Though Queens is a part of the concrete jungle, the borough is also teeming with large parks and eclectic wildlife.
The city’s urban park rangers will hold a dozen events in several Queens neighborhoods this spring and summer to introduce residents to the creatures that live on land and in our waters. From the Queens Botanical Gardens to Rockaway Beach, people of all ages will learn about the animals that inhibit our oceans and trees.
On May 13, you can join New York City Audubon at Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing to spot creatures of flight and also learn more about what the garden does to feed and shelter these birds. Queens Botanical Garden was created as part of the 1939 World’s Fair and now consists of 39 acres of a variety of gardens including rose, herb and perennial gardens.
The event is free with garden admission and you can register here. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
If you would rather dip your feet into water, “Science in the Park” will take place at Little Bay Park in Whitestone on the same day. Urban park rangers will provide seining nets to learn about the creatures living in the bay. The event is free and takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Birds of prey will visit Rockaway Beach on May 13 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hawks, owls, and falcons will visit the Beach 87th Street Playground. At the Ridgewood Reservoir urban park rangers will recommend the best spots to view birds from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Are you more of a night owl? Visit Alley Pond Park on May 14 to see nocturnal wildlife from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You’ll meet urban park rangers at Winchester Boulevard under the Grand Central Parkway.
These events will take place throughout June and you can also explore nature throughout all five boroughs. For a full list of events, visit the Parks Department website.
