Upcoming Trips

Below is a list of upcoming local trips for the weekend of January 23rd - 24th, 2010:

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Saturday, January 23, 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Annual Protectors’ famous Staten Island 10 mile Greenbelt Winter Walk, including a walk up Mt Moses after lunch for winter time panorama
The soft sounds and snows of winter should bring peace to a somber hike. Wear comfortable boots and warm clothes. Ten moderate miles, circular. We go in all weather but distance is shortened if snow levels are high. Park and meet at the end of Staten Island Boulevard, a block off Ocean Terrace, just above the Sunnyside campus of Petrides Complex. Bring lunch and adequate beverage. We often have four experienced naturalist leaders to interpret what we find, including Chuck, Dominick, Don and Sandra.
For more information call Dominick at 917-478-7607.

Saturday January 23, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Reed’s Basket Willow Park
Discover this hidden natural park in Dongan Hills. We’ll visit the three bodies of water in the park and stroll through the woodlands. Although none of Reed’s basket willow still grow near the swamp from which the park gets its name, the woodlands and streams are still home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Meet at the Spring Street entrance in Dongan Hills.
For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, January 23, 2010

Early Morning Birding
8:00 a.m.
Learn everything you need to know about birds with the Rangers.
Location: Marine Park, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Winter Birding
11:00 a.m.
Most people probably don't get outside enough during the coldest months to appreciate all…
Location: Bloomingdale Park, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Animal Tracking
12:00 p.m.
Animals leave behind different signs of their whereabouts, from scat to tracks. Learn…
Location: Cunningham Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Frozen Fungus Among-Us
1:00 p.m.
Who would think that dead tree trunks, fallen logs, and rotting stumps could be exciting…
Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Cost: Free

Winter Plant Identification
1:00 p.m.
Just because there are no leaves doesn't mean you can't identify plants! Learn to use the…
Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Early Birding
8:30 a.m.
The early bird gets the worm! Be sure to set your alarm clock and join us for this…
Location: Forest Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Winter Waterfowl Watch
10:00 a.m.
Ducks and geese fly thousands of miles to spend the winter in New York City's Central…
Location: Central Park, Manhattan
Cost: Free

Loons, Grebes, and Buffleheads…Oh My!
11:00 a.m.
Come walk along the waters of the Little Neck Bay to discover the diverse winter birding in…
Location: Fort Totten Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Nature Photography
11:00 a.m.
We'll look for secret corners of the park to photograph, so bring your cameras.
Location: Blue Heron Park Preserve, Staten Island
Cost: Free

"Whooo Said That?"
1:00 p.m.
Winter is the best time to see wild owls in New York City. Don't miss this opportunity.
Location: Pelham Bay Park, Bronx
Cost: Free

Woodpecker Walk
2:00 p.m.
With its reinforced skull and a chiseled bill the woodpecker is a true New Yorker. Join us…
Location: Wolfes Pond Park, Staten Island
Cost: Free