Carol Peace Robins | September 16, 2024

As a small group gathers in an area of lush vegetation, shady trees, and inviting walking paths, a woman and her three grandchildren learn to use their borrowed binoculars. Before the outing even begins, a Common Grackle appears. But not only a grackle. This bird’s eating something way bigger than a fly or mosquito. 

When Ronnie Almonte, a NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) bird guide and a high school biology teacher, explains that the snack is none other than a dragonfly, Ivan, the youngest grandchild, is enthralled. 

This familiar scene, one of wonder and excitement inspired by an avian visitor, is part of NYC Bird Alliance’s pilot program, NYCHA in Nature. Where are we? Wyckoff Gardens, a public housing development in Brooklyn, where we are about to start a stroll through its grounds and those of the neighboring Gowanus public housing development, to explore the fascinating world of birds.

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) provides affordable housing to nearly 600,000 New Yorkers—almost 12% of all City residents—many in park-like campuses containing a collective 1,000 acres of urban forest. NYC Bird Alliance, in partnership with the Public Housing Community Fund, an independent nonprofit that raises funds to support public housing residents, started this pilot program in 2023 to engage these residents living in NYCHA housing.

Research shows that being in nature improves mental and physical health, social cohesion, and children’s ability to learn. Yet too many urban residents, especially in communities of color, lack that connection. The goal of the NYCHA in Nature program is to invite public housing residents outdoors to enjoy wildlife, with the long-term aim of engaging people in urban biodiversity, the beauties of nature, and the importance of sustainability. 

Although the program is in its infancy, Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund, has high hopes: “The NYCHA in Nature program gives some 525,000 public housing residents the unique opportunity to explore the urban oasis outside their front doors and learn from experts about the wonders they’re seeing.”

A prime example of the power of this invitation to explore nature is the partnership between NYC Bird Alliance and an established photography club engaging the senior citizens of New Lane, a Staten Island NYCHA campus. On a recent field trip to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New Lane residents and bird guides alike were enthralled to see an Osprey dive for koi in the Japanese Garden before a Red-Tailed Hawk swooped in to fight the fellow raptor. 

“We sat there watching and no one could take a photo,” said Imani Heath, the photography club leader. “The guides were amazed, and we were amazed, and then we got to share in conversation afterward.” 

“It was natural and holistic and that’s what I love about this partnership,” she added.

Jessica Wilson, executive director of NYC Bird Alliance, is equally optimistic about the power of this new program: “It’s important to engage all of the City’s residents in the world of birds and nature. The threats facing birds are monumental, and more people who care about birds means more people who will take action to protect them.”

Returning to that outing through the Gowanus NYCHA campus, the grandmother and children saw pigeons, of course, but also European Starlings, House Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Fish Crows, American Robins eating worms, and an elusive Cardinal. With every sighting, Ronnie has facts and stories to tell and the kids love it. At the end of the walk, Ivan, when asked his favorite part, immediately says, “the dragonfly!” 

Who knows what else NYCHA in Nature can nurture?