A Fine Patch of Wild

It was 1976 when author and environmentalist, John Mitchell, described High Rock Park in the Greenbelt as “a fine patch of wild,” and in fact it is, and will always remain so.  Much of the Greenbelt is protected NYC parkland. Other sections are under the auspices of New York State.  Other properties such as Moravian Cemetery and the Richmond County Country Club golf course (adjacent to High Rock Park), are privately held.

The Greenbelt’s natural and “Forever Wild” areas support rare habitats such as woodlands, wetlands, forests, meadows and rare native plant species.  The Greenbelt Natural Resource Team oversees the development and implementation of ecologically based programs to conserve the environmental integrity of the Greenbelt.   The Greenbelt is also home to a large variety of wildlife, migratory birds species, frogs, turtles, fish, deer chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, butterflies, moths and dragonflies.

The Greenbelt Conservancy, in partnership with NYC Parks, works to support the ecological, educational and recreational resources of this remarkable oasis. In addition, The Greenbelt Administration & Conservancy relies on partnerships with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Protectors of Pine oaks Woods, local community groups, numerous interns and volunteers to accomplish its mission.