Want to meet a real native New Yorker? Then let's talk all about raccoons!

Forest Park is a huge, beautiful park and there’s a special little area that’s perfect for recreation or relaxing. Come explore the Overlook with me!

My local blue jays are providing me with a very natural -- though jarring! -- wake up call for the last several mornings. So I'm doing a species deep dive to learn more about this beautiful, bold bird!

Long for an exotic outdoor vacation but an arctic expedition or a safari aren't in the cards? No worries -- Queens has plenty of options for a nature and outdoorsy vacation!

Willow Lake is an unexpected nature sanctuary that's part of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Come and explore!

Fun and local Labor Day weekend suggestions.

NYC Parks Department Vital Park Explorer

NYC Tree Map

Pondering Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Easy BBQ or picnic with Kevin and the Cunningham Park farmer’s market. (Photo: Kevin Sims)

Ode to the wonderful Eastern Gray Squirrel

Some fun events this weekend

Lighting up the night with lightning bugs

In praise of tiny parks

Pools and such

Queens Botanical Garden

International Picnic Day

I love the beach and love talking about the beach — I could go on indefinitely about all the nature! But I’ll limit myself to a few species this time…

Had a great chat with Mr. Jamaica Bay, Don Riepe, who is equal parts brilliant and charming!

It’s Memorial Day weekend — the unofficial start of summer! And if you want some beach scoop, listen up!