Arbutus Woods natural area

Arbutus Woods Park consists of 3 acres of forested wetlands and a wet meadow. The park, part of the Arbutus Creek watershed and assigned to NYC Parks in 1994, was named after the trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens), a springtime ephemeral wildflower species that has been locally extinct since the 1940s. Many birds use this park, including five woodpecker species. While at one time NYC Parks planned to construct ballfields at this site, we have since designated this site as Forever Wild, reflecting the value we place on the natural area's role in stormwater management and habitat protection. Arbutus Woods Park is surrounded by a larger forested area managed by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.