Thursday, February 20, 2025
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Beautiful Fort Tryon Park commands sweeping views of the Palisades and the Hudson River from soaring cliffs of bedrock in northern Manhattan. Past encounters include a variety of birds such as Bald Eagles and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Fort Tryon Park’s 67 acres are accessible to birders of all abilities and disabilities. Accessible-friendly routes including many well-paved walkways are suitable for birders with strollers, carriages, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. Accessibility is enhanced by birding guide and educator Alexandra Wang (Avian Alex), M.S. Ed., who offers augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) pamphlets, Braille pamphlets and plush birds for an inclusive birding tour. Further accommodations can be requested in advance by reaching out to Alex at alexmwang1992@gmail.com.
The group will meet at the main entrance of Fort Tryon Park on Margaret Corbin Circle. Registration not required but encouraged. No limit. Free.
Accessibility and Directions:
The M4 bus will take visitors to the main entrance at Margaret Corbin Circle. If you take the A train to 190th Street station and take the elevator up to Fort Washington Avenue, Margaret Corbin Circle will be on your right. The 175th Street A train station is an accessible station. Exit and take the M4 bus to Margaret Corbin Circle. There is an accessible restroom at the Bonnefont Restaurant. To learn more about Fort Tryon Park, please visit the NYC Parks website.
The tour begins at the southern entrance to the Heather Garden.
The Heather Garden is the crown jewel of Fort Tryon Park, spanning 3 acres of stunning beauty. Boasting one of the largest heath and heather collections on the East Coast, the garden showcases a 600-linear-foot perennial border and over 650 varieties of plants, including trees, shrubs, and bulbs! It is New York City’s largest public garden with unrestricted access. Walk among the lush greenery, flanked by historic stone walls and remnants of Cornelius G.K. Billings’ early 1900s estate.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River while discovering over 30 varieties of heaths and heathers, whose blooms and vibrant foliage bring year-round color to this extraordinary space. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the tranquil and diverse beauty of the Heather Garden in its autumn glory!
Come have fun on your lunch hour with our amazing gardeners John, Craig, and Asher! Get ready to ask those questions you’ve been pondering about plants, trees, and bees!
Every last Friday of the month – meet at Heather Garden entrance.
