Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

The 265-acre park contains diverse natural environments including wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams, and several miles of woodland trails.

During the 19th century, this location served as a mining site for white kaolin clay, with the abandoned pits later filling with water to form natural ponds.

The land holds traces of Leni Lenape Indians, European settlers, and the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, representing different periods of Staten Island history.

Visitors can access the Nature Interpretive Center from Tuesday through Saturday, which offers free educational programs and displays about local wildlife.

The preserve hosts 180 bird species, including 57 types of migratory songbirds, making it an official Bird Conservation Area in New York State.

Location: Staten Island

Inception: 1977

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/claypitponds/details.aspx

Address: 83 Nielsen Avenue

Website: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/claypitponds/details.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.53300,-74.23300

Latest update: March 30, 2025 19:13