Includes CALENDAR OF URBAN PARK RANGER FREE PROGRAms

THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTUREJUly / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2011

urban Park Ranger nature and Visitor centersBRonxcrotona nature center, (cnc): Crotona Park. Enter the park at Charlotte St. & Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061

orchard Beach nature center (oBnc):Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 of Orchard Beach. 718.885.3466

Pelham Bay Ranger station, under construction (PBRs): Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. & Wilkinson Ave. 718.885.3467

Van cortlandt nature center (Vcnc): Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at W. 246th St. & Broadway. 718.548.0912

BRooKlYn salt Marsh nature center (sMnc): Marine Park. East 33rd St. & Avenue U. 718.421.2021

Fort Greene Visitor center (FGVc): Fort Greene Park. Enter the park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park. 718.722.3218

MAnHATTAnBelvedere castle (Bc): Central Park. 79th St., mid-park. 212.628.2345

dana discovery center (ddc): Central Park. 110th St. & lenox Ave. 212.860.1376

Inwood Hill nature center (IHnc): Inwood Hill Park. Enter park at W. 218th St. & Indian Road. 212.304.2365 or 212.304.3401

QueensAlley Pond Park Adventure center (APPAc):Alley Pond Park. Enter at Winchester Blvd., under the Grand Central Parkway. 718.217.6034 or 718.217.4685

Forest Park Visitor center (FPVc): Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. & Forest Park Drive. 718.846.2731

Fort Totten Visitors center (FTVc): Fort Totten Park. Enter park at fort entrance, north of intersection of 212 St. and Cross Island Pkwy. and follow signs. 718.352.1769

sTATen IslAnd Blue Heron nature center (BHnc): Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road & Hylan Boulevard. 718.967.3542

High Rock Ranger station (HRRs): High Rock Park. Park in the lot at the end of Nevada Avenue, off Rockland Ave., and follow signs. 718.667.6042.

2 nYcParks nyc.gov/parks/rangers URBAN PARK RANGERS

Sarah Aucoin, DirectorBonnie McGuire, Deputy DirectorRichard Simon, Deputy DirectorMarta Arroyo, Program ManagerElizabeth Green, Graphic DesignerShalini Beath, Grants Manager

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THe FRee neWsPAPeR oF ouTdooR AdVenTuReJulY / AuGusT / sePTeMBeR 2011

Hi Everyone! I was so excited when I was asked to write the opening message this summer’s in Outdoors in NyC. It was only one year ago that I joined NyC Parks and what an adventure it has been! The Urban Park Rangers really know how to have fun. last summer I went camping every weekend and I took my first ride in a canoe. It was awesome! In the fall I graduated from the Park Ranger Academy and in the winter I taught my first Winter Survival program. But the most fun I had was making friends with hundreds of kids who visited me in the park.

When I was a little squirrel growing up in Van Cortlandt Park, I could not wait to climb down from my tree each day and explore the forest. My friends and I learned the names of all the trees, and discovered which oaks had the sweetest acorns. We had scavenger hunts and made crafts out of what nature provided. Now there is nothing I love more than connecting kids to the natural world while showing them ways to stay fit and exercise their brains.

This summer, the Urban Park Rangers offer dozens of family friendly programs that I’m sure you’re going to go nuts for. young kids will love letting their imaginations run free as they use found objects to express themselves on the Imagination Play program, and older kids can build their muscles and improve their aim on an

Archery program. Summer is a great time to tune up your bike, strap on your helmet, and take a Cycling tour of a famous park, or sign up to spend a night under the stars with me on a Family Camping program.

I am not going to spend one day cooped up in my tree this summer! On my days off, I am going to visit Coney Island, fly a kite, and enjoy a concert in the park. I am also going to plant an acorn for every new friend I make! So climb out of your tree this summer and explore all the NyC Parks has to offer. Please do your part to help keep our parks looking clean and beautiful by taking your trash with and leaving nothing behind. See you in the parks!

A complete list of all Parks programs can be found by visiting www.nyc.gov/parks.

Message From: Pearl the Squirrel

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On April 11, 2011 Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price were joined by members of the Millennium High School Environmental Club and 200 first and sixth graders from P.S. 276 and P.S. 896 to inaugurate the new Urban Farm at the Battery. Also present were architect and designer Shane Neufeld, and Battery Chefs Wade Burch of Merchant Market, and Zak Pelaccio and Kevin Pomplun of Fatty Cue.

