Arden Woods natural area

Arthur Kill Rd., Arden Ave. and Halpin Ave.

Arden Heights Woods consists of 146 acres of mostly forested hardwood swamp and is one of the largest freshwater wetland complexes in New York City. It contains several kettle ponds, which are connected by an intricate network of streams and creeks, providing flood water detention for the area.

The forests throughout the property can be classified as successional forests, which develop following the abandonment of open agricultural fields. The mature forests are home to a variety of trees, including hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and persimmons (Diospyros virginiana). Perhaps most interesting of all the species present is the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). During the early colonial period, wood from these trees was used for masts by the British Navy. The wood is five times lighter than white oak (Quercus alba), and therefore more suitable for seagoing vessels. The trees helped establish Staten Island as a maritime community.

In the swamps, there are two particularly notable plants. The first, blue flag iris (Iris veriscolor) blooms from May through July, with its namesake violet blue flowers. This iris can be recognized by its sword-like leaves even when not in bloom. The second, woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus), blooms in late summer, creating a woolly and fuzzy appearance. Despite its common name, woolgrass is not a true grass but a sedge, distinguished by its characteristic three-angled stem, typical of most sedges.

Many owls frequent this site, including the screech owl (Otus asio), northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and the barn owl (Tyto furcata). Occasionally, a barred owl (Strix varia) from the south will venture this far north. This bird is known as the "Southern Gentleman" because it makes a distinct call that sounds like "who cooks for you, who cooks for you." Bats come here for shelter and food, and the swamp's ample insect population helps satisfy their appetite; in one year, the average bat consumes fifty times its body weight in insects.