Salt Marsh Nature Center

At first, I couldn’t understand why there was no one around! As I walked deeper into the shrubbery and mud, I realized that the people of New York City are most likely not interested in the area because there are no particularly eye-​catching plants or landmarks. That’s not to say that I didn’t find the experience to be beautiful and worth-​while. However, the average city-​dweller doesn’t spend their Saturday morning trudging through mud and thick, humid air just to be eaten alive by mosquitos and surrounded by grass and bushes. It takes someone who appreciates all of nature, not just giant trees and floral gardens, to enjoy a stroll through the salt marsh. Before getting too deep into the marsh, there was garbage to be seen everywhere my eyes shifted. The park obviously has very little upkeep, if any at all, which is troubling as it is referred to as a conservatory. About five minutes into my trek, the litter dwindled, the mud lessened and the path narrowed. I found myself surrounded by bushes and plant life. It was an incredibly gorgeous area. Lots of squirrels, chipmunks, birds, snakes and more. Once you get past the beginning, where most visitors seem to loiter and litter, you can truly appreciate the area’s serenity and beauty. Unfortunately, my walk was cut short due to my discovery of a small, half-​buried, deceased dog, near a small towel and a men’s dress shoe, during which time I panicked at the thought of people dumping dead bodies in the marsh surrounding me, and swiftly found my way back to the road. Overall, I think that the salt marsh is a peaceful little gem in an otherwise hectic and loud city.

This is a little gem of a nature and birding spot. It is a small part of a 18,000-acre wetland estuary. There are parks department activities running out of the Nature Center and is worth a look. Bring your camera!

Check out my pics of the Salt Marsh in all seasons and see what you’ll be enjoying when you come for a visit. They’re worth a thousand words. Not many prettier or more serene places in all of NYC.