City Nature Challenge 2018: New York City's Journal

UPDATE: For the most current events lists, click the links below:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Get ready, this is a VERY long post :)

We have a lot of great events planned for the days of the City Nature Challenge! Thank you to all of the groups leading these events. Some details may change, but there will be a separate (and more up to date) post closer to the CNC. Remember, you don't need to attend an event to participate in the City Nature Challenge, but if you want to make some friends while you observe, check these out!

Friday, April 27

CNC Info Table at Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 2pm-4pm
Host:Greenbelt Nature Center
Location: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island
Description: The Greenbelt is a 2800 acre oasis of natural areas, featuring nearly 35 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the heart of Staten Island. The Greenbelt Nature Center, which opened in June 2004, is a gateway to the Greenbelt, offering trail maps, guided hikes, public programs, class trips, events, and private parties, serving over 20,000 people a year. Jessica R. Kratz is the coordinator of the Greenbelt Nature Center and loves to introduce visitors to the wonders of the forest, particularly the amphibians that appear near our vernal pools each spring. The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge.

CNC Info Table at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: TBD
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: TBD
Description: The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge. For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

Saturday, April 28

BRONX

Arbor Day Hike at Crotona Park
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Crotona Park Nature Center (Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike in Crotona Park!

BROOKLYN

Gowanus BioBlitz 2018
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 9am-2pm
Host: Gowanus Canal Conservancy
Location: 2 Second Ave, Brooklyn, 11215 (canal-side stewardship location)
Description: The banks of the Gowanus Canal have proven to be biologically rich, as we've observed in our daily explorations and during our Pilot BioBlitz in 2017. This is a great opportunity not only to see what species can survive and thrive in and adjacent to the canal -a superfund site that suffers both historical pollution and regular CSO events- but to also have baseline observations as the canal is cleaned up. Last year, Gowanus Canal Conservancy recorded 241 observations over 138 species over the few hours of the Pilot Blitz, both by foot and canoe. This year, with your help, we hope to get even more!
RSVP:Want to get involved? RSVP to volunteer@gowanuscanalconservancy.org

City Nature Challenge at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am
Host: Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Location: Environmental Education Center (99 Plymouth St. near the Manhattan Bridge)
Description: Thousands of people all around the world will be observing and recording nature in their cities using the citizen science app, iNaturalist. Join Brooklyn Bridge Park educators for a quick tutorial on using the app, then venture out into the park to discover and catalog the park’s diverse ecology. Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a fully charged smartphone or camera. Downloading the iNaturalist app beforehand is highly suggested.
RSVP: Free event, but RSVP required here: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/city-nature-challenge

Nature Exploration: Spring Blossoms
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Fort Greene Visitor Center (Myrtle Ave and Washington Park)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers to make observations of everything that's flowering during the CNC!

MANHATTAN

City Nature Challenge in Washington Square Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Host: Washington Square Park Eco Projects
Location: Washington Square Park, meet at the Garibaldi Statue (east of the WSP fountain)
Description: New York City for the win with your help! Document all the nature* you see in Washington Square Park. All you need is a smartphone loaded with the iNaturalist app to photograph and upload your nature finds. There will be a WSP Eco Projects volunteer and a Macaulay staff person to assist with using the iNaturalist app. When you've finished, loop back to the Garibaldi Statue to learn more about the park's wildlife survey (the park is a birding hotspot) or play nature bingo.
*Does not include pets.

Randall's Park Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: TBD
Host: Randall's Park Alliance
Location: TBD
Description: TBD

QUEENS

Forest Park BioBlitz
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 11:30am-5:30pm
Host: Friends of the Queensway, Trust for Public Lands, MELS
Location: Forest Park, Flushing (specific location shared after signing up)
Description: On this Saturday morning, we will gather community members, students, citizen scientists, park enthusiasts, stewards and more to join us as we document plants and wildlife via photographs that will be uploaded to iNaturalist, an app that has logged 8 million verifiable observations of over 146K species over the last 10 years shared by community members across the world. We have the opportunity to contribute such observations in Forest Park that may be used for research purposes. For more info visit: http://thequeensway.org/city-nature-challenge-2018-forest-park/
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-nature-challenge-2018-forest-park-tickets-44641660408

Stewardship Spring Weeding Day
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Meadow Lake Boat House, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Environmental stewardship is the caring of natural resources by passionate community members. Help out with some spring weeding and document the critters you find while you do it! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

Discovery Walk Around Meadow Lake
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Meadow Lake Boat House, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Join us for a walk around the lake and make lots of iNaturalist observations! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

Jamaica Bay Event
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: TBD
Host: Jamaica Bay - Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Location: TBD
Description: TBD

Urban Park Rangers Night Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

STATEN ISLAND

Nature Photography: Wildflowers
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 11am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Brookfield Park (Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers as they focus on wildflowers in Brookfield Park.

