EVENTS

Free to the public, unless stated otherwise

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Featured Events:

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Rockaway Refresh - Post 4th of July - Beach 67th Street
Jul
10

Rockaway Refresh - Post 4th of July - Beach 67th Street

Rockaway Refresh is back for another season in Summer 2026!

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

*Our Post 4th of July cleanups are taking place at two locations - one at Beach 67th Street, and one at Beach 98th Street.

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Rockaway Refresh - Post 4th of July - Beach 98th Street
Jul
10

Rockaway Refresh - Post 4th of July - Beach 98th Street

Rockaway Refresh is back for another season in Summer 2026!

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

*Our Post 4th of July cleanups are taking place at two locations - one at Beach 67th Street, and one at Beach 98th Street.

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Frank M. Charles Memorial Park Cleanup
Jul
11

Frank M. Charles Memorial Park Cleanup

Join JBRPC for a cleanup at Frank Charles Park!

Volunteers will help remove trash and debris from the shoreline and surrounding park while enjoying incredible views of Jamaica Bay!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event HERE.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

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Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean
Jul
13

Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for Rockaway Refresh: Flow & Clean, a mindful start to your Monday morning that gives back to the beach! We'll kick things off with Refresh Yoga, a short session of gentle, grounding movement—then head to the sand to clean up the shoreline. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

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Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Jul
16

Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) I FISH NY program is excited to offer an engaging recreational experience, connecting state residents with their local natural resources through fishing.

DEC provides all the necessary instruction, equipment, and bait for a fishing experience. Visit the DEC Free Learn To Fish Clinics webpage for more information about this and other free fishing events.

Speak with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Marine Park Alliance staff on site to learn about our upcoming recreation, ecology, and family programs like this one and more!

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Rockaway Refresh
Jul
20

Rockaway Refresh

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

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Moth Ball: A Night of Moths & Moonlight at Floyd Bennett Field
Jul
20

Moth Ball: A Night of Moths & Moonlight at Floyd Bennett Field

Join us for National Moth Week as we dive into the secret world of Jamaica Bay’s glowing biodiversity. We’ll begin indoors with our “Moth Academy,” featuring light refreshments and an introduction to the local species, led by Don Riepe, a founding member of the NYC Butterfly Club.

While inside, participants can get creative at our moth mask art station and practice their photography skills at the UV “glow-up” photo station. As darkness falls, we will venture outside for our “moth crawl.”

Experience three unique stations, our powerful light sheet, sugar baiting on trees, and a guided UV flashlight walk to find vital coastal pollinators like the Luna moth and the White-lined Sphinx Moth.

No prior experience needed. A perfect outing for all nature lovers.

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Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Jul
24

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

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9th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival
Jul
25

9th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival

The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy will host the 9th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival on City of Water Day, Saturday, July 25, 2026.

The Jamaica Bay Festival is a free, fun, family event taking place in Brooklyn and Queens. The Festival celebrates those who share our vision to champion the spirit of the Jamaica Bay community, the unparalleled opportunities and the natural beauty of this urban tidal estuary. Participants can enjoy free kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, bird watching, art, nature and more.

 
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Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean
Jul
27

Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for Rockaway Refresh: Flow & Clean, a mindful start to your Monday morning that gives back to the beach! We'll kick things off with Refresh Yoga, a short session of gentle, grounding movement—then head to the sand to clean up the shoreline. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Rockaway Refresh
Aug
3

Rockaway Refresh

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

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East Pond Shoreline Cleanup at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Aug
8

East Pond Shoreline Cleanup at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Join JBRPC, the National Park Service, and Sadhana for a shoreline cleanup at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's East Pond.

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Sadhana for a shoreline cleanup at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's East Pond valve supported by Councilmember Joann Ariola and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer-Amato.

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring their own water and sunscreen. The cleanup will be canceled in the event of heavy rain or thunder/lightning in the forecast.

