Fort Totten natural areas

Just over 60 acres of natural areas (including land under water) surround this historical site, which was built as a fort in 1862 and has since been used as a field hospital, an engineering school, and an army reserve post. The dense natural forest of Fort Totten Park thrives atop the sloped earthen embankment above the underground structures. NYC Parks' Natural Resources Group partnered with historic preservation experts to restore the forest in this area without damaging the historic structures.

While young trees and shrubs are established in the site, the forest is still threatened by overabundant vines, which staff and volunteers work to cut back. Visiting the historic Fort offers sweeping views of Long Island Sound and the Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges.