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
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
