Today I'm joined by Ryan Mandelbaum, author of Wild NYC: Experiencing the amazing nature in & around New York City.

When we think of immersing ourselves in nature most of us are likely guilty of imagining far off wilderness locations but Ryan is passionate about exploring the incredible diversity of nature that can be found in the urban environment & in particular in NYC. 

Urban areas were often chosen for their rich natural features that would have benefitted wildlife as much as the humans that were drawn to these areas.

We discuss how connecting with nature has enriched their life in numerous unexpected ways, finding community in the often isolating city existence. Even if you are a complete beginner, there has never been a better time to become a naturalist. Simply start on your own street & begin observing the natural world. If you slow down & look there are untold secrets to be revealed from Raven’s nesting on the Brooklyn bridge, to humpback whales & even mountain ferns on the side of a railway viaduct.

As we begin to recognise & appreciate the amazing nature on our doorsteps, we likely become advocates for our natural heritage & this ripples out into the world in untold ways, catalysing social movements as well as environmental change. 

Learn more about Ryan

Ryan F. Mandelbaum is a science writer, naturalist, & educator. You can find him searching for critters across the five boroughs before returning home to Brooklyn to observe birds & moths from the roof of their apartment. Ryan has written about the natural world of NYC for the New York Times, Scientific American, Audubon Magazine, & their newsletter eyy, i’m walkin’ here. Ryan volunteers for the New York State Breeding Bird Atlas, the Finch Research Network & the Feminist Bird Club. 

Wild NYC by Ryan Mandelbaum & Chelsea Beck

A vibrant, family friendly guide to the unexpected nature found in & around the Big Apple. NYC may have a reputation as a concrete jungle, but it’s full of amazing wildlife - you just need to know where to find it! Equal parts natural history, field guide, & trip planner, Wild NYC shows readers how to experience another side of the City That Never Sleeps. Highlighting the natural aspects of the city’s landscapes & the wildlife that accompanies it, this quirky guide takes a leaf out of a famous New Yorker’s book & encourages its readers to “take a walk on the wild side.”

From easy-to-spot squirrels & praying mantids to more elusive humpback whales & purple finches, this delightful handbook profiles over 100 local species, complete with illustrations & information on where to find them. Also included are descriptions of day trips that help tourists & locals alike explore natural wonders on hiking trails, in public parks, & on street corners.

Website: http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/

Instagram: @ryanfmandelbaum

New York City Bird Alliance: https://nycbirdalliance.org

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