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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, March 1, 2025
Fireside Meditation
at Entrance - Midland Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard (in Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers at Midland Beach for an afternoon of guided mediative exercises beside the warmth of a crackling fire.
Free!
Historic New York: The Highbridge Water Tower
at West 174 Street and Amsterdam Avenue (in Highbridge Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers discuss the significance and history of this recently restored structure.
Free!
Living With Urban Coyotes
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about the basic biology of these super smart and energetic animals.
Free!
Women's History Month: Historic Female Monuments in Parks
at White Levy Esplanade (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate Women's History Month with the Urban Park Rangers. Join the Rangers as we highlight generations of female influence in parks. Design your own empowering monument.
Free!
World Wildlife Day Celebration
at Playground (Linden Playground) (in Park Of The Americas), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and meet some of our local wildlife as we discuss the importance of wildlife and the benefits of conservation in honor of World Wildlife Day.
Free!
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Historic New York: Fort Totten
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Learn about the important role the historic Fort Totten Water Battery played in New York City’s defense history, from the Civil War to today.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Entrance - 68th Street and Colonial Road (in Owl's Head Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn the art of archery with free lessons taught by our expert Urban Park Rangers. This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows and targets. All equipment provided.
Free!
Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt
at Juniper North Playground (in Juniper Valley Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Spring season is upon us and animals and plants adapt to the changes. Let's find some of these adaptations and signs of spring on a scavenger hunt through the trails in the park.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Spring Migration
at Entrance - West 77th 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!
Birding: All About Owls
at Martling Avenue and Slosson Avenue (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Learn more about the various species of owls and their diets.
Free!
Astronomy: The Winter Sky
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Winter is a prime season for stargazing. The cold air clears the night sky of clouds and creates ideal conditions for seeing the stars, planets, and other celestial highlights.
Free!
Tuesday, March 4, 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 February 19, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Walk Like A Wizard
at Parkside Avenue and South Lake Drive (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we help you create one-of-a-kind fantastical walking sticks using various components of nature. This will be a two-part adventure if you choose!
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn all of the birding basics! Come explore Van Cortlandt Park and learn how to ID common birds found throughout the city.
Free!
Deere Park Hike (Vigorous)
at Entrance - Staten Island Boulevard and Ocean Terrace (in Deere Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Deere Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Birding: Beginner Birding
at Springfield Blvd and 146th Avenue Entrance (in Springfield Park), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Springfield Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
at Entrance - 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets (in Travers Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
There’s a knot for every need! Learn methods to tie very useful knots.
Free!
Plants and Trees of Ecology Park
at Ecology Park, Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Ecology Park is host to 14 different native plant communities. Learn how to identify these plants and trees as you walk through this unique park with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Central Park Highlights Hike
at Entrance - West 77th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through Central Park, as they point out the various attributes that make the park special.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Survival 101
at Broadway and Wayne Street (in CPL. Thompson Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we discuss how to pack and prepare for any potential survival situation.
Free!
Women's History Month: Anne Hutchinson
at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Course, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike and learn about the life and complex legacy of the 17th century religious reformer, movement leader, and colonialist, Anne Hutchinson.
Free!
Women's History Month: Know Your Female Birds
at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers as they honor notable women in ornithology and take a deeper look into the ecological roles of the long overlooked and understudied female bird population
Free!
Friday, March 14, 2025
Astronomy: The Full Moon
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Get a close up view of our nearest celestial body in its full phase.
Free!
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Spring Meditation Hike
at Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets (in Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and a fun way to reduce stress. Take a stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park and immerse yourself in tranquility.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Urban Wildlife
at South Jamaica Infinity Garden, Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and others survive in our urban environment while searching for some of these species.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Willow Lake
at Mauro Playground (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk through the Pat Dolan trail and find out what plants and animals call his Forever Wild site home.
Free!
