Wildlife in Jamaica, Queens

Jamaica Bay

Whenever I think of Queens, I rarely think of it as a place for nature and wildlife (minus a few people that can echo that last one).

That is, with the exception of the magnificent Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a nature refuge for bird and scenery lovers alike. It’s over 12,000 acres large, consisting of open water, duck ponds, saltmarshes, hiking trails, and thick, lush woods. It is the last place you’d expect to see in the borough of Queens, but it is stunning. Birds flock here from all over the world and seeing a nature photographer capture their most breathtaking moments is not a unique sight.

One of the highlights is the Crossbay and West Pond Loop Trail, which circles around the refuge. It’s 4.2 miles long and relatively easy to walk, if you bring the right pair of shoes. You will encounter beautiful flowers, endless picture opportunities, and colorful birds, amongst the water and trees. It’s a nature reserve at its finest!

You are not allowed to swim in these waters, but you can bird-watch, or bring a blanket and enjoy the views (how about some sunset-watching?). It’s currently open from 6am to 9pm, with the visitor center and ranger stations temporarily closed. You can explore it fully on your own, but no worries: There are plenty of maps around the refuge, which make it easy to find your way back.

Despite the rapid vaccination process around the country, we’re still advised to be careful and socially distance, rightly so. That being said, this is the perfect spot to be - it’s outdoors, in the midst of nature; by far one of the safest places to be right now. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome! All you need to bring is some curiosity, appreciation of nature, and the right attitude.