City Nature Challenge iNaturalist Photography Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 1pm-3pm
Host: Freshkills Park Alliance
Location:location provided upon registration, there is no public access to the park yet
Description: Join a small group of photographers and naturalists at Freshkills Park in Staten Island, NY to photograph the plants and animals that call the park home. The tour will be led by naturalists affiliated with the park who will bring participants inside the not-yet-opened park to assist in cataloguing its wildlife. We ask that participants download the iNaturalist app to upload photos taken during the tour in order to contribute to New York City’s CNC observation count. This tour is free but pre-registration is required.
RSVP:http://freshkillspark.org/programs/city-nature-challenge-inaturalist-photography-tour

Sunday, April 29

MANHATTAN

Birding Basics
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 10am-11:30am
Host: Central Park Conservancy
Location:Central Park, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, meet at Chess and Checkers (mid-park at 64th St.)
Description: Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Central Park welcomes more than 270 migrating bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring the Pond and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary. Preserved for decades as a nature sanctuary, the Hallett provides habitat for a diverse wildlife population while serving as a peaceful haven for visitors. How many birds can you spot on this tour? Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
RSVP: Free event, but registration required. RSVP: http://www.centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/birding-basics-hallett-nature-sanctuary-and-the-pond-tour-2018-04-29_10_1.html

Nature Exploration Hike
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Central Park, Dana Discovery Center (the closest entrance is Central Park North and Lenox Ave)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the biodiversity of Central Park!

QUEENS

Urban Park Rangers Walk at Willow Lake
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 9am-10:30am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Discover the biodiversity at Willow Lake!
RSVP: Lottery Registration Begins 4/18 here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers

Stewardship Spring Planting Day
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 11am-2pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Environmental stewardship is the caring of natural resources by passionate community members. Help out with some spring planting and document the critters you find while you do it! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

Discovery Walk at Willow Lake
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Discover the biodiversity at Willow Lake! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

Playground for All Children Info Table
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 1pm-4pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:TBD
Description: TBD

Monday, April 30

City Nature Challenge Info Table
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: TBD
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:TBD
Description: Find out more about participating in the CNC. Get iNaturalist help, if you need it!

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: For the most current events lists, click the links below:

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Here is our updated long events list post! We are so excited to have so much going on during the City Nature Challenge! Thank you to all of the groups leading these events. Remember, you don't need to attend an event to participate in the City Nature Challenge, but if you want to make some friends while you observe, check these out! All listed events are FREE, but some may require pre-registration.

Friday, April 27

BRONX

City Nature Challenge, Van Cortlandt Park
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Host: NYBG
Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Jerome Wetland Walk
Description: The Jerome Wetland Walk is a wetland trail around a rare Sweetgum/Red Maple swamp containing the largest population of the globally endangered Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda) in New York state.
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at intersection of Jerome and Bainbridge Avenues, under the Woodlawn Station on the 4 train. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Bronx River Forest
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30 pm
Host: NYBG and Bronx River Alliance
Location: Bronx River Forest
Description: Join the Bronx River Alliance and anyone interested in learning about the early history of this section of Bronx Park and the remarkable transformation of the area from neglected backwater to flourishing floodplain forest with fine examples of Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda). https://www.nycgovparks.org/greening/natural-resources-group/bronx-river-wetlands/parkland-section/reach-11
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at the Burke Bridge over the Bronx River. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Seton Falls Park
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Seton Falls Park
Description: Seton Falls Park contains a thriving wetland as well as a forest largely undisturbed since the American Revolution. Together these ecosystems provide habitat to over 30 species of bird. https://www.nycgovparks.org/greening/nature-preserves/site?FWID=47
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at the intersection of Seton Avenue and E 233rd St. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

QUEENS

CNC Info Table at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 1p-3p
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Near the Unisphere
Description: The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge. For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

STATEN ISLAND

CNC Info Table at Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 2pm-4pm
Host:Greenbelt Nature Center
Location: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island
Description: The Greenbelt is a 2800 acre oasis of natural areas, featuring nearly 35 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the heart of Staten Island. The Greenbelt Nature Center, which opened in June 2004, is a gateway to the Greenbelt, offering trail maps, guided hikes, public programs, class trips, events, and private parties, serving over 20,000 people a year. Jessica R. Kratz is the coordinator of the Greenbelt Nature Center and loves to introduce visitors to the wonders of the forest, particularly the amphibians that appear near our vernal pools each spring. The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge.

Saturday, April 28

BRONX

City Nature Challenge, Pelham Bay Park
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 6:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Pelham Bay Park
Description: The Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary in the northeast Bronx consist of a total of 489 acres of marshes and forests within Pelham Bay Park. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/6350
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at Pelham Bay Park & Split Rock Golf Course parking lot. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

Arbor Day Hike at Crotona Park
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018
Time: 11am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Crotona Park Nature Center (Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike in Crotona Park!

