Department of Environmental Conservation

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Alley Pond Park

Douglaston, Queens Co.

Alley Pond and surrounding wetlands and a yellow bird on a branch

watchable wildlife binoculars logo

Observe ospreys, deer, fish, reptiles, amphibians and hundreds of forest and water bird species among the forests and fields of Queens County's largest and most diverse natural parkland.

Wildlife to Watch

  • Ospreys, red-tailed broad-winged and Cooper's hawks, great horned and northern saw-whet owls
  • Ring-necked pheasant and bobwhite quail
  • Mallards, wood ducks, lesser scaup, American coot, northern shoveler and many other varieties of migrating waterfowl and water birds
  • Yellow and pine warblers, cardinals, dark-eyed juncos and rusty blackbirds
  • White-tailed deer, muskrat and red fox
  • Bass, bluegill, perch, carp, killifish
  • Snapping turtles, spotted salamanders, bullfrogs, Fowler's toads, spring peepers,

Where to Watch

  • Saltwater and freshwater wetlands and tidal flats
  • Forests and meadows
  • Glacial kettle ponds

Recreational Opportunities

  • Hiking (some accessible trails)
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Bicycling
  • Orienteering
  • Adventure and environmental centers, outdoor educational programs

Accessible Features

International Symbol of Accessibility

This New York City Parks and Recreation site has accessible features that include a nature center. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.

Size

657 acres (549 of which are set aside as "Forever Wild")

Closest Town

Douglaston

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Alley Pond Park (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold "Shift" down while clicking on the link to open it in a new window)

Contact Information

Telephone: 718-229-4793
Address: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 22806 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, NY 11362
Website: Alley Pond Park (This link leaves DEC's website)

Photo Credits: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, DEC