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Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean
Aug
10

Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for Rockaway Refresh: Flow & Clean, a mindful start to your Monday morning that gives back to the beach! We'll kick things off with Refresh Yoga, a short session of gentle, grounding movement—then head to the sand to clean up the shoreline. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Aug
12

Learn to Fish Clinic, with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) I FISH NY program is excited to offer an engaging recreational experience, connecting state residents with their local natural resources through fishing.

This free event will take place on May 20, 2026 from 12-3pm at Park at Beach 108th Street (Rockaway Ferry Terminal) in Queens as a part of World Fish Migration Day.

DEC provides all the necessary instruction, equipment, and bait for a fishing experience. Visit the DEC Free Learn To Fish Clinics webpage for more information about this and other free fishing events.

Stop by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy table to learn about our upcoming recreation, ecology, and family programs like this one and more!

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Shorebird Festival
Aug
16

Shorebird Festival

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, New York City Bird Alliance, and Gateway National Recreation Area for the 20th Annual Shorebird Festival. August is the perfect time to explore the diversity of New York City’s shorebirds!

Shorebird Festival attendees will have the opportunity to spot and learn about the scores of shorebird species and their natural habitat of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, filled with marshland, fresh and brackish water ponds, and grassy fields.

Attendees will meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

This festival is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

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Rockaway Refresh
Aug
17

Rockaway Refresh

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Aug
21

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

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National Park Week Kickoff at Floyd Bennett Field
Aug
22

National Park Week Kickoff at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service (NPS) on Saturday, August 22 from 9AM–1PM at Floyd Bennett Field for a special kickoff celebration to National Park Week!

Spend the morning exploring one of New York City’s most exciting national park spaces through a variety of unique experiences happening across the park, including free NPS kayaking on Jamaica Bay, visits to the Ryan Visitor Center, and tours of historic Hangar B to view vintage aircraft up close, with NPS rangers available to help guide your visit.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to rent bikes or hop aboard a trolley shuttle to travel between activities and destinations throughout the park, while the Big Apple Jet Rally takes place the very same day and is open for attendees to enjoy as part of the festivities.

Activities and tours will take place at scheduled times throughout the morning, with a full program and timing to be announced ahead of the event. Whether you are coming for waterfront adventure, aviation history, conservation, or a new way to experience the park, this special celebration offers something for everyone.

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Hamilton Beach Park Shoreline Cleanup
Aug
22

Hamilton Beach Park Shoreline Cleanup

Join JBRPC for a cleanup at Hamilton Beach Park!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event HERE.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

View Event →
Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean
Aug
24

Rockaway Refresh - Flow and Clean

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for Rockaway Refresh: Flow & Clean, a mindful start to your Monday morning that gives back to the beach! We'll kick things off with Refresh Yoga, a short session of gentle, grounding movement—then head to the sand to clean up the shoreline. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Jamaica Bay Open Paddle Kayaking, B43rd St.
Aug
29

Jamaica Bay Open Paddle Kayaking, B43rd St.

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, Gateway National Recreation Area, and the Garden by the Bay for an easy, open kayak paddle in Jamaica Bay!

We’ll paddle around Norton Basin, a protected tributary of the Bay that offers calm conditions welcoming to beginner and experienced kayakers alike. The shoreline of Norton Basin is surrounded by natural areas and open space, making it the perfect place to spot native wildlife – from small shorebirds to soaring raptors. The experienced rangers at Gateway National Recreation Area will provide kayaking instruction, along with on-water support to ensure a safe and fun kayaking experience!

Learn more about the opportunities available to explore Rockaway’s native plants and animals in Norton Basin’s neighboring parks and receive a copy of JBRPC’s Common Plants and Pollinators of Jamaica Bay and Rockaway: A Field Guide to take home.

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Rockaway Refresh
Aug
31

Rockaway Refresh

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Rockaway Refresh - Post Labor Day Weekend Cleanup!
Sep
8

Rockaway Refresh - Post Labor Day Weekend Cleanup!

