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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
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Central Park Christmas Bird Count
at 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 the park.
Free!
Event
Animal of the Month Club: Northern Cardinal
at Prospect Avenue and Brentwood Avenue (in Allison Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss the Northern Cardinal. This vibrant bird can be seen and heard in our parks throughout the winter season.
Free!
Photography Scavenger Hunt
at Driggs Avenue and Lorimer Street (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This guided hike through McCarren Park will challenge your photography skills as you work to complete a photo scavenger hunt.
Free!
Ranger's Choice: Fire Making Skills
at Alley Pond Park, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Fire is mankind's greatest discovery. Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors. Registration is required.
Free!
Kids
The Night Sky: Comets
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!
Event
Friday, December 21, 2018
Winter Solstice Celebration
at Van Cortlandt Golf House (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Explore the park on a night hike and celebrate the end of the celestial year around a campfire!
Free!
Event
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Ranger's Choice: Birding Van Trip
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Winter is the best time of year to spot owls. Registration is required.
Free!
Nature Photography: Winter Landscapes
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
On our nature hikes, you can take an hour to unplug from the world and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature's vistas and winter landscapes.
Free!
Event
Nature Exploration Hike: The North Woods
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
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!
Outdoor Skills: Fire Making
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
Astronomy
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. Many programs feature astronomy experts and all equipment is provided.
Free!
Kids
Sunday, December 23, 2018
The New York City Naturalist Club: Eagle Watch
at Payson Avenue and Dyckman Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Winter is a great time to spot bald eagles. In the winter, birds of prey tend to fly further south to New York City in search of food. Our park rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: History of Crocheron Park
at John Golden Parking Lot (in John Golden Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Crocheron Park has a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. Learn more about this local park and its significant history.
Free!
Living with White-Tailed Deer
at Hanover Avenue and Palma Drive (in Eibs Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about deer ecology and behavior as you look for clues of deer presence. Join in a discussion about the impacts of deer in an urban environment.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: 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. This workshop will inspire you to create art collages and animal figures with objects from nature.
Free!
Kids
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Kids Week: Wilderness Survival Skills
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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: Nature Exploration Hike for Kids
at Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond 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 a hike through the wonders of Alley Pond Park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: All About Owls
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Whooo knows what we will find as we look through owl pellet's and learn more about the adaptions of owls!
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Crafts Workshop
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Create crafts using natural materials found outdoors with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Nature Crafts Workshop
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Create crafts using natural materials found outdoors with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Kids Week: Ranger Games
at Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
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: Winter Scavenger Hunt
at Conference House Park Visitor Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Winter season is unpredictable, but animals and plants adapt to the changes. Let's find some of these adaptations on a scavenger hunt through the trails in the park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Birds of Prey
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers will show you a fantastic example of an active red-tail nest and discuss the life cycles and habits of these spectacular urban predators.
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 for campfire activities around a colonial hearth. Learn about campfire safety and sing along to some fun campfire songs with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Wildlife Hike for Kids
at Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a winter walk looking for signs of wildlife.
Free!
Kids
Friday, December 28, 2018
Kids Week: Nature Crafts Workshop
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Create crafts using natural materials found outside with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Campfire Activities
at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of fun and outdoor activities as we gather around the campfire and enjoy the outdoors.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Winter Scavenger Hunt
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Winter season is unpredictable, but animals and plants adapt to the changes. Let's find some of these adaptations on a scavenger hunt through the trails in the park.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Build a Birdfeeder
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn how to build a birdfeeder for your own back yard.
Free!
Kids
Kids Week: Sounds of Nature
at Payson Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
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
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
New Year's Day Hike: Van Cortlandt Park (Light)
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, why not start outdoors? Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Event
New Year's Day Hike: Prospect Park (Light)
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, why not start outdoors? Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Event
New Year's Day Hike: Forest Park (Light)
at Buddy Monument (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, why not start outdoors? Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Event
New Year's Day Hike: Bloomingdale Park (Light)
at Bloomingdale Park Playground (in Bloomingdale Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, why not start outdoors? Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Event
New Year's Day Hike (Light)
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, why not start outdoors? Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park.
