However, jamaica has a rich flora and fauna on most parts of the island. Exhibits at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge gateway national. Fifteen years later, the citys parks department established the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, and. With more than 330 bird speciesnearly half the species in the northeastsighted at the refuge over the last. Mar 02, 2017 jamaica bay wildlife refuge also consists of an array of native reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, over 60 species of butterflies. It is composed of the open water and intertidal salt marshes of jamaica bay. Go birding new york city audubon protecting wildlife. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge ny internationally renowned birding. Jamaica bay wildlife and nature tourism storymap national. Our basement is a fully functional space with a healing arts center and a sourdough bakery. An unnatural history of family and place, when women were birds, and erosion. It is an important stop for migratory birds on the atlantic flyway.
Administered by the national park service, the jamaica bay unit includes the 9,100 acres 37 km 2 of jamaica bay wildlife refuge, as well as breezy point tip, fort tilden. These federallyowned coastal areas, along with cityowned alley pond park and forest park, offer extraordinary birding opportunities in queens. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge is one of the best places in new york city to observe migrating species. Best trails in jamaica bay wildlife refuge new york alltrails. The exhibit features the work of nine local photographers celebrating the people, nature and history of gateway. Area and attractions the jamaica bay wildlife refugepart of gateway national recreation areais one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern united states and one of the best places in new york city to observe migrating species. The jamaica bay rockaway parks conservancy jbrpc is a publicprivate partnership established in 20 that is dedicated to improving the 10,000 acres of public parkland throughout jamaica bay and the rockaway peninsula for local residents and visitors alike. Jamaica bay north bay rulers bar hassock island community of. Be sure to partake in one of their numerous rangerled nature hikes, bird watching sessions, and seining activities that allow guests to get up close to these amazing animals and learn about how they are protected. Pictures celebrating the people, nature and history of the park. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge the cultural landscape foundation. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge gateway national recreation area. The jamaica bay wildlife refuge is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern united states and one of the best places in new york city to observe migrating species. It is the province of seagulls, roaring jets taking off from kennedy airport, the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, and a proud, insular neighborhood that claims what it can from the bay, occasionally jutting into it by building on stilts.
According to a 1981 history commissioned by the united states. The species live along the coast in brackish mixture of fresh and salt water from cape cod to florida to the texas gulf coast. Here are some of the most wonderful animals youll find in jamaica. This study adds another dimension to jamaica bay its use by humans, especially during the historic period. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge volunteer opportunities. Passport to your national parks books are sold through the eastern national bookstores at floyd bennett field and the jamaica bay wildlife refuge.
Department of agriculture rounded up nearly 300 geese at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge and took them away for. The jamaica bay wildlife refuge in broad channel was established in 1953 and is home to dozens of species of seabirds as well as turtles and other wildlife. Search the history of over 424 billion web pages on the internet. Annual goose roundup under way in jamaica bay the new york. For the collectors, passport stamps are available at floyd bennett field, jacob riis park, and the jamaica bay wildlife refuge. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge tide times, ny willyweather. Learn more about the history of the national wildlife refuge system. Oct 29, 2015 the jamaica bay database initiative is a project undertaken by the national parks conservation association northeast regional office. It lies entirely within the boundaries of new york city, divided between the boroughs of brooklyn to the west and queens to the east. Stop by the jamaica bay wildlife refuge visitor center for information on the refuge, trail maps, exhibits, and a book and souvenir store. Detailed forecast tide charts and tables with past and future low and high tide times.
Jamaica bay wildlife refuge, far rockaway, new york. The jamaica bay database initiative national parks conservation. Doublecrested cormorants taken on a birdsasart ipt jamaica bay, ny. Terry tempest williams is the awardwinning author of numerous books, including refuge. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge is an anomaly, a secret, a sanctuary. The primary goal of the project is to facilitate sciencebased decisionmaking for jamaica bay, new york city, by making existing environmental data more easily accessible for the purpose of conservation.