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Sep
13

Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

View Event →
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Sep
18

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

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Raptorama
Sep
27

Raptorama

Raptorama is an annual event presented by the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, American Littoral Society, NYC Bird Alliance, and the Wildlife Center of Long Island.

During the fall, millions of birds, including bird of prey migrate through New York City on their journey south for the winter. Raptorama at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is the perfect excuse to get outside, learn more about these animals amazing journeys, and see some of them up close and personal!

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Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival
Oct
3

Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival

Floyd Bennett Field! Public Arts Festival will return in fall 2026!

The festival is a free, family-friendly event, featuring site-specific digital video artworks projection-mapped onto the 8,640-square-foot façade of historic Hangars 3 & 4 as a celebration of the park’s rich history and vibrant future.

This year’s festival will feature a playful version of the dinner and a show concept. As the sun sets over the landscape, neighbors and friends will gather for The Longest Table, a collective outdoor dinner that turns dining into art and conversation into connection, accompanied by music and family-friendly lawn activities.

When night settles, the hangars will come alive once more, washed in color, motion, and sound, with newly-commissioned digital artworks projected onto the unique brick and glass canvas of the building façade. 

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Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Oct
16

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

View Event →
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Oct
18

Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

View Event →
November Cleansweep: Bayswater City Park Shoreline
Oct
24

November Cleansweep: Bayswater City Park Shoreline

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

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November Cleansweep: Plumb Beach
Oct
31

November Cleansweep: Plumb Beach

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
November Cleansweep: Rockaway Community Park
Nov
7

November Cleansweep: Rockaway Community Park

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Nov
8

Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

View Event →
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Nov
13

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

View Event →
November Cleansweep: Canarsie Pier
Nov
14

November Cleansweep: Canarsie Pier

As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for the November CleanSweep, an effort by volunteers and students to remove marine debris from our shoreline! Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and end the year with the gift of clean shorelines!

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

View Event →
Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field with JBRPC and NYC Bird Alliance
Nov
15

Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field with JBRPC and NYC Bird Alliance

Join NYC Bird Alliance and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars or a scope if they have them. Limited binoculars to use will be available.

The group will be meeting at The Nest/Building 135 located at 135 Aviation Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Registration not required but highly encouraged. Registration link coming soon!

Accessibility: This area contains paved and unpaved paths. Parking is available right near the meeting location.

Directions: The closest public transportation is the Q35 at Flatbush Av/Floyd Bennett Field Entrance stop. To locate the meeting point, enter Floyd Bennett Field at the main entrance on Flatbush Ave near the Marine Park Bridge. (look for the large National Park Service sign). Travel 650 ft on Aviation Road. Make the first right turn into the parking lot. The Nest /Building 135 is a light gray colored building directly next to this lot.

View Event →
Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers
Dec
6

Park Pals at Floyd Bennett Field: Fall Nature Explorers

Join the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for our monthly Park Pals program at Floyd Bennett Field! Designed for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, this early childhood family program invites little learners to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on sensory activities, themed read-alouds, and guided nature walks.

Each Sunday session will focus on a different aspect of the changing fall season as families discover the plants, animals, and natural phenomena that make Floyd Bennett Field and the Jamaica Bay estuary so special. Together, we’ll explore textures, colors, sounds, and seasonal changes through play-based activities before heading out on a gentle walk to the shoreline, where families can enjoy sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and observe the wildlife that calls this estuary home.

Through stories, sensory exploration, and outdoor discovery, Park Pals encourages children and caregivers to slow down, connect with nature, and build a lifelong appreciation for the natural world together.

