CLEAN : Central Park re opens secret sanctuary after 80 years

The Nature Sanctuary, a four-acre preserve, was closed in the 1930s by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses with the intention of creating a bird sanctuary. Over time, native plant species took over, prompting the Conservancy to begin restoration efforts 15 years ago. This involved removing invasive species and planting native ones, often with student involvement. The sanctuary, once overrun by wisteria, now hosts a variety of wildlife, including over 270 bird species, due to its protected status on the Atlantic Flyway.

What was the original intention behind closing the Nature Sanctuary in the 1930s?

What challenges arise when an area is left closed for a long time in an urban environment?

How has the Conservancy contributed to the Nature Sanctuary in recent years?

What types of wildlife can be found in the Nature Sanctuary?

Why is the location significant for bird species, particularly in relation to the Atlantic Flyway?