“Urban agriculture is critical in our city to strengthen the connection between New yorkers and the food they eat,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “We are delighted to partner with the Battery Conservancy in establishing this urban farm which will promote hands-on learning about the living environment, nutrition, history, civics and the arts. And what better location than in the Battery – the site where the Dutch first planted their cottage gardens back in 1625!”

“From its structure to its program, from its seeds to its enrichment of the park’s soil, from its potential for bringing people together and teaching us about healthy eating, the Urban Farm at the Battery is a sustainable exercise in both progressive horticulture and design excellence,” said Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price.

“The Farm is a natural outgrowth of the Battery Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and envisioning creatively the future of life in the City.”

The Urban Farm occupies one full acre of the Battery’s verdant parkland at the southernmost tip of Manhattan – along State Street at Pearl Street – and will be in operation for two years until construction begins on the Battery Garden Bikeway connecting the East and West Sides of Manhattan.

It originated with a request from students of Millennium High School’s Envrionmental Club to plant a vegetable garden in the park. It led to a farming initiative that now includes eight schools with over 650 students participating.

The Urban Farm will now serve the lower Manhattan community as a sustainable outdoor farming destination to include 80 organic vegetable plots. These will lie within an “architecture” conceived by New york designer Scott Dougan, who created a planting footprint that pays playful tribute to Zelda, a wild American turkey who has resided since 2003 in the Battery and is much loved by the public. Tracing a perimeter that evokes Zelda’s silhouette, including her distinctive head and tail feathers, Dougan

with architect partner Shane Neufeld utilized over 5,000 bamboo poles which were donated to the Conservancy by renowned artists Mike and Doug Starn. The bamboo is repurposed from their internationally acclaimed installation work ‘Big Bambú: you Can’t, you Don’t, and you Won’t Stop,’ which occupied The Metropolitan Museum of Art Roof Garden during the summer and early autumn of 2010.

It will also function as an outdoor classroom where students and volunteer members of the public – including community groups, local residents, members of the Downtown work force, and military veterans - can plant, cultivate, harvest, and eat fresh produce. During the preparation of its soil for planting, the Urban Farm already has welcomed more than 650 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, from eight New york City schools: PS3 The John Melser Charrette School; PS89 liberty School; PS276 Battery Park City School; IS289 Hudson River Middle School; IS896 lower Manhattan Community Middle School; M560 City-as-School; Claremont Preparatory School; and Millennium High School.

Members of the public who would like to get their hands into the soil at the Urban Farm can learn more by going to: www.thebattery.org

urban Farm at the Battery debutsSite is the Battery’s First Public Urban Farm Since the Dutch Planted their Cottage Gardens in New Amsterdam in 1625.Public Welcomed to Plant and Farm at 80 Organic Vegetable Plots

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BRonxsunday, July 24Biking / Van cortlandt to Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Van cortlandt nature center, West 246th street and Broadway

sunday, August 14Biking / soundview Park to Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / lafayette and Metcalf Avenues

BRooKlYnsunday, July 10 & August 28Biking / Prospect Park 12 p.m. / Meet under the arch at Grand Army Plaza

Are you staycationing in New york City this summer? A cycling tour of one of New york City’s premier parks is the perfect way to get more from your vacation at home. See more in less time while burning calories! Our Urban Park Ranger cycling guides will introduce you to some of the most famous parks in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views, public artwork, landscape design and an abundance of wildlife.

MAnHATTAnsunday, July 24Biking / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / 72nd street and Riverside drive

sunday, August 28Biking/ Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m. / Inwood Hill nature center, West 218th street and Indian Road

Queenssunday July 10 Biking / Fort Totten Park 1 p.m. / Totten Road and cross Island Parkway

Biking programs are suitable for all ages and generally proceed at a leisurely pace. you must supply your own bicycle and helmets are required. We recommend bringing plenty of water and a light snack.

