Gateway National Recreation Area

 

Osprey, painted by Gregory Lewis

The Gateway National Recreation Area is described as "Many Places, One Park." It spans 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City. It is "gateway" from the ocean into New York Harbor. The National Park Service welcomes millions of visitors every year and the park offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. 

Fort Wadsworth, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and Sandy Hook Visitor Centers are open Friday-Monday 10 am - 4 pm. 

• Sandy Hook Lighthouse tours are available Friday-Monday from 1 pm - 3:30 pm. Tours are first-come, first-serve.
• Fort Hancock History House (Building #1) is open Friday-Monday from 1 pm - 5 pm. 
• The Ryan Visitor Center at Floyd Bennett Field is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Fort Hancock Post Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm - 5 pm.
• Hangar B at Floyd Bennett Field is open Sundays from 10 am - 1:30 pm.

by Jessica Dalrymple

For example, programs upcoming at the NJ Sandy Hook Unit:
Crustacean of the Day Program, Junior-Junior Ranger Programs: Ages 3 to 6
July 27 at Guardian Park 10 am - 11 am

This free program teaches young children about the habitats and history of Sandy Hook through fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn through hikes, walks, and demonstrations. Parents are required to accompany their children for the entire program. Space is limited please call (732) 872-5970 to make free reservations. 

Yoga on the Beach, Saturdays through Labor Day
Parking Lot D – North Chute 8 am – 9 am

Begin your Saturday with a peaceful, yet vigorous, traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. The practice is open to everyone and all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will focus on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Please bring a large, sturdy beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire. Hydration is also important, so please bring your own water (refillable bottles). 

For information on all the locations and things to do www.nps.gov/gate/

ABOUT THE ARTWORK SHOWN

"By the Sea," an exhibit of paintings by Gregory Lewis, is on display at the Fort Hancock Post Museum (Building 28) through Labor Day. Inspired by the magical light reflected from the ocean, painter Gregory Lewis finds Sandy Hook, a special place a place surrounded by water, “as if I’m sitting on a small island. As I paint in this special light, it transports me to a better place.” The Post Museum is open on weekends from 1 pm to 5 pm. There is no fee to visit the Fort Hancock area of Sandy Hook.

"New York City Natural, "an exhibit of paintings by Jessica Dalrymple, is on display at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center through Labor Day. Dalrymple’s artistic process begins by visiting parks in all five boroughs, especially those with areas of “wilderness”. She spends time hiking, sketching, photographing, collecting specimens, and consulting with naturalists, cartographers, and horticulturalists about the park’s natural history and wildlife. In her studio she combines all these things into Park Portraits. She uses a vertical format, inspired by Asian hanging scrolls, to present multiple perspectives. This technique balances photo realism and express strokes in a way that represents her experience.  The Visitor Center is open Friday-Monday from 10 am to 4 pm.

September Programs at Sandy Hook

 

Sandy Hook Lighthouse

Here are some featured programs this month at Sandy Hook.

Junior Ranger Color Guard: Stars and Stripes Forever
Monday, September 6 - Labor Day  1 PM – 2:30 PM
Guardian Park, Fort Hancock Post

The Junior Rangers will learn about the history of the American flag, how it has changed several times throughout the nation’s 244+ years, and the meaning behind its symbolism. Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.

Ktàpihëna, “We Are Here”: Finding Connections in Lënape Land
Friday, September 10   5:30PM – 7 PM
North Beach - Beach Plaza, Upper Level

What makes you feel connected to a place? Join us for an exploration of Sandy Hook's first peoples, the Lënape, and their historic and current connections to this landscape. Along the way, we will discuss Lënape lifeways, hear their voices, and how we acknowledge who is connected to a landscape. Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.

Killdeer chick at Sandy Hook - Flickr

Who are the “Black Brain Scientists” and How Did They Change the Future of America?Sunday, September 12   4 PM – 5 PM

Fort Hancock Museum Grounds, Building 28

Learn how Fort Hancock helped to usher in the Dawn of the Space Age. Explore the little-known history of Fort Hancock's role in providing a place that allowed a diverse group of scientists and engineers to create the technology that would lead to the development of radars, satellites, GPS, drones and much more. Examine the connection between Fort Hancock and Fort Monmouth's black scientists dubbed the “Black Brain Center” of America.  Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.

The Sandy Hook Foundation will host an All-Star Benefit Concert
Sunday afternoon, September 26.
Proceeds from the concert will support The Sandy Hook Foundation, which directly supports the park. The concert is a fair-weather event. If a storm or COVID restrictions cause a cancellation, your tax-deductible ticket donation will directly support programs and projects within Sandy Hook. To learn more go to  www.sandyhooknj.org

For the full calendar of activities at Sandy Hook and the rest of the Gateway National Recreation Area in NY and NJ see nps.gov/gate/

Sandy Hook NJ - Wikimedia

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.

Upcoming at Sandy Hook

Gateway National Recreation Area, which covers parks in in NY and in NJ, offer programs to the public throughout the year - but as the weather improves they certainly get more visitors.

There are three geographic units: Sandy Hook, New Jersey; Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, New York City. The NYC units include Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Fort Tilden, Riis Park in Queens, Floyd Bennett Field and Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn. Staten Island has Great Kills Park, Miller Field and Fort Wadsworth. These sites and others make up the 27,000 acres of Gateway, one national park.

Two events upcoming this weekend at Sandy Hook:

Surf Fishing Clinic
Building #18, Littoral Society Headquarters
Saturday, April 21, 8 AM - 3 PM
Join Jeff Dement, Tagging Director, for a day of surf fishing and instruction on the beach. He will cover the basics of casting, knot tying, lure/bait selection, and "reading" a beach. All skill levels are welcome. Rods, reels and tackle will be provided. Children under 18 are welcome with a supervising adult. Bring lunch. This is a fee-based program. Call (732) 291-0055 to make a reservation.

