Events

Upcoming Events

Thursday, December 4

World Wildlife Conservation Day Bingo
Forest Park, Queens, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Learn about Earth’s endangered species by enjoying a game of bingo. Understand the impacts on ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Saturday, December 6

Birding
Wolfe’s Pond Park, Staten Island, 8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Explore one of the hidden gems on Staten Island. The park’s diverse habitats provide for wintering birds like northern pintails, American black ducks, and red-bellied woodpeckers. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by NYC Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Fall Birding
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Tour one of the Bronx’s largest green spaces and look for various species of resident and migrant birds while discussing a wide range of avian topics. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the NYC Bird Alliance and Van Cortlandt Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Birding
Baisley Pond Park, Queens, 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

The wetlands, native plants, and lush greenery of this park provides the perfect habitat for a wide variety of bird species. It’s the ideal time to spot the last of fall migrants and start spotting winter waterfowl. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by NYC Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Introduction to Birdwatching
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Whether you are just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outing is for you. Learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Program is hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Bird Club. Please visit their website for more information.

Winter Waterfowl Workshop
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Enjoy a digital slide program followed by a walk around the West and East Ponds looking for wintering waterfowl and other wildlife. Program is hosted by NPS Gateway National Recreation Area and the American Littoral Society. Please visit NPS’ website for more information.

Nature Exploration
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Join nature education activities to learn about and celebrate NYC’s urban forest.

Leaf Art, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.

Animal Encounter, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Learn more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 11 a.m.

Fall Nature Walk, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Explore the environment and discover the wonders of nature. Get hands-on experience in community science and observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes while learning how to protect trees from pests. Program starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website for more information.

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Brookville Park, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in New York City to see winter waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Winter Waterfowl Walk
Marsha P. Johnson State Park, Brooklyn, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

What birds visit this park in the winter? Who will you see by the shoreline? Find out in this guided stroll. Binoculars will be provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Discovery Tank Guided Gallery
Hudson River Park, Manhattan, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Discovery Tank is an interactive technology-powered gallery and classroom that is free for the public to enjoy. Explore beneath the surface of the Hudson River through immersive games and meet the fascinating critters who call our local waterways home. Program is hosted by Hudson River Park. Please visit their website for more information.

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in New York City to see waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Sunday, December 7

Fall Birding
Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

This former airfield-turned natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, perfect for spotting everything from raptors and warblers to shorebirds. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by NYC Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Birding: First Sunday
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Search the park for dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons as you learn about the different habitats in the park. Bring your own binoculars. Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Bird Club. Please visit the Alliance’s website for more information.

Nature Exploration
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Join nature education activities to learn about and celebrate NYC’s urban forest.

Leaf Art, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.

Animal Encounter, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Learn more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 11 a.m.

Fall Nature Walk, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Explore the environment and discover the wonders of nature. Get hands-on experience in community science and observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes while learning how to protect trees from pests. Program starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website for more information.

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Manhattan Beach Park, Brooklyn, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in New York City to see winter waterfowl. Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Let’s spot some migratory waterfowl that will spend the winter here. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Discovery Hike: Animal Adaptations
Idlewild Park, Queens, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Hibernation? Migration? Brumation? Torpor? Hundreds of animal species spend their winters in New York City parks. Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife adventure. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Nature Exploration Hike
Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. Learn about the many species of living nature found within Fort Tryon Park. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Thursday, December 11

Discovery Tank Guided Gallery
Hudson River Park, Manhattan, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Discovery Tank is an interactive technology-powered gallery and classroom that is free for the public to enjoy. Explore beneath the surface of the Hudson River through immersive games and meet the fascinating critters who call our local waterways home. Program is hosted by Hudson River Park. Please visit their website for more information.

Saturday, December 13

Christmas Bird Count
High Rock Park, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Participate in tis annual community science project that counts and identifies the birds found in the park. While walking on woodland paths, participants will learn how to identify birds based on their feathers, calls, and behaviors. All the findings will be logged and submitted to the Audubon Society’s yearly count. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Introduction to Birdwatching
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Whether you are just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outing is for you. Learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Program is hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Bird Club. Please visit their website for more information.

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Baisley Pond Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in NYC to see waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Nature Exploration
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Join nature education activities to learn about and celebrate NYC’s urban forest.

Leaf Art, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.

Animal Encounter, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Learn more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 11 a.m.

Fall Nature Walk, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Explore the environment and discover the wonders of nature. Are you curious about how insects, like the spotted lanternfly, prepare for winter? Get hands-on experience in community science and observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes while learning how to protect trees from pests. Program starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website for more information.

Nature Exploration Hike
Freshkills Park, Staten Island, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

On this relaxing stroll on the William T Davis Wildlife Refuge trail, discover some of the amazing plants and animals that call the park home. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Discovery Tank Guided Gallery
Hudson River Park, Manhattan, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The Discovery Tank is an interactive technology-powered gallery and classroom that is free for the public to enjoy. Explore beneath the surface of the Hudson River through immersive games and meet the fascinating critters who call our local waterways home. Program is hosted by Hudson River Park. Please visit their website for more information.

