Alley Pond Park, Public park in Queens, United States
Alley Pond Park is a large natural preserve in Queens featuring wetlands, woodlands, and open meadows that form a green corridor through the area. The park includes trails for walking, ponds for viewing wildlife, and spaces for outdoor recreation.
The area was originally home to the Matinecock Native Americans before English settlers arrived in the 1600s and built mills along Alley Creek. This early period of settlement shaped how people used the land for generations.
The Environmental Center here runs programs where visitors can learn about the plants, animals, and wetlands that make up the local ecosystem. These activities help people connect with nature and understand why these spaces matter for the community.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and has several entrances and parking areas scattered throughout. Public transportation connects to different parts of the site, making it accessible from various neighborhoods in Queens.
The park is home to the Queens Giant, a tulip tree that stands about 135 feet (41 meters) tall and is recognized as the highest measured tree in New York City. This living giant is a quiet reminder of the old forests that once covered this entire region.
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