Trees, Bees and Bands: September Events Highlight BPC's Natural World

Left: Battery Park City gardens and the wildlife that is drawn to it will be the subject of nature walks and other programs this month. Right: Esther Crow, center, will be appearing with her band on Sept. 23. Photos: Carl Glassman/Tribeca Trib (park); Rabeah Ghaffari (Crow)

The end of summer means the resurgence of free public programming in Battery Park City—from Tai Chi and meditation to figure drawing, Zumba and pickup pickleball. (See the Battery Park City Authority’s calendar of events here.) Then there are the special events that this month are inspired by Climate Week and highlight the diverse flora and fauna of the neighborhood’s “keep it wild” parks. Plus concerts. Here’s what’s coming up.

Sat., Sept. 9

MIGRATION CELEBRATION

10:30 am–12 pm, South Cove

More than 100 species of birds migrate through Battery Park City, and the neighborhood's parks play host to a variety of other migrating creatures. This is the annual day to celebrate them with art making, birdwatching, and a nature walk alongside experts from environmental organizations that work to make the city welcoming and safe for migrators. 

10:30 am: Art Making and Activities

11:45 am: Birdwatching and Nature Walk

Thurs., Sept. 14

LOS CINTRON

5:30 pm, Belvedere Plaza

The band plays a mix of World, Latin and Flamenco music that evokes the traditional sounds of Andalusia. It will move you to dance. 

Mon., Sept. 18

MEET THE BEEKEEPER

1:30–2:30 pm, Rockefeller Park

You may not have noticed it, but there is a beehive in Rockefeller Park, near the park’s Chambers Street entrance. The hive’s beekeeper will be there to talk about beekeeping in Battery Park City and throughout the city. 

Tues, Sept. 19

TUESDAY TALK: TREE CANOPY & BIODIVERSITY IN BPC

1 pm, 6 River Terrace

Hear about how the Battery Park City Authority surveys its trees, plants and planting beds in an effort towards maintaining biodiversity in the neighborhood’s parks. 

Wed., Sept. 20

CLIMATE WEEK NATURE WALK

2 pm, Rockefeller Park

Look at Rockefeller Park the way a naturalist sees it. This is a chance to learn about the animals and plants that are all around, and what climate change can mean for them. Meet at the Park House.

Thurs., Sept. 21

CUMBIA RIVER BAND

5:30 pm, Belvedere Plaza

A mix of tuba, accordion, clarinet, percussion, and vocals—original compositions and classics—recall the golden era of Colombia’s Cumbia sounds, but with an American twist. 

Fri., Sept. 22

MOVIE NIGHT: “THE LORAX”

6 pm, 6 River Terrace

Screening of the animated film based on Dr. Seuss’s classic children’s book. Twelve-year-old Ted, who lives in a place virtually devoid of nature, delves into the story of the Lorax, once the gruff guardian of the forest, and the Once-ler, who let greed overtake his respect for nature.

Sat., Sept. 23

ESTHER CROW FAMILY BAND

10:30 am, Rockefeller Park

An art and nature walk that includes a concert by the Esther Crow Family Band.

10:30 am: Art Walk

11 am: Family Concert

11:45 am: Nature Walk

Sat., Sept. 23

CECILY MUSIC AND HER BAND

5–6 pm, South Cove

Celebrate the fall equinox with a serenade by Cecily Music and Her Band. Meet at the intersection of Third Place and the Esplanade, at the public art sculpture “Resonating Bodies,” by Tony Cragg.