Translate
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 19, 2025
Explore Pelham Bay Park: The Central Woodlands
at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx 
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Pelham Bay Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems.
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Gerritsen Creek
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the history of the Gerritsen Creek wetlands and a 17th century, tide-powered mill that no longer stands, but once existed in this region of Brooklyn.
Free!
Event
Sketch-It Scavenger Hunt
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Explore your local city park and learn all about the critters that live here. Hone your drawing and observation skills using real references as you walk around the park.
Free!
Event
Earth Day Plant ID and Stewardship
at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join Urban Park Rangers for useful tips on non-native plant ID and very rewarding non-native plant removal activities. Tools will be provided.
Free!
Event
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!
Event
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Wildlife Viewing: Rabbits
at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers as they look for signs of rabbits and experience the joy of spotting these adorable creatures in the wild!
Free!
Event
Historic New York: Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument
at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Discover the history of this Brooklyn landmark that pays tribute to the 11,500 men, women, and children who died on British Prison Ships during the Revolutionary War.
Free!
Event
Birding: Spring Migration
at 130th Street and 11th Avenue (in Powell's Cove Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Powell's Cove Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free!
Event
Celebrate Earth Day Hike
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Celebrate upcoming Earth Day on this nature exploration hike. Learn the history and significance of Earth Day and take a vow to protect and conserve our parks and environment.
Free!
Event
Earth Day: Planting the Pollinator Garden
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Help restore and replant our pollinator garden as we create space for bees, birds and other species. Learn more about the ways pollinator species help plants flourish in our parks.
Free!
Event
Magnetic Archery and Foam Axe Throwing
at Playground West - Play Area (in St. Mary's Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 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!
Event
Tuesday, April 22, 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 April 9, 2025.
Free!
Friday, April 25, 2025
Arbor Day Tree Appreciation
at Playground (in Simeone Park), Queens
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Celebrate Arbor Day with the Urban Park Rangers by expanding your knowledge on tree health and tree species and enjoying a tree craft.
Free!
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!
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!
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!
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!
City Nature Challenge Wildflower ID
at Winchester Boulevard, under Grand Central Parkway (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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
%7Cutmcsr%3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)%3B%2B__utmv%3D54733749.-%3B)