About

The Greenbelt

Staten Island holds in its heart 2,800-acres of nature’s rugged beauty – the Greenbelt. Discover “Forever Wild sites” – mature forests, wetlands, meadows, wildlife and over 35-miles of marked hiking trails. Walk for a while to experience nature’s beauty while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

A Wild Place

The Greenbelt includes New York City’s largest remaining forest preserve, offering an oasis of peace, quiet, and solitude. It is also home to tidal and fresh water wetlands, oak and beech forests, open meadows, and rolling hills that offer visitors a glimpse into the natural and pastoral heritage of Staten Island. The Greenbelt is an extraordinary natural resource visited by over one million people annually.

Play and Exercise

Recreational activities ranging from trail races to fitness classes and group hikes are offered for every age and fitness level. Golf, archery, baseball, hiking, tennis, soccer, birding and enchanting carousel rides are also available in the Greenbelt. Volunteer opportunities – outdoors as well as indoors – abound for people of all ages

New York City Parkland

Most of the Greenbelt is New York City parkland featuring natural areas as well as traditional parks. LaTourette, Willowbrook and High Rock feature different environments and activities.  Several privately-owned parcels of land, such as Pouch Boy Scout Camp, Richmond Country Country Club golf course and Moravian Cemetery, are within Greenbelt boundaries.   Other parcels, such as Seaview Hospital and Home are designated City properties, yet not parkland.

Facilities

The Greenbelt is home to the Greenbelt Nature and Recreation Centers. These state-of-the art public facilities serve visitors in myriad ways while showcasing Greenbelt scenery and fostering environmental education, park stewardship and a healthy lifestyle.

Trails

The Greenbelt features over 35-miles of rugged trails as well as a two- mike long perimeter multi-use path.  Interior, woodland trails are primarily rated easy to moderate, and serve hikers and runners (cycling is only permitted on the perimeter trail). The trail system traverses diverse ecosystems and offers visitors a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Environmental Education

The Greenbelt Environmental Education Department hosts programs for school and scout groups, senior citizens, families and the general public. Summer camp and mini-camp sessions are a warm weather tradition for legions of local children.  New programs have been added to serve the home school community.

“Into the Outdoors,” programs, workshops and special events, sponsored, in part, by Con Edison, take place throughout the year at the Nature Center and in our great outdoors

Explore our website, calendar of events, trail map to acquaint yourself with the Greenbelt as you plan your visit. We look forward to seeing you soon and often in Staten Island’s “great outdoors!”

Partnering with New York City Parks

The Greenbelt Conservancy works in partnership with the NYC Parks to support, promote and protect the Greenbelt.

Greenbelt Conservancy: A Not-for-Profit Partner

The Greenbelt Conservancy is a 501 (c)(3) not-for profit organization overseen by the Greenbelt Conservancy Board of Directors, executive director and a professional staff.

The Conservancy raises funds for many purposes, including maintenance and operation of the Carousel for All Children; natural resource management, which includes trail maintenance, mapping; and the exhibits and operations at our Nature Center and environmental education programs for PreK-school age students during the school year and in summer camp. The Board of Directors is responsible for the wise management of its endowment, increasing funds and public participation, protection and management of Greenbelt lands and expanding public programs.

The Conservancy raises money to support

• Environmental Education Programs in High Rock Park and the Greenbelt Nature Center including summer camp, school  visit programs
• Natural Resource Management including  trail maintenance, mapping, forestry  and wetland management, plant and wildlife monitoring, invasive plant  management and the planting of native trees and shrubs
• Greenbelt Nature Center exhibits, operations and a wide array of environmental  education programs
• Carousel for All Children maintenance and operation, The Carousel  is located  in the Greenbelt’s Willowbrook Park
• Special Community Events  that encourage enjoyment  of the  Greenbelt  including the High Rock Challenge 10k Adventure Race, Blue Jean Ball, Shakespeare in the Greenbelt,  Annual Pumpkin Festival and many more.