Central Park’s 843 acres are full of hidden treasures, from waterfalls to castles. However, we just stumbled across our newest discovery and don’t worry, we’re not one to gatekeep!
Sure you can head all the way to Jersey and roam through fields of sunflowers, but what if we told you there’s a magical meadow right here in NYC? Find a beautiful wildflower meadow at the 102nd Street Cross Drive, currently in bloom.
š»Have you stumbled upon our wildflower meadow at the 102nd Street Cross Drive yet? Extended last spring by our #CentralParkConservancy natural areas experts, this intimate space provides an immersive experience of the plantings. pic.twitter.com/fLBSzWJVzQ
— Central Park (@CentralParkNYC) July 22, 2022
The Central Park Conservancy extended the meadow last spring to enhance the park’s ever-growing biodiversity. Though it’s still in its initial stage, the expanding meadow has become home to significant pollinators (including the endangered monarch butterfly), among other insects and wildlife.
Central Park Conservancy expects the meadow to become “a diverse, perennial wildflower success” in the coming years, so long as New Yorkers do their part to preserve the grounds.
In order to maintain the meadow and its surrounding wildlife, Central Park advises:
š¼ Respecting the fenced areas and not trampling the plant life ā£
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š¼ Keeping your dog leashed and outside the enclosures ā£
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š¼ Walking your bike when visiting the meadow and woodlands ā£
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š¼ Not picking the flowers or grasses or removing plants from the Park ā£
The wildflower meadow is open to the public during park hours and is the perfect escape when you’re in need of nature.
Park goers can find more native grasses at Dene Slope, located on the East side of Central Park between 65th and 67th Streets. The unique meadow is filled with more than 50 native species across its 1.25 acres.
Learn more at their website here.