View Event →
Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Dec
12

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

View Event →
Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field with JBRPC and NYC Bird Alliance
Dec
13

Winter Birding at Floyd Bennett Field with JBRPC and NYC Bird Alliance

Join NYC Bird Alliance and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at Floyd Bennett Field, one of NYC's top spots for spotting winter wildlife! This former airfield-turned-natural haven offers a variety of habitats, from marshes to meadows, making it the perfect place to spot winter visitors like shovelers, scoters, and mergansers. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars or a scope if they have them. Limited binoculars to use will be available.

The group will be meeting at The Nest/Building 135 located at 135 Aviation Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11234.

Registration not required but highly encouraged. Registration link coming soon!

Accessibility: This area contains paved and unpaved paths. Parking is available right near the meeting location.

Directions: The closest public transportation is the Q35 at Flatbush Av/Floyd Bennett Field Entrance stop. To locate the meeting point, enter Floyd Bennett Field at the main entrance on Flatbush Ave near the Marine Park Bridge. (look for the large National Park Service sign). Travel 650 ft on Aviation Road. Make the first right turn into the parking lot. The Nest /Building 135 is a light gray colored building directly next to this lot.

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Kayaking for Beginners at Floyd Bennett Field with National Park Service
Jul
5

Kayaking for Beginners at Floyd Bennett Field with National Park Service

Kayaking for beginners. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation is required.

Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal flotation devices, paddles and instructions will be provided.

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Wheel Fun Rentals Celebrates America's 250th with Patriotic LED Bike Ride
Jul
4

Wheel Fun Rentals Celebrates America's 250th with Patriotic LED Bike Ride

Wheel Fun Rentals at Boathouse Row is lighting up summer nights in patriotic style as it celebrates America's 250th anniversary with special Red, White & Blue LED Illuminated Surrey Night Rides.

For the summer-long celebration, Wheel Fun Rentals has transformed its popular LED-illuminated specialty bikes into dazzling patriotic attractions featuring custom red, white, and blue lighting. Families, couples, and friends can cruise along two of New York City's scenic waterfronts while celebrating America's historic 250th birthday.

Night Rides are first-come, first-served and available Friday – Sundays and holidays beginning at sunset until 10pm, last 1-hour rental goes out at 9pm. Pricing is $29 for a Single Surrey (seats up to 3 adults and 2 small children), and $39 for a Double Surrey (seats up to 6 adults and 2 small children).

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Kayaking for Beginners at Riis Landing with National Park Service
Jul
4

Kayaking for Beginners at Riis Landing with National Park Service

Kayaking for beginners.  Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation required.

Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack.

Kayaks, personal flotation devices, paddles and instructions will be provided.

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Kayaking for Beginners at Floyd Bennett Field with National Park Service
Jul
4

Kayaking for Beginners at Floyd Bennett Field with National Park Service

Kayaking for beginners. Open to the public, ages 6 and up with an adult. No reservation is required.

Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal flotation devices, paddles and instructions will be provided.

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Wheel Fun Rentals Celebrates America's 250th with Patriotic LED Bike Ride
Jul
3

Wheel Fun Rentals Celebrates America's 250th with Patriotic LED Bike Ride

Wheel Fun Rentals at Boathouse Row is lighting up summer nights in patriotic style as it celebrates America's 250th anniversary with special Red, White & Blue LED Illuminated Surrey Night Rides.

For the summer-long celebration, Wheel Fun Rentals has transformed its popular LED-illuminated specialty bikes into dazzling patriotic attractions featuring custom red, white, and blue lighting. Families, couples, and friends can cruise along two of New York City's scenic waterfronts while celebrating America's historic 250th birthday.

Night Rides are first-come, first-served and available Friday – Sundays and holidays beginning at sunset until 10pm, last 1-hour rental goes out at 9pm. Pricing is $29 for a Single Surrey (seats up to 3 adults and 2 small children), and $39 for a Double Surrey (seats up to 6 adults and 2 small children).

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Learn to Paddle at Mill Basin with National Park Service
Jul
3

Learn to Paddle at Mill Basin with National Park Service

This is a fun “how to” paddle program. Learn to get in and out, go forward, turn, stop and back up a kayak.

Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal floatation devices, paddles and instructions will be provided.

Call (347) 672 3210 to make a reservation and for more information.

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Jamaica Bay Book Club with National Park Service
Jul
3

Jamaica Bay Book Club with National Park Service

Join National Park Service rangers and your neighbors for a Jamaica Bay-themed book club! We will be reading selections of nature-themed literature, and together think critically about nature literature and our place in the natural world.

This will be an outlet for open and respectful discussion, and a space to jointly enjoy the works that we will be reading! Please bring your thoughts and questions.

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Fishing Frenzy at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Jul
3

Fishing Frenzy at Shirley Chisholm State Park

Join park educators in learning what fish live in Jamaica Bay through FREE rod and reel fishing! Catch and release only. Materials provided.

No experience necessary, join us on Penn Pier to learn the ins and outs of fishing in Jamaica Bay! Participants will also learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, angling ethics, and aquatic ecology.

This is a FREE program! All supplies, including rods and bait will be provided.

Each session is limited to 15 fishing rods; families/small groups are encouraged to share a rod.

Please only register for one session per Friday, to give others a chance to fish.

Session times: 2:00pm to 2:45pm | 3:00pm to 3:45pm | 4:00pm to 4:45pm

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Mill Basin Beginner Kayaking wth National Park Service
Jul
3

Mill Basin Beginner Kayaking wth National Park Service

Enjoy this easygoing paddle along Mill Basin’s shoreline and perhaps glimpse roiling bunker or horses on the far shoreline. Led by a National Park Service Ranger.

Dress to get wet, wear shoes that will not fall off, and bring water, sunscreen, and a snack. Kayaks, personal flotation devices, paddles and instructions will be provided.

Call (347) 672 3210 to make a reservation and for more information. (1 mile)

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Rockaway Refresh - Summer Opening
Jun
29

Rockaway Refresh - Summer Opening

Rockaway Refresh is back for another season in Summer 2026!

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) staff for weekly Rockaway Refresh! boardwalk, beach, and shoreline cleanups. These pop-up cleanups will happen all summer on Mondays. Volunteers are invited to help us keep our beaches debris-free after busy beach weekends.

Our Rockaway Refresh summer schedule is on our website. Follow @jbrpc for more info.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event by clicking here.

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"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jun
28

"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Join the National Park Service for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. 

Open to all — no registration required.

For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.

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Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field
Jun
26

Stargazing at Floyd Bennett Field

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public!

The observing location is next to the Community Garden. It is within walking distance of the Q35 bus, and there is ample parking for cars.

If you do come out, remember to observe proper car light etiquette. Douse your lights at the entrance in the fence line, and let someone guide you in. If your car has running lights that don’t turn off, park at the fence. NOTE: Events are canceled in the event of rain, of if the sky is overcast.

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Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia (2025)
Jun
25

Movies Under the Stars: Zootopia (2025)

  • Lawn at Fillmore Avenue and Madison Place, Marine Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in your neighborhood park!

This summer, NYC Parks and The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs.

Screening of Zootopia at Marine Park will begin at dusk. In the event of extreme rain, the event will be cancelled.

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Summer Sun: Scopes on the Solstice at Marine Park
Jun
21

Summer Sun: Scopes on the Solstice at Marine Park

Join Marine Park Alliance and the Amateur Astronomers Association as we celebrate the longest day of the year by viewing the sun through telescopes with filters to allow for safe solar observation. 

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"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jun
21

"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Join the National Park Service for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. 

Open to all — no registration required.

For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.

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Volunteer Session with Marine Park Alliance: It's My Park at Marine Park
Jun
20

Volunteer Session with Marine Park Alliance: It's My Park at Marine Park

This “It's My Park” season, come help care for Brooklyn's largest city park.

Volunteers should register at www.marineparkalliance.org/volunteer/ for meeting location.

