Central Park ‘s restricted access Hallett Nature Reserve opens briefly again next Tuesday for FREE public visits. It’s an oasis of native wildflowers, ferns and birds and other wildlife, and is normally closed except for limited guided tours and these occasional openings when visitors can wander at their own pace.
The four-acre Hallett Nature Reserve is on the southeast corner of the park, just steps from the 24/7 Apple Retail Store and The Plaza Hotel and some of Central Park’s busiest paths.
The preserve will be open Tuesday, April 14th from 10am to noon and although it’s FREE, tickets are required for either session because capacity is limited to protect it. The area was closed off in 1934 as an experiment, to see what would happen if an area were left completely untouched and allowed to grow naturally. After all, Central Park is mostly landscaped.
Hallett is one of three natural woodlands in Central Park. The others are The Ramble, on the west side, and North Woods, at the northern edge.
The Hallett Nature Sanctuary is from 60th – 62nd Streets just south of Wollman Rink. No groups, dogs, bikes or strollers are permitted.
Wear sturdy shoes since you’ll be walking on uneven wood-chip trails. FREE, of course, but you are welcome to make a donation to the Central Park Conservancy.
See the Central Park website for additional information.
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