Free!
Event
Sunday, January 6, 2019
Ecosystem Explorers: Grasslands
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
We will identify and view the many different birds, mammal, insect and plant species of a grassland ecosystem.
Free!
Saturday, January 12, 2019
The New York City Naturalist Club: 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 Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in the urban jungle. All skill levels are welcomed.
Free!
Event
Living with Urban Coyotes
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Come learn about one of our more fascinating neighbors—the coyote.
Free!
Arts, Culture & Fun: Astronomy
at Willowbrook Park Archery Range (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs with our park rangers feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Seal Exploration
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
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!
Queens Park of the Month: Baisley Pond Park
at Baisley Pond Park Parking Lot (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
The Queens Park of the Month series programs features some historical and natural highlights of some local favorite parks.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Hylan Boulevard and Edgewater Street (in Alice Austen 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 Brookfield Park
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we learn more about the history of this area and the story of the park that expanded our city to over 30,000 acres of parkland.
Free!
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Winter Hike
at Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers on a winter hike of the Mansion’s grounds and surrounding nature trails. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, January 2.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Natural Jewelry Making
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers and learn how to make jewelry using materials from nature. Basic materials provided. Lottery registration begins Wednesday Jan. 2
Free!
The New York City History Club: Central Park
at West 72nd and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This program will focus on the history behind New York City's most iconic urban space: Central Park.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Wilderness Survival
at Winchester Boulevard, under Grand Central Parkway (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
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!
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Birding: Winter Birds
at Green-Wood Cemetery at 25th Street, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. All skill levels are welcome.
Free!
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.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!
Event
Ecosystem Explorers: Deciduous Forest
at Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Deciduous forests host many different tree species, and all kinds of wildlife from birds to deer can be seen in their natural environment
Free!
The Explorer's Club: Fire Making
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn the basics of fire building with the Rangers to earn your survival skills stamp.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
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!
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Animal of the Month: Northern Harrier
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 in Brookfield Park as we look for this acrobatic raptor, the Norther Harrier.
Free!
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
Survival Series: Survival 101
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!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Nature Illustrations
at Forest Park Visitor Center (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Find your muse in nature. This workshop will inspire you to illustrate the landscapes, woodlands, and wildlife of Forest Park.
Free!
Kids
Winter Mythology: Stories Around the Campfire
at Prospect 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. Registration required.
Free!
Arts, Culture & Fun: Astronomy - The Supermoon
at 106th Street and Central Park West
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
The Moon will put on a rare show tonight as both a "Supermoon" and lunar eclipse will occur during the late night hours.
Free!
Event
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This program will focus on the different species of waterfowl that reside in our parks during the colder winter months. Birding programs sare appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
at Golden Pond (in Crocheron Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Get to know the park by hunting for some common and uncommon objects and artifacts.
Free!
Kids
Winter Wildlife: Squirrels
at Park Drive and Clove Road (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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
Survival During the American Revolution
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Before they could fight for our freedom, harsh winters forced the Continental Army to fight for their lives. Learn about their secrets of survival during this arduous time in U.S. history.
Free!
Queens Park of the Month: Baisley Pond Park
at Baisley Pond Park Parking Lot (in Baisley Pond 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. January will focus on Baisley Pond Park.
Free!
Arts, Culture & Fun: Astronomy - The Winter Sky
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events.
Free!
Sunday, January 27, 2019
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 of prey. Participants are selected by lottery. Lottery registration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Nature Journals
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Each program in this series explores its topic in depth and allows you to develop a skill, participate in a hands-on project, and indulge your curiosity. All supplies provided.
Free!
Kids
Gather Around the Campfire
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join us around a campfire for an evening of stories, songs, and fun activities. Registration is required. Register on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Winter Waterfowl
at Brookville Boulevard and Caney Road (in Brookville Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
This program will focus on the different species of waterfowl that reside in our parks during the colder winter months. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels.
Free!
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!
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