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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, April 26, 2025
Planting the Sensory Garden
at Bowling Green Cottage (in Parade Ground), Brooklyn 
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Nurture your green thumb and your community as you learn the basic needs for plant care and discover plants that stimulate the senses.
Free!
Event
Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt
at Sobelsohn Playground (in Forest Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the world around you and get to know your neighborhood trees. Conquer our tree scavenger hunt that will inspire curiosity and answer about trees
Free!
City Nature Challenge Bird Blitz
at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Naturalist Hike
at Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25 - April 28.
Free!
Earth Month Beach Clean-Up
at Wolfe's Pond Park, Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be an environmental warrior as you join the Urban Park Rangers to clean up the beach and surrounding area while learning the importance of keeping the ecosystem clean.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge Bio Blitz
at Entrance - West 231st Street and Riverdale Avenue (in Ewen Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
City Nature Challenge: Biodiversity Hike
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25 -April 28
Free!
Event
Sunday, April 27, 2025
City Nature Challenge Bird Blitz
at Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
Mushroom ID Hike
at 210th St Playground on 73rd Ave (in Cunningham Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge Bio Blitz
at Playground for All Children (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
Event
Freshwater Fishing
at Eton Place Parking Lot (in Willowbrook Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways. All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and older.
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge Wildflower ID
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we walk the park to observe and collect data for the City Nature Challenge, a friendly competition taking place April 25-28
Free!
Event
City Nature Challenge: Great Trees of Madison Square Park
at Southern End (in Madison Square Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Officially recognized as a Level 2 arboretum by the Arboretum Accreditation Program, this small park is home to over 300 trees!
Free!
Event
Wildflowers, Pollinators, & Soil Basics
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to track the wildflowers of spring partnered with a demonstration of soil textures.
Free!
Friday, May 2, 2025
Modern Parks: Wetlands of New York City
at Entrance - Center Boulevard and Borden Avenue (in Hunter's Point South Park), Queens
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in a hike along the beautiful shore of Hunter’s Point South Park with a perfect NYC skyline view!
Free!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Birding: Nests and Baby Birds Exploration
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fun and informative walk through Van Cortlandt Park to learn all about nests, baby birds, and unique spring-time animal behaviors!
Free!
Native Americans: Pathways to the Past, Present and Future
at Northern Boulevard and 245th Street
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Take a short stroll with the Urban Park Rangers as we learn about Native American contributions to our modern-day society.
Free!
Event
Nature's Workshop: Natural Dyes Journaling
at Lawn Area (in Herbert Von King Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a fun workshop where you will learn about some of the plants that can be used to extract marvelous and unique color palettes.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
at Little Red Lighthouse (in Fort Washington Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure.
Free!
Family Camping: Staten Island
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday April 23.
Free!
Insect Exploration: Insects of the Night
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Rangers will show you how to attract and identify the diverse menagerie of friendly nocturnal insects that fill the night skies of your local park
Free!
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Birding: Warbler Watch
at The Overlook (in Forest Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Forest Park to look for spring warblers and more!
Free!
Greenbelt Hike (Vigorous)
at Forest Hill Road and Alaska Place (in LaTourette Park & Golf Course), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of the Greenbelt on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Saltwater Fishing
at Valentino Pier, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rangers will guide participants in basic angling skills as well as introduce some of the inhabitants of Brooklyn’s estuaries
Free!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Nature Calligraphy
at 164th Street and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how nature influences the art of Chinese calligraphy and learn to write some words yourself.
Free!
Event
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: The Influential Ocean
at Section 2 Orchard Beach (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in celebrating and learning about the ocean’s influence on the lives, traditions, and cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander communities!
Free!
Event
Birding: Spring Migration
at West 81st Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Event
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Hart Island Tour (North Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday April 23
Free!
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Urban Wildlife Festival
at East 149th Street and St. Ann's Avenue (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
We welcome guests of all ages to join us at Urban Wildlife Festival hosted by the Urban Park Rangers. Discover abundant wildlife at this free family event featuring live animals!
Free!
Event
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Mother Earth Cleanup and Nature Exploration
at Beach 54th and Almeda Avenue (in Rockaway Community Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate Mother's Day and honor Mother Earth by collecting the trash washing up on the shores of Jamaica Bay as you learn about the park’s ecosystem and natural world.
Free!
Nature Sketching
at Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue (in Brookfield Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Hike Brookfield Park as an inspiration while learning drawing techniques to create a seasonal scenic sketch drawing.
Free!
Basic Canoeing
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. Ages 8 and up.
Free!
Birding: All About Pigeons
at Lawn Area (in Seaside Wildlife Nature Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Pigeons are among some of the most abundant species of birds in our city. Learn more about what makes these birds so unique and interesting.
Free!
Insect Exploration: The Motherly Instincts of Insects
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Celebrate this year’s Mother’s Day by learning about some of the most doting mothers of the insect world! Rangers will highlight a variety of insect species found in NYC Parks
Free!
Mother's Day Nature Crafts
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Use the beauty of the natural world to create a unique work of art celebrating someone who makes your life more beautiful!
Free!
Planting the Native Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we replant our Native American polyculture garden and learn about the indigenous people.
Free!
Kids
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Coastal Ecology: Oysters and Other Bivalves
at Stapleton Waterfront Park
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Oysters and other bivalves act as natural filters for our shores. Learn more about these phenomenal creatures and other marine life at this Billion Oyster Project site along The Narrows
Free!
Doggie Day Hike
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Take a stroll through the forest with your four legged friend on this dog-friendly hike. Dogs are required to be on-leash.
Free!
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi.
Free!
Historic New York: Ye Olde Prospect Park
at Grand Army Plaza Arch (in Grand Army Plaza), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and reminisce on the history of the Vale of Cashmere, one of the most mysterious and intriguing parts of the park. Bring a camera and create your own Vale
Free!
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Learn about the important role Fort Totten played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Historic New York: Mount Morris Fire Watchtower
at Mount Morris Fire Watchtower (in Marcus Garvey Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure. Open access from 1pm to 2:45pm. Registration is not required.
Free!
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Birding: Hawk Watch
at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Experience the majesty of NYC’s top aerial predator. Join us to learn about Red-Tailed Hawks and other raptors of NYC and hopefully catch a glimpse of a nesting pair.
Free!
Historic New York: Sylvan Grove Cemetery History and Cleanup
at Victory Boulevard and Alberta Avenue (in Sylvan Grove Cemetery), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers and Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries Staten Island to preserve history by participating in a cleanup of this protected historical cemetery.
Free!
Plants and Pollinators Walk
at Westchester Avenue and Edgewater Road (in Concrete Plant Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an exploration of our many types of flowers and our native pollinator species, as well as pollinators you might not expect!
Free!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: Evergreen Cemetery
at Evergreen Cemetery Entrance (in Highland Park)
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Walk among the beautiful landscaped architecture and explore the connections between the cemetery and New York City's Asian-American population.
Free!
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Hart Island Tour (South Island)
at Hart Island, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore Hart Island's unique past, present, and future. Participants are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday May 7, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Historic New York: Ridgewood Reservoir
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join NYC's Urban Park Rangers and for a walk at the Ridgewood Reservoir highlighting the history, ecology and engineering of this cultural treasure.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn the basic skills of outdoor survival including fire making, shelter building and water collection among other skills.
Free!
Spring Blooming Hike
at Parking Lot - Winchester Boulevard and Union Turnpike (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Spring has sprung. Experience the beauty of spring with the Urban Park Rangers as you explore the vibrant plants and flowers that emerge during this season.
Free!
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