Visitor Programs and Events Summer 2019

Jamaica Bay, New York

Beach Plums in bloom; Marine Park Bridge viewed from Plumb Beach, Jamaica Bay. Photo by Don Riepe

Highlighted programs and event These are some special pro-grams offered at Jamaica Bay this sum-mer.

Beginning Kayak programs, no reserva-tions required: Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Saturdays and Sundays May 25 – August 31 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Canarsie Pier Kayaking Tryout Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Saturdays May 25 – August 31 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout Riis Landing, Queens Sundays May 26 – August 25 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

If you are in the mood to lend a hand there are some volunteer opportunities for you: Monthly Beach Clean-ups North Channel Bridge Saturdays: June 1, July 6, August 3 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM National Trails Day Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, June 2 1 PM – 4 PM And here are some Recurring Programs that are offered through the summer : Campfire Fridays Wise Clock, Jacob Riis Park @ Bay 6 July 5 – August 30 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Birding for Beginners Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturdays, May 18 through September 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

And you may want to take advantage of these special events: Summer Solstice Sunset Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Friday, June 21 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Diamondback Terrapin Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge June 20, 21, and 22 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival; 13th Annual Event Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturday, August 17 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM See the details for these and many more programs and events in the list-ings below.

National Park Service

U. S. Department of the Interior

Gateway

Visitor Center Hours

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Open 7 days, 9 AM- 5 PM

Ryan Visitor Center Wednesday – Sunday 9 AM– 5 PM Permits and Retail Store 9AM-4 PM

Camp Store Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-4 PM Friday-Sunday, 9 AM—8 PM

Volunteer Opportunities

Monthly Beach Clean-ups

North Channel Bridge Saturdays: June 1, July 6, August 3 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Join the National Park Service and Sadha-na: Coalition of Progressive Hindus for our monthly beach clean-up at the North Channel Bridge as part of an ongoing ef-fort to improve the coastline habitat of Jamaica Bay.

National Trails Day Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, June 2 1 PM – 4 PM Join us on National Trails Day as we con-duct some trail maintenance around the refuge. All tools will be provided, just bring yourself in a sturdy pair of footwear and long pants. Call 718-318-4340 for more information.

Recurring Programs

Campfire Fridays Wise Clock, Jacob Riis Park @ Bay 6 June 28 – August 30 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sand, S’mores, and Singing Rangers - join us for the iconic experience of a National Park campfire program each Friday even-ing at Jacob Riis Park. We encourage you to bring your own campfire stories, songs, and instruments. Birding for Beginners Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturdays, May 18 through September 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Join us for an introductory nature walk where you will learn the essentials of bird-watching. ♥ 1 mile. Osprey Watch Guided Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sundays, May 19 through September 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Learn all about the amazing Osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail. We’ll talk about their incredible migration and the inspiring story of how conserva-tion efforts were able to bring this species back from the brink. ♥ 1 mile. Guardian of the Gateway:

A Walking Tour of Historic Fort Tilden Fort Tilden (Meet in front of Building 1) Sundays in June, July, and August 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden’s fortifications, and learn about the fort’s role in defending New York Harbor through two world wars and the Cold War. ♥ 1 mile

Explore Historic Hangar B Floyd Bennett Field Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, and August 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Join a park ranger for a tour of Hangar B and the aircraft inside, which are part of Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history!

Canarsie Pier Kayaking Tryout Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Saturdays May 25 – August 31 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired. Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout Riis Landing, Queens Sundays May 26 – August 25 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired.

