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Central Park's Restricted Hallett Nature Reserve Opens Briefly Tuesday


By

Lauren Evans

Published Aug 11, 2014

Modified Aug 11, 2014


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Hallett Nature Sanctuary


By

Lauren Evans

Published Aug 11, 2014

Modified Aug 11, 2014


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Finding peace and quiet in the city is famously difficult, but it's also totally necessary in order to prevent complete mental collapse. Luckily for those on the brink, one of the city's most protected swaths of land will be briefly available for public viewing tomorrow.

The Hallett Nature Reserve is four acres of untouched nature right in Central Park; the reason it's managed to stay that way is because until recently, it's been totally inaccessible to most people. Robert Moses, curious about what would happen when you let "nature take care of nature," saw to it that the land was fenced off from human interference for nearly 80 years, the Times reports.

Unfortunately for Moses's vision, the carefully preserved sanctuary was promptly overrun by invasive species. In response, the Central Park Conservancy regained control over the space in 2001, removing the invaders and reintroducing native plants.

The area has been reopened for guided tours since last fall, with additional open hours April through October. In the summer, though, it's only open one day per month—and tomorrow is that day.

The sanctuary is located on the park's east side from 60th to 62nd Streets, just south of Wollman Rink. It will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. with no reservations necessary.

Tagged

central park conservancy

Hallett Nature Reserve


Lauren Evans

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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