Waterfront &
Natural Areas

The island’s accessible 4.5 miles of shoreline provides a unique habitat in the New York Harbor. The shorelines are the foundation for dynamic coastal ecosystems, providing valuable protection and substrate for many marine organisms such as oysters, grass shrimp, mussels, and colorful algae. The converging currents and tidal systems, debris and pilings, and restored estuarine habitat on the island provide a mix of conditions ideal for a wide range of fish species throughout the year, including striped bass, summer and winter flounder, porgy, pipefish, and Atlantic silverside. Paved pathways along much of the shoreline provide recreational access to these beautiful waterfront habitats.

Discover the magic of salt marshes at Randall’s Island Park! These vibrant wetlands, nestled next to salty and brackish waters, are some of Earth’s most productive ecosystems. They’re not just beautiful but also nature’s guardians, protecting nearby areas from flooding and erosion and creating vital habitats for many different species of animals.

Observe the low marsh flourish with cordgrass and marsh elder, vital habitats for the charming Atlantic marsh fiddler crabs, salt marsh sparrows, graceful egrets, and more. The park proudly features restored tidal salt marshes at the Little Hell Gate Inlet and along the Bronx Kill, each a testament to the delicate balance of nature. Explore and connect with this extraordinary natural wonder in the city!

Visit the thoughtfully restored Freshwater Wetland on Randall’s Island, a testament to urban ecological balance. This wetland manages stormwater from higher areas of the island, including roads and sports fields. The wetland’s plants naturally filter the water, which removes pollutants, ensuring cleaner water flows into surrounding waterways.

This serene environment is also a vital breeding ground for wildlife. Observe the fascinating life cycle of dragonflies and damselflies in these calm waters. Bird watchers will appreciate the variety of species here, including red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, swamp sparrows, American woodcocks, and green herons. This wetland is a peaceful retreat and an integral part of the island’s natural ecosystem.

Randall’s Island Park is home to enchanting meadows flourishing with native wildflowers and maritime grasses. This tapestry of greenery and blooms offers more than just visual beauty; it’s a vital ecosystem. These meadows are buzzing with life, providing perfect habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, playing a crucial role in carbon sequestration and boosting regional biodiversity.

Stroll through these meadows and discover a variety of grasses like switchgrass, little bluestem, and purple love grass. The air is fragrant with an array of flowering plants, including seaside goldenrod, New York aster, American senna, wild bergamot, and common milkweed. And if you visit in the late summer or early fall, keep an eye out for the graceful monarch butterflies that frequent these fields.

Randall’s Island Park boasts a thriving urban forest, ranging from slender woodlands to lush groves of trees, each playing a critical role in the environment. These trees are not just beautiful; they actively capture and store carbon dioxide, contributing to the fight against global climate change.

RIPA is committed to planting and maintaining a variety of native tree species to substantially expand the island’s tree canopy and its resilience to storms. This greening does more than enhance the park’s beauty; it’s a strategic step in mitigating the urban heat-island effect. The expanded canopy provides a leafy oasis, absorbing sunlight and offering shaded retreats, making summer days more pleasant. This urban forest contributes to the park’s ecological health and tranquil appeal.