The Ramble boasts an ecosystem, a protected area that sustains animals and plants, wildflowers and one of the premier bird-watching locations in the United States. During fall migration, an assiduous birdwatcher may see about 40 to 50 species in one day. What is so amazing is that you can escape to this tranquil setting without leaving the city.
Visitors to Manhattan who flee the city to its environs in search of a rustic hike, may be surprised to learn about Ramble in Central Park, one of the only places where you can walk in the woods in NYC. The area is prime for wandering amid full thickets and jutting rocks. For a mental vacation, connection with nature, or midday reverie, Ramble is hospitable to residents and tourists year-round. The 38-acre property is located between 73rd and 78th Streets in Central Park. In the midst of this natural environment, it's easy to forget you're in New York.
The densely wooded area encompasses a man-made stream and is home to about 230 species of birds drawn to the abundance of vegetation and water. Walkers may stumble upon a big turtle or raccoon in the underbrush, nestled among the berries of winterberry plants that persevere through the winter. Black Cherry and Black Locust plants are abundant. Trees include the American sycamore, oak trees and magnolia trees blooming with large, fragrant flowers. It is common to see such flora as fragrant sumac, white wood aster, hackberry, Japanese honeysuckle, mountain laurel and wild geranium. Some of the flourishing trees were planted in 1859 when the property was first opened to the public.
Maintaining the beauty and serenity of the park is vital. All trash and recycling bins are situated at the entrances rather than strewn throughout the area. A woodland restoration plan is in place with oversight from the Central Park Conservancy.
Ramble was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1857 who envisaged wild gardens, meadows, lakes and walking paths for meandering away from the heavy traffic of carriages and horses. Swamps and farms were removed while other elements conducive to connecting with nature remained.
