The Forever Wild Program is an initiative of the NYC Parks to protect and preserve the most ecologically valuable lands within the five boroughs. Over 12,400 acres of natural areas across 135 parks are part of the Forever Wild program. These vital open spaces host towering forests, vibrant wetlands, and expansive meadows. They are home to thousands of species, including flying squirrels, bald eagles, and fascinating rare plants. They also give New Yorkers and visitors the chance to walk in the woods, paddle a stream, or observe wildlife with family and friends.
In a nutshell, this resource offers:
- An example of a natural areas map across a whole city.
- An interactive public tool to see natural areas.
- A breakdown of the locations of natural areas across New York City.
How to use this resource:
- As an example of urban natural areas mapping.
- As an example of a public-facing map of park properties that have natural areas.
Resource is available online here.
The map is also available on NYC Open Data.