Clean Ocean Action's 33rd Spring Beach Sweep
Parking Lot D
Saturday, April 21, 9 AM - 12:30 PM
Clean Ocean Action's Beach Sweeps is a biannual, statewide beach cleanup that occurs at over 70 locations throughout the state of New Jersey. Each beach sweeper becomes a citizen scientist for the day as they record each piece of debris that they collect. This turns a one-day, cleanup event, into a legacy of data that impacts research and legislation. For more information, please visit Clean Ocean Action's website:www.cleanoceanaction.org or call (732) 872-0111.

Volunteer to be part of the 2016 Sandy Hook BioBlitz, September 23-24, 2016

Gateway National Recreation Area and the American Littoral Society will team up again this year to host a BioBlitz at Sandy Hook on September 23-24, 2016.

The 2016 Sandy Hook BioBlitz is one of more than 100 being held throughout the National Park System to celebrate the National Park Services’ centennial. This 24 hour event will start at 1pm on Friday, September 23, 2016 and conclude at 1pm on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

A BioBlitz is a biological inventory where volunteers work alongside scientists and expert naturalists to find and identify as many species as possible over a short time period. It is an opportunity to increase awareness of the diversity of organisms that exist within our park; to become more connected to our surroundings; to increase our understanding of biodiversity; to become empowered to protect the places and spaces where nature exists; and – most importantly – to have fun!! It’s a celebration and exploration of biodiversity!

Gateway National Recreation Area and the American Littoral Society are teaming up again this year to host a BioBlitz at Sandy Hook on September 23-24, 2016. A BioBlitz is a biological inventory where volunteers work alongside scientists and expert naturalists to find and identify as many species as possible over a short time period. It is a celebration and exploration of biodiversity.

The 2016 Sandy Hook BioBlitz Opening Ceremony is on Thursday, September 22 from 7-8 pm at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. Thomas Brown of the College of Staten Island Biology Department will present "Sandy Hook - A Biodiversity Rest-Stop for Landbirds" at the Samuel Hays Magill Commons, Room 107. Mr. Brown will explore the importance of the Sandy Hook Peninsula as a stop-over site for migratory landbirds. Since 2009, he has applied mark-recapture techniques to study the diversity of birds that use Sandy Hook to rest and refuel.

The BioBlitz itself will begin on Friday, September 23 at 1 p.m. and the closing ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside scientists and expert naturalists to conduct biological surveys and provide a snapshot of biodiversity in the park. Volunteers are also needed to assist at the "Base Camp" with general information, registration, food preparation, GIS, photography, and social media. Base Camp is located at the Fort Hancock parade ground, 18 Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732.

You can also join in interpretive programs that will be held throughout the 2 day event to explore the marshes of Plumb Island, discover the plants and animals living in Sandy Hook Bay, view the Sandy Hook night sky, and experience the park's maritime holly forest.

All events are free and open to the public. Additional information and registration is available at the event website bioblitz16.ciesin.columbia.edu/home. 

You can also follow the progress on social media by following both GatewayNPS and/or LittoralSociety on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Gateway Visitor Programs and Events for Summer 2016

View of Fort Hancock from the Sandy Hook Lighthouse at sunset.    NPS PHOTO

The National Park Service Gateway NRA includes Jamaica Bay and Staten Island, New York, and Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Sandy Hook.

This summer they are are celebrating the National Park Service Centennial and their Program Guide for June, July and August contains the activities for all three units.

The program guides are always posted on the Plan Your Visit page: nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit

Osprey Return

Coley, an osprey at the Gateway National Recreation Area, has been tracked using an attached GPS transmitter. He has returned from his 2,600 mile migration and is back hunting, breeding and fixing up his place in Jamaica Bay after the winter's storms.

Read more about Coley and osprey at www.jamaicabayosprey.org

Sandy Hook Opens May 1

Fishing off beach at Sandy Hook

It was good to see that there was another sign of spring and of recovery of the beach areas at the Gateway National Recreation Area which includes NJ's Sandy Hook with the issuing of a Spring Guide with listings of programs.

The Sandy Hook Unit will open on May 1st. Three beach areas, (B, Gunnison and North Beach) will open on Memorial Day weekend. The repairs to the wastewater treatment plant will not be finished by this date, so some beach areas may be serviced by temporary restroom facilities. The repairs to the ferry service and bike path at Sandy Hook may not be completed by Memorial Day weekend.

Established in 1972, Gateway National Recreation Area offers more than 26,000 acres of marshes, wildlife sanctuaries and recreational athletic facilities, miles of sandy beaches; indoor and outdoor classrooms; picnicking and camping areas, as well as historic structures and military installations, airfields, a lighthouse, and adjacent waters around New York harbor. The park offers urban residents in two states a wide range of recreational opportunities year round. With more than nine million visitors a year, it is the third most visited national park in the country.

Information about all of Gateway's public programs: www.nps.gov/gate/

Wildflowers in the dunes

Birdwatching at the Gateway National Recreation Area

NPS PHOTO A woodcock

The Gateway NRA has three units at Sandy Hook, Staten Island and Jamaica Bay. The three combined have over 325 species of birds, most of them visiting as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway.

The Birds of Gateway Field Guide features 12 of the more noticeable species in the parks  along with the seasons when these birds can be seen here. Advanced birders might prefer the Jamaica Bay Bird Checklist.

Bird Biographies of some of the better known birds you might see at Gateway.

http://www.nps.gov/gate/naturescience/