Upcoming Trips

Below is a list of upcoming local trips for the weekend of December 12th - 13th, 2009:

Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Honorary Centennial Leaders Series: Floyd Bennett Field
Leaders: Jean and Ron Bourque
Focus: winter passerines, grass species, sparrows, coastal species, raptors, waterbirds
Car Fee: $10.00
Registrar: Donna Evans, email devansny@earthlink.com (preferred) or home phone 718-437-7497
Registration period: December 1st - December 10th


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Page Avenue Beach at low tide
After an examination of the local geology we’ll move to beachcombing the flotsam and jetsam accumulated at the high tide lines to see what the bay’s debris has to tell us. As the tide goes out we’ll move into the intertidal zone to find out what sorts of living things survive in this challenging environment. Even as winter approaches, living organisms such as crabs, snails, clams, worms and small fish are still in evidence. It’s going to be muddy so dress appropriately. Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of Page Avenue below Hylan Blvd.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Forest Restoration at High Rock Park
Meet in the High Rock Park parking lot at the end of Nevada Avenue for our 162nd monthly Forest Restoration Workshop (That is 13 years, 6 months). We plan to follow the Red Dot Trail that loops behind the administration buildings at High Rock Park and cut invasive vines that strangle the young trees. We will also use our weed wrenches and a pick-mattock on clumps of multi-flora rose and devil’s walking stick that grow beside the trail. If you don’t have your own, Protectors will supply pruners, gloves and refreshments. We will follow the two hour work session with a short walk along nearby trails.
For more information call Don Recklies at 718-768-9036 or Chuck Perry at 718-667-1393.

Saturday, December 12, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Four mile walk
From the Greenbelt Recreation Center to the beautiful Golf Course overlook. The view to the lower bay was made famous by Jasper Cropsey in his 1885 painting, now in the Staten Island Museum. Cropsey was from the well known Hudson River School of painters. The walk back will be more relaxed. Park and meet Sandra Mechanic, naturalist and photographer, in the Recreation Center parking lot, intersection of Rockland and Brielle Avenues.
For more information, phone Sandra at 718-967-1037. The recreation center has a 1 year membership for seniors at $10. Check it out while you are there.

Sunday, December 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Unique Ancient Trees of Wolfe’s Pond Park: Annual Bruce Kershner Fall Memorial Walk
In an easy two miles, large numbers of ancient trees, 200 to 300 years old, will be examined in Staten Island’s most ancient forest. Even when their leaves are on, their wide girth and great height will be obvious. We’ll practice guessing their age using many clues. Our printed guide to ancient trees was prepared by the late Bruce Kershner, one of America’s northeast ancient tree experts. We will walk up a short hill and view the broad flood plain forest of this major Bluebelt stream below us and discover an old, rare beech tree climax forest near the crest. This beautiful park has many native plants and animals. Meet on the far right corner of the parking lot at the end of Cornelia Avenue, near the rest rooms.
Call Sandra Mechanic at 718-967-1037.

Sunday, December 13, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
We’re Near Deer, at Saw Mill Creek Park
Meet Cliff Hagen, Protectors’ deer counter and tracker of deer, at the corner of Chelsea and River Roads, for a one mile stroll along River Road, to see the White-tailed Deer of Staten Island. Drive south on South Avenue to its very end (after crossing the West Shore Expressway), then go about one mile north on Chelsea Road. You will find River Road right next to the Zimmer Gun Club, not too far from the Chelsea Playground.
For more information call Cliff at 718-313-8591.


Section of Natural History
December 13, 2009, 9-11am
Conference House Park - Winter Birds!
For more information call Seth Wollney at 718-483-7105


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, December 12, 2009

Early Birding
8:00 a.m.
Join us for bird watching.
Location: Marine Park, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

When All the Leaves Are Gone
12:00 p.m.
You may have heard that all trees can be identified by their leaves. Well how do you…
Location: Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Tree-mendous Hike
1:00 p.m.
The leaves are down and the trees are bare, but they can still be idenitified! Learn the…
Location: Riverdale Park, Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Tour
1:00 p.m.
Come learn the tricks of winter tree identification. Can you identify them all without…
Location: Fort Totten Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Winter Tree ID
1:00 p.m.
Ever wonder how to identify trees without leaves? We'll show you how to use bark,…
Location: Clove Lakes Park Playground, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Denizens of the Dark
6:00 p.m.
Join us for an after hours visit looking for owls, raccoons, and whatever else lurks in the…
Location: Alley Pond Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Winter Waterfowl
12:00 p.m.
Explore the salt marsh at Orchard Beach as we search for egrets, herons, ducks, and other…
Location: Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Forensics
1:00 p.m.
Take a diagnostic walk through the woods with the Urban Park Rangers as we talk about the…
Location: Riverside Park, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Winter Waterfowl
1:00 p.m.
Get an early glimpse of New York's winter birds, such as brants, buffelheads, and ruddy…
Location: Conference House Park, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Astronomy: Geminids Meteor Shower
7:00 p.m.
Come see what is considered to many to be the best meteor shower, producing up to 60…
Location: Fort Totten Park, Queens
Cost: Free