BROOKLYN

Gowanus BioBlitz 2018
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 9am-2pm
Host: Gowanus Canal Conservancy
Location: 2 Second Ave, Brooklyn, 11215 (canal-side stewardship location)
Description: The banks of the Gowanus Canal have proven to be biologically rich, as we've observed in our daily explorations and during our Pilot BioBlitz in 2017. This is a great opportunity not only to see what species can survive and thrive in and adjacent to the canal -a superfund site that suffers both historical pollution and regular CSO events- but to also have baseline observations as the canal is cleaned up. Last year, Gowanus Canal Conservancy recorded 241 observations over 138 species over the few hours of the Pilot Blitz, both by foot and canoe. This year, with your help, we hope to get even more!
RSVP:Want to get involved? RSVP to volunteer@gowanuscanalconservancy.org

City Nature Challenge at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am
Host: Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Location: Environmental Education Center (99 Plymouth St. near the Manhattan Bridge)
Description: Thousands of people all around the world will be observing and recording nature in their cities using the citizen science app, iNaturalist. Join Brooklyn Bridge Park educators for a quick tutorial on using the app, then venture out into the park to discover and catalog the park’s diverse ecology. Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a fully charged smartphone or camera. Downloading the iNaturalist app beforehand is highly suggested.
RSVP: Free event, but RSVP required here: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/city-nature-challenge

Rooftop Tour at Kingsland Wildflowers
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 12:30pm-2pm
Host: UNDERSTORY
Location: 520 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Description:Join us at Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof & Community Engagement Center for a tour and talk with landscape designer, Marni Majorelle of Alive Structures and project coordinator, Niki Jackson of NYC Audubon. Be sure to document all the visiting pollinators and other critters for the CNC!
RSVP: Free event, but RSVP required here: http://www.understory.co/rooftop-tour-at-kingsland-wildflowers

Nature Exploration: Spring Blossoms
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Fort Greene Visitor Center (Myrtle Ave and Washington Park)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers to make observations of everything that's flowering during the CNC!

MANHATTAN

City Nature Challenge in Washington Square Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Host: Washington Square Park Eco Projects
Location: Washington Square Park, meet at the Garibaldi Statue (east of the WSP fountain)
Description: New York City for the win with your help! Document all the nature* you see in Washington Square Park. All you need is a smartphone loaded with the iNaturalist app to photograph and upload your nature finds. There will be a WSP Eco Projects volunteer and a Macaulay staff person to assist with using the iNaturalist app. When you've finished, loop back to the Garibaldi Statue to learn more about the park's wildlife survey (the park is a birding hotspot) or play nature bingo.
*Does not include pets.

iNaturalist City Nature Challenge @ Randall's Island Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Host: Randall's Island Park Alliance
Location: Main entrance of Icahn Stadium
Description: Join us to learn about the incredible diversity of plants and wildlife that can be found on and around Randall’s Island. Participants will learn how to use iNaturalist to document and identify plants and animals. All of the observations will go towards the City Nature Challenge, a global competition to find out which city in the world can do the most to observe nature.

QUEENS

Forest Park BioBlitz
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 11:30am-5:30pm
Host: Friends of the Queensway, Trust for Public Lands, MELS
Location: Forest Park, Flushing (specific location shared after signing up)
Description: On this Saturday morning, we will gather community members, students, citizen scientists, park enthusiasts, stewards and more to join us as we document plants and wildlife via photographs that will be uploaded to iNaturalist, an app that has logged 8 million verifiable observations of over 146K species over the last 10 years shared by community members across the world. We have the opportunity to contribute such observations in Forest Park that may be used for research purposes. For more info visit: http://thequeensway.org/city-nature-challenge-2018-forest-park/
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-nature-challenge-2018-forest-park-tickets-44641660408

Bayswater City Park City Nature Challenge for Kids
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10a-12p
Host: Jamaica Bay - Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Location: Bayswater Park, meet at the picnic area
Description: Join us as we explore our nature trail and do some nature-related arts and crafts.

Stewardship Spring Weeding Day
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-2pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: 34 Meadow Lake Trail, Meadow Lake Boat House, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Environmental stewardship is the caring of natural resources by passionate community members. Help out with some spring weeding and document the critters you find while you do it! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration is required here: http://allianceforfmcp.org/stewardship

Discovery Walk Around Meadow Lake
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Meadow Lake Boat House, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and discover what species call Meadow Lake home during the City Nature Challenge! We will be walking along Meadow Lake and taking pictures to identify species using the iNaturalist app! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required. To register for the Discovery Walk please email Meghan.Leverock@parks.nyc.gov or call 718.760.6561

Urban Park Rangers Night Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and join the Urban Park Rangers on a Nature Night hike through Willow Lake during the City Nature Challenge.For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers

STATEN ISLAND

Nature Photography: Wildflowers
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 11am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Brookfield Park (Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers as they focus on wildflowers in Brookfield Park.