Spring Mud Painting Masterpieces
at Visitor Center - Satterlee Street and Hylan Boulevard (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Get those hands dirty while creating a nature-inspired masterpiece using various types of dirt and clay collected from all around Staten Island! All materials provided
Free!
Urban Park Ranger Volunteer Litter Clean-Up
at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and fellow community members to clean and beautify Crotona Park.
Free!
Women's History Month: Historic Women of Central Park
at Entrance - East 60th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Our Urban Park Rangers lead you through Central Park to sites honoring historic women figures who acted to increase our liberty, safety, and prosperity.
Free!
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Historic New York: Prospect Park
at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike around one of New York’s greatest parks. Learn about the park's creation and the people who made it possible.
Free!
Women's History Month: Cass Gallagher
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Celebrate Women's History Month with the Urban Park Rangers. Learn how to see through the eyes of a naturalist on the Cass Gallagher Trail at Van Cortlandt Park.
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.
Free!
St. Patrick's Day Folklore Hike and Candle Making
at Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Explore nature with the Park Rangers as they tell Irish folklore. While walking on the trails learn how to make fairy homes out of natural materials. Registration opens March 5
Free!
Kids
Women's History Month: Women in the Wilderness
at Yellow Trail Head (in Forest Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about women who braved the Appalachian Trails, made scientific discoveries, and encouraged others to explore nature no matter their gender or age.
Free!
Tuesday, March 18, 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 March 5, 2025.
Free!
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Discovery Hike: Vernal Pools
at Alley Pond Adventure Course (in Alley Pond Park)
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as we explore the vernal pools of Alley Pond Park. Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that are home to many distinct plants and animals.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Early Spring Migration
at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 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!
Historic New York: Sandy Ground
at Parking Lot - Bricktown Way Entrance (in Fairview Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
oin the Urban Park Rangers at Sandy Ground Woods to learn about the oldest continuously inhabited free Black settlement in the United States.
Free!
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Basketball Courts (in Corona Golf Playground), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn the art of archery with free lessons taught by our expert Urban Park Rangers. This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows and targets. All equipment provided.
Free!
Nature Exploration: Seton Falls Park
at Entrance - East 233rd Street and Baychester Avenue (in Seton Falls Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike through a park full of natural wonders and is often referred as the “Grand Canyon” of the Bronx!
Free!
Connecting with Nature Through Meditation
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an afternoon of meditation, reflection, and storytelling centered around water, fire, and the forest.
Free!
Astronomy: Night Sky Crafting
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Celebrate the spring equinox by joining the Urban Park Rangers to map the NYC night sky. Make an embroidery hoop of stars and constellations and learn the solar system
Free!
Marine Park Alliance Presents Nature's Workshop: Crafting the Night Sky
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the spring equinox by joining the Urban Park Rangers to map the NYC night sky.
Free!
Kids
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Histor-tree ID Walk
at Hoyt Avenue North and 19th Street (in Astoria Park)
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hands-on exploration of the life and times of your neighborhood trees.
Free!
Fort Greene Tree Walk
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Visitor Center. Join our Urban Park Rangers for a hike around Fort Greene Park! Learn about the notable trees in the area and about the basics of winter tree identification
Free!
It's A Horse of Course Hike and Greet
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers along with the Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit to learn about the Mounted Unit’s role in the agency and keeping our parks safe.
Free!
Nature's Workshop: Botany and Botanical Art
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Learn about Ireland’s first female botanist Ellen Hutchins and live her legacy with a botanical walk followed by a botanical art workshop!
Free!
Signs of Spring Hike
at Entrance - East 106th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers in appreciating the early flowers of spring! Learn about some of the flowers as well as the history of this little gem of a garden in the famous Central Park
Free!
Women's History Month: Women in Conservation
at School Road and Bay Street (in Von Briesen Park), Staten Island
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
We will hike the park while celebrating the accomplishments of women essential to nature and wildlife conservation, past and present.
Free!