It seemed like graduation was just yesterday but NYU students are flocking back into the city for summer classes and internships. Hopefully, there won’t be too many assignments or your work hours aren’t too long because the best part about being in NYC in the summer are its parks! There are hundreds of events from May to August you can scroll through here, but I found the series that you should definitely check out if you get a day off to get out.
Summer on the Hudson: Baylander Billion Oyster Project
June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, August 11
The Billion Oyster Project is truly an amazing organization that works with schools and local businesses to restore New York Harbor’s keystone oyster population. Office of Sustainability Educating for Sustainability speaker Ayana Johnson is a new board member of BOP and this parks event is a great way to see for yourself the important work they are doing.
June 2, June 3, June 9, June 10, June 16, June 17, June 23, June 30
The Urban Farm on Randall’s Island is spectacular and on every Saturday and Sunday until October, the public can explore the grounds. See for yourself sustainable gardening practices like rainwater capture, crop rotation and compost. With berries, apple orchards and baby chicks, the Urban Farm is a great weekend activity.
May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26
You might not think that NYC is the best place to look at the night sky (with all the pollution that) but with a high powered telescopes and members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York, you’ll experience a night to remember.
Native Pollinators Walk at Wave Hill
June 16, June 17
Bees, birds, beetles, oh my! The pollinators at the historic Wave Hill estate are the stars of the tour. Environmental educator Tim Stanley of Native Beeology and naturalist Paul Keim guide those pollinator-fans.
Farm & Compost Volunteer Opportunities at Queens Botanical Garden
June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, July 4
If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back this summer, this is a good one. Volunteering at the Queens Botanical Garden is a fun way to be outdoors, learn how to compost and help a worthy institution.