Three nature events at Gateway National Park this week

Ospreys nest near Jamaica Bay. Photo by Don Riepe via US Parks Service.

By Charles Markis

Special to the Eagle

Osprey Watch Guided Walk

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn all about the amazing osprey on this guided walk of the West Pond Trail. We will talk about their incredible migration and the inspiring story of how conservation efforts were able to bring this species back from the brink. The walk is 1.7 miles long.

What's in a Name: The Etymology of Plants

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Sunday, May 5

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Have you ever wondered why that yellow blossom is called dandelion? We will learn the scientific and common names of backyard plants and find out how they got their titles. We will vote on the best and worst monikers and we'll hold a contest for awesome new names! All ages welcome.

Celebrate Beach Plum Blossom at Plumb Beach

Plumb Beach Round House, Brooklyn

Sunday, May 5, 2019, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy the profusion of beach plum blossoms while learning about the ever-changing Plumb Beach with American Littoral Society naturalist Mickey Maxwell Cohen. Learn about heroic plans to halt the most severe ongoing beach erosion in our area.  Binoculars and a magnifying glass will be helpful. This is an American Littoral Society Partnership Program. The walk is 1.5 miles long.

Charles Markis is program guide editor for Gateway National Recreation Area.