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sTATen IslAndsaturday, July 9Biking / Midland Beach 10 a.m. / Midland Avenue and Father capodanno Boulevard

sunday, July 31Mountain Biking / Wolfe’s Pond Park 11 a.m. / cornelia Avenue and chester Avenue

sunday, August 14Biking / conference House Park 11 a.m. / Hylan Boulevard and satterlee street

BRonx saturday, July 9, August 27, september 24Basic canoeing / crotona Park 12 p.m. / crotona nature center, charlotte street and crotona Park east

saturday, July 16, sunday, August 7, & saturday, september 3Basic canoeing / Van cortlandt Park 12 p.m. / Van cortlandt south and Major deegan expressway

sunday, July 31Advanced canoeing / Pelham Bay Park 11:30 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 20.

saturday, August 13Advanced canoeing / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 3.

BRooKlYn saturday July 9, sunday July 24, sunday August 7, saturday August 27, & saturday september 3Basic canoeing / Marine Park 11 a.m.–2 p.m. / Avenue u and Burnett street

saturday July 30, sunday August 21, sunday, september 19Basic canoeing / Prospect Park 11 a.m.–2 p.m. / Audubon center, east drive at lincoln Road

Few truly unique experiences compare with being on the open water in New york City. The rhythm of the waves, the sun on your face, and the exhilaration of slicing through the water, all add up to an experience you’ll never forget. 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. On an Urban Park Ranger canoe program, you can go from novice to expert in one just one summer!

MAnHATTAn saturday, July 16, July 30, August 13, & August 27Basic canoeing / central Park 11 a.m.–3 p.m. / Harlem Meer near lasker Pool, enter park on 110th street and lenox Avenue

sunday, August 21 Basic canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. / Inwood Hill nature center, West 218th street and Indian Road

sunday, september 4 Intermediate canoeing / Inwood Hill Park 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. / Inwood Hill nature center, West 218th street and Indian Road

saturday, september 17 Intermediate canoeing/ Inwood Hill Park 11 a.m.–4 p.m. / Inwood Hill nature center, West 218th street and Indian Road

Queens Friday, July 1& August 5Basic canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / Totten Road and cross Island Parkway

saturday, July 9Advanced canoeing / Bayswater Park 12 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 29.

saturday, July 23Advanced canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13.

Queens continuedsaturday, August 6Basic canoeing / Flushing Meadows corona Park 9 a.m.–11 a.m./Meet on the southeast side of Meadow lake, across the small bridge, just west of the Van Wyck expressway

saturday, August 20Advanced canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10.

sunday, september 4Advanced canoeing / Fort Totten Park 11 a.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 24.

sTATen IslAndsaturday July 2, sunday July 24, & sunday August 28Basic canoeing / clove lakes Park 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Martling Avenue and Brooks Pond Place

sunday, July 10 & saturday, september 10Basic canoeing / Wolfe’s Pond Park 11 a.m.– 2 p.m./cornelia Avenue and chester Avenue

saturday, August 13Basic canoeing / Willowbrook Park 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. / eton Place and Richmond Avenue

Intermediate level: some experience preferred.

Advanced level: experience required.

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Most canoe programs are first-come, first-served, but a few require registration due to the level of difficulty. Advanced canoeing programs are for experienced canoers only. Children 8 years old and up

are welcome. For registration programs, participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on the dates listed below.

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Basic level: All skill levels, including children 8 years and older.

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Family camping

BRonxFriday, July 1 Family camping / Van cortlandt Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22.

Friday, July 22Family camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13.

Friday, August 5Family camping / Van cortlandt Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27.

Friday, August 19 Family camping / Pelham Bay Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10.

BRooKlYnFriday, July 1Family camping / Marine Park 7 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22.

Friday, July 22Family camping / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13.

Friday, August 5Family camping / Fort Greene Park 7 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27.

We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. Camping affords us the opportunity to unplug from the diversions of everyday life and to laugh and play with our families. The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping throughout the spring and summer, and we look forward to welcoming your family.

Family Camping programs take place in all five boroughs, but space is limited and families are chosen by lottery. To enter your family in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on the dates listed below. Dinners are supplied; however we are unable to meet certain specific dietary requests.

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BRooKlYn continuedFriday, August 19Family camping / Prospect Park 7 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10.

MAnHATTAnsaturday, July 2Family camping / central Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22.

Friday, July 22Family camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13.

Friday, August 5 Family camping / central Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 27.

Friday, August 19Family camping / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10.

Queenssaturday, July 2Family camping/ Fort Totten Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 22.

saturday, July 16Family camping/ Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 6.

