Story
Urban Nature
Urban nature. Sound like a paradox? To some, yes. While New York City is generally known for its huge buildings and concrete, we can't overlook the beaches, parks, and general nature that beautify it. We'll be taking a historic look at some of these sites in Queens that folks can't get enough of. So when you want to get away from endless car horns and hear the song of the American Avocet, come back to this guide!
This City Story was curated and written by Kareen Pierre-Louis, CUNY Cultural Corps Intern with Queens Memory for the 2021-22 academic year.
Alley Pond Park
This land was purchased in 1929 by the City of New York to prevent it from becoming residential property after the significant growth of Queen's population. Its Alley Pond Park Nature Trail gives the perfect opportunity to take a tranquil stroll and look at the scenery. This trail even took the title of the first nature trail in a New York City park. It also holds what is believed to be the oldest tree in all of New York City: the Queens Giant.
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Queens County Farm Museum
On this farm stands the Dutch-style Adriance farmhouse, which has been on the grounds since 1772. Also on the farm are historic greenhouses, wagon shed, planting fields, outbuildings, and livestock. The land was purchased by the State of New York in 1927 for Creedmoor Psychiatric Center's patients to maintain the land as "therapy." In 1973, residents even prevented the state from demolishing the land.
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Flushing Meadows Park
One of the most noteworthy events that took place at the park was the New York World's Fair in 1939 and 1964. The fairs attracted millions, as it showcased various countries, exhibits, and pavillons, all focused on innovation of the future. In this photo, visitors to the New York World's Fair at Flushing Meadows Corona Park take a break from the day's festivities, laying in front of a tree circa 1939.
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Jamaica Bay Wild Refuge
In 1951, NYC Department of Parks deemed the area a wildlife refuge. This 1969 photo depicts the spacious yet serene Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge looking across East Pond. As one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the Northeast United States, birdwatchers flock to this spot (ha-ha). One visitor even recalled spotting 18 species of birds in just two days!
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Crocheron Park
The Crocheron House held generations of Crocherons such as Congressmen, State Assemblymen, and even a famous horse racer before burning down in 1907. Eventually, the land and additional property was purchased and turned into a park hosting a wide variety of trees. Both NYC Parks and Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park are working together to preserve the park's beauty for visitors and maintaining its wildlife.
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Rockaway Beach
For centuries, this beach has attracted those drawn to salt water. The Marine Pavillon and Resort, a hotel in the Rockaways, brought in people from as far as Brooklyn and Long Island since 1833. The Rockaway Beach Railroad and Long Island Railroad built a few decades later improved accessibility to even more beachgoers. Nowadays, you can catch many surfers cruising on a wave at this popular spot.
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