Seining is the closest thing to magic a city naturalist can offer: wade into Gerritsen Creek, help pull a long net through the shallows, and suddenly a bucket of silversides, shrimp and comically indignant crabs reveals what actually lives in Brooklyn's water. Marine Park's salt marsh is the borough's largest natural area, and sessions like this are its best introduction. Kids lose their minds; adults quietly do too.
What to expect
Expect a shoreline briefing, teamwork hauling the net, and up-close looks at everything caught before it all goes back in the creek. You'll be at the water's edge — expect wet feet and happy chaos.
Good to know
- Free hands-on nature program at Marine Park's Gerritsen Creek
- Meets near the lawn at Avenue U and Stuart St
- Wear water shoes or sandals that can get wet
- Bring a towel and change of socks for kids
- All creatures are examined and released — catch-and-release science
- The Salt Marsh Nature Center trail is a great add-on
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Will we actually catch anything?
Almost always — Gerritsen Creek's shallows teem with silversides, killifish, shrimp and crabs in September, and everything is released after a look.
Is this good for kids?
It's ideal for kids — hands-on, splashy and supervised by naturalists — though adults are just as welcome to haul the net.
