CLICK HERE
[https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-wild-10849786562%20] FOR
THE FULL SCHEDULE OF NYC WILD! ADVENTURESTO SEE THE SHORT LIST OF
DATES AND DESTINATIONS, SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS
SECTION—WITH LINKS TO EACH NEW YORK CITY WILD! WALKING TOUR TO
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW ON EVENTBRITE!
-------------------------
THIS IS A WINTER WALK! IF SPENDING HOURS OUTSIDE IN THE COLD DOESN'T
SOUND LIKE YOUR IDEA OF A GOOD TIME - THIS WALK MAY NOT BE FOR YOU.
HOWEVER, IF BEING THE FIRST TO LAY TRACKS THROUGH THE SNOW AND
RETURNING WITH RUDDY CHEEKS TO THE WARM INDOORS SOUNDS "COOL" - DO
COME ALONG!
Croton Point Park is in Westchester County, a short Metro-North ride
away.
BALD EAGLES. Enough said. Three years ago on this walk we had a total
of more than 30 sightings for the day (including those seen along the
Hudson River on the train ride). How cool is that! The colder the
winter, the more likely there will be more eagles at this wide point
of the Hudson River above the Tappan Zee. This regal species, our
national symbol, was nearly extirpated in the 70's from DDT poisoning.
Having made a magnificent comeback and been removed from the
Endangered Species List in 2007, triple digits of this grand raptor
now winter along this stretch of the Hudson River—majestic
white-headed-and-tailed adults scouting out their next meal from the
top of a snag, or dark juveniles soaring seemingly at arm's reach. Add
in stunning iced-in vistas of the Hudson, maybe some roosting owls, a
deliciously biting north wind to ruddy your cheeks, and, definitely,
the "Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada" plaintive notes of the
White-throated Sparrow. Yes, a winter wonderland. Bring your lunch for
a picnic outside (if the weather cooperates),
THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR THE MEET UP – LET ME KNOW WHERE TO LOOK FOR
YOU:
MEETING TIME AND PLACE: MEET AT GRAND CENTRAL: Sunday, 9:30 am, in
the Main Hall of Grand Central Station (under the stars) at the center
clock. You want to purchase a round-trip off-peak Metro-North ticket
to CROTON-Harmon $21.50 Adult/$14.00 Senior/$11.00 Child (5-11) – so
get there in time to buy your ticket. Don’t be late! The train
departs at 9:45 am and arrives at CROTON-Harmon at _10:37 am._ Keith
will be getting on a DIFFERENT LOCAL train at Marble Hill that arrives
at Croton-Harmon at 10:33 am. We’ll look for each other upstairs in
the station (near the restrooms) at Croton-Harmon.
MEETING TIME AND PLACE (WEST VILLAGE, MANHATTAN): If you are coming
from the West Village (like me!), we will meet before 8:30 am at the
14th Street #1/2/3 Station UPTOWN Platform, UPTOWN/front/first car
(14th Street entrance). We will take the first UPTOWN Train that pulls
into the station after 8:30 am, and travel to 225th Street Station on
the #1 Train then walk the one block to get the MetroNorth train at
9:42 am to Croton-Harmon, arriving at 10:33 am. The Round Trip fare
from Marble Hill is $11.00 Adult/$5.50 Senior. Check the MTA Weekender
for Service Advisories for any of your connecting train lines – it
is the weekend, so service can be different than expected!
IF YOU ARE DRIVING: DO let me know if you are driving so that we can
confirm the Meet Up. Let’s meet in the parking lot at the
Croton-Harmon train station, at the bottom of the stairs coming down
from the main station entrance; then we can decide whether you will
leave your car in the station parking lot or continue into Croton
Point Park.
$: PLEASE NOTE: Additional Metro North round trip fare from Grand
Central $21.50 Adult/$14.00 Senior/$11.00 Child (5-11). Round trip
fare from Marble Hill #11.00/$5.50 Senior.
Schedules and fares to be confirmed closer to the time.
