LOCATION

Broad Channel, Queens.

GETTING THERE

Get map & directions.

HOURS

Trails open daily, dawn to dusk.
Visitor Center open daily, 8:30am-5pm.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Visitor Contact Station is wheelchair accessible and handicapped parking is available.

PERMITS

Do I need a permit?

PETS

Are pets allowed?

CONTACT

Gateway NRA (NPS), 718-318-4340.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Breezy Point
Canarsie Pier
Floyd Bennett Field
Fort Tilden
Jacob Riis Park

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

A sanctuary for wild birds and other native species

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge—part of Gateway National Recreation Area—is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States and one of the best places in New York City to observe migrating species. With more than 330 bird species—nearly half the species in the Northeast—sighted at the refuge over the last 25 years, it is a must-see for avian enthusiasts.

The park's unique landscape contains a variety of rare native habitats including a salt marsh, upland field and woods, several fresh and brackish water ponds, and an open expanse of bay. There is a wide variety of ranger and partner-led programs offered year-round at the site, including presentations on seasonal wildlife, sunset tours, hikes, boat trips, family programs and an annual lecture series. Check out what's happening at Jamaica Bay.

The Visitor Contact Station, a Gold LEED certified building, welcomes visitors and is the starting point for many guided programs. Free walking permits, necessary to hike the trails, are obtainable here as well. The Visitor Contact Station is also home to exhibits that highlight Jamaica Bay's remarkable plant and animal life, history, and the continuing human impact on the nature of the bay.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, the only wildlife refuge in the National Park System, is also home to an impressive array of native reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, over 60 species of butterflies and one of the largest populations of horseshoe crabs in the Northeast. Numerous ranger-led nature hikes, bird watching sessions, and seining activities give visitors the chance to get up close to these incredible animals and learn about protecting them.

Originally managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the landscape of the Wildlife Refuge underwent a major change when then Park Commissioner Robert Moses ordered the creation of two large fresh water ponds, East Pond and West Pond, which are still major features of the park today. In 1972, the city transferred ownership of the Wildlife Refuge to the National Park Service, and the site became part of Gateway National Recreation Area.

Special Events This Month

Exploring the Upland Trail

5/13, 2-3pm

Explore the upland trail at the refuge and discover a wealth of plant species during this guided walk.

5th Annual NYC Wildflower Week: Invasive Plant Removal

5/16, 10:30am-1:30pm

Help the refuge celebrate National Urban Biodiversity Week with this effort to remove non-native plants along the trails. Wear comfortable shoes and long sleeves and bring water and gloves.

Horseshoe Crabs and Red Knots

5/20, 8:30-11am

Naturalists lead this guided hike along the shoreline to see horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. Call ahead for reservations, (718) 318-4340.

Jamaica Bay Sunset Cruise

5/27, 4:30-8pm , Sheepshead Bay, Pier 2

Explore the bay by boat during this guided sunset cruise. Expect to see egrets, herons, osprey and more while enjoying refreshments. Guides from the National Park Service, American Littoral Society and NYC Audubon will be on board. Tickets are $55 for adults, $25 for kids under 16 years. Email Don Riepe at donriepe@gmail.com or call (718) 318-9344 for more information.

Site Tours

See calendar for ranger and partner-led birding and nature tours.

Other Activities

Birding, kayaking, sailing, nature walks, exhibits, talks and cruises.