With more than 330 species of birds on the premises, plus a salt. Articles highlighting my photographic style, images, and techniques, photo opportunities at selected locations, with a few tips for photographers on the road. The refuge is home to 650 plant species, 218 bird species, 55 butterfly species and robust wildlife communities. The estuary is partially manmade, and partially natural. Jamaica bay wildlife refugewest pond queens county, new york, us get directions all months jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec all years last 10 years current year october big day oct 19, 2019 global big day may 4, 2019 october big day oct 6, 2018 global big day may 5, 2018 global big day may, 2017 global big day may 14. Michael has published four books of writing and photographs. This refuge covers more than 9,000 acres, and is the home to some 300 species of birds, making it one of the best birdwatching areas in the city. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge, visitor contact station. Herbert johnson, 68, first head of jamaica bays wildlife. Gateway national recreation area, jamaica bay wildlife refuge. With the city pushing relentlessly against jamaica bay, advocates are toiling to. Jamaica bay guardian the jamaica bay guardian is the american littoral societys eyes and ears on the waters of jamaica bay. With more than 330 bird speciesnearly half the species in the northeastsighted at the refuge over the last 25 years.
To name the jamaica bay wildlife refuge visitor contact. Give yourself a half hour at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge visitor center to talk with a park ranger about what there is to see and do at the refuge and to read through the exhibits. Occoquan bay national wildlife refuge virginia is for lovers. Things to do jamaica bay gateway national recreation. Geese again rounded up for slaughter at jamaica bay wildlife refugethe u. Jamaica bay is 25,000 acres of grassy marshlands, coastal lagoons, open waters, and islands neatly surrounded by queens to the north, brooklyn to the west, and long island to the south and east.
I see trees more commonly at jamaica bay wildlife refuge, where its the barn who is rare. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge visitor center national park planner. But how about some indigo bunting passerina cyanea. Jamaica bay, a wild place on the edge of change the new york. Most of jamaica bay proper and portions of the uplands and barrier beach are part of the gateway national recreation area s jamaica bay unit. Jamaica bay wildlife refugewest pond ebird hotspots. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge ny internationally renowned birding spot with turtles butterflies bats frogs. Nestled in the middle of jamaica bay is an island community known as broad channel. May 15, 2010 jamaica bay wildlife refuge is designated as a critically endangered area by the new york state department of conservation. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge is a wildlife refuge in new york city managed by the national park service as part of gateway national recreation area. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge, an 18,000 acre wetland estuary, is the only wildlife refuge that is managed by the national park service, and the bay has been designated as an important bird area by birdlife international. The jamaica bay wildlife refuge is the united states department of interiors only. Jamaica bay, a wild place on the edge of change the new. A checklist, birds of the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, not available online can be obtained at the visitor center, which is located at the entrance, or by writing gateway nra, wildlife refuge, floyd bennett field, brooklyn, new york 11234.
First established in 1972, the jamaica bay wildlife refuge is managed by the national park service and includes a salt marsh, upland field and woods, fresh and brackish water ponds, and an open expanse of the bay. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge gateway national recreation. The site was established as a wildlife refuge in 1951 under the new york city department of parks after parks commissioner robert moses installed two freshwater ponds on rulers bar hassock. Jul 06, 2010 new york city has an ecological paradise right in its midst.
The jamaica bay wildlife refugepart of gateway national recreation areais one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern united states and one of the best places in new york city to observe migrating species. Birding is great at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, as well as the back fort area of fort tilden, and the north forty area of floyd bennett field. Witness the annual mating ritual of hundreds of primitive horseshoe crabs, or photograph one of the more than 330 species of birds seen in this beach, bay and. Occoquan bay offers an excellent opportunity for young and novice hunters to participate in annual whitetail deer managed hunt. Jamaica bay is a place well known for its flora and fauna. It provides exhibit and presentation spaces for the public, as well as a resource library, administrative offices, bookshop, outdoor education lab, and public restrooms. These 9,155 acres along the route of the atlantic flyaway lay within the bounds of new york city and comprise one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern united states where more than 330 bird species nearly half of all the species in the northeast have been sighted. As a jamaica bay mvp, you are helping restore jamaica bays tidal salt marshes, which are disappearing at an alarming rate of up to 40 acres per year.
