Brooklyn’s urban forest: Prospect Park
Arts & Culture Climate Change, Energy & Pollution Parks & Public SpaceSummary
The Wilderness Society highlights New York City’s (NYC) dualism. Contrary to its image as a “concrete jungle,” it is one of the greenest cities in the world with approximately 27% of land reserved for public green space. Brooklyn, the city’s most populous borough, hosts Prospect Park—an ecologically significant green space—at its core.
Established in the late 1800s, Prospect Park spans 585 acres of meadows, waterways, and woodlands. It is home to Brooklyn’s only lake and centuries-old forest of old oak and beech trees. This green space plays a vital role for both surrounding communities (many of which are immigrant and historically marginalized) and migrating wildlife, especially in today’s era of climate change.
The park also exemplifies the balance between preserving nature and ensuring equitable access to green space. The park is managed by Prospect Park Alliance, in partnership with NYC’s government, who offer community engagement, educational, recreational, and volunteer opportunities. They are dedicated to engaging communities and advocating for conservation policies that integrate equitable and community-led practices.