City Nature Challenge iNaturalist Photography Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 1pm-3pm
Host: Freshkills Park Alliance
Location:location provided upon registration, there is no public access to the park yet
Description: Join a small group of photographers and naturalists at Freshkills Park in Staten Island, NY to photograph the plants and animals that call the park home. The tour will be led by naturalists affiliated with the park who will bring participants inside the not-yet-opened park to assist in cataloguing its wildlife. We ask that participants download the iNaturalist app to upload photos taken during the tour in order to contribute to New York City’s CNC observation count. This tour is free but pre-registration is required.
RSVP:http://freshkillspark.org/programs/city-nature-challenge-inaturalist-photography-tour

Sunday, April 29

BROOKLYN

Discover Newtown Creek with Newtown Creek Alliance
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 3-4:30pm
Host: UNDERSTORY
Location:99 Scott Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
Description: Join Newtown Creek Alliance for a guided tour of several points along the nearby Newtown Creek. Participants will learn more about the history and current state of Newtown Creek as it has moved from polluted waterway to gradually restored ecosystem. Don't forget to document all the plants and animals you see for the City Nature Challenge!
RSVP: Free event, but registration required. RSVP: http://www.understory.co/newtown-creek-tour

MANHATTAN

Birding Basics
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 10am-11:30am
Host: Central Park Conservancy
Location:Central Park, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, meet at Chess and Checkers (mid-park at 64th St.)
Description: Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Central Park welcomes more than 270 migrating bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring the Pond and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary. Preserved for decades as a nature sanctuary, the Hallett provides habitat for a diverse wildlife population while serving as a peaceful haven for visitors. How many birds can you spot on this tour? Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
RSVP: Free event, but registration required. RSVP: http://www.centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/birding-basics-hallett-nature-sanctuary-and-the-pond-tour-2018-04-29_10_1.html

Nature Exploration Hike
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Central Park, Dana Discovery Center (the closest entrance is Central Park North and Lenox Ave)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the biodiversity of Central Park!

QUEENS

Urban Park Rangers City Nature Challenge Hike
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 9am-10:30am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and join the Urban Park Rangers on a Nature hike through Willow Lake during the City Nature Challenge.
RSVP: Lottery Registration Begins 4/18 here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers

Spring Trail Day on the Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 11am-2pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out to the Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake and help us plant native plants and spread woodchips across the trail! Help out with some spring planting and document the critters you find while you do it! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required here: http://allianceforfmcp.org/stewardship

Discovery Walk at Willow Lake
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:meet at Mauro Playground, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and discover what species call Willow Lake home during the City Nature Challenge! We will be walking along the Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake and taking pictures to identify species using the iNaturalist app! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required. To register for the Discovery Walk please email Meghan.Leverock@parks.nyc.gov or call 718.760.6561

STATEN ISLAND

City Nature Challenge, Staten Island Greenbelt
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 12:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Staten Island Greenbelt
Description: Buttonwood Swamp in Bucks Hollow is a 1.1 mile hike from the Greenbelt Nature Center. The wetland is home to green frogs, bull frogs, spring peepers and gray tree frogs (successfully reintroduced to the area through a NYC Parks initiative). Adjacent to the swamp is a grove persimmon trees, one of the rarest trees in the City. https://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/virtual-tours/greenbelt
RSVP: no RSVP needed. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Staten Island Greenbelt
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: High Rock Park, meet at Gretta Moulton entrance off Nevada Avenue
Description: High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue, Staten Island, 10306 is a 1.9 mile hike from the Greenbelt Nature Center. Local activists saved this former Girl Scout Camp from development. It is often considered one of the most tranquil places in New York City. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/high-rock-park/history
RSVP: no RSVP needed. Meet at Gretta Moulton entrance off Nevada Avenue. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

CNC Info Table at Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2pm-4pm
Host:Greenbelt Nature Center
Location: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island
Description: The Greenbelt is a 2800 acre oasis of natural areas, featuring nearly 35 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the heart of Staten Island. The Greenbelt Nature Center, which opened in June 2004, is a gateway to the Greenbelt, offering trail maps, guided hikes, public programs, class trips, events, and private parties, serving over 20,000 people a year. Jessica R. Kratz is the coordinator of the Greenbelt Nature Center and loves to introduce visitors to the wonders of the forest, particularly the amphibians that appear near our vernal pools each spring. The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge.

