UPCOMING EVENTS

Participants in the 2006 Science in the Park Workshops were able to present what they learned throughout the program to elected officials of Southeast Queens. Elected officials who attended were State Senator Malcolm Smith, Assembly Member William Scarborough, and Assembly Member Michele Titus. Jeff Diggs represented Councilman Comrie and Brian Simon represented Congressman Meeks.  Also present was an aide for State Senator Aida Smith as well as Manny Caughman from Assembly Member Scarborough’s office. 

The Summer Science-in-the-Park Program is an ongoing project.  Those interested in registering their children or their project should contact  us.

A total of 25 participants helped plant over 100 wetland shrubs in Idlewild Park Preserve on this brisk Saturday. Plants planted included several pitch pines, sassafras and cotton wood trees. 

This was the first of at least five planting workshops that we have sponsored in Idlewild.  If you love to work in the outdoors, and would like to help restore the beautiful preserve that is Idlewild, watch for future announcements.

Here is a list of past and present events, activities and initiatives that we sponsor. Volunteers are needed and always welcomed.

Events at Idlewild Park

Date: Check individual event

Time: Check individual event

Events are made possible with some of  the following grants: 5 Star Grant from U.S. National Fish and Wildlife; The American Trail Society; New York City Environmental Fund.

On a sunny Saturday in August, participants in the Science in the Park summer workshop, their parents and several community members joined the Idlewild Park Preservation Committee and the EQA for a canoe trip in Idlewild Park. Thanks to all participants who made the day a success.

This was one of several canoe outings that the Eastern Queens Alliance has sponsored in the Idlewild Park Preserve Salt Marsh.  In September 2007, the Idlewild Park Preserve Canoe/Kayak Launch officially opened.  It will be one of the llnks on the NYCDPR’s water trail .  EQA is getting ready to roll out a Canoe/Kayak Program in the spring of 2008.  Interested persons should contact the Alliance.

Science in the Park Dialog and Lunch                  August 24, 2006  

                                                                           Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Idlewild Canoe Trip                                                   August 26, 2006  

                                                                          Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Idlewild Park Restoration Workshop                  October 21, 2006 

                                                                         Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location and Directions:

The Idlewild park entrance is located at the intersection of 223rd street and 149th Ave.

From the Van Wyck: Take Vanwyck Expressway towards Kennedy Airport. Take the Belt Parkway East and exit off at Springfield Blvd. Make a right on Springfield blvd and continue across the light (147th Ave) until you cannot go no more. Make a left at that block and you will see the cricket field on your right,

From the Cross Island: Take Cross Island South to The Belt Parkway west. Get off at Springfield Blvd. Make a left at Springfield Blvd . Take Springfield Blvd and continue across the light (147th Ave) until you cannot go no more. Make a left at that block and you will see the cricket field on your right,

Contact person: 718—723—6186

Contact person email:

eqa4all@earthlink.net

Members of the Environmental Club at Adelphi University joined the NY/NJ Trail Conference lead by  Joseph Gindoff, along with community residents and members of the Eastern Queens Alliance  to help lay down and widen trails for public access in Idlewild Park. Thanks to their efforts, there is now access to the valuable salt marsh. This effort was made possible through a grant from the American Trail Society.

Trail building and trail maintenance are ongoing activities in Idlewild.  Two more  sessions took place in December of 2006. The latest event took place in September of 2007.  We are constantly reaching out to the local and broader community in this effort. We hope that you will head the call and join us for our next event. 

Community Trail Blazing Project                         October 22, 2006  

                                                                              Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm