Nature
As already mentioned, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the
largest public space in Queens. It’s home to NYC’s largest
lake, countless forms of wildlife, and several cultural and
recreational gems. But it’s not alone. The borough has many
beautiful public spaces that offer serenity from the hustle-bustle
of city life. The following two lists provide more information.
The first one informs on green areas run by nonprofits. The
second list informs on government-administered spaces.
Abutting Little Neck Bay in northeast Queens, Alley Pond Park
offers more than 655 acres of trees, water marshes, meadows,
hills, and trails. Because it occupies part of a terminal moraine
that was formed by a glacier roughly 15,000 years ago, it features
kettle ponds formed by melting ice and natural springs. Though
located near the Long Island Expressway, in the spring, pollen
fills the air, and flowers bloom everywhere. In the summer, frogs
and salamanders sun themselves on tree branches and rocks in
the ponds. In the fall, birds of all feathers flock there. And in the
winter, raccoon tracks can be found in the snow.
The Alley Pond Environmental Center is a nonprofit that is
operating in a temporary location in Alley Pond Park where
visitors can learn about the local woodlands and trails. The center
is dedicated to educating individuals about the environment
and protecting and preserving the park, open spaces and bodies
of water, as well as advocating for sustainable environmental
policies and practices. The center houses a number of live
ambassador animals (insects, turtles, doves, rabbits, snakes, etc)
that love visitors.
Alley Pond Park
88 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.its inqueens .com
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