Monday, April 30

MANHATTAN

City Nature Challenge, Fort Washington Park
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Host: NYBG
Location: Fort Washington Park
Description: Enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River, New Jersey Palisades, George Washington Bridge and the Little Red Lighthouse. Help document the spontaneous vegetation along one of the only sections of Manhattan shoreline not covered by concrete seawall. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park
RSVP:None needed. Meet at the entrance at Dyckman St under the Henry Hudson Parkway. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Inwood Hill Park
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Inwood Hill Park
Description: Help document the wildlife in Manhattan's remarkable remnant forest. While it may not be virgin old-growth, the massive Tulip and Oak trees date to post-revolutionary war period. We will visit restored Moscota Marsh, the only salt marsh Manhattan. This is from the parks website: "In addition to saltmarsh cordgrass, Inwood Hill Park’s low marsh also contains big saltwater cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) and two species of bulrush. Between the low marsh and the park path are a number of marsh plants rare elsewhere in the city, including Water Hemp (Amaranthus cannabinus) and Salt Marsh Bulrush (Scirpus robustus). Marsh Elder (Iva frutescens), Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus palustris), and Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia) also grow here. A broad, expansive mudflat runs from the marsh to the channel of the Harlem River Ship Canal. Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) frequent the flat in the winter. Great (Casmerodius albus) and Snowy (Egretta thula) Egrets are common visitors from spring through fall. You can often hear the chattering of a Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) as it flies overhead, hovers, and then drops into the water, emerging with a wriggling fish in its oversized bill." https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park
RSVP:None needed. Meet at the entrance at Dyckman St under the Henry Hudson Parkway. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

QUEENS

City Nature Challenge Info Table
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 1pm-3pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Unisphere
Description: Find out more about participating in the CNC. Get iNaturalist help, if you need it!

Our wonderful friends at the NYC Ecoflora Project have organized a final Mini Nature Challenge (in Brooklyn) AND an iNaturalist workshop (at NYBG) to help get everyone ready for the City Nature Challenge. Here are the details.

Mini Nature Challenge, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Date: Thursday, April 19, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Host: Brooklyn Bridge Park and NYBG
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Description: All are welcome. Join the NYC EcoFlora project and Brooklyn Bridge Park for a morning of nature study and observation. Meet other naturalists, share tips and tricks, and learn about the landscape history, plants, animals and fungi of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Wear suitable outdoor clothing (rain or shine). And please bring a fully charged cell phone or camera.
RSVP: Free event, no RSVP necessary.
Meet at the court on Pier 6 (Fornino at Pier 6).

iNaturalist Workshop
Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Time: 2:00pm
Host: NYBG
Location: LuEsther T. Mertz Library Reading Room, NYBG
Description: In preparation for the 2018 City Nature Challenge, learn to use the popular website and app iNaturalist so that you can make observation in the five boroughs and help NYC be number one! (Or just learn about iNaturalist because it's a cool website that so many people are already using.) Limited laptops will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices (cell phone or laptops) to participate in the workshop.
RSVP: Free event, no RSVP necessary.
Meet at the NYBG Library.

On the first day of the City Nature Challenge, there are events happening in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.

BRONX

City Nature Challenge, Van Cortlandt Park
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Host: NYBG
Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Jerome Wetland Walk
Description: The Jerome Wetland Walk is a wetland trail around a rare Sweetgum/Red Maple swamp containing the largest population of the globally endangered Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda) in New York state.
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at intersection of Jerome and Bainbridge Avenues, under the Woodlawn Station on the 4 train. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Bronx River Forest
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30 pm
Host: NYBG and Bronx River Alliance
Location: Bronx River Forest
Description: Join the Bronx River Alliance and anyone interested in learning about the early history of this section of Bronx Park and the remarkable transformation of the area from neglected backwater to flourishing floodplain forest with fine examples of Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and Pumpkin Ash (Fraxinus profunda). https://www.nycgovparks.org/greening/natural-resources-group/bronx-river-wetlands/parkland-section/reach-11
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at the Burke Bridge over the Bronx River. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Seton Falls Park
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Seton Falls Park
Description: Seton Falls Park contains a thriving wetland as well as a forest largely undisturbed since the American Revolution. Together these ecosystems provide habitat to over 30 species of bird. https://www.nycgovparks.org/greening/nature-preserves/site?FWID=47
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at the intersection of Seton Avenue and E 233rd St. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

QUEENS

CNC Info Table at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 1p-3p
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Near the Unisphere
Description: The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge. For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/

STATEN ISLAND

CNC Info Table at Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island
Date: Friday, April 27, 2018
Time: 2pm-4pm
Host:Greenbelt Nature Center
Location: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island
Description: The Greenbelt is a 2800 acre oasis of natural areas, featuring nearly 35 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the heart of Staten Island. The Greenbelt Nature Center, which opened in June 2004, is a gateway to the Greenbelt, offering trail maps, guided hikes, public programs, class trips, events, and private parties, serving over 20,000 people a year. Jessica R. Kratz is the coordinator of the Greenbelt Nature Center and loves to introduce visitors to the wonders of the forest, particularly the amphibians that appear near our vernal pools each spring. The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge.

Day 2 of the City Nature Challenge is the busiest day! Events are happening in all five boroughs! There will be two BioBlitzes! See you there!

