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Jamaica Bay
International Migratory Bird Day Migratory Bird Count Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturday, May 8 10 a.m. –12 p.m. Partner up to seek out birds during migration and do a count of what we find. We’ll cover the East Pond Trail, West Pond Trail, and the Gardens – counting all the way. We’ll share the results with birding organizations – International Migratory Bird Day, Celebrate Urban Birds, and others. Bring binoculars and a scope, if you have one, and be ready to have a fun time! Reservations required.
Grow Organic: Natural Fertilizers and Insecticides Floyd Bennett Field Building 69 Saturday, May 8 2 p.m. –4 p.m. Learn how to control pest and disease in your garden the organic way, and about natural, environmentally friendly fertilizers.
Warbler Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, May 9 10 a.m. –11:30 a.m. Bring someone special on this guided bird walk. Discover warblers and other songbirds in the South and North Gardens. Bring binoculars.
NYC Audubon Horseshoe Crab Walk Plumb Beach Roundhouse Saturday, May 15 9 a.m. –11 a.m. Look for mating horseshoe crabs and migrating shorebirds with naturalist Don Riepe. Bring binoculars. Reservations required.
Rockaway Artist Alliance Forty Shades of Green Fort Tilden, Studio 7 April 18 –May 23 Incorporating the color and idea of “green,” as in recycled, renewed, and renewable, this juried exhibition seeks works in all mediums. The varieties of the color and the green ethos are the subject; the unique and vivid ways artists portray this will bring the theme to life.
School Groups Take Flight Hangar B; Thursdays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. School groups are encouraged to learn about aerodynamics and flight with this guided interactive program led by volunteers from the Historic Aircraft Restoration Project. Call 718-338-3799 for reservations.
Rockaway Artists Alliance Open Mic Night Thursdays 8 p.m.-11p.m. Free to participate, or just enjoy. Sign up is at 7:45p.m., for those wishing to participate.
Historic Aircraft Restoration Project Floyd Bennett Field Hangar B Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weather permitting, bring the family and observe park volunteers as they restore vintage aircraft. Anyone with an interest in aviation or history is encouraged to join in this volunteer effort. Call (718) 338-3799 for more information.
Sandy Hook
Holly Forest Exploration Sandy Hook Visitor Center Saturday, May 8 10 a.m. –12 p.m. Some of the oldest American holly trees in the country can be found in Sandy Hook’s nearly 300 acres of holly forest. Join the American Littoral Society for this hike through the 64-acre maritime forest and see some of its oldest, rarest, and largest holly trees. Waterproof footwear is recommended. $5 per person, kids under12 free.
Wildflower Walk Sandy Hook Visitor Center Saturday, May 8 6 p.m. –8 p.m. Discover, identify and enjoy the beauty of spring wildflowers on this nature walk.
Junior Ranger Coast Artillery Corps Gunner Sandy Hook Visitor Center Wednesday, May 12 4 p.m. –5:15 p.m. Children ages 7 – 12 will learn and practice the duties of army soldiers who were cannoneers at Fort Hancock during WWII. Call(732) 872 – 5970 to reserve.
Night Prowl Sandy Hook Visitor Center Saturday, May 15 8 p.m. –10 p.m. Explore a Sandy Hook habitat on this night hike. Bring your five senses and a flashlight.
Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters April 1 – May 30 Weekdays: 1 p.m. –5 p.m. Weekends: 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The 1884 Keeper’s Quarters has exhibits on New Jersey lighthouses. The nearby keeper’s barn is always open with a video on the history of the Sandy Hook lighthouse. The lighthouse tower can be climbed in the afternoon. You must be 48 inches tall to climb the tower.
History House Saturdays and Sundays 1 p.m. –5 p.m. A restored 1898 lieutenant’s residence on Officers Row furnished to represent the World War II years. Exhibits highlight everyday life at Fort Hancock.
Sandy Hook Bird Observatory Fort Hancock’s Officers Row Building 20 Tuesdays –Saturdays, 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. –3 p.m. Closed Mondays. The New Jersey Audubon Society field center features a bookshop and numerous displays. Call (732) 872 – 2500.
Sandy Hook Migration Watch Battery Peck Observation Deck Open Daily, March15 – May 15 (weather permitting). Contact Sandy Hook Bird Observatory at (732) 872-2500 or shbo@njaudubon.org for more information.
Staten Island Unit
International Migratory Bird Day Great Kills Park Education Field Station Saturday, May 8 9 a.m. –11 a.m. Celebrate the return of spring and its songbirds during this morning of birding with a ranger.
Hike with Your Pooch and a Ranger Great Kills Park Education Field Station Saturday, May 15 10 a.m. –12 p.m. Bring along your favorite canine on this ranger-guided nature walk. Discover the beauty of nature as you explore Great Kills Park from maritime forest to shoreline. Well-socialized and people-friendly dogs only, and on a leash, please. Remember leave no trace, so bring a bag to clean up after your pet.
The Art of Kite Flying Saturday, May 15 Miller Field Ranger Station 12 p.m. –2 p.m. Kids and adults will gather to build their own kites and launch them from this former military airfield. All materials will be provided. Reservations required. Call (718) 351 – 6970.
Astronomy Night Great Kills Park Overflow Parking lot Saturday, May 15 Sunset The Amateur Astronomers Association will lead a tour of the evening sky. Telescopes will be available or you can bring your own. In the event of inclement weather the program will be cancelled.
Gateway National Recreation Area Headquarters 210 New York Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305
Contact Information For updated information on park programs, or to make reservations, please contact the following sites, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Communications and Public Affairs (718) 354 – 4606
Jamaica Bay (New York) Floyd Bennett Field Ranger Station (All Jamaica Bay permit sales.) (718) 338 – 3799
Jacob Riis Park / Fort Tilden Jacob Riis Bathhouse is closed for the season. For information and reservations for winter programs scheduled at Fort Tilden and Jacob Riis Park, please call (718) 318 – 4340.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (718) 318 – 4340
Sandy Hook (New Jersey) Visitor Center (732) 872 – 5970
Staten Island (New York) Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center (718) 354-4500
Great Kills Park (718) 987-6790
Miller Field (718)357-6970
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Last updated: February 26, 2015