Birdwatching Program in New York Transforms Public Housing Green Spaces

A pioneering program in New York City is changing how public housing residents experience their immediate surroundings, encouraging them to discover the rich natural world just outside their doors. The initiative highlights important, often-overlooked green spaces within the city’s public housing complexes, transforming them into vibrant centers for nature exploration and community engagement.

The city’s housing authority provides homes for more than half a million individuals across many complexes, many of which include large green areas. Environmental advocates recognize this as a unique opportunity to expand the many benefits of birdwatching—including physical activity, mental calm, and emotional well-being—to a broader slice of New Yorkers. The program launched in 2023, the result of a partnership with a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting public housing residents, with the goal of connecting birding experts with tenants to explore local wildlife.

Bringing Birdwatching to Public Housing Communities

On a typical evening in Brooklyn, a small group of residents, equipped with binoculars and field guides, closely observed pigeons in a nearby tree. Program leaders explained that common birds like pigeons are excellent for sharpening bird identification skills, emphasizing that appreciating nature doesn’t require expert knowledge.

These gatherings, open to the public, are designed especially for the more than 500,000 residents living in affordable housing, representing a large portion of the city’s population. The pilot program’s core mission is to introduce these residents to the joys of birdwatching and, through that, cultivate a new generation of environmental stewards.

Since its inception, the program—supported by various local organizations—has organized outings at sixteen campuses. These sessions often lead to walks in nearby parks or waterfronts, deliberately bringing nature experiences to where people live. This local approach is crucial, as nature-based activities have historically been seen as geared toward wealthier, predominantly white populations. With nearly 95 percent of public housing residents being people of color, many of whom face financial challenges, ensuring inclusivity and welcoming participation is a central focus.

Organizers actively seek input from residents to tailor events to the specific needs and preferences of each community. This collaborative approach has sparked creative ideas, such as bilingual Mandarin and Cantonese outings in one neighborhood and birdwatching sessions designed for senior tenants in another. These efforts are vital for ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged, overcoming historical barriers to participation.

Community Voices and Lasting Connections with Nature

Beyond the simple enjoyment of birdwatching, participants report many benefits. For many, birding walks provide an easy form of exercise and a gentler alternative to traditional fitness classes. Residents also describe feeling more connected to the city’s natural side, experiencing a sense of peace and discovery. Most importantly, being introduced to a park they may not have felt comfortable visiting alone often encourages independent future exploration, deepening their bond with local green spaces.

Program leaders envision expanding it to include more of the city’s 335 public housing campuses, with a long-term goal of training residents to lead nature walks within their own communities. This unique initiative is seen as a potential model for other cities seeking to make use of existing urban green spaces for community benefit.

Unlike programs requiring better transportation to distant parks or building new natural features, this program taps into the nature already present, proving that meaningful encounters with wildlife can happen right in one’s own backyard. Spotting a vibrant blue jay or a rare yellow-crowned night heron can be a transformative experience, inspiring a deeper love for the urban environment. Ultimately, the hope is that these moments translate into active advocacy, as people tend to protect what they cherish most.

How This Could Help the Arab and Muslim Community in New York

For New York’s Arab and Muslim communities—many of whom live in affordable housing—this program can be a valuable resource for:

1. Community Bonding: Group birdwatching activities provide a safe, family-friendly space where Arab and Muslim families can come together, reinforcing community ties.

2. Accessible Wellness: Since the program offers free or low-cost activities, it provides physical exercise and stress relief without financial burden, which is especially helpful for immigrant families balancing work and home life.

3. Cultural Inclusion: Just as Mandarin and Cantonese speakers were included, Arabic-language birding sessions could be introduced, ensuring Muslim and Arab residents feel welcomed and represented.

4. Youth Engagement: Children and teens in the Arab community could benefit from exposure to nature, helping them discover educational opportunities in environmental science and outdoor leadership.

5. Faith Connection: Islam encourages reflection on nature as a sign of God’s creation. These programs could resonate spiritually, offering Muslim families a chance to connect with faith through observing the natural world.