Simultaneous Centuries: Birds, Roses, Buildings and Time

Did you know areas of West Harlem and Washington Heights are home to the only Heritage Rose District in the United States? And that the same areas hold the largest concentration of Audubon bird murals? You probably knew that the Manhattan grid was designed to end between these two neighborhoods and largely does, with the grid system interrupted by streets that once were farm and designed neighborhood paths, dictated by events and people of the 19th Century. Come along on an Uptown Saunter through heritage rose plantings, wandering birds, and time fluctuations.

Highlights: Harlem and Washington Heights history, Gothic City College buildings, Stunning rowhouses of Convent Avenue, Beaux-Arts architecture, Trinity Church and Mausoleum and a few of its few of its inhabitants, an Uptown cloister, historical buildings, interspersed with seemingly random and sometimes unseen gardens and murals.

Meet:The Forum, Broadway and 125th Street (inside)
Time: 9:45 AM, firm start at 10:00
End place: 167th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
End tiime: APPROXIMATELY 2:00
RAIN: Hard rain cancels or postpones. You will be informed early.
Note that this is a linear walk with approximate route and end time, depending on the amount of stopping and picture taking. The Forum is most easily accessed by the #1 train, and a 10-minute walk from the ABCD. The ending is close to the #1 and AC lines from 168th. Check the MTA schedule for weekend changes. The Upper Manhattan nature of the walk is that there will be some hills but all paved sidewalks.

Attendance: Attendance is limited. Please register only if you really plan to attend. If for any reason you change your mind or your circumstances change, please revise your RSVP in time for others on the waiting list to join.

Bring: Check the weather and dress appropriately, bring sunscreen if that is your habit, and bring water. The walk is mostly on city streets, where there won't be fountains but where there will be stores.

Rest Rooms: At the start in the Forum, in the Trinity Cemetery, and near the end on Edgecombe in front of High Bridge Park.

Breaks: one planned lunch break about halfway, no bathrooms at the break but one shortly before. Carry a lunch or purchase something at one of the several bodegas.

Hike Leaders: Text on day of only.
Host: Gina (347-842-5452)
Cohost: Christine (646-491-0764)
Cohost: Maureen (718-954-1591)