Our First Meetup: A Nature Walk in Queens

welcome to our very first Meetup! Let's get up, get outside and head to the Jamaica Wildlife Refuge in Jamaica, Queens, for a nature walk for some fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends as we explore the flora, fauna and history of Jamaica Bay

ABOUT THE JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE:
https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm
The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of water, saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish water ponds, upland fields and woods, and open bay and islands. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and is a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species. The Wildlife Refuge was created in the 1950s by NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Robert Moses. This site became part of the National Park Service in 1972 when Gateway was established.

GETTING THERE: Make your own way to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center located at 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Queens, NY 11693, by 10AM. WE WILL MEET HERE AT 1OAM

• Getting there by Subway: Take the Rockaway-bound A train to Broad Channel Station. Walk along Noel Road to Cross Bay Boulevard. Turn right and walk three quarters of a mile to the Refuge Visitor Center.
• Getting there by MTA Bus: Take the Q21 from the Queens Center Mall (Elmhurst) or 116th Street (Rockaway) to the Refuge. OR Take the Q53 from 61st and Roosevelt Avenue (Woodside) to the Refuge. Please note that the Q53 is a +select bus service.

Driving Directions: https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm

OUR AGENDA: From the Visitor's Center, we will explore the West Pond trail which is a wide, gravel nature trail that circles the 45-acre West Pond at the Refuge. The main reason to hike it is to see birds, but even if birds are not your thing, the trail is perfect for families and friends who want to walk side-by-side while engaging in conversation and viewing nature.

AGENDA: We will explore the Refuge at LEISURELY PACE and NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

Day's agenda remains subject to last minute changes. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING: Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring lunch/snacks/beverage for yourself; and whatever else you may need to get you through the day

WEATHER: Rain cancels!

DURATION: I cannot guarantee finishing time but I hope to finish by no later than 3PM. You can leave on your own at any time. We won't judge. Much.

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Hold no one liable. Participate at your own risks. etc. etc.