Volunteer with NYC Parks Stewardship to protect forested areas of Idlewild Park! Attendees will contribute to ongoing restoration efforts and learn the importance of species diversity for ecosystem health. Please come dressed in long pants, long sleeves and sturdy boots or closed-toe shoes that can get dirty. Please do NOT wear Crocs, shorts or sandals. This event has been funded in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Meeting Location: Parking lot of the Idlewild Environmental Center - 149th Avenue and Springfield Lane, Springfield Gardens, NY

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Gateway National Recreation Area, American Littoral Society, New York City Bird Alliance, and New York City Plover Project for the 21st Annual Shorebird Festival. August is the perfect time to explore the diversity of New York City’s shorebirds!

Shorebird Festival attendees will have the opportunity to spot and learn about the scores of shorebird species and their natural habitat of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, filled with marshland, fresh and brackish water ponds, and grassy fields.

Attendees will meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

This festival is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Program Schedule

All programs meet outside the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Programs are free and subject to changes or cancellation.

Tabling, Crafts & Activities 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Led by the National Park Service, American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Bird Alliance, NYC Plover Project and more!

East Pond Walk 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Led by Don Riepe (American Littoral Society) and Tom Burke (New York State Ornithological Association)

Spanish Bilingual Birding East Pond Walk 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Led by NYC Bird Alliance

Birding for Beginners West Pond Walk 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Led by National Park Service rangers

Shorebird History and Management Presentation 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Led by Don Riepe (American Littoral Society)

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service (NPS) on Saturday, August 22 from 9AM–1PM at Floyd Bennett Field for a special kickoff celebration to National Park Week!

Spend the morning exploring one of New York City’s most exciting national park spaces through a variety of unique experiences happening across the park, including the opportunity to rent bikes or hop aboard a trolley shuttle to travel between activities and destinations throughout the park. RC Jet Planes will also be flying off Runway 19, near the scenic shoreline of Floyd Bennett Field's North 40 Natural Area.

Visitors can also take part in free NPS kayaking on Jamaica Bay, visits to the Ryan Visitor Center, and tours of historic Hangar B to view vintage aircraft up close, with NPS rangers available to help guide your visit.

Whether you are coming for waterfront adventure, aviation history, conservation, or a new way to experience the park, this special celebration offers something for everyone.

No entrance fee applies for Floyd Bennett Field. All activities are free, except rentals for bikes.

Activities and times:

• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Ryan Visitor Center open hours

• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Trolley shuttle rides (last ride departs at 12:30 PM)

• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Bike rentals (final rentals at 12:00 PM)

• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Watch remote control jet airplanes taking off from Runway 19, near the scenic shoreline of the North 40 Natural Area

• 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM – Kayaking for beginners at Seaplane Ramp

• 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Hangar B vintage aircraft collection open

Join JBRPC for a cleanup at Hamilton Beach Park!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event HERE.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for Rockaway Refresh: Flow & Clean, a mindful start to your Monday morning that gives back to the beach! We'll kick things off with Refresh Yoga, a short session of gentle, grounding movement—then head to the sand to clean up the shoreline. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Gateway National Recreation Area, and the Garden by the Bay for an easy, open kayak paddle in Jamaica Bay!

We’ll paddle around Norton Basin, a protected tributary of the Bay that offers calm conditions welcoming to beginner and experienced kayakers alike. The shoreline of Norton Basin is surrounded by natural areas and open space, making it the perfect place to spot native wildlife – from small shorebirds to soaring raptors. The experienced rangers at Gateway National Recreation Area will provide kayaking instruction, along with on-water support to ensure a safe and fun kayaking experience!

Learn more about the opportunities available to explore Rockaway’s native plants and animals in Norton Basin’s neighboring parks and receive a copy of JBRPC’s Common Plants and Pollinators of Jamaica Bay and Rockaway: A Field Guide to take home.

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

In honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day, join JBRPC for a cleanup at Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

Raptorama is an annual event presented by the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, NYC Bird Alliance, and the Wildlife Center of Long Island.

During the fall, millions of birds, including bird of prey migrate through New York City on their journey south for the winter. Raptorama at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the perfect excuse to get outside, learn more about these animals amazing journeys, and see some of them up close and personal!

Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival will return in fall 2026!

The festival is a free, family-friendly event, featuring site-specific digital video artworks projection-mapped onto the 8,640-square-foot façade of historic Hangars 3 & 4 as a celebration of the park’s rich history and vibrant future.

This year’s festival will feature a playful version of the dinner and a show concept. As the sun sets over the landscape, neighbors and friends will gather for The Longest Table, a collective outdoor dinner that turns dining into art and conversation into connection, accompanied by music and family-friendly lawn activities.

When night settles, the hangars will come alive once more, washed in color, motion, and sound, with newly-commissioned digital artworks projected onto the unique brick and glass canvas of the building façade. 

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

Join JBRPC for an immersive walking tour of the West Pond Living Shoreline project at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Want to get outdoors and explore a hidden gem of New York City's largest open space?

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for a guided nature tour of the West Pond Living Shoreline project at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. You'll get an exclusive, up-close look at this innovative shoreline restoration, installed in 2021 by JBRPC, the National Park Service, and the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay.

The Living Shoreline is a nature-based solution to the growing challenges of coastal erosion and wetland loss. As you explore the area, JBRPC staff will provide expert insight how this project has created new habitats and strengthened the resilience of this vital freshwater pond. This tour offers a unique insight into how nature-based solutions can protect coastal environments.

Join us for a unique biking tour through the past, present, and future of New York City’s first municipal airport—now a National Park Service (NPS) site within Gateway National Recreation Area and one of the city’s most extraordinary natural and historic landscapes.

This guided ride will take you across some of Floyd Bennett Field’s vast runways and hidden trails, highlighting its aviation history, important natural areas that provide critical habitat for birds and other wildlife, ongoing restoration efforts, and the careful stewardship that helps protect this special place.

Logistical notes:

• Participants will need to bring their own bikes. Rentals are not available at Floyd Bennett Field.

• For folks bringing their bikes via car, free parking is plentiful outside Ryan Visitor Center. Please note that you’ll need to access the park via Aviation Road, off of Flatbush Avenue. See the diagram below.

• The full ride will be 6.5 miles in length, punctuated by stops to discuss each point of interest.

• Please also make sure to bring water and snacks! There are no public concessions at Floyd Bennett Field.

• Registration is required. Link coming soon.

The tour begins at the Ryan Visitor Center, where participants will be introduced to Floyd Bennett Field before heading up to the historic aircraft control tower for panoramic views of New York City, Jamaica Bay, and its surrounding communities. We’ll then proceed to historic Hangars 3 and 4 to learn about the exciting plans for their adaptive reuse.

We’ll head to the North 40 Natural Area, RC Plane Airfield, and views of Mill Basin from the kayak launch, then onward to the Seaplane Ramp, where sweeping views reveal Jamaica Bay’s surrounding parklands, marsh islands and the Rockaway Inlet – the gateway to one of the most ecologically significant estuaries in the region.

The tour will continue to Hangar B, home to an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft beautifully restored by NPS HARP (Historic Aircraft Restoration Program) volunteers, before riding through the park's extensive grasslands, where we will scan the skies for hawks, kestrels, and other seasonal visitors. We will then ride to the southern section of the park to see the Marian Heiskell Beach Grass Nursery, the outdoor archery range (one of only two in NYC!), and site of the future Runway Green outdoor learning campus. Our final destination will be the fishing beach on Rockaway Inlet, before riding back to the Ryan Visitor Center.

Driving instructions to Ryan Visitor Center:

Experience the Golden Age of Aviation at Floyd Bennett Field! Now part of the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area, Floyd Bennett Field served as New York City’s first municipal airport beginning in 1931 and the busiest Naval Air base in the country during World War II. Learn about Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history from National Park Service Rangers at Hangar B, located on the shores of Jamaica Bay. Home of Floyd Bennett Field’s Historic Aircraft Restoration Project (HARP), Hangar B contains dozens of restored and model aircraft.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

Join NYC Bird Alliance and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars or a scope if they have them. Limited binoculars to use will be available.

The group will be meeting at The Nest/Building 135 located at 135 Aviation Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Registration not required but highly encouraged. Registration link coming soon!

Accessibility: This area contains paved and unpaved paths. Parking is available right near the meeting location.

Directions: The closest public transportation is the Q35 at Flatbush Av/Floyd Bennett Field Entrance stop. To locate the meeting point, enter Floyd Bennett Field at the main entrance on Flatbush Ave near the Marine Park Bridge. (look for the large National Park Service sign). Travel 650 ft on Aviation Road. Make the first right turn into the parking lot. The Nest /Building 135 is a light gray colored building directly next to this lot.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

Join NYC Bird Alliance and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars or a scope if they have them. Limited binoculars to use will be available.

The group will be meeting at The Nest/Building 135 located at 135 Aviation Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Registration not required but highly encouraged. Registration link coming soon!

Accessibility: This area contains paved and unpaved paths. Parking is available right near the meeting location.

Directions: The closest public transportation is the Q35 at Flatbush Av/Floyd Bennett Field Entrance stop. To locate the meeting point, enter Floyd Bennett Field at the main entrance on Flatbush Ave near the Marine Park Bridge. (look for the large National Park Service sign). Travel 650 ft on Aviation Road. Make the first right turn into the parking lot. The Nest /Building 135 is a light gray colored building directly next to this lot.