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Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Wetlands

February 3, 2025

A Hidden Oasis with a Vital Purpose

This past weekend we celebrated World Wetlands Day. To celebrate, we decided to do a deep-dive into the Pier 1 Wetlands and the Salt Marsh here at Brooklyn Bridge Park – and how they make our city better. Wetlands often get a bad rap—written off as soggy, mosquito-filled wastelands. But in reality, they’re some of the most important ecosystems on the planet. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Wetlands is a perfect example of how these spaces can be both beautiful and beneficial, transforming what was once an industrial concrete slab into a lush, thriving habitat. 

A Natural Defense Against Storm Surges

New Yorkers know how unpredictable the weather can be, from torrential downpours to rising sea levels. That’s why Brooklyn Bridge Park’s wetlands were designed to do more than just look good—they actually help protect the city. Acting as natural sponges, they soak up excess water during storms, reducing flooding and preventing damage to nearby areas. Think of them as nature’s flood insurance, built right into the park.

A Haven for Wildlife

It’s amazing how much life can flourish when you give nature a little room to breathe. The park’s tidal salt marshes are home to Saltmarsh Cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora)—a plant that used to line the shores of New York Harbor before the city’s expansion. It helps prevent erosion and provides shelter for all kinds of critters, from tiny crabs to migrating birds.

Stroll through the wetlands, and you might hear the summer calls of Saltmarsh Katydids or spot Fiddler Crabs scuttling through the mud. Even plants are getting in on the action—species like Virginia Glasswort (Salicornia europaea) and the rare Eastern Annual Saltmarsh Aster (Symphyotrichum subulatum) have popped up on their own, proving just how well this restored habitat is working.

Sunset over Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pile Field.

© NS, Brooklyn Bridge Park

Pier 1 Pile Field and Salt Marsh with a view of Pier 2 in the background on a sunny day.

© Alexa Hoyer

Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pier 2.
Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pile Field at sunset. Pier 2 is seen in the distance.
Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pile Field
Pile field and salt marsh at Pier 1 on a sunny day with view of Lower Manhattan in distance.

© Alexa Hoyer

Pier 1 Pile Field
View of Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pile Field from the Greenway on a sunny day. Pier 2 is seen in the background.

© Alexa Hoyer

View of Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pier 2 from the Greenway.
View of Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pile Filed on a cloudy day. Lower Manhattan is seen in the background.

© BrooklynBridgePark/ERP

Pier 1 Salt Marsh and Pile Field

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

New York City might not seem like a prime birding destination, but thanks to its location along the Atlantic Flyway, it’s actually a major pit stop for migrating birds. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s wetlands have become a favorite hangout for Black-crowned Night Herons, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets—a real treat for bird lovers.

Even better? Red-winged Blackbirds have started nesting here, and they’re likely to return year after year. It’s proof that when we give nature the space it needs, wildlife will find its way back.

Changing the Narrative on Wetlands

Wetlands have been treated like wasted space, often being drained and paved over. But Brooklyn Bridge Park is flipping the script, proving that wetlands aren’t just essential for the environment—they’re also stunningly beautiful places where people and nature can coexist.

Whether it’s the sight of a heron fishing at dawn, the rustling of Spartina grass in the breeze, or the buzz of katydids on a warm summer night, these wetlands offer a chance to connect with nature in the middle of the city.

Protecting Wetlands for the Future

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s wetlands are more than just a scenic feature—they’re a blueprint for the future. As cities grapple with climate change and biodiversity loss, spaces like these prove that urban design can be both functional and environmentally friendly.

Protecting wetlands means ensuring cleaner water, safer communities, and a thriving habitat for wildlife. And if you haven’t visited Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 Wetlands yet, now’s the perfect time to see firsthand how nature is making a comeback in the heart of the city.

Come check it out—you might just find a new favorite spot.

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