Kayak Programs on the Water Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area’s Jamaica Bay, the westernmost bay along Long Island’s south shore. The bay’s open water, creeks, inlets and salt marshes teem with wildlife, from spawning fish, shrimp and horse shoe crabs, to mud snails, laughing gulls, and terrapin turtles. Nation-al Park Service stewards protect this re-markable wildlife refuge deep within the New York City metropolis and present free, fun and educational paddling pro-grams to experience it first-hand. Join us! For all programs: dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instruction will be provided. The shortest paddles are called “Kayaking Tryouts” Slightly longer trips are simply called “paddles,” for those with a little bit more experience. “Excursions” are the longest trips intended for those who have paddled the listed distance before. “Tryouts” and “Skills Sessions” are for first time paddlers, or those who wish to im-prove their skills and practice. There is something for everyone. All programs require a reservation unless it is indicated that there is “No reser-vation required.” Call 718-338-3799 for more information, and to make a reserva-tion. Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Saturdays and Sundays May 25 – August 31 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired.

Programs and events June

World Science Festival Great Fish Count Canarsie Pier Saturday, June 1 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Striped bass and bluefish and fluke, oh my! Now in its 4th year, this hugely popu-lar, all-age, hands-on event is a celebration of the marine life in the waters surround-ing our five boroughs. Top marine biolo-gists and scientists will work with you and your kids to discover–and count–the many species of fish and marine creatures (even seahorses) right here in our own city wa-terways. No net needed. We’ll provide everything, including waders. Just head on down and help us count.

Hummingbird Hide-and-Seek Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturday, June 1 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Hike out into the North Garden to hear about the amazing journey of the Ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn how they build their nests, what they eat (and who eats them), and other fun facts that make them so special. Then spend time looking through a scope, trying to observe them in their natural habitat. All ages welcome. Dress for the weather. ♥ 1 mile.

National Trails Day Forest Park, Queens Sunday, June 2 10:00 AM We’re teaming up with NYC Urban Park Rangers in celebrating National Trails Day! What better way to celebrate than getting out and enjoying the fresh air in one of New York City’s parks. Family friendly activities will be offered. *Please note this is an off-site event hosted at For-est Park. For more information, call: 718-318-4340.

Page 4. For updates, visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/gate, on Facebook at Gateway National Recreation Area, or on Twitter, @GatewayNPS.

Ruffle Bar Excursion Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, June 5 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the is-land and the plants and animals that thrive there. ♥ 4.5 miles. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, June 5 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and re-turn a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruc-tion provided. ♥ 1 mile. Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field Thursday, June 6 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 miles. Island Channel Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, June 6 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. Dead Horse Bay Paddle Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn Friday, June 7 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Experience Dead Horse Bay from the water on this pleasant paddle across to Plumb Beach. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. ♥ 2 miles. Capsize! Riis Landing, Queens Friday, June 7 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Learn how to fall out of your kayak and get back in. Children over 11 and adults are wel-comed to participate in this program. Diamondback Terrapin Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge June 6, 7, and 8 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come along as we head out on the West Pond Trail in search of nesting diamondback terra-pins. We’ll talk about these amazing turtles, their annual journey to the shores of the Wild-life Refuge, and our efforts to help their off-spring make it safely back to the water. Stargazing Floyd Bennett Field – Community Gardens Friday, June 7 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM

Join the Brooklyn Amateur Astronomers Asso-ciation for stargazing. Cancelled if overcast. The Horseshoe Crab’s Crown Exhibit Opening Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, June 9 1:30 Reading 2:00 –4:00 PM Opening reception Join us for the exhibit opening and reading by the author, Heather Feather of her children’s book. Exhibit, showing the creation of the book runs for two months. Paerdegat Basin Paddle Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Wednesday, June 12 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Kayak Jamaica Bay's North shore to Paerdegat Creek from Canarsie Pier and return. NYC Urban Park Rangers join in to seine the bay and show us what’s under the water. ♥ 2 miles.

Pollinator Plant Party Part 3 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, June 12 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Help us tend to some of our new additions to the pollinator garden. We’ll be doing some garden maintenance, planting, and talking all about pollinators and their role here at the Ref-uge.

Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, June 12 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and re-turn a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruc-tion provided. ♥ 1 mile.