BRONX

City Nature Challenge, Pelham Bay Park
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 6:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Pelham Bay Park
Description: The Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary in the northeast Bronx consist of a total of 489 acres of marshes and forests within Pelham Bay Park. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/6350
RSVP: no RSVP necessary. Meet at Pelham Bay Park & Split Rock Golf Course parking lot. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

Arbor Day Hike at Crotona Park
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018
Time: 11am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Crotona Park Nature Center (Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike in Crotona Park!

BROOKLYN

Gowanus BioBlitz 2018
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 9am-2pm
Host: Gowanus Canal Conservancy
Location: 2 Second Ave, Brooklyn, 11215 (canal-side stewardship location)
Description: The banks of the Gowanus Canal have proven to be biologically rich, as we've observed in our daily explorations and during our Pilot BioBlitz in 2017. This is a great opportunity not only to see what species can survive and thrive in and adjacent to the canal -a superfund site that suffers both historical pollution and regular CSO events- but to also have baseline observations as the canal is cleaned up. Last year, Gowanus Canal Conservancy recorded 241 observations over 138 species over the few hours of the Pilot Blitz, both by foot and canoe. This year, with your help, we hope to get even more!
RSVP:Want to get involved? RSVP to volunteer@gowanuscanalconservancy.org

City Nature Challenge at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am
Host: Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Location: Environmental Education Center (99 Plymouth St. near the Manhattan Bridge)
Description: Thousands of people all around the world will be observing and recording nature in their cities using the citizen science app, iNaturalist. Join Brooklyn Bridge Park educators for a quick tutorial on using the app, then venture out into the park to discover and catalog the park’s diverse ecology. Please dress appropriately for the weather, and bring a fully charged smartphone or camera. Downloading the iNaturalist app beforehand is highly suggested.
RSVP: Free event, but RSVP required here: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/city-nature-challenge

Rooftop Tour at Kingsland Wildflowers
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 12:30pm-2pm
Host: UNDERSTORY
Location: 520 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Description:Join us at Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof & Community Engagement Center for a tour and talk with landscape designer, Marni Majorelle of Alive Structures and project coordinator, Niki Jackson of NYC Audubon. Be sure to document all the visiting pollinators and other critters for the CNC!
RSVP: Free event, but RSVP required here: http://www.understory.co/rooftop-tour-at-kingsland-wildflowers

Nature Exploration: Spring Blossoms
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Fort Greene Visitor Center (Myrtle Ave and Washington Park)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers to make observations of everything that's flowering during the CNC!

MANHATTAN

City Nature Challenge in Washington Square Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Host: Washington Square Park Eco Projects
Location: Washington Square Park, meet at the Garibaldi Statue (east of the WSP fountain)
Description: New York City for the win with your help! Document all the nature* you see in Washington Square Park. All you need is a smartphone loaded with the iNaturalist app to photograph and upload your nature finds. There will be a WSP Eco Projects volunteer and a Macaulay staff person to assist with using the iNaturalist app. When you've finished, loop back to the Garibaldi Statue to learn more about the park's wildlife survey (the park is a birding hotspot) or play nature bingo.
*Does not include pets.

iNaturalist City Nature Challenge @ Randall's Island Park
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-12pm
Host: Randall's Island Park Alliance
Location: Main entrance of Icahn Stadium
Description: Join us to learn about the incredible diversity of plants and wildlife that can be found on and around Randall’s Island. Participants will learn how to use iNaturalist to document and identify plants and animals. All of the observations will go towards the City Nature Challenge, a global competition to find out which city in the world can do the most to observe nature.

QUEENS

Forest Park BioBlitz
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 11:30am-5:30pm
Host: Friends of the Queensway, Trust for Public Lands, MELS
Location: Forest Park, Flushing (specific location shared after signing up)
Description: On this Saturday morning, we will gather community members, students, citizen scientists, park enthusiasts, stewards and more to join us as we document plants and wildlife via photographs that will be uploaded to iNaturalist, an app that has logged 8 million verifiable observations of over 146K species over the last 10 years shared by community members across the world. We have the opportunity to contribute such observations in Forest Park that may be used for research purposes. For more info visit: http://thequeensway.org/city-nature-challenge-2018-forest-park/
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-nature-challenge-2018-forest-park-tickets-44641660408

Bayswater City Park City Nature Challenge for Kids
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10a-12p
Host: Jamaica Bay - Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Location: Bayswater Park, meet at the picnic area
Description: Join us as we explore our nature trail and do some nature-related arts and crafts.