GENERAL INFORMATION
-------------------------
WHY WALK WITH NEW YORK CITY WILD! RATHER THAN HEADING OUT ON MY OWN
WITH A SUBWAY MAP AND A GUIDEBOOK?
An “urban wilderness” walk is not an oxymoron. Keith Michael has
been exploring the remotest corners of New York City for decades,
gaining a collective eclectic knowledge that cannot be found in any
guidebooks. These walking tours will bring you to his favorite
destinations around this vast metropolis, taking the guesswork out of
the legwork! With carefully researched information about where to go,
what to see, how to get there, AND the camaraderie of fascinating
people to enjoy the "there" with, each excursion provides a unique
_off-the-grid out-of-the-tour-bus_ immersive experience in the natural
wonders (as well as architectural and historical highlights) available
within one of the largest cities in the world. Once you do, you’ll
be inspired to do even more and take advantage of the myriad other
FREE tours offered by many parks and organizations throughout
NYC—there is always more to see and learn!
HOW DO I RESERVE MY SPOT?
Follow instructions on the Eventbrite site.
See the full schedule and descriptions of the 2020 NYC Wild! Walking
Tours by clicking HERE [http://www.keithmichaelnyc.com]!
To see the short list of dates and destinations, scroll down to the
bottom of this section—with LINKS to each New York City WILD!
Walking Tour to reserve your spot NOW!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There are various ticket prices for New York City WILD! Walks. Buy an
"EARLY BIRD" DISCOUNT ($10 - only 5 available with no additional
fees), a $15 One Day Wonder Ticket, or BECOME A NYC WILDER! The $50
SIX-MONTH PASS gives you access to ALL upcoming NYC Wild! Walks
January through June 2020 or the $90 FULL YEAR PASS provides you with
UNLIMITED adventures in 2020 (upwards of 100 events to choose from) -
what a deal! BUY THE PASS AS A GREAT GIFT IDEA TOO!
PLEASE NOTE: Participants cover their own public transportation costs
(NYC Metrocard and PATH train fares) as well as lunch/dinner and
beverages—either a bring-your-own-picnic or conviviality at a local
eatery depending on the individual walk itinerary.
WHAT IS THE BAD WEATHER AND REFUND POLICY?
BAD WEATHER: Trips will only be cancelled under extreme weather
conditions. New York City weather is fickle! Rarely does the same kind
of weather last all day, and the weather forecast for Central Park may
be vastly different than what actually occurs on a far outer-borough
beach. Most walks will go on rain or shine under the optimism that an
inclement forecast will change. However, primarily beach walks WILL BE
cancelled or rerouted if there is any threat of thunderstorms.
*
CANCELLATIONS: Participants will be notified by e-mail 24 hours in
advance if a forecast of extreme weather is imminent. You will recieve
a FULL REFUND of your ticket OR you can transfer your order to another
New York City WILD! outing by contacting newyorkcitywild@gmail.com. (A
REFUND can take 7-10 business days for your refund to be processed.)
*
"NO SHOWS" WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
*
ANY REQUEST FOR A REFUND MUST BE MADE WITHIN 4 DAYS AFTER AN EVENT HAS
ENDED.
WHAT ABOUT MEET-UP LOCATIONS AND NYC PUBLIC TRANSPORATION?
*
Please carefully note meeting places and times. Trips will leave
promptly from designated meeting sites. For meet-ups on a subway
platform, we will generally leave on the FIRST TRAIN after the
designated departure time. Return times are approximate.
*
NYC Wild! Walks are GREEN in more ways than one! Walks frequently meet
on a subway platform to take a train (average 45 minutes to an hour+)
to and from the starting point of the walk. Please carefully note
whether the meet-up location is on the UPTOWN or DOWNTOWN platform AND
whether it is at the FIRST or LAST car of the train! Please arrive
with a charged phone (!) and filled MetroCard so that trains or buses
are not missed while you wait in line to put more money on your card.
*
Alternate meeting locations can be arranged _en route_ to the
destination if this is more convenient for individual travelers.