Part of the gateway national recreation area, the refuge encompasses open bay and islands, fresh and saltwater ponds, fields, woods and marsh. Administered by the national park service, the jamaica bay unit includes the 9,100 acres 37 km 2 of jamaica bay wildlife refuge. The jamaica bay wildlife refuge part of gateway national recreation areais one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the northeastern united states and one of the best places in new york city to observe migrating species. Jamaica bay north bay rulers bar hassock island community of broad channel east pond east pond blind big johns pedestria sand road jamaica bay wildlife refuge cont enter nd road west pond loop trail 1. A member of the american academy of arts and letters, she is currently the writerinresidence at the harvard divinity school, dividing her time between. Addabbo memorial bridge, and make the next right, 1. The blue here is on the greenish side, as it is wont to be depending on the light.
Jamaica bay wildlife refuge west pond queens county, new york, us get directions all months jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec all years last 10 years current year october big day oct 19, 2019 global big day may 4, 2019 october big day oct 6, 2018 global big day may 5, 2018 global big day may, 2017 global big day may 14. One of those that have been coming to this area for thousands of years is the diamondback terrapin. The exhibit is on view at the visitor center at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge. In fact, its a birders paradise with 332 bird species sighted at the refuge over the last 25 years 38 are accidental, and include several new york state records. Exhibit opening and reception sunday, february 16, 24 pm. In 1997, the national audubon society designated the entire jamaica bay complex an important bird area of global significance. The jamaica bay wildlife refuge is home to many species of birds, fish, animals, insects and reptiles. Johnson worked diligently to preserve and restore the natural nesting grounds of waterfowl and shore birds. Check for upcoming activities at jamaica bay wildlife refuge, such as walks, lecture series and art shows. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge far rockaway, new york. Jamaica bay is an estuary on the southern portion of the western tip of long island, in the u. Jul 31, 2011 fifteen years later, the citys parks department established the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, and herbert johnson, its first superintendent, had a crew of workers transplant more than 1. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge queens county, new york, us get directions all months jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec all years last 10 years current year october big day oct 19, 2019 global big day may 4, 2019 october big day oct 6, 2018 global big day may 5, 2018 global big day may, 2017 global big day may 14, 2016 global. Jamaica bay is full of islands and channels whose names, given by sailors over a century ago, have names whose derivations have been lost in the mists of time.
That wetland you fly over when landing at jfk airport in new york city is in fact jamaica bay wildlife refuge. With more than 325 species of birds on the premises, plus a salt marsh, woods and freshwater ponds, this wildlife refuge, set on 9,155 breathtaking acres, is like an oasis in the middle of new york. A very large wildlife refuge primarily for migratory birds that is entirely within nyc limits, spanning brooklyn and queens. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge is designated as a critically endangered area by the new york state department of conservation. The jamaica bay wildlife refuge and the bay as a whole are important not. Following the establishment of the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, in 1951, herbert johnson was appointed as its resident superintendent. And, perhaps my favorite spot in the whole city is past the underbrush at the end of. Forecasting the future on nycs climate change frontlines a new film, narrated by susan sarandon, brings jamaica bay into view by nathan kensinger mar 17, 2016, 11. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge the cultural landscape. This is the place to check out the feathered creatures of your dreams. Johnson, the first director of the jamaica bay wildlife refuge and superintendent of the 12,000.
The jamaica bay database initiative national parks. Jamaica bay wildlife refugewest pond ebird hotspots ebird. In the jamaica bay wildlife refuge and the surrounding area tuesday morning, agents from the federal department of agriculture captured geese and loaded them onto trucks, the national park service said. To name the jamaica bay wildlife refuge visitor contact station of the jamaica bay wildlife refuge unit of gateway national recreation area in honor of james l. The jamaica bay database initiative is a project undertaken by the national parks conservation association northeast regional office. Also at the visitor center, rangers can point you in the right direction and give you tips on the birds. May 30, 2018 i wish all national wildlife federation members could have joined me on a recent spring fishing outing in new york citys jamaica bay. With such a diverse array of environments, this ecosystem is teeming with wildlife sure to incite curiosity and discovery.