Stewardship Spring Weeding Day
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 10am-2pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: 34 Meadow Lake Trail, Meadow Lake Boat House, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Environmental stewardship is the caring of natural resources by passionate community members. Help out with some spring weeding and document the critters you find while you do it! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration is required here: http://allianceforfmcp.org/stewardship

Discovery Walk Around Meadow Lake
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Meadow Lake Boat House, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and discover what species call Meadow Lake home during the City Nature Challenge! We will be walking along Meadow Lake and taking pictures to identify species using the iNaturalist app! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required. To register for the Discovery Walk please email Meghan.Leverock@parks.nyc.gov or call 718.760.6561

Urban Park Rangers Night Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 7pm-8:30pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location: Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and join the Urban Park Rangers on a Nature Night hike through Willow Lake during the City Nature Challenge.For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers

STATEN ISLAND

Nature Photography: Wildflowers
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 11am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Brookfield Park (Arthur Kill Road and Brookfield Avenue)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers as they focus on wildflowers in Brookfield Park.

City Nature Challenge iNaturalist Photography Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28,2018
Time: 1pm-3pm
Host: Freshkills Park Alliance
Location:location provided upon registration, there is no public access to the park yet
Description: Join a small group of photographers and naturalists at Freshkills Park in Staten Island, NY to photograph the plants and animals that call the park home. The tour will be led by naturalists affiliated with the park who will bring participants inside the not-yet-opened park to assist in cataloguing its wildlife. We ask that participants download the iNaturalist app to upload photos taken during the tour in order to contribute to New York City’s CNC observation count. This tour is free but pre-registration is required.
RSVP:http://freshkillspark.org/programs/city-nature-challenge-inaturalist-photography-tour

On Day 3 of the City Nature Challenge, we have great events in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

BROOKLYN

Discover Newtown Creek with Newtown Creek Alliance
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 3-4:30pm
Host: UNDERSTORY
Location:99 Scott Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
Description: Join Newtown Creek Alliance for a guided tour of several points along the nearby Newtown Creek. Participants will learn more about the history and current state of Newtown Creek as it has moved from polluted waterway to gradually restored ecosystem. Don't forget to document all the plants and animals you see for the City Nature Challenge!
RSVP: Free event, but registration required. RSVP: http://www.understory.co/newtown-creek-tour

MANHATTAN

Birding Basics
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 10am-11:30am
Host: Central Park Conservancy
Location:Central Park, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, meet at Chess and Checkers (mid-park at 64th St.)
Description: Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Central Park welcomes more than 270 migrating bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring the Pond and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary. Preserved for decades as a nature sanctuary, the Hallett provides habitat for a diverse wildlife population while serving as a peaceful haven for visitors. How many birds can you spot on this tour? Don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
RSVP: Free event, but registration required. RSVP: http://www.centralparknyc.org/events/individual-events/birding-basics-hallett-nature-sanctuary-and-the-pond-tour-2018-04-29_10_1.html

Nature Exploration Hike
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 1pm
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Central Park, Dana Discovery Center (the closest entrance is Central Park North and Lenox Ave)
Description: Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the biodiversity of Central Park!

QUEENS

Urban Park Rangers City Nature Challenge Hike
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 9am-10:30am
Host: Urban Park Rangers
Location:Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and join the Urban Park Rangers on a Nature hike through Willow Lake during the City Nature Challenge.
RSVP: Lottery Registration Begins 4/18 here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/rangers

Spring Trail Day on the Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 11am-2pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out to the Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake and help us plant native plants and spread woodchips across the trail! Help out with some spring planting and document the critters you find while you do it! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required here: http://allianceforfmcp.org/stewardship

Discovery Walk at Willow Lake
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location:meet at Mauro Playground, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Description: Come out and discover what species call Willow Lake home during the City Nature Challenge! We will be walking along the Pat Dolan Trail at Willow Lake and taking pictures to identify species using the iNaturalist app! For more info: http://allianceforfmcp.org/new-events/
RSVP: free event, but registration required. To register for the Discovery Walk please email Meghan.Leverock@parks.nyc.gov or call 718.760.6561

STATEN ISLAND

City Nature Challenge, Staten Island Greenbelt
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 10:00am – 12:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Staten Island Greenbelt
Description: Buttonwood Swamp in Bucks Hollow is a 1.1 mile hike from the Greenbelt Nature Center. The wetland is home to green frogs, bull frogs, spring peepers and gray tree frogs (successfully reintroduced to the area through a NYC Parks initiative). Adjacent to the swamp is a grove persimmon trees, one of the rarest trees in the City. https://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/virtual-tours/greenbelt
RSVP: no RSVP needed. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Staten Island Greenbelt
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2:00pm – 6:00 pm
Host: NYBG
Location: High Rock Park, meet at Gretta Moulton entrance off Nevada Avenue
Description: High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue, Staten Island, 10306 is a 1.9 mile hike from the Greenbelt Nature Center. Local activists saved this former Girl Scout Camp from development. It is often considered one of the most tranquil places in New York City. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/high-rock-park/history
RSVP: no RSVP needed. Meet at Gretta Moulton entrance off Nevada Avenue. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

CNC Info Table at Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island
Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018
Time: 2pm-4pm
Host:Greenbelt Nature Center
Location: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island
Description: The Greenbelt is a 2800 acre oasis of natural areas, featuring nearly 35 miles of hiking trails, nestled in the heart of Staten Island. The Greenbelt Nature Center, which opened in June 2004, is a gateway to the Greenbelt, offering trail maps, guided hikes, public programs, class trips, events, and private parties, serving over 20,000 people a year. Jessica R. Kratz is the coordinator of the Greenbelt Nature Center and loves to introduce visitors to the wonders of the forest, particularly the amphibians that appear near our vernal pools each spring. The CNC info table will be operating to help any visitors with questions about how to use iNaturalist to participate in the City Nature Challenge.

