The Big Apple's Secret Stash: Unveiling NYC's Surprisingly Wild Side
Forget diamonds and emeralds, New York City's got a treasure trove of a different kind. We're talking about nature, baby! Now, you might be picturing pigeons pecking at hot dog stands, but fear not, nature lovers. This concrete jungle boasts a surprising amount of green, and some not-so-green, surprises.
What Natural Resources Are In New York City |
H2O: The Big City's Liquid Gold
New York City? More like New York Seaty! Okay, maybe not quite, but water is definitely this city's most crucial resource. We're talking about a massive harbor, several rivers (East, Hudson, Harlem – you name it!), and even hidden freshwater wetlands. Fun fact: The city's drinking water travels a whopping 120 miles from upstate reservoirs – that's some serious H2O real estate!
The Great Green Way: Parks and Beyond
Central Park's not the only game in town, folks. NYC boasts over 30,000 acres of parkland, with a third of that being natural areas. We're talking forests, wetlands, and grasslands that provide a habitat for all sorts of critters, from birds to butterflies (and maybe even the occasional rogue pizza rat). These green spaces are like the city's lungs, filtering the air and providing a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle.
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Don't Forget the Rocks! NYC's Geological Gems
Okay, so you won't find giant gold nuggets under Central Park, but NYC does have a hidden geological history. The bedrock beneath the city is a mix of gneiss (say that five times fast) and schist, remnants of a volcanic past. These rocks provided the building blocks for many of the city's iconic structures, and some are even visible in places like Central Park!
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Brooklyn Bridge's Rocky Secret
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The majestic Brooklyn Bridge? Held together partly by granite quarried from right here in NYC!
So You Want to Explore NYC's Natural Resources? How To...
How to find a hidden park oasis? Download the NYC Parks app and discover secret gardens and nature trails throughout the city.
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How to become a citizen scientist? Help track NYC's urban wildlife with programs like NYC Audubon's bird counts.
How to spot some marine life? Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and see if you can spot fish in the East River (don't worry, they probably won't try to steal your pizza).
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How to learn about NYC's geology? The American Museum of Natural History has a fascinating exhibit on the rocks and minerals that make up the city.
How to appreciate the city's natural beauty? Take a walk through a park, breathe in the fresh air (well, as fresh as it gets in NYC), and marvel at the fact that even a concrete jungle can have a wild side.
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