Greenbelt Nature Center — Attraction in New York

I first learned about the Staten Island Greenbelt back in 2000. I was watching a weekly news series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the consolidation of the five boroughs of New York. Each week, there was a 2-hour episode focusing on the history and highlights of each borough. The Staten Island episode highlighted the Staten Island Greenbelt among other things. Being a life-long nature lover, I was immediately intrigued and surprised that Staten Island had such a thing. I was living in a condo at the time in Brooklyn and my daughter was only several months old. My dream was to own a home and learning about the Greenbelt inspired me to start looking at houses on the Island. Two years later, I sold my condo and bought a home near Richmondtown which was only three blocks away from the Greenbelt. This was the beginning of my love affair with the Greenbelt. Being a runner, I regularly ran the trails in the Greenbelt since it was only a 3-minute run from my home. After the birth of my son in 2004, I began family excursions along the trails in the Greenbelt carrying him on my back for the Greenbelt was literally in my own backyard. As the years wore on, I would bring my children to the Nature Center for various family events. I even had two birthday parties there; one in the actual Nature Center and one at the Carousel for All Children at Willoughbrook Park, an extension of the Greenbelt. In 2008, I joined the Staten Island Athletic Club and soon joined other trail runners who would hold weekly trail runs through the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt Nature Center has always been the gathering point for all of my activities there. For the past 10 years I've been participating in the High Rock Challenge and other trail events there. I have invited many of my friends from Brooklyn to explore the trails of the Greenbelt and they were all surprised that such an amazing place is only 20 minutes away from them. Recently I have filmed a horror short in the Greenbelt. The natural backdrop there lends itself well to film productions that require such a background. The Greenbelt and the Greenbelt Nature Center have meant many things to me and my family and I know that they will continue to do so into the future. Sadly, there are still many residents of Staten Island, some who have lived there their entire lives who still do not know that the Greenbelt...

I had the pleasure of visiting the Greenbelt Nature Center recently, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! Nestled in the heart of Staten Island, this hidden gem offers a perfect escape into nature without leaving the city. The center is easily accessible, making it a great spot for locals and visitors alike who want to reconnect with the outdoors 🌳.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly staff, who were incredibly knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna. The exhibits inside the center are well-curated, featuring interactive displays that educate visitors about the unique ecosystems found within the Greenbelt. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities for kids, which made it a fun experience for families. It’s clear that they put a lot of effort into making learning about nature engaging and enjoyable! 🦋

One of the highlights of my visit was the variety of trails that wind through the surrounding woods. I opted for a moderate hike on one of the paths and was blown away by the serene beauty of the area. The trails are well-maintained and marked, and I loved the diverse plant life and the chance to spot some wildlife along the way. I even saw a few deer quietly grazing in the distance! 🦌

After my hike, I took a moment to relax in the peaceful outdoor space behind the Nature Center. It was the perfect spot to unwind, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. There’s also a lovely garden area that showcases native plants, which I found particularly inspiring as someone who loves gardening.

The Greenbelt Nature Center is not just a place for hikes; they also offer various educational programs and events throughout the year. I noticed a schedule for nature walks, birdwatching events, and workshops, which I can’t wait to attend in the future. It’s wonderful to see a community space that encourages environmental education and appreciation 🌿.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Greenbelt Nature Center if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat filled with natural beauty and educational opportunities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just want to enjoy a tranquil walk in the woods, this place is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back soon for more adventures in this beautiful part of...

I went to this place with a few people from JCC. I was expected to have a nature walk scheduled here, but when the owner told us that it was being done somewhere else in Willowbrook, I was surprised. 😯 So we did a tour of the building instead and I was really experienced by what they have here. They have these taxidermy animals that they have on the shelves. 🦅🐿️🦉🦊🐺🐻They had turtles snakes hissing cockroaches and much more. 🐍🪶🐞🦋🪳🐢They had information on the walls about the nature around them and how it adapts to the atmosphere. It was very hot like 79°when we first came there.🌡️🥵 I guess that is when they had to relocate because it was so hot in that area. After all it was an experience to learn about the forest like area and the history there.🪴🌷🌱🌿🏞️ I wish I can go back to experience more to see how it is in the fall season and...