Bennett Park is a small park carrying an outsized amount of New York: the granite outcrop marking the highest natural point on the island, and the stone outline of Fort Washington traced into the ground where the Continental Army lost Manhattan in 1776. Counting its trees is a slow, close-up way to spend an afternoon in a place most people photograph and leave. If you live uptown and have been meaning to do something civic that takes two hours and not two months, start here.
What to expect
Meet the crew inside the park, sign in and take a tape measure, form and gloves. You'll work through the park's trees in small groups, identifying species, measuring at chest height and noting condition, with staff confirming the harder calls. The park is compact and paved in parts, so the session stays gentle underfoot.
Good to know
- A to 181st St or the 1 to 181st St both leave a short walk to the park
- Measuring tools, forms and gloves are provided on site
- The park is small and largely level, making this one of the more accessible count sites
- Bring water and a hat; the high ground gets full sun
- No plant knowledge assumed — identification is taught before counting starts
- Good option for families with older kids who can handle a tape measure
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Common questions
What is Bennett Park known for?
It contains the highest natural point in Manhattan, marked by a granite outcrop, and the stone outline of Revolutionary War Fort Washington.
Do I need experience?
No. Staff teach species identification and measurement technique at the start of the session.
Is this accessible for someone who can't hike?
Reasonably — the park is small with paved paths, unlike the woodland count sites in the outer boroughs.
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