*
ALWAYS check the MTA Weekender online before you leave home for
planned service changes on your subway lines! Leave additional travel
time for delays in weekend service. Some Walk meet-up locations or
destinations may be changed if subway service is unusually cumbersome
to our starting point.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
*
To get to the "cool places" that we go on New York City WILD! Walks,
these outings are estimated at 4-6 hours in length (including travel
time to and from the starting POINT OF THE ACTUAL WALKING TOUR) and
range from 2-6 miles depending on the itinerary. Know your own
abilities and stamina.
*
It is difficult to catch up with the group if you are late - please be
on time for the MEET UP. Most walks are a loop so it is also difficult
to leave early. Please take this into consideration.
*
NYC Wild! Walks move at a casual pace to encourage observation and
conversation. These ARE NOT "exercise walks" or "power walks" or
"hiking." Pauses for PHOTOGRAPHY are accommodated though sometimes we
may need to keep moving to fulfill the walk's itinerary.
*
These walks are usually not suitable for participants younger than 10
years of age.
*
Even though some of these outings may seem "pet friendly" such as a
walk on the beach or a ramble through the woods, please do not bring
your dog or or even your parrot with you. We are looking for birds and
wildlife along the trails, and domestic animals tend to chase them
away!
*
Most NYC Wild! excursions follow primarily level established trails
though the walking surface can vary from city sidewalks to woodland
path, boardwalks, grass, minor rock scrambling or sandy beach. Some
stairs or a rise and descent in terrain are part of individual walks.
*
Insects should be a minimal concern, but mosquitoes, ticks and bees DO
EXIST in New York City. Be mindful and take suitable precautions.
*
Restrooms are not always conveniently located or available. Take this
into consideration.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
*
BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH/DINNER. We will stop for a picnic along the
way—outside. Bring your picnic with you rather than expecting to
stop along the way to "pick something up". _Some walk itineraries may
include end-of-walk conviviality at a local eatery—watch the
listings for these scheduled festivities._
*
Water
*
Dress appropriately for the forecasted weather—hat, jacket, layers
to take off or put on if temperatures change. In general, it can be
windier and cooler (or hotter) at these locations than in Manhattan.
Bring an umbrella for surprise changes in weather.
*
Sturdy closed-toed walking shoes that you aren’t too concerned about
getting muddy or wet. No sandals or flip-flops.
*
Binoculars if you have them. If not, we will share.
*
A camera. Each walk offers endless photo opportunities.
*
Sun screen and insect repellent. Insects should be a minimal concern
for most trips.
*
PLEASE use your cell phone sparingly for emergencies only (and
generously for taking memorable photos of the walk!)
*
Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure.
DO I NEED TO SIGN A LIABILITY WAIVER?
YES. You will be asked to sign a liability waiver statement, agreeing
to release and hold harmless Keith Michael and New York City WILD!
from any and all liability arising out of or resulting from your
participation. Your participation in these walks is on a completely
voluntary basis and you are responsible for your own personal safety
and well-being. Read the complete statement included with this event
listing.
HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Write to newyorkcitywild@gmail.com for any additional information. All
outings are available for private walks, group bookings, or other
events. When making inquiries, please indicate the date and
destination of the walk for which you have questions. More detailed
information about each walk will be sent by e-mail to participants a
few days before each scheduled outing.
WHO IS THAT NEW YORK CITY WILD! GUY?
KEITH MICHAEL is a self-styled urban naturalist, avid birder,
photographer, and a dedicated explorer of New York City's five
boroughs. He has led 100s of walks throughout NYC. Watching birds
drives his focus, but the breadth of NYC history, and the wealth of
vistas, trees, wildflowers, grasses, mushrooms, butterflies,
dragonflies, as well as scaled, slithery and furred fauna that can be
observed within the city is truly remarkable. Mr. Michael has
published four books of writing and photographs: _Let’s Go Out!: A
Birder's Year in the West Village _(2015); _Take Me to the River
_(2014); _Once Around the Block_ (2013), and _1000 Days: World Trade
Center Rising _(2013);_ _leads New York City WILD! NATURE WALKING
TOURS, co-leads Hudson River Park WILD! walks, and is a monthly
contributor to _WestView News: The Voice of the West Village. _
When not adventuring in the city and taking photographs, Mr. Michael
is a ballet choreographer, having created _The Alice-in-Wonderland
Follies, Mother GOOSE! _and _The Nutcracker _for New York Theatre
Ballet, and is the Dance Production Coordinator at The Juilliard
School. For more information about walks, books or photographs visit
www.keithmichaelnyc.com [http://www.keithmichaelnyc.com]
Photo of Keith Michael by Valerie S.