Seal Exploration
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife, and the Long Island Sound is home to a vibrant harbor seal community that overwinters in the warmer waters. Witness seals in their natural habitat off the shore of Orchard Beach and learn about these incredible marine mammals and their fascinating behaviors. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Sunday, December 14

Christmas Bird Count
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Join this community science tradition conducted across North American every year since 1900. The Christmas Bird Count is a way that everyone can contribute to scientific knowledge that can help us protect birds. Experts to beginning birds are welcome. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Randall’s Island Park Alliance and NYC Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Christmas Bird Count-Highland Park
Highland Park, Queens, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Join the nation’s longest running community science project and help collect data for the Christmas Bird Count in Queens. This long term, national data set is providing a picture of how bird populations are changing over time and space. It is also an opportunity to enjoy the diversity of bird species which overwinter in NYC. Program is appropriate for all skill levels--beginner to advanced birders are welcome. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Wildlife Unit. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Christmas Bird Count-Manhattan Parks
Various locations, Manhattan, times vary

Join this popular and accessible community science tradition, conducted across North American every year since 1900. The long-term data collected provides a fundamental way to understand the long-term health of bird populations—and has contributed to several recent impactful reports on bird decline in North America. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Natural Walk
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Take a slow walk in the park and learn about the local flora and fauna with a naturalist. Program is hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Pre-registration is preferred. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Nature Exploration
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Join nature education activities to learn about and celebrate NYC’s urban forest.

Leaf Art, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.

Animal Encounter, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Learn more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 11 a.m.

Fall Nature Walk, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Explore the environment and discover the wonders of nature. Are you curious about how insects, like the spotted lanternfly, prepare for winter? Get hands-on experience in community science and observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes while learning how to protect trees from pests. Program starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website for more information.

Christmas Bird Count
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Help with the nation’s longest running community science project. Participants will be counting the birds seen throughout the walk. Program is hosted by NPS Gateway National Recreation Area. Please visit their website for more information.

Wednesday, December 17

Natural Walk
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Take a slow walk in the park and learn about the local flora and fauna with a naturalist. Program is hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Pre-registration is preferred. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

New York is Bird City
Online program, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Did you know that more bird species have been spotted in New York than in Yellowstone National Park? Author Ryan Goldberg will share amazing facts and delightful tales of idiosyncratic characters—both human and feathered—captured in his new book. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Bird Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Saturday, December 20

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Alley Pond Park, Queens, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in New York City to see waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Introduction to Birdwatching
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Whether you are just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outing is for you. Learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Program is hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Bird Club. Please visit their website for more information.

Bay Exploration and Cleanup
Bayswater Park, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Learn about the ecological importance of Jamaica Bay to both humans and wildlife. Put the spirit of conservation into action and give back to the planet with a shoreline trash cleanup. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Hibernation Hike
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Hundreds of animal species spend their winters in New York City parks. Learn how animals such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, reptiles and others survive the cold and the snow in this educational wildlife viewing adventure. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Sunset Hike
High Rock Park, Staten Island, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Explore the trails as the day turns into night and observe the amazing sunset atop Paulo’s Peak. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Holiday Bird Count
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 4:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Blooming naturalists of all ages are invited to take part in this beloved tradition more than 100 years in the making. This nationwide census helps conservation researchers track the long-term health of bird populations. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

Nature Exploration
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Join nature education activities to learn about and celebrate NYC’s urban forest.

Leaf Art, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.

Animal Encounter, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Learn more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 11 a.m.

Fall Nature Walk, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Explore the environment and discover the wonders of nature. Are you curious about how insects, like the spotted lanternfly, prepare for winter? Get hands-on experience in community science and observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes while learning how to protect trees from pests. Program starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website for more information.

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Bush Terminal Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in New York City to see winter waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Fluff up your feathers and learn all about how to identify winter waterfowl. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Winter Wildlife Hike
Kissena Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Discover the wildlife of NYC Parks and how they survive through the winter months. Hibernation, migration, brumation. On this hike learn more about the processes that help wildlife endure the harsh conditions of winter weather. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Birding: Winter Waterfowl
Central Park, Manhattan, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Enjoy the best viewing spots in New York City to see winter waterfowl. Birding programs are an all-inclusive safe space and appropriate for all skill levels-beginners are welcome. Learn how to identify migrating waterfowl that overwinter on the reservoir. Bring binoculars if you have them. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.

Friday, December 26

Winter Recess
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Make the most of winter break and join family friendly nature education activities.

Nature Around Us, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: Enjoy different seasonal discovery stations and nature themed activities to introduce yourself to the plants, insects, and animals that call the park home. Help test water quality and investigate pond samples that are filled with living organisms.

Animal Encounter, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.: Learn more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 1 p.m.

Family Nature Walk, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: The park is a stopping point for hundreds of bird species each year. Search for these amazing creatures and other nature around the park. Binoculars and bird guides are provided. The program departs promptly at 2 p.m.

Program is hosted by Prospect Park Alliance. Please visit their website for more information.

Saturday, December 27