Queens continuedsaturday, July 30Family camping/ cunningham Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 20.

saturday, August 13Family camping/ Alley Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 3.

saturday, August 27Family camping / cunningham Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 17.

sTATen IslAndFriday, July 8Family camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on June 29.

Friday, July 22Family camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 13.

Friday, August 19Family camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10.

Friday, August 26Family camping/ Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / TBA. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 17.

Fishing and Archery

BRonxsunday, July 3 & August 21Freshwater Fishing / Crotona Park 12 p.m. / Crotona Nature Center, Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East

sunday, July 17 & August 28Freshwater Fishing / Van cortlandt Park 12 p.m. / Van cortlandt south and Major deegan expressway

saturday, July 30Archery / Van cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van cortlandt nature center, West 246th street and Broadway

saturday, August 20seining the shores / Pelham Bay Park 12 p.m. / orchard Beach nature center, section 2 of orchard Beach

BRooKlYnsunday, July 17Freshwater Fishing / Prospect Park 1 p.m. / Wellhouse drive at West dive, enter the park at Park circle

sunday, August 14Freshwater Fishing / Prospect Park 12 p.m. / Audubon center, east drive and lincoln Road

MAnHATTAnsaturday, July 16 Freshwater Fishing / Harlem River Park 12 p.m. / 139th street and Fifth Avenue

Mastering any new skill requires practice and patience. Fishing and Archery programs help develop these skills while connecting you with nature. Our experienced Rangers teach the ethics of fishing and the ecology of our waterways on every fishing program. Whether you chose to grab a simple bamboo pole at a quiet lake, or join more advanced salt water or fly fishing programs, the Rangers have a program that fits your skill level. Our trained Rangers will demonstrate the safe and proper way to draw a bow and shoot an arrow.

MAnHATTAn continuedsunday, July 17 saltwater Fishing / Inwood Hill Park 10 a.m. / Inwood Hill nature center, West 218th street and Indian Road

sunday, August 7 saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / West Harlem Piers Park, West 125 street and Hudson River

sunday, August 21 saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 1 p.m. / Pier I at 70th street and Hudson River

saturday, september 24 saltwater Fishing / Riverside Park 11 a.m. / Pier I at 70th street and Hudson River

Queenssunday, July 10 saltwater Fishing / Flushing Meadows corona Park 9 a.m. / World’s Fair Marina Pier 1, north of citi Field, between 126th street and Grand central Parkway

sunday, July 24Freshwater Fishing / Kissena Park 11 a.m. / Rose and oak Avenues

sunday, August 7Freshwater Fishing / Brookville Park 2 p.m. / 147th Avenue and 235th street

sunday, August 21saltwater Fishing / Bayswater Park 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. / Bay 32nd street and Beach channel drive

Queens continuedsaturday, september 3Freshwater Fishing / Alley Pond Park 10 a.m. / Alley Pond Park environmental center, 228-06 northern Boulevard

sTATen IslAndsunday, July 3 & August 21Freshwater Fishing / clove lakes Park 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. / Park drive and clove Road

sunday, July 17, August 7, & september 25saltwater Fishing / Midland Beach 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. / ocean Breeze Pier, seaview Avenue and Father capadonno Boulevard

sunday, August 14seining the shores / south Beach 2 p.m. / Boardwalk at sand lane entrance

saturday, July 30 & september 3Archery / Willowbrook Park Archery Range 11 a.m. / eton Place and Richmond Avenue

Families and children ages 8 years and older are welcome to participate in our fishing and archery programs. Participation in a mandatory safety reviews lead by a trained Ranger is required. All equipment is

provided. All fishing programs are catch and release only and most fishing programs are first-come, first-served. Seining programs, which use nets to catch creatures close to shore, are great for kids of all ages.

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Hiking and orienteering

BRonxsaturday, september 10nature exploration (moderate) / Van cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van cortlandt nature center, West 246th street and Broadway

sunday, september 25nature exploration (light) / Pelham Bay Park 2 p.m. / Pelham Bay Ranger station, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue

BRooKlYnsaturday, september 24nature exploration (light) / Prospect Park 11 a.m. / Audubon center, east drive and lincoln Road

Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and reduce stress. Regardless of the intensity level, it is a great way to burn calories and stay fit. Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New york City and places often off limits to the general public. On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our City’s rich history and diverse culture, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.

