Explore the “wilds” of the greenest borough: Staten Island. Wolfe’s Pond Park is a collection of contrasts: east coast forest, secluded ponds, burbling streams, swampy land, tidal basin and ocean beach. This is a bird, wildflower and mushroom rich area (Chicken Mushroom pictured), so there should be lots to see. Bring your lunch for a picnic on the beach.

Meet in the main waiting area of the Manhattan Staten Island Ferry Terminal for the 9:00 am boat. (Ferries leave every 1/2 hour so don't be late!) Staten Island Railway (SIR) to Prince’s Bay. Approximately 5 mile walk. Return on the S78 Bus to the St. George Ferry Terminal, and Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan.

KEITH MICHAEL is a self-taught urban naturalist and photographer, an avid birder and a dedicated explorer of New York City's five boroughs. Watching birds drives his focus, but 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 two books of writing and photographs Once Around the Block: A Birder's Year in the West Village and 1000 Days: World Trade Center Rising, leads New York City WILD! nature walks, co-leads Hudson River Park WILD! walks with Walter H. Laufer, and is a monthly contributor to WestView News: The Voice of the West Village. The West Village portion of Hudson River Park is home turf for daily walks with his Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Millie. 

When not adventuring in the city and taking photographs, Mr. Michael has choreographed 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. 

Visit www.keithmichaelnyc.com