-------------------------
NEW YORK CITY WILD!
WAIVER/RELEASE/ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
-------------------------
NEW YORK CITY WILD! is an urban nature walk series organized by
freelance urban naturalist Keith Michael.
As used in this agreement, "The Coordinator" means collectively New
York City WILD! and Keith Michael, its employees, representatives,
independent contractors and/or affiliate organizations involved in the
selected program/activity, members, leaders, organizers, volunteers,
co-participants and all others involved in the selected
activity/program.
As used in this agreement, "you" means the person who signs this
agreement or on whose behalf this agreement has been executed. It is
anticipated that you are accepting this agreement as a prerequisite to
your participation in a New York City WILD! activity/program. If a
person under 18 years of age participates, that person's parent or
legal guardian must also accept this agreement.
In consideration of the services provided by The Coordinator and the
opportunity for you to participate in the selected activity/program,
you AGREE TO AND ACKNOWLEDGE the following:
1.) New York City WILD! nature walks are entirely volunteer
activities. Other participants are not outdoor recreational or
educational professionals.
2.) New York City WILD! activities have inherent RISKS, HAZARDS AND
DANGERS. Such risks, hazards and dangers may include, though not
limited to: adverse weather, crossing streams, falls from heights,
travel, exposure to insects and animals; remoteness from shelter,
restroom facilities, food, water, medical care and emergency rescue
services; graded trails, uneven terrain, mechanical or equipment
failures, and misjudgments by leaders, volunteers and/or
co-participants. You acknowledge these and other risks, and you ASSUME
THE RISKS of participating in the New York City WILD! activity and
travel to and from the activity/program.
3.) The Coordinator cannot guarantee your health or safety. You are
responsible for your own health and safety. You warrant that you have
skills and overall health and physical conditioning adequate for the
program/activity you have selected. If required, you will provide your
own appropriate and adequate clothing, equipment and supplies. You
will cooperate with the leader(s) and organizers to achieve a
meaningful and safe experience for the group.
4.) You hereby RELEASE AND AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS The Coordinator from
any and all liability arising out of or resulting from your
participating in a New York City WILD! program or activity. You and
your agents, heirs and assigns HEREBY WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS against
The Coordinator in any court, forum, tribunal or jurisdiction, whether
for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage or loss, breach
of contract, economic loss or consequential damages from delays,
cancellation or changes in program or schedules.
5.) You are solely responsible for all transportation fares for and
food or beverages consumed during this activity.
6.) You acknowledge that The Coordinator or co-participants may
produce photographic or video recordings ("images") of programs. The
Coordinator or co-participants may use such images to promote The
Coordinator and their programs. You hereby consent to such images made
while you are engaged in the activity/program and grant to The
Coordinator or co-participants all of your rights to use such images
and any copies or derivative works therefrom in any manner for
promotional and other commercial purposes, in any medium. You release
and assign to any right or interest that you may have in those images
including rights in your appearance and or your voice recorded by
employees, other participants, agents or contractors, whether or not
on behalf of The Coordinator or co-participants, and you waive any
right of any kind in or over such images including rights of (A)
compensation, (B) publicity, privacy or copyright, or (C) review,
inspection or approval.
7.) This Waiver/Release and Assumption of Risk Agreement is the entire
agreement between you and The Coordinator, and cannot be orally
changed or modified.
8.) This agreement entered into in the State of New York, is to be
governed by the laws of New York and any suits, claims or actions
concerning it are to be brought only in the courts of the State of New
York.
9.) If a court with proper jurisdiction determines that any part of
this document is invalid, illegal or against public policy, the
remaining portions thereof shall remain in full force and effect.
