A new year is here, bringing fresh tidings and new friends to Jamaica Bay.
Migrating seal colonies from further north are finding refuge in Jamaica Bay, while snowy owls are being spotted at Shirley Chisholm State Park and distinctive winter water fowl are returning to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Snowy Owl at Shirley Chisholm Park — Photo Courtesy of Caren Jahre
Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) is immensely grateful to our communities and partners in Brooklyn and Queens for their commitment over the past year. Major accomplishments in 2024 across education, public programming, stewardship and workforce development are just a few of the things we’re thankful for:
JBRPC education programs grew by 40 percent in the 2023-2024 academic year, with more than 5,000 student interactions across 30 schools.
In 2024, JBRPC delivered 30 free programs across 25 parks, connecting with over 4,700 visitors and community members through arts, nature and recreation activities.
JBRPC removed 13 tons of trash and debris from 25 park sites across 170
miles of shoreline, engaging 1,000 volunteers alongside our staff
JBRPC Wetlands Fellows cleared 7,500 pounds of invasive plants from 4 acres of natural habitat, maintained 2 miles of public trails, and stewarded 80 acres of natural areas
In 2024, JBRPC advanced bold plans and preliminary designs to create a center for community & climate resilience at Floyd Bennett Field
In case you missed it, we encourage you to read more about this work in our 2024 Impact Report.
The outsized impact of our efforts — which would not be possible without the partnership from the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area; New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; and many other partners and supporters are inspiring us to do even more in 2025.
Our refreshed calendar also brings new programming from JBRPC and our partners. Some happenings we’re particularly excited for include:
January - May: Winter Park Pals sessions at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, in partnership with the National Park Service Rangers, our early childhood nature education program for young ones aged 0-6, and their caretakers
January 19: A retelling of the first crossing of the Atlantic by air, “First Across - Flight of the NC-4,” with a park ranger at Floyd Bennett Field.
February 8: Winter Birding at Shirley Chisholm State Park, organized by NYC Bird Alliance
February 22: - A cleanup on February 22 at Plumb Beach, in honor of World Wetlands Day
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Finally, our work would be impossible without donations from our generous supporters. If you are able, please consider a contribution today.