Staten Island Greenbelt

The Staten Island Greenbelt is a protected natural area with forests, wetlands, and meadows across the central hills of the island. It forms a continuous green corridor with multiple trails and entry points that allow access throughout the landscape.

The area was established as a protected landscape in 1984 by the Parks Department and Greenbelt Conservancy to safeguard natural environments from urban expansion. This designation marked a turning point in preserving the island's ecological diversity for the future.

The Greenbelt serves as a gathering place where locals hike and spend time outdoors, particularly in the parks of High Rock and LaTourette. Residents use the trails and open spaces regularly, making it central to how people connect with nature on the island.

The area has multiple entry points and well-marked trails with varying difficulty levels to suit different abilities. Some sections are accessible for wheelchairs, and parking is available at the main access points.

The area supports remarkably diverse wildlife including many amphibian, reptile, mammal, and bird species found nowhere else in the city. This biological richness is surprising for a location so close to a major urban center.

Location: Staten Island

Inception: 1984

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/park-features/virtual-tours/greenbelt

GPS coordinates: 40.58846,-74.13907

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:44