Nature is showing off in NYC. FREE Guided Walks and Conservation events throughout the Summer
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods says:
A Summer in NYC filled with greenery, butterflies, and wildlife.
Here are the upcoming dates for FREE guided nature walks, talks and environmental conservation events on Staten Island organized by Protectors of Pine Oak Woods http://siprotectors.org for July & August 2019
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, Staten Island’s land conservation organization, is committed to increasing the stewardship of Staten Island’s existing parkland, bluebelt corridors, and nature preserves and to continuing the effort to preserve Staten Island’s natural areas. Protectors advocates for protection and preservation by educating our members, the general public and elected officials at all levels of government through meetings, workshops, walks, articles, newsletters, and sponsorship of environmental education.
Annual Fourth of July Butterfly Count
Saturday, June 29, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more than two decades folks from Staten Island have gathered to survey and document the populations of Staten Island butterflies. Each year data is consistently collected along a well-established route on the last Saturday of June. From Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden to the Conference House, butterflies are sought and identified with totals being shared with the North American Butterfly Association. For more information or to join the count contact Cliff Hagen, president, Protectors of Pine Oak Woods at (718) 313-8591.
275th Protectors of Pine Oak Woods Forest Restoration Workshop– along the LaTourette bike path
Saturday, July 20, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Help members of Protectors of Pine Oak woods restore the forest to its natural state. Meet in the Field of Dreams ballfield parking lot on Alaska Place (off of Forest Hill Road opposite the Costco), Staten Island. Walk the bike path to where the Blue Trail turns uphill to remove invasive vines to the left of the trail. If you don’t have your own, Protectors will supply gloves, pruners & refreshments. After a two-hour work session l take a short walk over nearby trails. For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 or Brian Smith at (917) 842-6585. (Service credit is available for students)
Serpentine Arts and Nature Commons- A view of the Narrows
Saturday, July 20, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—This unique park, nestled on 11 acres on the hillside above Van Duzer on Staten Island provides a special habitat for plants and animals adapted to the conditions created by serpentine bedrock which is exposed on an impressive overlook of the Narrows and never far below your feet. One of the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods current projects is the expansion of the Commons with the purchase of available, contiguous, wooded properties. Sturdy shoes are recommended for the steep slopes and escarpment areas within the Special Hillside Preservation District. Meet at the entrance located on Van Duzer between Broad Street and the intersection of St. Paul Avenue, Staten Island. For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718- 869-6327.
Acme Pond Exploration-a freshwater pond in NYC?!
Sunday, July 28, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The woodlands and ponds of this little known area will be explored during an approximately two-mile hike. Once heavily farmed, the Acme Pond area has developed into a nicely wooded forest over the past 150 years with sweetgum, white oaks, and hickories as the dominant trees. The pond is reputed to be the home of large bass and provides a secluded location for many birds as well as birds and turtles. Meet at the corner of Hylan Boulevard, and Holten Avenue, Staten Island. For more information phone Clay Wollney at (718)869-6327.
276th Forest Restoration Workshop in the Egbertville Ravine
Saturday, August 17, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Help members of Protectors of Pine Oak woods restore the forest to its natural state. Meet at the entrance to the White Trail (on Meisner Road opposite the Bluebelt dam close to the intersection of Manor and Rockland), Staten Island. Follow the White Trail toward Nevada Avenue removing Oriental Bittersweet vines and picking out Japanese Barberry downstream of the trail. Protectors will provide gloves, bags, tools & refreshments. After a two-hour work session takes a short walk over nearby trails. For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 or Brian Smith at (917) 842-6585. (Service credit for students is available).
Discover what stories nature’s debris has to share at The Intertidal Zone
Saturday, August 17, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Begin with a look at the local geology at Page Avenue Beach then move to examine the flotsam and jetsam accumulated at the high tide lines to see what nature’s debris has to tell us. As the water recedes with the tide move into the intertidal zone to find out what sorts of living things survive in this challenging environment. A variety of crabs, snails, clams, worms, and small fish are likely to be discovered. It’s sure to be muddy so dress appropriately. Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of Page Avenue below Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island. For more information phone Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.