|
|
Natural Areas Initiative
Click here
to download the Natural Areas Initiative Report (PDF)
Click here to view the Natural Areas Initiative Database on the OASIS
site.
The Natural Areas Initiative was established in 2001 by New Yorkers
for Parks (NY4P) and the NYC Audubon to ensure long-term protection
and management of the natural areas of New York City. There are
currently 173 natural areas which include 12,000 acres of estuaries,
forests, ponds and other habitats. NAI works to increase public
awareness of natural areas and their benefits as well as to foster
cooperation between non-profit groups, communities, and government
agencies toward their protection.
In the five boroughs, natural areas serve as important ecosystems,
supporting a rich variety of plant and wildlife. Many bird species
depend on these areas for their survival. Migrating bird species,
including many shorebirds and songbirds depend on these areas for
nourishment as they fly through New York City during spring and
fall migration. Other bird species, such as herons, turns, skimmers
and egrets use these areas as breeding sites, which are under increased
pressure globally due to habitat loss. The natural areas are also
home to many resident birds which stay in New York City throughout
the year, such as blue jays, cardinals, and red-tailed hawks. These
areas also provide New Yorkers with the chance to view up close
the birds and other animals that live there.
Over the last two years, working with multiple agencies and organizations,
NY4P and NYC Audubon have created an authoritative and comprehensive
New York City natural areas database. The NAI Database includes
detailed information on the City’s remaining natural areas including
location, acreage, physical characteristics, unique ecological features,
and threats, as well as legislative and special conservation designations.
The NAI database is a part of the Open Accessible Space Information
System (OASIS) and available at www.oasisnyc.net.
View the Natural Areas Initiative page on the New Yorkers for Parks
site: click
here
For more information on the Natural Areas Database, please email
ygelb@nycaudubon.org.
Forever Wild Program
The Forever Wild Program is an initiative of the New York City Department
of Parks & Recreation to protect and preserve the most ecologically valuable
lands within the five boroughs. The 48 Forever Wild Nature Preserves include
over 8,700 acres of towering forests, vibrant wetlands, and expansive
meadows. Click
here to view the Forever Wild page on the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
site.
Take Action
Local
Issues
State Issues
National
Issues
Armchair
Activist
Volunteer Now
Membership Ambassadors
Office Helpers
Translators
Writers
Photo Committee
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact
Yigal Gelb,
NYC Audubon’s volunteer coordinator at (212) 691-7483.
Our volunteering opportunities change with the seasons. In winter
we will be conduction our annual Christmas Bird Count. In summer
we will be starting the Harbor Herons Shore Monitoring Program again.
To learn more about volunteering for these programs visit us again
at those times.
|
