Calendar of Events
Watching for turtles at Willowbrook Pond Photo: Dorothy Reilly
JUNE
June 1 – June 16
Sing for Hope Pop Up Piano at the Greenbelt Nature Center
This city-wide public art project places 88 pianos throughout the five boroughs for two weeks. Whether you are an experienced piano player or are attempting to play for the first time, visit the Greenbelt Nature Center during our hours of operation (Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm) to tickle the ivories on a beautifully decorated piano. For more information, visit pianos.singforhope.org.
Saturday, June 1, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
National Trails Day, LaTourette Park
Join Greenbelt staff members repairing and restoring sections of the White Trail. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue. To volunteer for any of our events you must be age 14 and up/under 14 with an adult. Gloves and tools are provided. If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP by calling 718-667-2165 ext. 311 or email Jeanne.Paliswiat@parks.nyc.gov. Summer volunteers are also needed at High Rock Park every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, beginning July 9 and ending August 15.
Saturday, June 1, 12 noon – 3:00 pm (rain date: Sunday, June 2)
Silk Sensations: A Kaleidoscope of Color
Kaleidoscope of Color is a large outdoor exhibition of community made silk banners suspended to waft & shimmer amongst trees on the front lawn of the Greenbelt Nature Center. Join artist Janice Patrignani in this unique outdoor art experience. Participate in the making of more colorful banners, inspired by the flora and fauna of the Greenbelt Nature Center. Contribute drawings of a flower or paintings of leaves to a piece of silk that will become part of future outdoor installations. This project was make possible in part by a DCA Art Fund Grant from the Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island with public funding from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Free program. Registration highly encouraged. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Saturday, June 1, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Sounds of Cicadas
Discussion and Walk with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
This year the Seventeen Year Periodic Cicadas will emerge en masse across Staten Island. Self-taught entomologist, Paul Lederer, a research associate with the Staten Island Museum, will share everything cicada during a discussion at the Greenbelt Nature Center. After an hour-long discussion, with an opportunity for questions and answers, Paul will lead a walk to investigate these intriguing insects. Meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center. For more information call Paul at 718-987-1576. Note: In the event of rain, the discussion will still be presented at the Nature Center.
Sunday, June 2, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
T’ai-Chi Class at the Nature Center
Join Tai-Chi instructor Raymond Yuen for Tai-Chi sessions overlooking our beautiful and inspiring woodlands. All fitness levels are welcome. Fee: $13 for Greenbelt Conservancy members; $15 for non-members. Discounted pre-paid 10-week passes are available, and classes are ongoing year-round, but are occasionally cancelled due to holidays, inclement weather, and other events. Call (718) 351-3450 or email: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Wednesday, June 5
Nature Programs for Toddlers:
Wednesday, 9:45 – 10:30 am
Greenbelt Tree Tots for three and four year-old children
Wednesday, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Greenbelt Peepers for your two year old child
Join us for a dynamic exploration of the wonders of the forest at our Wednesday Spring session of the Greenbelt Tree Tots and the Greenbelt Peepers. Sit with your tot and enjoy hands-on activities, observations, finger plays, games, and stories, through which children will become familiar with the sights and sounds of the forest. Fees: $6/week for Greenbelt Conservancy members; $8/week for non-members. Buy a 5-week pre-paid pass, get a 6th week free. $30/Greenbelt Conservancy members; $40/non-members. Makes a great gift for your young naturalist. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org for program details and registration. The program will take place indoors and outdoors (weather-permitting) every Wednesday through June 5.
Thursday, June 6, 10:00 – 10:45 am
Greenbelt Tree Tots for three and four year old children
Join us for a dynamic exploration of the wonders of the forest at our Thursday Spring session of the Greenbelt Tree Tots. Sit with your 3 to 4 year old child and enjoy hands-on activities, observations, finger plays, games, and stories, through which children will become familiar with the sights and sounds of the forest. Fees: $6/week for Greenbelt Conservancy members; $8/week for non-members. Buy a 5-week pre-paid pass, get a 6th week free. $30/Greenbelt Conservancy members; $40/non-members. Makes a great gift for your young naturalist. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org for program details and registration. The program will take place indoors and outdoors (weather-permitting) every Thursday through June 6.
Saturdays, June 8, June 15 and June 22, 11:00 am
Adult Art Series: The Art of Drawing from Still Life (Charcoal)
Master charcoal, the ancient medium known as “Black Magic” while learning how to create expressive still life drawings. Design principles will be discussed including symmetry, negative space awareness, light and shade, and tonal assessment, along with other elements sure to enhance your compositional and drawing skills. Fee per three-part series: Fee: $60 non-members/$51 Greenbelt Conservancy members. Registration and pre-payment required. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Saturday, June 8, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
NatureFest at Willowbrook Park
For more information, visit www.statenislandmuseum.org.
Sunday, June 9, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
T’ai-Chi Class at the Nature Center
Join Tai-Chi instructor Raymond Yuen for Tai-Chi sessions overlooking our beautiful and inspiring woodlands. All fitness levels are welcome. Fee: $13 for Greenbelt Conservancy members; $15 for non-members. Discounted pre-paid 10-week passes are available, and classes are ongoing year-round, but are occasionally cancelled due to holidays, inclement weather, and other events. Call (718) 351-3450 or email: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Sunday, June 9, 11:00 am
Happy Hounds Hike
Bring your canine companion for a hike through High Rock Park in the Greenbelt. Learn the trails and make new friends. Hikers meet at the parking lot of High Rock Park, 200 Nevada Avenue (off Rockland Avenue). Remember to bring water and bags to pick up after your dog. Registration required. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Saturday, June 15, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Forest Restoration Workshop with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, Red Trail in LaTourette
Meet at the back of the LaTourette Golf Course parking lot on Richmond Hill Road (close to the Edinboro Road entrance). We will walk the Red trail removing invasive vines that strangle or pull down shrubs and saplings. If you don’t have your own, Protectors will supply pruners, gloves (and refreshments). After a two-hour work session (our 202nd monthly workshop), we will take a short walk over nearby trails. For more details, call Don Recklies at 718-768-9036 or Chuck Perry at 718-667-1393.
