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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, January 18, 2020
Sustainable Crafts: Making Seed Paper and Nature Hike
at Winchester Boulevard, under Grand Central Parkway (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn the process in making seed paper, followed by a nature hike. All paper and seeds will be provided.
Free!
Birding: Raptor Watch
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. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
Nature Art: Weaving Workshop
at Henshaw Street and Dyckman Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about invasive plants, work as a group to build a large phragmites sculpture, and take home your own unique woven creation.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
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!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Journals
at Avenue U and East 33rd Street (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. All supplies provided.
Free!
Kids
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Birding: Owls
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Leafless trees provide perfect viewing opportunities of some resident and migrating owl species. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Visitors will get a chance to go inside with the Urban Park Rangers who will discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
Event
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking
at 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Who says you can't see critters in the winter? Become a "Nature Scene Investigator" and learn the animal-spotting tricks from the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Catch a glimpse of these marine mammals during low tide on rocky outcroppings off the shores of the city.
Free!
Event
Winter Tree ID
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
For this program, we will explore beautiful Von Briesen Park while learning how to identify a tree by the bark, buds, and other distinctive characteristics.
Free!
Winter Mythology: Stories Around the Campfire
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Long winter nights have inspired countless tales for passing time and staying warm by the fire. Join the Urban Park Rangers to share in this ancient tradition.
Free!
Event
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Tompkins Square Park On-Screen
at Saint Marks Place and Avenue A (in Tompkins Square 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 Tompkins Square Park featured in television and motion pictures from the last few decades.
Free!
Event
Nature Scavenger Hunt
at 80th Street Entrance (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
Kids
Outdoor Skills: Navigation and Orienteering
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This program focuses on navigation, including compass usage and map reading.
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt 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!
Astronomy: Night Sky
at Potter Avenue and Royal Oak Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
7:00 p.m.–8:30 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, January 26, 2020
Winter Tree ID
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy the subtle beauty of trees in winter. We will explore Prospect Park while learning how to identify a tree by the bark, buds, and other distinctive characteristics.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at West 90th Street and Central Park West
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk around the reservoir as we look for these cold hardy birds.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Be wise and join this Urban Park Ranger-led hike, as we look for this bird pr prey.
Free!
Event
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at 155th Street and Baisley Boulevard (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
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!
Upcycling: Terrarium Building
at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Bring an old glass jar and create it into a home for a succulent plant to grow.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Winter Jam NYC
at Rumsey Playfield (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice bowling, curling, dodgeball, and more at our annual winter festival!
Free!
Event
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our 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!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Wolfe's Pond Park Comfort Station (in Wolfe's Pond 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. All skill levels are welcome.
Free!
Conservation 101: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and More
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
What happens when we throw something "away"? Join us for a discussion about the fascinating history of New York City's trash system.
Free!
Black History Month: African-American History in Parks
at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about parks, sculptures, and other green spaces in New York City that highlight and honor the black experience in the United States.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Making
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
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, an outdoor skills program is perfect for you.
Free!
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Winter Hibernation Hike
at Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Bear the cold with the Urban Park Rangers as you learn about the wildlife that hibernate during the winter, and learn ways to spot possible dens and burrows.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Creating with Nature
at Chapin Parkway and Gothic Drive (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and create beautiful works of art by using materials provided by Mother Nature. Create crafts that incorporate natural elements and imagination.
Free!
Kids
Nature Exploration: John Muir Trail (Vigorous)
at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The John Muir Nature Trail (established in 1997) is Van Cortlandt’s only east-west path, traversing the steep terrain at the park’s center.
Free!
Photo Scavenger Hunt Hike (Light)
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of family fun as we go on a scavenger hunt using digital cameras or smartphones.
Free!
Birding: Owls
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Be wise and join this Urban Park Ranger-led hike as we look for this bird of prey.
Free!
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Birding: Bald Eagle Watch
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–10:30 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. All skill levels are welcome.
Free!