I have read this agreement and I understand its terms and, in
particular, that I am giving up substantial legal rights. Knowing
this, I am voluntarily agreeing to this Waiver, Release, and
Assumption of Risk Agreement.
Fields to be completed on hard copy at the start of the Walking
Tour:
Print Name: __________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: ________________________________________________
Mobile phone #: _______________________________________
e-mail: _______________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name:_______________________________
Emergency Contact Phone Number: _______________________
-------------------------
NEW YORK CITY WILD! 2019 WALKS SCHEDULE
FOR FULL SCHEDULE OF ADVENTURES INFORMATION GO TO
NEW YORK CITY WILD!
[https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-wild-10849786562%20] OR
WWW.KEITHMICHAELNYC.COM [http://www.keithmichaelnyc.com]
-------------------------
Click on the DATE LINK BELOW to Make Your Eventbrite Reservation NOW!
JANUARY 2019
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonders-new-years-day-fort-tilden-beach-queens-photography-nature-walking-tour-tickets-53612707050]
- WINTER WONDERLAND! New Year's Day Walk at Fort Tilden, Queens (12:00
noon)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-staten-island-mount-loretto-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54046317992]
- Winter Wonderland! Mount Loretto Unique Area, Staten Island
Photography and Nature Walk (10:00 am)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-brookfield-park-staten-island-photography-and-nature-walk-tickets-54216075742]
- Winter Wonderland! Brookfield Park, Staten Island Photography and
Nature Walk (9:00 am)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 13
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-queens-jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54249067421]
- Winter Wonderland! Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Photography
and Nature Walk (12:30 pm)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-brooklyn-coney-island-and-coney-island-creek-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54047850576]
- Winter Wonderland! Coney Island, Brooklyn Photography and Nature
Walk (11:30 am)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-sunsetsuper-blood-wolf-full-moon-hoboken-to-jersey-city-nj-photography-nature-tickets-54084659673]
- Winter Wonderland! Full Super Blood Wolf Moon Rise, Hoboken, NJ
(3:30 pm)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-bald-eagles-westchester-croton-point-park-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54084485151]
- WINTER WONDERLAND! Bald EAGLES! CROTON POINT PARK, WESTCHESTER
COUNTY (9:30 am)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-queens-forest-park-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54084547337]
- Winter Wonderland!Forest Park, Queens Photgraphy and Nature Walk
(1:00 pm)
FEBRUARY 2019
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-bald-eagles-westchester-croton-point-park-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54084524268]
- Winter Wonderland! Bald Eagles! Croton Point Park, Westchester
County (9:30 am)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-staten-island-new-york-harbor-fort-wadsworth-to-south-beach-photography-nature-tickets-54447925210]
- Winter Wonderland! Staten Island: Fort Wadsworth to South Beach
Photography & Nature Walk (11:00 am)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-parade-flushing-queens-photography-ramble-tickets-54447777769]
- Lunar New Year Parade! Flushing, Queens Photography Ramble (10:00
am)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-brooklyn-new-york-harbor-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54447953294]
- Winter Wonderland! New York Harbor/Brooklyn: Bensonhurst to
Verrazano Bridge Photography & Nature Walk (11:00 am)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-westchester-marshlands-conservancy-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54448125810]
- Winter Wonderland! Westchester County: Marshlands Conservancy
Photography & Nature Walk (10:00 am)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunar-new-year-parade-manhattan-chinatown-photography-ramble-tickets-54448643358]
- Lunar New Year Parade! Manhattan Chinatown Photography Ramble (12:00
pm)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wonderland-the-bronx-fort-schuyler-photography-nature-walk-tickets-54448244164]
- Winter Wonderland! The Bronx: Fort Schuyler Photography & Nature
Walk (10:00 am)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24
[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-staten-island-wolfes-pond-park-photography-nature-walking-tour-tickets-54448315377]
- Winter Wonderland! Staten Island: Wolfe's Pond Park Photography &
Nature Walk (9:00am)
MORE TO COME!
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