Belt Parkway/Shore Parkway natural areas

Stretching for more than seven miles across the Brooklyn waterfront from Knapp Street to the Queens border at Spring Creek, the Belt and Shore Parkway natural areas boast maritime woodlands with stunning views of Jamaica Bay. The 71-acre area is home to many species of coastal trees and shrubs, including eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), beach plum (Prunus maritima) and bayberry (Morella caroliniensis). This plant community not only provides habitat for scores of animal species but also acts as vital protection for nearby residential areas against storm surges and coastal flooding. The Belt Parkway natural areas connect many parks along the inner edge of Jamaica Bay, including Spring Creek, Fresh Creek, Marine Park, Canarsie Park, and McGuire Fields.

After the New York City Department of Transportation's removed trees as required by the reconstruction of the Belt Parkway bridges at Gerritsen Inlet, Mill Basin and Paerdegat Basin, NYC Parks began replanting a diverse palette of native trees, shrubs and herbaceous species along the Parkway to ensure that these natural areas continue to provide their essential ecosystem services.