10 Upcoming Free Spring Events in NYC Natural Areas

It’s warming up in New York City! Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and it’s finally the perfect temperature to take a stroll through your local park or natural area. To help you plan your early spring activities, we’ve rounded up ten upcoming events in NYC that will take you into our city’s nature.

April 5, 2025 

Nature Meditation Hike in Maria Hernandez Park, Brooklyn

NYC Parks, Urban Park Rangers

Relax with a guided meditation in lovely Maria Hernandez Park and learn about the relationship between ourselves and the four elements; air, water, fire, and earth.

April 6, 2025

Cherry Tree Heaven in Marine Park, Brooklyn

Marine Park Alliance 

Enjoy the gorgeous Yoshino cherry trees in Marine Park originally planted in the 1980s. NYC’s Director of Tree Planting will be there to lead a discussion!

Outdoor Skills: Navigation Essentials Workshop in Blue Heron Park, Staten Island 

NYC Parks, Urban Park Rangers

Learn some tips and tricks from Urban Park Rangers on how to navigate in the wilderness and be prepared for all your outdoor adventures.

April 12, 2025

Spring Creek Park Trail Maintainer Training & Trail Marker Installation, Brooklyn

Natural Areas Conservancy

Learn how to navigate using trail maps, assess trail conditions, mitigate trail concerns, identify plants, and more! This event will also cover trail blazing!

Signs of Spring Hike in Alley Pond Park, Queens

NYC Parks, Urban Park Rangers

Spring ephemerals are calling your name! Join the Urban Park Rangers for a gentle hike in beautiful Alley Pond Park.

April 19, 2025

Highbridge Park Super Steward Trail Maintainer Training, Manhattan

Natural Areas Conservancy

Learn how to navigate using trail maps, assess trail conditions, mitigate trail concerns, identify plants, and more! 

April 21, 2025

Central Park Evening Birding with Gabriel Willow, Manhattan

NYC Bird Alliance

Spring migration is upon us. Join expert birder Gabriel Willow in Central Park for a chance to see migratory birds like warblers and thrushes!

Tree Planting in Bronx Park, Bronx

Bronx River Alliance 

Lend a helping hand to your community and plant native trees along the river of Bronx Park.

April 26, 2025 

Alley Pond Park City Nature Challenge Guided Hike, Queens

Natural Areas Conservancy 

City Nature Challenge is back! Join NAC’s Trails Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa Rosenthal for a guided hike with plenty of opportunities to make iNaturalist observations which will contribute to the 2025 City Nature Challenge and NYC’s overall ranking during the weekend.

April 27, 2025

Wildflowers, Pollinators, & Soil Basics in Crotona Park, Bronx

NYC Parks, Urban Park Rangers 

Get connected to the earth and learn about soil textures and pollinators that help Crotona Park’s wildflowers grow!

While you’re out there, keep an eye out for these common spring ephemeral flowers!  

Nature Tips April 16, 2024

4 Common Spring Ephemerals You Can Find in NYC Natural Areas

By Melissa Rosenthal, Trails Volunteer Coordinator In early spring, before trees and shrubs leaf out, there is a period of time when the wea...

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