Central Park will soon boast another function: living laboratory — specifically a research site to study how climate change affects urban parks.
Researchers, sponsored by Yale School of the Environment and two New York City-based nonprofits, will analyze climate conditions as they evolve in the 843-acre park to better understand how warming affects trees, plants, wildlife and the tens of thousands of humans who use it every day.
While climate impacts across New York are determined by numerous factors — including air pollution, heat island effect and extreme precipitation events — climate warming’s cumulative effect on large urban parks has not been studied in detail, experts say.
Among the project’s top priorities will be identifying climate change impacts on park resources using digital mapping technology. Clara Pregitzer, deputy director of conservation science for the New York City-based Natural Areas Conservancy, said those impacts range from heat stress on trees and other vegetation to the effects of extreme conditions on wildlife.
About Central Park
Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.
Attractions
Central Park features 843 acres filled with classic architecture, gorgeous statuary and up to date sports, educational and performance facilities. Besides all of this there is the world famous Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center and the Children’s Zoo.
Things To Do
From The Philharmonic on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park to SummerStage, Central Park offers an endless array of things to do, see, hear – and, with two full service restaurants and several cafes, taste. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden, take in a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, take a ride on the Carousel – or just sit and people watch at Bethesda Terrace!
Contact Us
Contact Info
5th Ave.
New York, NY, 10028