MAnHATTAnsunday, August 14 night Hike (moderate) / central Park 7:30 p.m. / dana discovery center, 110th street and lenox Avenue

saturday, september 3 orienteering (light) / central Park 11 a.m. / Belvedere castle, 79th street and mid-park

Queenssunday, August 14orienteering (light) / Forest Park 12 p.m. / Forest Park Visitor center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park drive

On nature exploration Hikes we will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. Our night Hikes are great for families! Fitness Hikes feature less talking and more walking, for those who don’t mind a vigorous two hour hike. learn how to navigate using a map and compass on our orienteering programs. Special geo-cache programs teach you how to use a GPS while searching for hidden prizes.

Hiking and Orienteering programs feature intensity levels ranging from light (a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), moderate (longer, faster paced hikes on rugged terrain), to vigorous (long distance, with hills and rugged terrain). For all hiking programs we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, and packing water and a light snack.

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Queens continuedsaturday, september 24Fitness Hike (vigorous) / Forest Park 9 a.m. / Forest Park Visitor center, Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park drive

sTATen IslAndsunday, september 4nature exploration (moderate)/ conference House Park 2 p.m. / Hylan Boulevard and satterlee street

sunday, september 18nature exploration (moderate) / Bloomingdale Park 11 a.m. / Ramona Avenue and lenevar Avenue

BRonxsunday, July 10Revolutionary new York: The Battle of Pell’s Point / Pelham Bay Park 11 a.m. / Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 shore Road

sunday, August 7natural History: crotona Park / crotona Park 2 p.m. / crotona nature center, charlotte street and crotona Park east

sunday, september 4native America: Powwow Presentation for Kids / crotona Park 12 p.m. / crotona nature center, charlotte street and crotona Park east

BRooKlYnsunday, July 3, August 7, & August 28Revolutionary new York: explore life in the colonies / Fort Greene Park 1 p.m. / Fort Greene Visitor center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

sunday, July 31civil War new York: The underground Railroad Van Trip / Fort Greene Park 11 a.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on July 20.

saturday, August 20Revolutionary new York: Battle of Brooklyn Van Tour / 10 a.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on August 10.

Ice-age glaciers, Native Americans, Dutch traders, British Redcoats, and the Underground Railroad have all left their mark on New york City. Their stories can be found in the names of our streets, our architecture, and our parks. Urban Park Rangers specialize in interpretation of historic turning points, both natural and man-made, in our city’s long history. Fans of military history can explore our city’s role in various conflicts at Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park and Queens’ Fort Totten Park. Architecture and the history of the Hudson River are explained at Manhattan’s little Red lighthouse and Highbridge Park. Native American culture is celebrated in special programs and lectures throughout the five boroughs and park history programs tell the story of your favorite parks from the past to their future.

MAnHATTAnsaturday, July 9 August 13, & september 10Historic new York: The little Red lighthouse / Fort Washington Park 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. / enter the park at 181 street and Plaza lafayette

sunday, July 10, August 14, & september 25Historic new York: The Highbridge / Highbridge Park 1 p.m. / Amsterdam Avenue and West 174th street

sunday, July 10Revolutionary new York: Forts of central Park / central Park 1 p.m. / dana discovery center, 110th street and lenox Avenue

saturday, september 10Historic new York: city Hall to Battery Park / city Hall Park 11 a.m. / Park Row and Beekman street

Queenssunday, July 3, July 17, August 7, August 28, & september 25civil War new York: Fort Totten / Fort Totten Park 10 a.m. / Fort Totten Visitors center, 212th street and cross Island Parkway

sTATen IslAndsaturday, July 16, July 23, August 20, september 17, september 24Freshkills Tour / Fresh Kills Park 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. / TBA. To register, visit www.nyc.gov/parks one month before the program date.

Certain popular programs have limited space and require registration.

