The Nature of New York!!!!!

The Other Face of New York  New York is a big city full of contrast. It is as you all know usually fast – paced and hectic; with its sky scrapers, busy traffic and “on the go people”. But there is a different side of New York that many New Yorkers don’t see. A side that is so breath- taking and peaceful. We were given the chance to experience this over the last few days at places such as Inwood Park and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Inwood Park On Tuesday we went to Inwood Park which is located near the northern part of Manhattan. There we saw different species of birds such as blue jays and black – capped chickadees. The black – capped chickadees were especially interesting because they ate out of our hands. There we also visited a cave that was once inhabited by Native Americans. We also learned that New York is mostly made up of a rock called schist and the surprising fact that willows make their own insecticide which is aspirin. We also saw the Hudson River Valley and many other things. On Tuesday we went to Inwood Park which is located near the northern part of Manhattan. There we saw different species of birds such as blue jays and black – capped chickadees. The black – capped chickadees were especially interesting because they ate out of our hands. There we also visited a cave that was once inhabited by Native Americans. We also learned that New York is mostly made up of a rock called schist and the surprising fact that willows make their own insecticide which is aspirin. We also saw the Hudson River Valley and many other things.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge On Thursday we went to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge which is located in the southern part of Queens.This refuge was started to provide a place for the many migratory birds and other animals and plants,that live and/or come to New York.We saw birds such as Canadian geese, swans, mallards, saegulls and ospreys. An interesting fact about the osprey is that at one time they were becoming extinct because their natural habitat were being destroyed.It was being destroyed because of a chemical called DDT (which was used to kill mosquitos). We also learned that birds are very smart especially the seagulls. To get their food the seagulls would drop it on the ground to crack open the clams shells to eat their insides.

 At Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge we also saw various plants such as mullein, bayberries, and cactus. Mulleins which are thick, fuzzy, and produces oval leaves can survive through the winter and even under the snow! The bayberries we came to find out that they are the wax in candles and when crushed smell wonderful. They are also the food of a non-migratory bird called the Yellow- rumped warbler. We also found some cactus.

Everything is Related  In our one- one exploration with nature, we learned and experienced a lot in which changed our perspective about our place in nature, how we treat it, and the role we play in both protecting and destroying it. We also learned that our ecological footprint (which is our impact on the environment) affects everything around us. This course has made us think twice about throwing that piece of garbage on the ground. Also everything is related to each other. Like for example if there were no salt marshes many ocean fish such as tuna could not have a place to reproduce and grow up; and if that happened their would be no more tuna sandwiches. As we stated before the nature of New York is breath- taking, but in all actually it’s the pollution of the hustle and bustle side of NYC that is taking our breath away and it’s the nature side that is breath giving!!!!!