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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: Celebrating 40 Years
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Urban Park Rangers with us all year long with expanded, new, and refreshed programming across NYC!
Urban Park Rangers Events
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Living with White-Tailed Deer
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island 
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
'Over the Hill' Hilltop Hike: The Overlook
at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
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 the hills of Fort Tryon Park.
Free!
Living with Deer
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy and the Urban Park Rangers to learn about deer, as well as tips to follow to promote healthy coexistence with these animals.
Free!
Kids
Crafternoon Hike
at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Take a short hike with an Urban Park Ranger into the picturesque woods in the Northwest portion of Van Cortlandt Park. Enjoy the fall foliage and try your hand at your choice of nature arts and crafts.
Free!
Historic New York: Forest Park Buddy Monument
at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This sculpture near Forest Park's Memorial Drive represents a standard infantryman known as a “doughboy.” Learn about the significance of the statue and others surrounding this area of Forest Park.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn to use creativity and ingenuity to start a fire and keep it going. Participants will learn unique and unusual ways to start a fire using unconventional methods.
Free!
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Birding: Waterfowl
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
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. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels. Beginners are welcome.
Free!
The Pelham Bay Super Hike
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
This challenging hike winds its way through many diverse forests and ecosystems in Pelham Bay Park. Participants are chosen by lottery.
Free!
Birding: Shorebirds and Fall Migrants
at Lemon Creek Pier (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our park rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
Historic New York: Morris-Jumel Mansion
at Highbridge Park, Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Come learn about the Morris-Jumel house, the oldest mansion in Manhattan, and how it connects to the history of NYC and its parks.
Free!
Event
Trees of New York City
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
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 our urban forests.
Free!
Friday, November 29, 2019
Black Friday Hike: The White Trail
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 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: Central Park South to North Hike
at Doris Freedman Plaza (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.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: The Alley Giant
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.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: Northwest Woods
at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Highlights include seasonal waterfalls, temperate forest, fertile wetlands, and rocky outcroppings.
Free!
Event
Black Friday Hike: The Midwood Trail
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. The Midwood, home to some of Prospect Park’s largest trees, is a relic of Brooklyn’s history.
Free!
Event
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Explorer's Club: Seal Watch
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals in the NY harbor estuary. You may be surprised by what looks like a rock in the distance, is actually a healthy seal.
Free!
Historic New York: The Hell Gate Waterway
at Parking Lot (in Astoria Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers on this tour of Astoria Park and significant events influenced by the Hell Gate.
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!
Winter Wilderness Survival
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
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 wilderness survival program is perfect for you.
Free!
The New York City History Club: The Hidden Streams and Wetlands of Manahatta
at Washington Square Arch (in Washington Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss the hidden parkland of the area formerly known as Manahatta.
Free!
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Ranger's Choice: The World's Fair Adventure Quest
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
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!
Event
Ecosystem Explorers: Trail Cleanup
at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Be an environmental warrior as you join the Urban Park Rangers on this hike and clean up the trail while learning the importance of trail maintenance.
Free!
Witner Tree ID: The Pinetum
at 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Created in the 1970s, this section of the park contains a variety of pine trees species, from all over the world.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike: Cass Gallagher Trail
at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
View the forest from the perspective of a naturalist as you walk with the Urban Park Rangers along the 1.4-mile nature trail named in honor of longtime Bronx resident and naturalist Cass Gallagher.
Free!
'Over the Hill' Hilltop Hike: Canarsie Park
at 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This hiking series features some of the steepest hills in NYC Parks. This hike features highlights of Canarsie Park.
Free!
Friday, December 6, 2019
Family Astronomy
at Water Tower Terrace (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history, and folklore of the universe.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Birding Van Tour: Owls
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Winter is the best time of year to spot owls. Participants are selected by lottery. Registration opens on Wednesday, November 27.
Free!
Nature Crafts: Glamorous Garland for the Winter Holidays
at Henshaw Street & Dyckman Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
When you see garland hanging about, you know the holiday season has arrived. Join the Rangers and make your own festive garland to decorate your home for the holidays.
Free!
Queens Park of the Month: Udall's Park Preserve
at Sandhill Road between Douglas Road and Aurora Pond (in Udall's Park Preserve), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
In the midst of a developed residential area, this 30-acre inlet off of Little Neck Bay is an important preserve and habitat area for northeaster Queens.
