Hudson River Park is bringing attention to its vital role in creating one of the scarcest resources in all of Manhattan--wildlife habitat! Learn about Hudson River Park's wildlife by joining experienced naturalists on guided nature walks along the Park's esplanade.

Enjoy a meandering waterfront walk while viewing and learning about the park's flora and fauna, including some of the 85 different species of birds identified within Park boundaries. Peek into some of our many gardens to discover butterflies, dragonflies and other interesting insects. Get to know the native plants that thrive in unexpected places in and around the river's edge. Each nature walk is unique and offers a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt-like experience.

Nature guides will meet participants at the main entrance to Pier 40 at Houston Street at 9AM sharp. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Loud noises and barking tend to startle wildlife and reduce viewing opportunities - please be considerate and leave your dog at home.

Hudson River Park Wild! walks are led by the following dedicated, volunteer park naturalists:

WALTER LAUFER is a self-taught urban naturalist, with a special interest in butterflies and dragonflies. For twenty-odd years, he spent part of his summer in Western Canada and the US hiking with naturalist guides. Since 2005 he has been converting the knowledge gained in the wild to knowledge useful in the urban environment.

To date he has learned to identify over 100 varieties of vegetation from pine trees to periwinkles found in the Park; over that time he has observed more than 80 bird species and 50 insect species living in or passing through the Greenwich Village and Tribeca segments. He loves sharing his expertise and passion for the flora and fauna of Hudson River Park.

KEITH MICHAEL is a self-taught urban naturalist, an avid birder and a dedicated explorer of the New York City Parks in all five boroughs. Birds are his driving focus, but the vistas, trees, wildflowers, grasses, butterflies, dragonflies; scaled, slithery and furred fauna that can be observed within NYC are equally as remarkable to him. Besides leading Hudson River Park Wild! walks, the Park is "home turf" for daily walks with his Pembroke Welsh Corgi. He is also a regular contributor to WestView: The New Voice of the West Village.

For Michael, reconnecting with the rhythms and sheer wonders of the natural world in our urban midst is a potent antidote to the stress and electronic distractions of our daily routines. Michael believes that curiosity is the key - there will always be more to see and learn. JUST LOOK!