Saturday, June 15, 1:00 pm
Swamp Stories at High Rock
Sit by the swamp for a spell and enjoy a story about the critters that live nearby. Meet in the Nevada Avenue parking lot (off Rockland Avenue). Suitable for ages 3 – 6 with adult. Registration required. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Sunday, June 16, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
High Rock Walk with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Join naturalist and former New York State archaeologist Mike Shanley as he explores the beauty of High Rock Park. We will be searching for late migrants, nesting birds, turtles and other wildlife as we make our way toward Pouch Camp. For more information, call Mike at 917-753-7155, or email Falecore@yahoo.com.
Sunday, June 16, 12 noon – 2:00 pm
Reed’s Basket Willow Swamp Walk with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Discover this hidden natural park in Dongan Hills. We will visit the three bodies of water in the park and hike through the woodland slopes. Meet at the park entrance at the top of Spring Street in Dongan Hills. For more information, call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.
Wednesday, June 19, 8:00 pm
FrogWatch Monthly Monitoring Session: Buttonbush Swamp
Join us for monthly monitoring sessions where we listen for the calls of local frogs. Frog Watch USA is a nationwide program that monitors and tracks amphibian populations by collecting data with help from volunteers like you! Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the night walk and monitoring. This program is suitable for ages 8 and up. Meet at Greenbelt Nature Center. Registration required. Call (718) 351-3450 or email naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Sunday, June 23, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
T’ai-Chi Class at the Nature Center
Join Tai-Chi instructor Raymond Yuen for Tai-Chi sessions overlooking our beautiful and inspiring woodlands. All fitness levels are welcome. Fee: $13 for Greenbelt Conservancy members; $15 for non-members. Discounted pre-paid 10-week passes are available, and classes are ongoing year-round, but are occasionally cancelled due to holidays, inclement weather, and other events. Call (718) 351-3450 or email: naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org.
Saturday, June 29, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Forest Restoration, High Rock Park
Join Greenbelt staff to remove invasive plants and restore trails. Meet at the Administration building, 200 Nevada Avenue. To volunteer for any of our events you must be age 14 and up/under 14 with an adult. Gloves and tools are provided. If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP by calling 718-667-2165 ext. 311 or email Jeanne.Paliswiat@parks.nyc.gov. Summer volunteers are also needed at High Rock Park every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, beginning July 9 and ending August 15.
JULY
Monday, July 8 – Summer Camp Begins: Go here for all the fun facts!
Saturday, July 13, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Forest Restoration, High Rock Park
Join Greenbelt staff to remove invasive plants and restore trails. Meet at the Administration building, 200 Nevada Avenue. To volunteer for any of our events you must be age 14 and up/under 14 with an adult. Gloves and tools are provided. If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP by calling 718-667-2165 ext. 311 or email Jeanne.Paliswiat@parks.nyc.gov. Summer volunteers are also needed at High Rock Park every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, beginning July 9 and ending August 15.
Save the Date: Sunday, July 28, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Borough President James Molinaro’s Children’s Day Extravaganza at the Carousel for All Children – Willowbrook Park
Live music by Patrick and fun festivities including arts and crafts, face painting, inflatable rides, games, prizes and more for the child in all of us! This event is a summertime tradition and we look forward to seeing you. Entertainment is free of charge; carousel rides are $1.50 per spin. Join us!
AUGUST
Monday, August 5, 10:30 am – FREE
City Parks Foundation Summerstage presents Zany Umbrella Circus performing “My Grandfathers Circus”
Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook Park – bring a lawn chair or blanket for sitting
“My grandfather grew up in South Dakota during the great depression. This fifty-five minute show is based on his stories and how he had fun during a very adverse time creating a circus out of the dust bowl . . . . . Circus arts performed in this show include and are not limited to juggling, slack rope walking, prop manipulation, unicycle, and many more.” For all ages.
Monday, August 12, 10:30 am – FREE
City Parks Foundation Summerstage presents Robbi K & Friends
Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook Park – bring a lawn chair or blanket for sitting
Robbi K & Friends bring a level of excitement to music, through Jazz improvisation, to delight audiences with an unexpected presentation of favorite and original songs. Supported by an amazing band of versatile, smart and gifted musicians, her personable demeanor is the essence of the show. For all ages.
Monday, August 19, 10:30 am – FREE
City Parks Foundation Summerstage presents CityParks Puppetmobile performing “Little Red’s Hood”
Carousel for All Children in Willowbrook Park – bring a lawn chair or blanket for sitting
Like many of today’s children, Little Red is a smart, young city slicker who is too focused on her smartphone to notice her surroundings. Wulfric is a misunderstood wolf with a sweet tooth. When Little Red travels from New York City to the country to deliver some cupcakes to her Grandma, she encounters a colorful cast of characters as Wulfric the Wolf tries to head her off at the pass. PuppetMobile shows welcome audience members of all ages, and is best for 2-8 year olds.
SEPTEMBER
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 6 PM
Greenbelt Conservancy Annual Gala at the Richmond County Country Club