Free!
Event
Gather Around the Campfire
at Wolfe's Pond Park Comfort Station (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us around a campfire for an afternoon of stories, songs, and fun activities.
Free!
Kids
Winter Tea Time
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the best practices for using natural plants to brew tea.
Free!
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Salt Marsh Exploration
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City.
Free!
'Over the Hill' Hilltop Hike: Brookfield Park
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
In celebration of the Urban Park Rangers' 40th Anniversary year, join the Rangers as they hike "over the hill" inside of our parks. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended.
Free!
Bald Eagle Watch
at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
Event
Historic New York: Monuments of Prospect Park
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers specialize in the interpretation of historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city’s long history.
Free!
Evergreen Giants
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street Entrance (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a light hike in Inwood Hill Park and learn about the beautiful evergreens located through the park.
Free!
Friday, December 13, 2019
Astronomy: The Geminids Meteor Shower
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
See one of the best meteor showers in the sky, The Geminids Meteor Shower. The shower produces up to 120 multi-colored meteors per hour at its peak! All equipment provided.
Free!
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Central Park in the Movies
at Grand Army Plaza Entrance (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike to some of the iconic spots in Central Park featured in motion pictures from the last few decades.
Free!
Event
Nature Exploration Hike
at 3rd Avenue and Whitestone Expressway Entrance (in Francis Lewis Park), Queens
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. On our hikes, you may explore nature or discover our city's forest.
Free!
Winter Nature Crafts
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Create crafts using natural materials found outdoors with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Nature's Workshop: Natural Cordage and Basket Weaving
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Try your hand at tying and weaving techniques using cordage made from plant fiber.
Free!
Explorer's Club: Navigating the Night Sky
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Learn how to use the night sky as a map by identifying key stars and constellations and earn a navigation stamp.
Free!
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Christmas Bird Count
at South Gate House of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Rerservoir (in Central Park), Manhattan
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Audubon, Urban Park Rangers, and the Central Park Conservancy as we count birds in every section of Central Park.
Free!
Winter Tree ID
at Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
For this program, we will explore Van Cortlandt Park while learning how to identify a tree by the bark, buds, and other distinctive characteristics.
Free!
Park of the Month: Udall's Park Preserve
at Sandhill Road between Douglas Road and Aurora Pond (in Udall's Park Preserve), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
In the midst of a developed residential area, this 30-acre inlet off of Little Neck Bay is an important preserve and habitat area for northeastern Queens.
Free!
Event
Nature Photography: Winter Landscapes
at East Drive and Lincoln Road (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our Nature Art and Photography programs allow you to interpret the natural world through artistic expression while learning about the local environment.
Free!
Living with White-Tailed Deer
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
Saturday, December 21, 2019
New York City Naturalist Club: Bald Eagle Watch
at Henshaw Street & Dyckman Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Winter is a great time to spot bald eagles. Our park rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots.
Free!
Event
Ecosystem Explorers: Coniferous Trees
at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they discuss the difference between coniferous trees and deciduous trees and their vital role in the ecosystem.
Free!
Daytime Astronomy: The Winter Solstice
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Winter is here! Join the Urban Park Rangers in celebration of the shortest day of the year and the slow approach of spring.
Free!
Basic Nature Photography
at Beach Channel Drive (in Bayswater Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger Nature Art and Photography programs allow you to interpret the natural world through artistic expression while learning about the local environment.
Free!
Winter Solstice Hike
at Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the winter solstice with a hike and some s'mores with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Sunday, December 22, 2019
'Over the Hill' Hilltop Hike: Orange Trail
at Forest Park Drive and Park Lane (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m.
his hiking series features some of the steepest hills in NYC Parks.
Free!
Animal Tracks
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn to identify animal tracks to understand animal behavior.
Free!
Winter Nature Crafts
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Find your muse in nature. Learn how to make art collages and animal figures with objects from nature.
Free!
Kids
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Henshaw Street & Dyckman Street (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!
Sunday, December 29, 2019
End of the Year Hike/White Trail (Moderate)
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Greenbelt educators and the Urban Park Rangers for the last hike of the year through the Bucks Hollow section of the central Greenbelt.
Free!
Event
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