New York State is home to millions of acres of state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas, all of which are open to the public. These areas are teeming with hundreds of species of wildlife, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. From Freshkills Park in Staten Island to the 4WD Farm in Parish, NY, there are plenty of offroad parks in New York that offer visitors the chance to observe and learn about the state's diverse wildlife. Freshkills Park is a former landfill that was established by New York City and Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.
The 450-acre site was initially intended to be filled and developed, but it has since been transformed into a public park. Visitors can explore the park's wetlands and observe its diverse wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. The New York State Coastal and Local Government Office of Community Sustainability has contributed funding for the construction of the park under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) performs annual surface water and sediment sampling at 14 sampling stations in and around Freshkills Park to ensure that it meets the water safety standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Freshkills Park Alliance is a non-profit partner of the park that raises funds to support programs that make the enclosed site accessible to the public. Tours and events offer early access to the park before it is fully open to the public. Future plans include opening all of North Park and East Park, as well as a system of publicly accessible roads that will provide access to different areas of the park. Another unique off-road trail in New York is the 4WD Farm located north of Syracuse.
This off-road park offers visitors a chance to explore its trails and observe its wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Visitors can also learn about the history and future of New York City while exploring this off-road park. The New York State birdwatching trail is another great way for visitors to explore New York's wildlife. This trail offers visitors a chance to observe birds in their natural habitats while learning about their behavior and ecology. The DEC event calendar also includes other wildlife watching events taking place near you. Whether you're looking for a chance to observe birds or explore off-road trails in New York State, there are plenty of opportunities for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
From Freshkills Park in Staten Island to the 4WD Farm in Parish, NY, there are plenty of places in New York where you can observe all types of wildlife.