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Marine Park Forest Restoration
Jun
18

Marine Park Forest Restoration

Volunteer with the Stewardship team to protect the forested areas in Marine Park! Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Space is limited and registration is required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.

This event has been funded in part by NYC Service. To sign up a group of 10 or more volunteers please reach out to stewardship@parks.nyc.gov

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Just for Kids: PuppetMobile’s Pinocchio
Jun
14

Just for Kids: PuppetMobile’s Pinocchio

  • Lawn at Fillmore Avenue and Madison Place, Marine Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Find a spot on the lawn for a one-of-a-kind production of Pinocchio in Marine Park, presented by the CityParks PuppetMobile in partnership with City Parks Foundation and the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater team at NYC Parks.

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"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jun
14

"Ranger's Choice" Guided Walk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Join the National Park Service for a park ranger-led program highlighting the nature and history of Jamaica Bay. 

Open to all — no registration required.

For more information about a week's tour, call the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 718-318-4340.

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Pollinator Explorers: A JBRPC Family Program at Edgemere Farm
Jun
14

Pollinator Explorers: A JBRPC Family Program at Edgemere Farm

Join us at Edgemere Farm for a free, fun, hands-on program celebrating pollinators and their important role in our community! Designed for children ages 2–10 and their caregivers, this interactive event will explore how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators help grow the food we eat and support healthy ecosystems right here in Rockaway.

Families will enjoy a guided garden tour, playful learning activities including making their own “insect hotels” using upcycled and foraged materials, and a chance to take home a native plant to support pollinators at home. Through exploration, movement, and discovery, participants will learn how caring for pollinators helps strengthen both the farm and our local environment. Pre-registration is required.

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Jamaica Bay: Refuge for Wildlife, Refuge for People with the National Park Service
Jun
13

Jamaica Bay: Refuge for Wildlife, Refuge for People with the National Park Service

Join a park ranger on a tour to learn all about Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge! Together we'll focus on the plants, animals, and history, that make this place so special. We will incorporate some meditative practices as well to find new ways to enhance our experiences in nature.

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Floyd Bennett Field Bike Tour
Jun
13

Floyd Bennett Field Bike Tour

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service for a unique biking tour through the past, present, and future of New York City’s first municipal airport—now part of Gateway National Recreation Area and one of the city’s most extraordinary natural and historic landscapes. This guided ride will take you across some of Floyd Bennett Field’s vast runways and hidden trails, highlighting its aviation history, important natural areas that provide critical habitat for birds and other wildlife, ongoing restoration efforts, and the careful stewardship that helps protect this special place.

Logistical notes:

  • No registration is required, though participants will need to bring their own bikes. Rentals are not available at Floyd Bennett Field.

  • For folks bringing their bikes via car, free parking is plentiful outside Ryan Visitor Center. Please note that you’ll need to access the park via Aviation Road, off of Flatbush Avenue. See the diagram below.

  • The full ride will be 5-6 miles in length, punctuated by stops to discuss each point of interest.

  • Please also make sure to bring water and snacks! There are no public concessions at Floyd Bennett Field. The weather is looking warm and sunny.

The tour begins at the Ryan Visitor Center, where participants will be introduced to Floyd Bennett Field before heading up to the historic aircraft control tower for panoramic views of New York City, Jamaica Bay, and its surrounding communities. We’ll then proceed to historic Hangars 3 and 4 to learn about the exciting plans for their adaptive reuse.

Cycling the original concrete runways, we’ll head to the North 40 Natural Area, making a stop at the Jean Bourque Memorial Bird Blind overlooking a freshwater pond—a sanctuary for fall-migrating birds. From there, the ride will continue to the kayak launch for views of Mill Basin, then onward to the Seaplane Ramp, where sweeping views reveal Jamaica Bay’s surrounding parklands, marsh islands and the Rockaway Inlet.