Fire Control Tower Excursion Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, June 13 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM From Riis Landing, paddle along the Rocka-way shoreline past Rockaway Cove to the WWII Fire Control Tower. Enjoy a natural history discussion and return with incoming tide back to Riis Landing. ♥ 4 miles. Rockaway Cove Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, June 13 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 miles.

Island Channel Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, June 14 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Ben-nett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles.

Kayak Skills Session and Practice Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Friday, June 14 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Paddlers at every skill level will enjoy time on the water trying out new strokes or perfecting the standards. Participate in fun demonstrations. No reservation required. Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, June 19 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, June 19 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, June 20 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, June 20 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Seaplane Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, June 21 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, June 21 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport

tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile.

Summer Solstice Sunset Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Friday, June 21 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM The summer season has officially arrived! Maximize your time outdoors on the longest day of the year with a walk around West Pond. We'll observe the birds and flowers that signify summer in Jamaica Bay, soak up all of that glorious sunshine, and then end with a beautiful sunset view. All ages welcome. Dress for the weather. Call (718) 318-4340 to reserve a spot. ♥ 1.5 miles. Diamondback Terrapin Walk Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge June 20, 21, and 22 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come along as we head out on the West Pond Trail in search of nesting diamondback terra-pins. We will talk about these amazing turtles, their annual journey to the shores of the Wild-life Refuge, and our efforts to help their off-spring make it safely back to the water. Yellow Bar Excursion Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Tuesday, June 25 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Paddlers head east to see the flora and fauna in the shallows behind Ruffle Bar at low tide. ♥ 5 miles. Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field Tuesday, June 25 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 miles. Fire Control Tower Excursion Riis Landing, Queens Wednesday, June 26 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM From Riis Landing, paddle along the Rocka-way shoreline past Rockaway Cove to the WWII Fire Control Tower. Enjoy a natural history discussion and return with incoming tide back to Riis Landing. ♥ 4 miles. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday June 26, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and re-turn a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruc-tion provided. ♥ 1 mile. Rockaway Cove Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, June 27

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 miles. Floyd Bennett Field Kayak Excursion and Walk in the Park Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn Thursday, June 27 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Paddle around Floyd Bennett Field to the Sea-plane Ramp from the marina and walk back 1 mile. ♥ 3 miles. Gerritsen Creek Kayak Excursion Moonbeam Gateway Marina, Brooklyn Friday, June 28 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Enjoy a scenic excursion up Gerritsen Creek and back. See the estuary and then cool off at the Salt Marsh Nature Center while learning about the wetland habitat with the NYC Ur-ban Park Rangers. ♥ 4.5 miles. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, June 28 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. In-struction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Butterflies and Moths of Jamaica Bay Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturday, June 29 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Join naturalist Don Riepe for a slide program and walk around the refuge to look for butter-flies, moths, and other pollinators. Learn about their ecology and behavior as well as the plants they depend on. This program is in partnership with NYC Audubon and the American Littoral Society.

Seaweeds, Seashells, and More Fort Tilden, Building 1 Sunday, June 30 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Hike the seashore during an outgoing tide with American Littoral Society naturalist, Mickey Maxwell Cohen, author of Adven-tures at the Beach, to look for marine life, coastal birds, and seaside plants. Binoculars, a magnifying glass and sun protection will be helpful. This program is in partnership with the American Littoral Society. ♥ 1 mile. July

Ruffle Bar Excursion Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, July 3 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the island and the plants and animals that thrive there. ♥ 4.5 miles.

Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, July 3 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shore-line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field Thursday, July 4 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Ben-nett Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 miles. Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, July 4 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired. Beach Channel Excursion Riis Landing, Queens Friday, July 5 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Paddle East along the Rockaway Peninsula to the Beach 88th Street Kayak Launch. Break for a quick lunch and return to Riis Landing on the Ebb tide ♥ 6.25 miles.

Kayak Skills Sessions and Practice Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Friday, July 5 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Paddlers at every skill level will enjoy time on the water trying out new strokes or per-fecting the standards. Participate in fun demonstrations. No reservation required. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, July 10 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shore-line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile.