On Monday, April 30, the last day of the City Nature Challenge, we have two great NYBG events in Manhattan and a last info table at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.

MANHATTAN

City Nature Challenge, Fort Washington Park
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Host: NYBG
Location: Fort Washington Park
Description: Enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River, New Jersey Palisades, George Washington Bridge and the Little Red Lighthouse. Help document the spontaneous vegetation along one of the only sections of Manhattan shoreline not covered by concrete seawall. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park
RSVP:None needed. Meet at the entrance at Dyckman St under the Henry Hudson Parkway. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

City Nature Challenge, Inwood Hill Park
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Host: NYBG
Location: Inwood Hill Park
Description: Help document the wildlife in Manhattan's remarkable remnant forest. While it may not be virgin old-growth, the massive Tulip and Oak trees date to post-revolutionary war period. We will visit restored Moscota Marsh, the only salt marsh Manhattan. This is from the parks website: "In addition to saltmarsh cordgrass, Inwood Hill Park’s low marsh also contains big saltwater cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) and two species of bulrush. Between the low marsh and the park path are a number of marsh plants rare elsewhere in the city, including Water Hemp (Amaranthus cannabinus) and Salt Marsh Bulrush (Scirpus robustus). Marsh Elder (Iva frutescens), Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus palustris), and Groundsel Bush (Baccharis halimifolia) also grow here. A broad, expansive mudflat runs from the marsh to the channel of the Harlem River Ship Canal. Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) frequent the flat in the winter. Great (Casmerodius albus) and Snowy (Egretta thula) Egrets are common visitors from spring through fall. You can often hear the chattering of a Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) as it flies overhead, hovers, and then drops into the water, emerging with a wriggling fish in its oversized bill." https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park
RSVP:None needed. Meet at the entrance at Dyckman St under the Henry Hudson Parkway. Trip leader: Daniel Atha (@danielatha)

QUEENS

City Nature Challenge Info Table
Date: Monday, April 30, 2018
Time: 1pm-3pm
Host: Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Location: Unisphere
Description: Find out more about participating in the CNC. Get iNaturalist help, if you need it!

Less than 10 hours to go until the NYC City Nature Challenge starts. A few cities have started already and you can track everyone's progress here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2018

Some cities are staying up until midnight to get some observations in. Who will be our first?!

Happy Observing!

With results still rolling in, NYC has had a great first day of the City Nature Challenge! Thanks to everyone who went out in the damp and chilly weather!

Some highlights:

1) @danielatha and @khamme were our first observers, out just after midnight! Great job!

2) In the spirit of friendly competition between the boroughs, here are the current taxa totals:
Manhattan is in the lead with 336 taxa, followed by the Bronx (183), Queens (95), Brooklyn (57), and Staten Island (23). There will be TWO BioBlitzes tomorrow (in Queens and Brooklyn), so Manhattan and the Bronx had better watch out!

4) Last year's NYC CNC totals after FIVE days were: 3,866 Observations / 699 Species / 162 Observers. Right now, at the end of ONE day, we are already at 2,825 Observations / 448 Species / 126 Observers. THIS IS AMAZING! GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

3) Personal highlights: Did anyone find anything they were particularly excited about today? Leave your personal highlights in the comments below. They can be anything you want to point out: new species for you, rare finds, or whatever you like!

NYC! Some time earlier today, we exceeded last year's five day CNC results! I don't even know what to say. You are all doing a great job!

We're currently in four place for number of observations. We're ranked a little lower in number of species and number of participants, but with two more days, I think we can get those numbers up, too!

Borough Rankings:
Manhattan - 524 species (3,303 observations)
Bronx - 337 (2,722)
Queens - 292 (1,432)
Brooklyn - 291 (1,064)
Staten Island - 64 (107)

There were lots of great events today, including two BioBlitzes: Forest Park (results: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/2018-city-nature-challenge-forest-park) and Gowanus Canal (results: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/gowanus-bioblitz-2018)

Tomorrow, we have events in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Check them out here: https://www.inaturalist.org/posts/15797-nyc-city-nature-challenge-sunday-events

As always, I'd love to hear what your personal highlights were. Find anything unusual or notable? Let us know in the comments below!