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CORBIS -Yann-Arthus Bertand; Markley Boyer - The Mannahatta Project - Wildlife Conservation Society
Contact: Brian Feeney, 718-354-4606 This September marks the 400th anniversary of the European discovery of New York Harbor by Henry Hudson. His discovery and exploration of the Hudson River marked the beginning of New York City as one of the nation’s most important centers for transportation and commerce. To celebrate this anniversary the Gateway National Recreation Area will offer several programs at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, the second highest point in New York City and the place that offers the most commanding view of New York Harbor and the Hudson River. All programs are open to the public and free of charge. For additional information and directions call 718-354-4500 or visit www.nps.gov/gate. --NPS-- New York Harbor as Henry Hudson Saw It Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Dr. Erik Sanderson will present an illustrated lecture: "Can you imagine Staten Island and New York Harbor as Henry Hudson saw it 400 years ago?" Dr. Sanderson, a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society's "Mannahatta Project," has been working for nearly a decade to re-discover the original ecology of the New York City region. Learn about the fish, birds, ecosystems and resident Native Americans who were present 400 years ago – the unwritten, green history of New York. Sanderson will also sign copies of his recent book: "Mannahatta: The Natural History of New York. " (more) First Nations, Last Elephants: The Archaic History of Staten Island Friday, September 4 at 7:15 p.m. Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Historian and Department of Environmental Conservation anthropologist Tom Lake will present a thirty minute illustrated lecture, plus a walking tour of the Fort Wadsworth Overlook to view the harbor at sunset. Lake has been observing the Hudson River for decades and is the editor of the Hudson River Almanac. When Henry Met the Munsee Saturday, September 5 at 10 a.m. Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center Historian Tom Lake will present a sixty minute illustrated lecture, When Henry Met the Munsee, followed by an "Antiques Road Show" style identification of artifacts. Visitors are urged to bring items for identification such as fossils, stone projectile points and anything of an archaeological nature. A Guided Nature Walk of Fort Wadsworth Saturday, September 5 at 1 p.m. Walk begins at the Visitor Center Join naturalist Dave Taft on a guided nature walk of Fort Wadsworth to discover the plants, birds and wildlife of the area. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Call 718-354-4500 to confirm after 10 a.m. Kayak Staten Island: The Hudson from Henry’s Vantage Point Saturday, September 5 at 3 p.m. Meet at Sandy Beach, Fort Wadsworth Join Staten Island Kayak for a free, introductory kayak experience. Kayaks and life vests will be provided. Park at the Fort Wadsworth ball field lot and follow signs to Sandy Beach. Wear appropriate clothing and beach/water shoes. Event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Call 718-354-4500 to confirm after 10 a.m. Staten Island OutLOUD: Readings from the Half Moon Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m. Fort Wadsworth Overlook Staten Island OutLOUD will present readings that will include excerpts from the journal of one of the crew of Henry Hudson’s ship the Half Moon, plus some material from Hudson's last voyage. This program is great for an intergenerational audience, so bring the kids. Seating is not provided so bring a lawn or folding chair. In case of inclement weather the event will be held indoors. |
Last updated: February 26, 2015