There are many “hidden gems” within New York City; meaning that there are many fun and interesting places to visit that are not as famous as landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire state Building. One such hidden gem is the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge located in Broad Channel, Queens.
Over the past 25 years, 330 bird species have been spotted at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge which is regarded as being the best place in NYC to spot migrating birds. One of the reasons that Jamaica Bay is such a good location for birds is that it contains a number of different types of native habitants in one place. For example, the refuge includes a salt marsh, fields, woods and a pond. Aside from attracting birds, the diverse landscape also houses many types of reptiles, insects (including over 60 species of butterflies), small mammals, and amphibians. Each year, horse shoe crabs and turtles arrive at the beach to spawn, proving that the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is doing its part for conservation.
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is dedicated the preserving land for wild birds and small creatures like squirrels and chipmunks to roam freely. It is an excellent location for bird watchers and nature lovers to take a stroll around and it can be an educational opportunity for children thanks to a helpful Visitors Center that has many objects for interest for youngsters such as telescopes and horse shoe crab shells. There are even programs that offer Ranger-led tours of the refuge. Sunset tours, boat trips, hikes and more are also offered. For more information visit: http://www.nyharborparks.org/visit/jaba.html
Unfortunately, during Hurricane Sandy the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge was damaged—one of the roads was breeched resulting in the ocean meeting the previously fresh-water pond. Although the refuge is still in the process of rebuilding after this disaster it is currently open to the public and welcomes visitors daily from dawn to dusk (Visitors Center open 8:30am to 5pm).
For anyone who is interested in nature and lives in or near New York City this is certainly an enjoyable location worth visiting!
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