the universe.
Free!
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Fall Foliage Hike: Northeast Forest
at 242nd Street and Van Cortlandt Park East (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Let our Urban Park Ranger's explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests.
Free!
Event
Fall Foliage Canoeing
at Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of canoeing while our Urban Park Ranger naturalists explain why leaves change colors and introduce you to the diversity of trees found in our urban forests.
Free!
Event
Bridges and Arches of Central Park
at East 60th Street and Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we highlight the most scenic and iconic bridges and arches of Central Park.
Free!
Event
Ranger's Choice: Storytime
at Parking Lot (in Astoria Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of storytime and enjoy sharing your nature-related stories with the Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Meet Your Neighbors
at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center (in Williamsbridge Oval), Bronx
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will bring the live turtles as well as pelts, skulls, and other bio-facts to teach about the urban wildlife in New York City.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Ranger's Choice: Advanced Fire Making
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn to use creativity and ingenuity to start a fire and keep it going. Registration is required for this program.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Sounds of Nature
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in discovering music in nature by using natural materials and exploring the sounds inside the park.
Free!
Kids
Historic New York: Native Americans Past and Present
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how native tribes used the local waterways, native plants, and wildlife in everyday life, and how the Lenape legacy lives on today through their words and artifacts still being discovered.
Free!
Ranger's Choice: Lenape Harvest
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Participants will learn about the Lenape people's daily customs and their knowledge of the forest, and sample forest-sourced food items, which were the staples of a Lenape diet. Registration required.
Free!
Living with White-Tailed Deer
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Through an Urban Park Ranger-led hike, you will learn about the impacts and signs of deer on Staten Island, and maybe even see these majestic animals.
Free!
Astronomy: Leonids Meteor Shower
at Boardwalk at Beach 116th Street (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Originating near the constellation Leo, the Leonids Meteor Shower produce up to 15 meteors per hour during peak viewing.
Free!
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Historic New York: Brooklyn Bridge
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore the history of the Brooklyn Bridge, from the time when it was first built to the present day, and also discover Brooklyn Bridge Park, the modern park which shares its namesake.
Free!
Developing an Eye for Nature
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on this hike that will teach you how to find the hidden gems within our urban environment.
Free!
Kids
Survival Series: Wilderness Navigation
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Whether you are preparing for an extended journey through the woods or just want to be more prepared for any situation, a survival program is perfect for you. Recommended for age 8 years and older.
Free!
Fall Foliage Photography Hike
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Bring your own digital camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of Central Park during the golden hour before sunset.
Free!
Event
Wilderness Skills: Fire Making
at Seuffert Bandshell Parking lot (in Forest Park), Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:30 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!
Friday, November 23, 2018
Black Friday Hike: The Alley Giant
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
The Alley Giant—a tulip tree—is the tallest and oldest living organism in the city. It is estimated to be between 350 and 450 years of age. Come meet a tree older than the United States
Free!
Event
Black Friday Hike: Central Park South to North Hike
at Doris Freedman Plaza (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Get outside and have your walking shoes ready as the Urban Park Rangers hike with you through iconic and natural areas throughout Central Park.
Free!
Event
Black Friday Hike: Greenbelt
at LaTourette Park Parking Lot
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City on the Greenbelt's White Trail.
Free!
Event
Black Friday Hike: Prospect Park
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Step back in time with a walk through Brooklyn’s oldest remaining forest.
Free!
Event
Black Friday Hike: Northwest Woods
at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us and obverse how the flora and fauna change while we pass through these varied ecosystems.
Free!
Event
Black Friday Hike: Hunter Island Hike
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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. Moderate hikes are longer, faster-paced on rugged terrain.
Free!
Event
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Nature Exploration Hike
at Beach 35th Street and Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. On our hikes, you may explore nature, and discover our city’s urban forests.
Free!
The Pelham Bay Super Hike (Vigorous)
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. This challenging hike winds its way through many diverse forests and ecosystems in Pelham Bay Park.
Free!
Event
Ranger's Choice: Central Park Ranger Bike Tour
at Central Park, Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Bike through Prospect Park while enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. Participants should bring their own bike and helmet. Registration is required. Registration opens on May 16.
Free!
Animal of the Month Club: Turkey Vulture
at Parking Lot (in High Rock 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: Fort Greene
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about the significance of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, the Battle of Brooklyn, and the circumstances of the prisoners’ internment on the prison ships.
Free!
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Ranger's Choice: The World's Fair Adventure Quest
at Flushing Meadows Corona Park
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This challenge leads teams through the park on a part scavenger hunt, part walking tour that combines easy physical challenges, photo clues, and searches while testing your knowledge of local history.
Free!
Salt Marsh Exploration Hike
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City.
Free!
Fall Wetlands
at Snug Harbor Road and Cottage Row Parking Lot (in Snug Harbor Cultural Center), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Urban wetlands provide a variety of benefits, including improved water quality and storm water retention. They also serve as critical habitat for native wildlife.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Pelham Bay 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. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, November 14.
Free!
Ranger's Choice: Gather Around the Campfire
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Join us around a campfire for an evening of stories, songs, and fun activities. Registration is required. Register on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Free!
Kids
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