Estuary Day Celebration to be held at Oakland Lake, September 17

NE Queens Parks Administration together with multiple community partners presents a fun-filled day for all on September 17 at Oakland Lake (46 Ave and Cloverdale Blvd, both sides of the street). The Friends of Alley Pond Park (FoAPP) has assisted Parks in developing a focus on clean water issues that affect the estuary and waters flowing through Alley Creek into Little Neck Bay for this event.

Hours are 10 AM to 2 PM

NYC Parks Queens Recreation will ensure fun activities for all members of the family. The Urban Park Rangers are going to offer an opportunity to canoe on Oakland Lake, providing all instruction, gear, and canoes, as well as a presence on the Lake to ensure safe paddling for all (paddlers must be age 8 and above, accompanied by a parent to sign releases, and fit into a life vest for children). Adults are welcome to join in the fun!

Other community partners will be Alley Pond Environmental Center, SWIM Coalition, and other NYC Parks entities that ensure the preservation of natural areas, restoration and trail maintenance, and marine restoration, improving the quality of water in Little Neck Bay. Learn about opportunities to assist in this important work.

The Bayside Anglers will be present to describe their sport and their conservation work that benefits Little Neck Bay and offers kids opportunities to participate in their annual fishing derby.

Wing Kong, a local artist focused on environmental concerns will again this year join in an activity with Parks to ask participants to contribute to her work completed during the event.

There will be hikes led by volunteer naturalists and citizen scientists from FoAPP. Other groups are arranging their schedules still to be able to join in the fun! Watch for a fun scavenger hunt for the kids to accomplish with their accompanying grown-ups - discover new walking paths, and learn how to distinguish all the plants and trees. Take a walk through the Wildflower Meadow that is attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, and ask questions of experts on these plants and their pollinators.

Come speak to our local government officials to learn about their efforts to improve our Park.

Join in the day which will be a true celebration of our local natural areas.

Further information is available on our Facebook page (search for "foapp") and www.friendsofalleypondpark.org Come enjoy the fun, and learn about the unique Estuary surrounding us that contributes so much to our cleaner environment.