Event
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Oriental Boulevard and Falmouth Street (in Manhattan Beach Park), Brooklyn
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!
Birding: Winter Residents
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
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. All skill levels are welcome.
Free!
Wildlife Viewing: Urban Forest Wildlife
at Comfort station (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers to learn about our interesting neighbors, such as birds, squirrels, raccoons, snakes and many more.
Free!
Winter Wonderland Hike
at Parking Lot (in Astoria Park), Queens
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!
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Visitors will get a chance to go inside with the Urban Park Rangers who will discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
Event
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Valentine's Day Hike and Craft
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers on a light winter walk on the lookout for "lovebirds". We will end back at the Nature Center to build your own nature valentine for your sweetheart!
Free!
Seal Exploration
at Lemon Creek Pier (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
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!
Geology: Highbridge Rocks!
at W. 164th Street and Edgecombe Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Although much of Manhattan’s natural landscape has been flattened, there are still places to see glacier-carved Manhattan schist. Join the Rangers and find out why Highbridge Rocks!
Free!
Astronomy: The Full Snow Moon
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Learn all about the Snow Moon! Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!
Event
Astronomy: The Full Snow Moon
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
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!
Event
Astronomy: The Full Snow Moon
at Pelham Bay Park Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
View the first supermoon of the New Year, the Full Snow Moon, with the Urban Park Rangers!
Free!
Event
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Birding: Birds Along Broadway
at West 142nd Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore John James Audubon's old neighborhood while we seek and find the birds painted along Broadway as part of the Audubon Mural Project.
Free!
Nature Photography: Winter Landscapes
at 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue (in Sunset Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Ranger Nature Photography program allows you to interpret the natural world while learning about the local environment.
Free!
The Old Croton Aqueduct Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Built between 1837 and 1842, the Old Croton Aqueduct was New York City's first water supply system. Explore its history on a hike with our park rangers!
Free!
Event
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!
Basic Photography and Beach Exploration
at Beach 86th Street and Shorefront Parkway (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Bring your own digital camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of Rockaway Beach. Dress for the outdoors.
Free!
Event
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Winter Wildlife: Animal Tracks
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers are skilled in the techniques and development of diverse outdoor skills. In this program, learn how to identify animal tracks to understand animal behavior.
Free!
Winter Tree ID: Evergreens
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn how to identify evergreen trees and shrubs in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Free!
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Visitors will get a chance to go inside with the Urban Park Rangers who will discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
Event
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–1:30 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.
Free!
Monday, February 17, 2020
Kids Week: Nature Exploration Hike for Kids
at Elmhurst Park Grand Avenue Entrance (in Elmhurst Park), Queens
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 hike through the wonders of Elmhurst Park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Find My Way: Maps and Compasses
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Navigate your way through Marine Park. Learn how to use a map and compass for safe hiking, then try out your skills on an orienteering trail!
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Orienteering for Kids
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay 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: All About Owls
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
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 with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Event
Kids Week Manhattan: Geology Rocks!
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a look into how geology influenced the landscape and design of New York City's Central Park.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Kids Week: Fort Greene History and Colonial Games
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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: Nature Puppet Show
at Fort Totten Visitor Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Animal puppets tell very interesting stories about nature. Our Urban Park Ranger programs are the perfect additions to your family's activities.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Shelter Building
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wilderness? Learn tips and tricks from the Urban Park Rangers that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.
Free!
Event
Kids Week: Survival Skills
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The kids are out of school, now get them out of the house. Head to the park and join the Urban Park Rangers' free Kids Week programs.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week Staten Island: Lenape Bingo
at Conference House Park Visitor Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fun afternoon of games and a little history about Native Americans.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week Manhattan: Birds of Prey
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about eagles, hawks, and falcons, and the important role they play in nature.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Kids Week: Gather Around the Campfire
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join us in Alley Pond Park for campfire activities! Learn about campfire safety, and sing along to some fun campfire songs with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
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