Coastal Flora of Paerdegat Beach, Brooklyn

Meeting Location: Entrance to the McGuire Fields Playground and Tennis Courts, at the intersection of Bergen Avenue and Avenue W. Click the follow link to view location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xNdJBewX3WoFe8ET7

Trip Leader: Zihao Wang

Date and Time: 10AM - 12PM, Sunday, 8/17/2025

Description: Behind the McGuire Fields Park, which might look like an ordinary recreational facility, is a hidden path to coastal dunes and sea beach with rare beach flora and wildlife. At this serene, infrequently visited beach, we will see uncommon native species that thrive in the coastal sands, such as the State-listed Cyperus schweinitzii (Schweinitz's Flatsedge, pictured), Pityopsis falcata (Sickleleaf Golden-aster). and Artemisia campestris ssp. caudata (Beach Wormwood). Accompanied by the scenic view of the Jamaica Bay, we will experience a full range of habitats, as coastal woodland transitions into martime meadows, dunes, and eventually tidal mudflat. There is also no shortage of wildlife as shore birds and horseshoe crabs abound.

Preparation for the trip: Protection from sun and insects, Water, Snacks, Awareness of Poison Ivy.

Host or Publisher The Torrey Botanical Society