NPS Photo
A deceased beached whale was found February 11, 2009 at Gateway NRA.
2008 Releases
October 29:
October 29-November 19:
“Jamaica Bay in Print” is the theme of the 2008 Herbert Johnson Lecture Series that begins on October 29 and runs November 5, 12, and 19, each of these Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., an author will read from, discuss, give an illustrated talk, and highlight how their works “in print” connect to Jamaica Bay. All presentations occur at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge visitor center.
November 1-2 Missiles and Migrants: Two Great Reasons to Get Outdoors This Weekend at Sandy Hook
"If you love birding or history or both, this is a great time to visit Sandy Hook," said Acting Sandy Hook Unit Superintendent Dave Avrin. "We've got two excellent programs this weekend. One that guides visitors on a search for migratory species on their way south, and another program that will help them learn about the important history Sandy Hook played during the Cold War at the Nike Missile Site."
October 31: Lantern Tours Explore Fort Tompkins at Night And Wildlife Experts Show What Animals Go Bump in the Night at the Staten Island Unit
It’s a time honored tradition for many people to want to be surprised one night every year on Halloween. "However, at Fort Tompkins we’ll show visitors how soldiers at coastal fortifications like Fort Tompkins actually protected New York Harbor from surprise military attacks all year round," said Acting Staten Island Unit Superintendent Jeanette Parker.
October 25:
With a stiff breeze blowing, overcast skies, and rain looming in the forecast, the mission of planting beach grasses in the dunes at Gateway National Recreation Area's (NRA) Sandy Hook Unit might have seemed....impossible. "What might have seemed impossible, became possible thanks to the help of a few dozen volunteers as part of the National Parks America Tour," said General Gateway NRA Superintendent Barry Sullivan. "Today's volunteers made improvements to Sandy Hook’s beaches that will help to preserve this valued place for our kids and theirs."
October 25-26 Fort Hancock Days Held at Sandy Hook: Searchlights, Seashores and Soldiers
The National Park Service will hold its annual Fort Hancock Days celebration on Saturday evening, October 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, October 26 from noon to 4 p.m. to commemorate the establishment of the U.S. Army facility on Sandy Hook in 1895.
October 18-19
“Our fall program offerings this weekend have something for the child in your family or the childlike spirit in you,” said Sandy Hook Unit Superintendent Dave Avrin. “There’s no excuse to stay indoors and there are plenty of reasons to come visit Sandy Hook.”
October 7 See the Sights and Sounds of Sandy Hook Lighthouse in October
Since 1764 the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, America's oldest operating lighthouse, has guided ships along the Jersey Shore into the New York/New Jersey Harbor. Today, visitors to Sandy Hook can drive to the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and enjoy not only sweeping views of the harbor, but during October we have a wonderful photography exhibit as well.
October 4-5 Open House New York
September 29:
On September 26, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued a ruling that effectively clears the way for the National Park Service to save Fort Hancock.
Week of September 29: “
We have a three full days of activities for the entire family this coming weekend at Sandy Hook,” said Sandy Hook Unit Superintendent Dave Avrin. “If you’ve always secretly wanted to be a marine biologist, or have a child who loves learning about the ocean, this is the weekend to visit.”
Week of September 22: Fall Harvest of Activities Abound at Sandy Hook
As soon as Labor Day comes and summer ends, many visitors forget that a visit to Gateway’s Sandy Hook Unit can be an incredible experience in the fall as well. Whether you watch migratory birds head south for the winter, climb inside America’s oldest lighthouse, or marvel at the granite gun batteries of Fort Hancock, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy during what many describe as “the most beautiful time of year” at Sandy Hook.
September 20-21:
This year’s International Coastal Cleanup will be held the weekend of September 20-21. This is more than a one-day event it’s a year-round movement. The ocean is essential to the health of everything on our planet. The International Coastal Cleanup provides a direct tangible way to make a difference. Trash in the ocean kills countless seabirds, marine mammals and sea turtles each year through ingestion and entanglement.
September 21:
Beginning at noon on Sunday, September 21, National Park Service staff and volunteers will be conducting tours of the Fort Hancock Nike missile launch and radar sites. The Nike Missile launch site is located just north of the Sandy Hook Ranger Station. The radar site is one mile north of the launch site along Hartshorne Drive. Both sites will be open from noon to 4 p.m.
August 25:
"It's taken a few years of dedicated teamwork by staff and the community, but tonight proves it was all worthwhile," said Jamaica Bay Unit chief of interpretation Kathy Krause. Invitees were there to see the unveiling of the brand new exhibits at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station.
August 14 and 17:
Does New York City come to mind? Well, it should! That’s because all those things can be seen and experienced on a Jamaica Bay Ecology Cruise, right here in New York City’s amazing backyard at Gateway National Recreation Area.
Check-in time is 7:30 a.m. (eastern time). The captains’ meeting is 8:30 a.m. The Surfboat Challenge Race begins 9 a.m. All other events will follow.
July 28: Body Recovered off Jacob Riis Park
A body was recovered by the Marine Unit of the U.S. Park Police in the waters off Jacob Riis Park in Queens. The recovery took place shortly before noon. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner is investigating and will release any further details. (Note: At this time the National Park Service has no additional information to release. All follow-up should be with the Medical Examiner’s office.)
A 38-year-old man who was walking on an unguarded beach in the park’s Sandy Hook Unit.
Gateway National Recreation Area Asks for Public Assistance in Identifying Eastern Oyster Populations in Jamaica Bay
This annual event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., highlights historic Fort Hancock's role in the defense of New York Harbor from the late 1800s through 1974.
Police investigate the death of two individuals found in car at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
This construction project will provide access to a new parking lot on Miller Field.
Each summer the National Park Service employs over 125 lifeguards at Gateway National Recreation Area.
2007 News
On October 4, 2007 over 35 New York area educators gathered hand lenses, view finders, colored pencils, and inquisitive scientific hats to kick off the 33rd season of Operation Explore (OPEX) at Gateway National Recreation Area.
Sandy Hook Cold War Day September 23
The Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway is highlighting the Cold War era with a series of tours and military displays.