The tour will continue to Hangar B, home to an extraordinary collection of historic aircraft beautifully restored by NPS HARP (Historic Aircraft Restoration Program) volunteers, before a final ride back along extensive grasslands, where we will scan the skies for hawks, kestrels, and other seasonal visitors.
This event offers a rare chance to experience Floyd Bennett Field’s expansive landscapes by bike, connecting its rich history with its exciting future as a hub for nature, innovation, and community in New York City.

Driving instructions to Ryan Visitor Center:

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Birding: Shorebird Families with Urban Park Rangers
Jun
13

Birding: Shorebird Families with Urban Park Rangers

Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see migratory birds. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.

Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that nest on the beach shoreline.

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World Cup Under the Stars in Marine Park
Jun
12

World Cup Under the Stars in Marine Park

Watch Team USA square off against Paraguay on the big screen. Bring a blanket or chair!

The match starts at 9:00 p.m. and the lawn opens at 7:00 p.m.

No registration is required.

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Forest Bathing Workshop: Restoring Our Relationship with the Earth
Jun
7

Forest Bathing Workshop: Restoring Our Relationship with the Earth

This two-hour guided forest bathing workshop invites participants into a traditional slow immersion walk through the park, integrating mindful sensory invitations, breathwork, and embodied reflection.

In alignment with World Environment Day’s global call for environmental stewardship and climate resilience, the experience concludes with a guided visualization and gentle act-of-care practice, encouraging each participant to identify one sustainable action that supports both personal well-being and planetary health.

Registration required.

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Mushrooms of Marine Park
Jun
6

Mushrooms of Marine Park

What role do mushrooms and fungi play in the complex web of ecosystems found in the salt marsh? What exactly are mushrooms and fungi? Discover more with Andrew Cannon of the New York Mycological Society and find out what's could be growing in our marsh.

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Hangar B Tour with National Park Service
Jun
6

Hangar B Tour with National Park Service

Discover Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history and explore restored aircraft on a ranger-led tour of a historic airplane hangar.

Afterwards, visitors can explore the hangar on their own and see what projects the Hangar B Restoration Project (HARP) volunteers are working on.

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World Ocean Day Cleanup at Plumb Beach
Jun
6

World Ocean Day Cleanup at Plumb Beach

Join Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy for a cleanup at Plumb Beach in honor of World Ocean Day.

Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own water and sunscreen. Event is rain or shine.

Please complete our volunteer waiver prior to the start of the event HERE.

JBRPC Community Stewardship Programs are generously supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, NYC Green Fund, and NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower, and public funding through NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblymembers Stacey Pheffer-Amato and Jaime R. Williams, Former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Members Joann Ariola, Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Mercedes Narcisse.

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Trees Count at Rockaway Community Park with the Urban Park Rangers
Jun
4

Trees Count at Rockaway Community Park with the Urban Park Rangers

Volunteer with NYC Parks for Trees Count 2025! At each event you will receive a tote bag with all the materials needed to count trees.

Next, we'll provide a 30-minute training session that includes the basics of tree identification and how to measure and assess each tree. Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees!

After completing your first training event, you are welcome to continue counting trees on your own in smaller parks across the city. Registration is required. Registration begins on May 14.

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Black Birders Week: Feathered Friends at Shirley Chisholm State Park
May
30

Black Birders Week: Feathered Friends at Shirley Chisholm State Park

Drop in to get up close and personal with live birds from the Wildlife Center of Long Island at Hendrix Creek Patio.

THIS IS A FREE DROP-IN PROGRAM! REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED!

In collaboration with Black AF In STEM, join the NY State Parks team in celebrating and uplifting budding Black birders, expert Black birders, and anyone in between!

Stop by at Hendrix Creek Patio any time between 1:00 pm to 3:00pm on Saturday May 30th to meet animal ambassadors from Wildlife Center of Long Island, in honor of Black Birders Week.

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