Board Game Club Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, July 10 2 PM – 4 PM Come spend some time at the Refuge as we explore the world of nature-based board games. Feel free to bring your own game to share. All ages are welcome.

Rockaway Cove Paddle Riis Landing, Queens

Thursday, July 11 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 miles.

Canarsie Pol Excursion Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Thursday, July 11 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this energetic trip. Learn about the history of the islands of Jamaica Bay. ♥ 5 miles. Shirley Chisolm Park Paddle Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Saturday, July 13 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Adventure paddle with a National Park Ranger on City of Water Day! Visit the new Shirley Chisholm State Park and hike to the top for a stunning vista. Before paddling back, discover the natural history of the site and how urban development has shaped Jamaica Bay. ♥ 2 miles. Island Channel Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, July 17 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. Full Buck Moon Hike Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, July 17 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM Experience the park after dark and learn more about the nocturnal residents of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Call 718-318-4340 to reserve a spot. Pollinator Plant Party Part 4 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Thursday, July 18 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Join us as we tend to our blossoming pollinator garden in July. Watering, weeding, and waxing poetic about our favorite pollinators are just a few of the things we’ll be doing at this mid-summer fiesta. Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Mill Basin Kayak launch at RC Flying Field Thursday, July 18 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Paddle along Mill Basin from Floyd Bennett Field to Four Sparrow Marsh and back. ♥ 2 miles.

Junior Angler Fishing Clinic Canarsie Pier Saturday, July 20 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Join this session for first time or novice an-glers. Park rangers will teach you everything from how to set up your pole, the rules and

regulations of fishing in Jamaica Bay and about the fish that live in the waters of the bay! Children will earn a special Junior Ranger badge for participating. Ruffle Bar Excursion Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, July 24 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the is-land and the plants and animals that thrive there. ♥ 4.5 miles. Board Game Club Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, July 24 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come spend some time at the Refuge as we explore the world of nature-based board games. Feel free to bring your own game to share. All ages are welcome. Rockaway Cove Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, July 25 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 miles. Big Egg Marsh Excursion Beach 88th Street kayak launch in Far Rockaway Thursday, July 25 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Kayak from this exciting new launch site with a National Park Ranger to Big Egg Marsh, learn about the salt marsh and view wildlife that call Jamaica Bay home. ♥ 3 miles. Island Channel Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday July 31, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural landscapes on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. August

Ruffle Bar Excursion Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, August 1 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the is-land and the plants and animals that thrive there. ♥ 4.5 miles.

Rockaway Cove Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, August 1 1:30 PM –4:00 PM Rockaway Point and back – this trip, follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point. ♥ 2 miles.

Idlewild Park Paddle Craft Avenue and Huxley Street, Queens Wednesday, August 7 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Explore the salt marsh near the head of Jamaica Bay on this idyllic paddle. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. Enjoy birding with NYC Urban Park Rangers too! ♥ 2 miles. Board Game Club Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, August 7 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come spend some time at the Refuge as we explore the world of nature-based board games. Feel free to bring your own game to share. All ages are welcome. Fountain Avenue Park Paddle Canarsie Pier, Brooklyn Thursday, August 8 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Paddle along the North shore of Jamaica Bay to Hendrix Creek and see the thriving wildlife along the saltmarsh edge of the former landfills. ♥ 2.5 miles. Junior Angler Fishing Clinic Canarsie Pier Saturday August 11th 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Learn about the sport of angling through a variety of different approaches with the NYS Department of Environmental Con-servation and join us as we learn about local fish. Children will earn a special Junior Ranger badge for participating. Reservation required, call 718-318-4340. Pollinator Plant Party Part 5 Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, August 14 10:00 AM -11:00 AM This month most of our pollinator species will be in full bloom. Bees, butterflies, and birds abound. Come see how our pro-gress this year has taken root and is flour-ishing. Island Channel Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, August 14 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural land-scapes on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. Christianpol Marsh Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, August 15 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Paddle across island channel and visit the shallows south of Canarsie Pol. ♥ 3 miles.

Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, August 15, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required. Full Sturgeon Moon Hike Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Thursday, August 15 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM See the park after dark! Take a nighttime hike around West Pond with a National Park Ranger. Learn more about the nocturnal resi-dents of the Refuge. Call (718) 318-4340 to reserve a spot. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, August 16 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shore-line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Saturday, August 17 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM A day-long festival of activities including hikes to the East and West Ponds, lectures by prominent shorebird experts, kids programs, and more. Learn about bird behavior, biolo-gy and how to identify shorebirds in the field. Leaders include: Kevin Karlson, Don Riepe, and Lloyd Spitalnik. This special pro-gram is in partnership with NYC Audubon and the American Littoral Society. For info call (718) 474-0896; e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org JoCo Marsh Excursion Bayswater Park, Queens Bay 36th Street, Far Rockaway Wednesday, August 21 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM See the thriving salt marsh with the backdrop of one of the world's busiest airports, on this energetic excursion from Bayswater Park through JoCo Creek. Immerse yourself in the estuary! NYC Urban Park Rangers will accompany this paddle. ♥ 4.5 miles. Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday August 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM First time paddlers follow along the shore-line salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Board Game Club Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Wednesday, August 21

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Come spend some time at the Refuge as we explore the world of nature-based board games. Feel free to bring your own game to share. All ages are welcome. Beach Channel Excursion Riis Landing, Queens Thursday, August 22 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Paddle East along the Rockaway Peninsula to the Beach 88th Street Kayak Launch. Break for a quick lunch and return to Riis Landing on the Ebb tide ♥ 6.25 miles. Kayak Skills Sessions and Practice Paddle Riis Landing, Queens Friday, August 23 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Paddlers at every skill level will enjoy time on the water trying out new strokes or per-fecting the standards. Participate in fun demonstrations. No reservation required. Ruffle Bar Excursion Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, August 23 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on this trip. Learn about the history of the island and the plants and animals that thrive there. ♥ 4.5miles. Junior Angler Fishing Clinic Canarsie Pier Saturday, August 24 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Join this session for first time or novice an-glers. Park rangers will teach you everything from how to set up your pole, the rules and regulations of fishing in Jamaica Bay and about the fish that live in the waters of the bay! Children will earn a special Junior Ranger badge for participating. Hike the Trails of Dead Horse Bay New York’s Best Kept Secret Ecosystem Floyd Bennett Field - Main Entrance Ranger Station Sunday, August 25 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Hike the trails and shoreline at Dead Horse Bay with Mickey Maxwell Cohen, Ameri-can Littoral Society naturalist, author of Discovering the Trails of Dead Horse Bay. Explore the nature and fascinating history of this little known area, a living museum of the 1950s. Sturdy footwear is essential as this is a hazardous area. This program is presented in partnership with the American Littoral Society. ♥ 1 mile.

Founder’s Day, 103

rd Birthday of the

National Park Service Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, August 25 Stop by for some birthday themed activities,

get some birthday cake and play Pin the tail on the Bison. Happy birthday NPS ! Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Wednesday, August 28 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired. Riis Landing Kayaking Tryout Riis Landing, Queens Wednesday, August 28 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired. Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, August 29 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired.

Seaplane Ramp Beginner Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Thursday, August 29 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM First time paddlers follow along the shoreline salt marsh and historic airport tarmac and return a little “saltier” than at the start. Instruction provided. ♥ 1 mile. Seaplane Ramp Kayaking Tryout Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, August 30 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Kayak tryouts for those who have never done it before. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation re-quired.

Island Channel Paddle Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn Seaplane Ramp Friday, August 30 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Enjoy unique natural and cultural land-scapes on this intermediate paddle from Floyd Bennett Field's Seaplane Ramp. ♥ 3 miles. —end of Jamaica Bay listings—