Volunteer in support of the jamaica bayrockaway parks. Point elders marsh, old swale marsh, nestepol marsh, grass hassock, jo. Understanding the human use of the bay and its shore is both timely and historically interesting. The bay connects with lower new york bay to the west, through rockaway inlet, and is the westernmost of the coastal lagoons on the south shore of long islan. The rockaway gateway greenway, a paved multiuse pathway adjacent to both floyd bennett field and jamaica bay wildlife refuge, offers a unique way to see the park. The resurrection of the nesting grounds has led to ther return. Most visitors to the island of jamaica dont come explicitly for the wildlife. Don riepe, the guardian, provides a voice for the bay and the wildlife and people that live, work, and play in its waters, mudflats, beaches, and marshes. Parks, recreation and cultural affairs administration. This is not a bird i see every year, although it looks like they nest in the jamaica bay area. Forecasting the future on nycs climate change frontlines. Feb 29, 2016 the jamaica bay wildlife and nature tourism storymap is an interactive, online map that can be viewed from your computer, tablet or phone.
New york city parks, recreation and cultural affairs administration,1968. Use your time, passion, skills and willingness to help to address new york citys most pressing needs. Plan your visit gateway national recreation area u. Oct 02, 2018 jamaica bay wildlife refuge protects coastal wetlands on the outskirts of new york city. Fifteen years later, the citys parks department established the jamaica bay wildlife refuge, and herbert johnson, its first superintendent, had a crew of workers transplant more than 1. It contains ecological information about 50 species of animals found in jamaica bay, new york city.
The new visitor contact station at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge serves as the gateway to one of the most important avian flyways in the northeastern united states. With more than 330 bird speciesnearly half the species in the northeastsighted at the refuge over the last 25 years, it is a mustsee for avian enthusiasts. It is a popular spot for birdwatchers, as a variety of bird species can. Whether it is planting beach grass, cleaning up debris or sprucing up buildings with fresh coats of paint, jbrpc relies on dedicated volunteers like you to protect and enhance city, state, and national parkland in jamaica bay and the rockaway peninsula. Dec 15, 2008 photographer deborah carney spent a december afternoon at the jamaica bay wildlife refuge in queens nyc and compiled this slideshow o. Postponed coney island history project walking tour march 7.
Jamaica bay is a birders paradise, one of the largest and best known wildlife viewing areas in the new york city and long island region. As well as being a key stopover during seasonal bird migrations. The restoration of one of the regions most important ecological areas, alongside one of the worlds largest cities, is truly spectacular. This is the place to check out feathered creatures of your dreams. Featured texts all books all texts latest this just in smithsonian libraries fedlink us genealogy lincoln collection. Jul 02, 20 the annual roundup and slaughter of the regions canada geese in the name of human air safety is under way. When the weather starts to get cooler, you have the beach all to yourselves. In 1972 it was incorporated into the staten island unit of gateway national recreation area, and at the time became the only nature refuge managed by the. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge attractions in queens, new york.
Herbert johnson, 68, first head of jamaica bays wildlife refuge. Places to go birding in queens jamaica bay wildlife refuge. Point elders marsh, old swale marsh, nestepol marsh, grass hassock, jo cos marsh, and many more known and seen only by local mariners. The region currently hosts over 325 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies and 100 species of fish. Become a jamaica bay marsh volunteer planter mvp this summer and support critical habitat restoration in jamaica bay. Dont forget that the ranger can answer questions about all of gateway national recreation area, not just the wildlife refuge. The refuge is open to the public thursdays through sundays from 7am7pm excluding hours of darkness. Gateway national recreation area jamaica bay wildlife. Jamaica bay, a refuge for wildlife in new york city, gets. Early friends groups in 1937, the department of the interior appropriations act recognized the legal status of cooperating associations but it wasnt until the 1980s that such associations began to support national wildlife refuges. Jamaica bay wildlife refuge visitor center nyc service.
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