History and culture

BRooKlYn continuedsunday, september 4 Historic new York: The new York skyline / Brooklyn Bridge Park 1 p.m. / Pier 1, old Fulton street and Furman street

sunday, september 25 Historic new York: Breweries of old new York / 11 a.m. / Bushwick and Montrose Avenues

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Kids and Family

BRonxsaturday, August 20seining the shores / Pelham Bay Park 12 p.m. / orchard Beach nature center, section 2 of orchard Beach

sunday, August 28Imagination Play / Van cortlandt Park 11 a.m. / Van cortlandt nature center, West 246th street and Broadway

sunday, september 4native America: Powwow Presentation for Kids / crotona Park 12 p.m. / crotona nature center, charlotte street and crotona Park east

We connect children with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world. Children who spend time outdoors develop strong imaginations and learn to socialize better with others. Urban Park Rangers are role models who encourage children to let their imaginations run wild in a safe, supportive atmosphere.

BRooKlYnThursday, July 28, August 25, september 8Movies under the stars / Marine Park 8 p.m. / salt Marsh nature center, east 33rd street and Avenue u

sunday, september 4 Kids nature crafts / Marine Park 1 p.m. / salt Marsh nature center, east 33rd street and Avenue u

MAnHATTAnsunday, August 28scavenger Hunt / central Park 11 a.m. / Belvedere castle, 79th street and mid-park.

sunday, september 18 Puppet show / Inwood Hill Park 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. / Inwood Hill nature center, West 218th street and Indian Road

Queenssunday, september 18scavenger Hunt / Brookville Park 2 p.m. / Brookville Boulevard and 144th Avenue

sunday september 25scavenger Hunt / Flushing Meadows corona Park 10 a.m. / Meet at the unisphere, Avenue of the states behind the Queens Museum of Art

sTATen IslAndsunday, July 17 & sunday, August 14seining the shores / south Beach 2 p.m. / Boardwalk at sand lane entrance

sunday, August 7Butterfly exploration / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / Blue Heron nature center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

While most of our programs are family friendly, the programs highlighted here are specifically for young children and families. Whether enjoying a family friendly movie under the stars, freeing your imagination playing in nature, or learning about conservation through eco-crafts, a free Ranger program is the perfect addition to your family’s weekend. All supplies provided.

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Wildlife Viewing

BRonxsaturday, July 2, August 6, september 3Birding / Van cortlandt Park 8 a.m. / Van cortlandt nature center, West 246th street and Broadway

saturday, september 17Birding / sound View Park 11 a.m. / lafayette and Metcalf Avenues

BRooKlYnsaturday, July 2, August 6, september 3Birding / Marine Park 8 a.m. / salt Marsh nature center, east 33rd street and Avenue u

New york City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to deer and seals, wildlife viewing opportunities exist year-round in all of our parks and beaches. Wildlife viewing is a perfect activity for any age. Today wildlife viewing is recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing activities. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in New york City.

MAnHATTAn continuedsunday, september 18 Birding / central Park 10 a.m. / Belvedere castle, 79th street and mid-park

Queenssunday, september 18Birding / Idlewild Park 11 a.m. / springfield lane and 147th Avenue

sTATen IslAndsunday, August 7Butterfly exploration / Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / Blue Heron nature center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

saturday, August 27Birding/ Blue Heron Park 2 p.m. / Blue Heron nature center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

sunday, september 4Pond life exploration / Blue Heron Park 11 a.m. / Blue Heron nature center, 222 Poillon Avenue, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard

sunday, september 18Birds of Prey / High Rock Park 2 p.m. / High Rock Ranger station, parking lot at the end of nevada Avenue, off Rockland Avenue and follow signs

We offer birding programs throughout the year and our Exploration series focuses on unique wildlife viewing opportunities during particular seasons. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we encourage you to bring binoculars and field guides, or ask a Ranger to borrow a pair.

BRooKlYn continuedsaturday, september 17 Brooklyn-Queens Birding Van Trip / Marine Park 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. / TBA. Participants are chosen by lottery. To enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register on September 7.

MAnHATTAnsunday, July 31 Birding / central Park 11 a.m. / 100th street and central Park West

saturday, August 20 Bat exploration / central Park 7:30 p.m. / Belvedere castle, 79th street and mid-park

nyc.gov/parks/rangersURBAN PARK RANGERS nYc Parks 11

Try a free Outdoor Adventure that fosters trust, problem solving, and team-building right in your own back yard at beautiful Alley Pond Park.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/adventurecourse or call the Urban Park Rangers at the Alley Pond Adventure Center, 718.217.4685 or 718.217.6034.

Alley Pond Park Adventure course

THE FREE NEWSPAPER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE