Join NYC Bird Alliance and Outdoor Afro to explore the largest state park in New York City, Shirley Chisholm State Park! Named after the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm—Brooklyn native, first African American Congresswoman, and the first woman and African American to run for President—this park is a must-see. Built on what was once a landfill, the park is now a thriving spot full of wildlife, including hawks, waterfowl, wetlands, and native plants. Come out and enjoy the beauty of this amazing space while honoring Shirley Chisholm’s incredible legacy!

The group will meet at the Penn Ave Entrance of Shirley Chisholm State Park (1750 Granville Payne Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11239)

Registration not required but encouraged. No Limit. Free. 

Join JBRPC and the National Park Service for Park Pals on March 8th! Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, every 2nd Saturday from January to May.

In light of the upcoming equinox, when day and night become the same length, we will learn about nocturnal animals at Jamaica Bay, such as bats, owls, moths, and horseshoe crabs. Where do they live and what do they eat? How do they get around in the dark? We’ll explore these questions through themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk in the refuge led by a Park Ranger.

Registration Details Coming Soon

Each Park Pals session will have a different theme and activities. The next Park Pals will be held on April 12th.

Join JBRPC and the National Park Service for Park Pals on April 12th! Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, every 2nd Saturday from January to May.

The April session will focus on the special signs of spring at Jamaica Bay, such as blooming flowers, the return of migrating birds, and the re-emergence of hibernating animals such as terrapin turtles. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a spring scavenger hunt in the refuge led by a Park Ranger.

Registration information coming soon.

Each Park Pals session will have a different theme and activities. The next Park Pals will be held on May 10th.

Join JBRPC and the National Park Service for Park Pals on 5/10! Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, every 2nd Saturday from January to May.

The May session will focus on the spring flowers of Jamaica Bay and their important role in the ecosystem and food chain of Jamaica Bay. What are the parts of a flower? How does a flower go from a seed to a bloom? Which of our animal friends like to eat from flowers? We’ll explore these questions through themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a flower exploration walk in the refuge led by a Park Ranger.

Registration information coming soon.

Join JBRPC, American Littoral Society, New York City Audubon, and Gateway National Recreation Area for the Annual Horseshoe Crab Festival!

Attendees will meet at Broad Channel American Park to see Horseshoe Crabs on the shoreline and learn about their ecological and medicinal importance! Horseshoe crabs, nicknamed “living fossils,” come ashore around Jamaica Bay this time of year to lay millions of eggs.

Registration information coming soon

Jamaica Bay Rockaway-Parks Conservancy and Achilles International are partnering again at Floyd Bennett Field for an adaptive cycling session.

People living with disabilities can reserve a tandem bike or handcycle for recreational use. They cannot be used for commuting elsewhere. Achilles staff and volunteer guides will be on-site to answer any questions and help train new riders.

There is no cost to participate in the program, however, reservations must be made in advance. Helmets are required at all times while cycling. Please bring your own helmet if possible, otherwise one will be provided for use during your ride.

More information about Achilles International’s NYC Adaptive Cycling Program is 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 JBRPC, 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, American Littoral Society, New York City Audubon Society, and Gateway National Recreation Area for the 20th Annual Shorebird Festival.

August is the perfect time to explore the diversity of New York City’s shorebirds! The Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay is a partnership among NYC Audubon, American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and Gateway National Recreation Area. Join us in learning all about these beautiful birds and explore the natural habitat of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, filled with marshland, fresh and brackish water ponds, and grassy fields.

Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

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

JBRPC and Achilles International are partnering again at Floyd Bennett Field for an adaptive cycling session.

People living with disabilities can reserve a tandem bike or handcycle for recreational use. They cannot be used for commuting elsewhere. Achilles staff and volunteer guides will be on-site to answer any questions and help train new riders.

There is no cost to participate in the program, however, reservations must be made in advance. Helmets are required at all times while cycling. Please bring your own helmet if possible, otherwise one will be provided for use during your ride.

More information about Achilles International’s NYC Adaptive Cycling Program is here:

Join JBRPC and Marine Park Alliance for Park Pals Pop Up at the Carro Center in Marine Park on 9/27!

Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk in the park.

Registration information coming soon.

The Raptorama festival is an annual event, presented by the American Littoral Society, with NYC Bird Alliance, Gotham Taxidermy, Gateway NPS, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and Wildlife Center of Long Island. While this event is free, donations to support this festival would be appreciated.

Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to learn about the hawks and owls of Jamaica Bay:

• See some of these amazing raptors during a live demonstration, and go on walks with experts to get a look at hawk species flying south for the winter.

• Participate in activities with our partners and friends in the tabling area in front of the Visitor Center!

• Stop at the Junior (Raptor) Ranger table to grab a Jr. Ranger activity book, then explore and earn your Junior Ranger badge!

• Borrow binoculars for free at the Visitor Center Desk & observe raptors during peak migration!

Support provided by the Fund for the City of New York and the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy.

For more information contact Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or don@littoralsociety.org.

Join JBRPC and Marine Park Alliance for Park Pals Pop Up at the Carro Center in Marine Park on 9/27!

Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk in the park.

Registration information coming soon.

Join JBRPC and Marine Park Alliance for Park Pals Pop Up at the Carro Center in Marine Park on 9/27!

Park Pals is an early childhood family program for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. We’ll enjoy themed sensory activities, a read-aloud, and a nature walk in the park.

Registration information coming soon.