This walk will take your mind on a raucous journey: the spring high tide pre-historic mating pilgrimage of horseshoe crabs to east coast beaches to lay their eggs. Horseshoe crabs are one of the oldest creatures on earth, having evolved little in 250 million years. Full and new moons bring higher tides which bring the “crabs”, really more closely related to terrestrial spiders, higher on the beach to deposit their eggs.
The primal orgies of the instinctual hook-ups in the sand and surf truly need to be seen to be believed. Many migrating shorebirds have timed their journey over milennia to arrive on beaches in time to feast on the horseshoe crab eggs! We hope to have an evening of shorebirding as well!
Bring a picnic dinner. We hope it won’t be too nippy to enjoy dinner on the beach! Bring a flashlight. (Sunset 8:22 pm)
Various MEET UP LOCATIONS:
West Village, Manhattan: Meet at 5:15pm at the DOWNTOWN/Front/First Car of the 14th Street DOWNTOWN 2 Train platform. We will board the FIRST car of the FIRST 2 Train that pulls into the station after 5:30pm to Flatbush Avenue/Brooklyn College (last stop). B44 Bus south on Nostrand Avenue to Knapp Street/Plumb Beach (last stop). Approximately 2 mile walk. Return to Manhattan by same route.
Brooklyn: Meet at approximately 6:30pm at the B44 Select Bus Stop on Nostrand Avenue/Brooklyn College, on the west side of Nostrand, just north of Avenue H, diagonally across from the Target Mall.
If you are driving in Brooklyn: Meet at approximately 7:00pm at Plumb Beach at Knapp Street and Emmons Avenue, beachside on the bicycle path. There is street parking in the area. DO NOT PARK at the Plumb Beach Parking Lot off of the Belt Parkway - this lot closes at dusk and we will be out after dark!
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. 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
OutdoorFest is a 10-day outdoor adventure festival in the five boroughs of New York City. Join us from May 31 – June 9, 2019 to paddle, bike, hike, camp and more all over the city! outdoorfest.com/schedule