Gateway Program Guide for Spring

It has been a mild winter so far in New Jersey - though March and April often give us some snowy surprises. Still, I'm thinking about spring, ordering seeds and planting some already, so it's also time to think about getting outside for some nature.

Here is the Gateway Program Guide for Spring so that you can Plan Your Visits.  

At Sandy Hook

Searching for Seals

Spermaceti Cove Parking Lot (between Lot D and Lot E)

Sunday, February 23

1 PM - 3 PM

Hike to the Sandy Hook bayside with a park ranger to search for seals during their annual migration and learn about marine mammals that dwell in the waters of Sandy Hook at different times of the year. Reservations required, please call 732-872-5970. ♥ 1 mile. 

Piping Plovers are a protected, endangered species, and you will see barriers in their beach nesting areas. They are among the first migrating shorebirds to return in the spring. (Photo by Shervin Hess)

At Jamaica Bay

Upcoming programs and events at Jamaica Bay

Junior Ranger Owl Prowl-FOR KIDS

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Wednesday, February 19, 1 PM - 2:30 PM

Join a Park Ranger on an owl adventure. Learn about owls and their habitat through a hike and an owl pellet investigation. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Reservation required. Please call 718-318-4340 to reserve a spot.  ♥ 1.7 miles.

Junior Ranger Winter Woodpecker Walk-FOR KIDS

Thursday, February 20,

11 AM -12 PM

Join a ranger on a walk on the trails of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge as we seek out some of winter's noisier but beloved inhabitants... woodpeckers! Learn about the different species that can be spotted at Jamaica Bay while searching for feathered friends and their habitats. Warm up with complimentary cocoa in the Refuge Visitor Center afterwards.  ♥ 1.7 miles.

Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Friday, February 21, 2 PM - 3 PM

Missing the outdoors? Come stop by

the Wildlife Refuge to brush up on how you can reduce your impact while enjoying the outdoors. Based on the outdoor ethics of Leave No Trace Inc.(LNT), participants will learn the seven LNT principles to help cultivate your own Outdoor Ethic. Learning activities may be indoor or outdoor, so please dress accordingly.

Late Winter Bird Walk

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, February 22, 10 AM - 1 PM

Join naturalist Don Riepe for an indoor presentation followed by a hike around the refuge to look for owls, waterfowl, finches, and other wintering birds. Learn how birds and other wildlife survive the winter. For information, call 718-474-0896; e-mail: don@littoralsociety.org. No reservation necessary. Free. Kids welcome.  ♥ 1.7 miles.

Winter Beach Experience at Fort Tilden

Building 1 at Fort Tilden

Sunday, February 23, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM 

The sun, moon and earth should be in position that day to create a notable low tide.  Explore the intertidal zone and "walk the sea floor" with American Littoral Society naturalist Gordon Lam and NYC Botanist Zihao Wang to observe the usually-hidden biological treasures from beyond the tides.   ♥ 2 miles.

At Staten Island

Midwinter Recess - Birds

Great Kills Park

Education

Field Station

Tuesday, February 18 , 12 PM - 2:30 PM

Join us for a walk, art project and indoor workshop identifying local winter birds. Bring snacks and dress appropriately. Reservations required: 718-354-4655 ♥ 2 miles.

Midwinter Recess - Winter Waterfowl Art Contest--FOR KIDS

Great Kills Park

Education Field Station

Wednesday, February 19 

12 PM - 2:30 PM

Join us for a walk and participate in an art competition. Bring snacks and dress appropriately. Reservations required; 718-354-4655. ♥ 2 miles.

Midwinter Recess -Story Hour Programs-FOR KIDS

112 A Mont Sec Avenue  Mont Sec House, Fort Wadsworth                                                                        

11:00 AM

Wednesday, February 19:

Celebrate Black History Month with "Follow the Drinking Gourd"

Thursday, February 20:

Winter Stories

Friday, February 21:

Rhymes and Verses

Celebrate winter with Story Hour programs at historic Mont Sec House during your child's winter break. Each story will be accompanied by a fun craft or activity. For information email

Diane_Wulff@nps.gov

Fort Walking Tour

Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center

Sunday, February 23

2 PM - 3:30 PM

Join us for a 1.5-hour hike at Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel the program. Reservations required. Call 718-354-4655. ♥ 2 miles.