New York City, New York story
A Slice of the Wild
In the southeastern corner of Central Park lies a four-acre woodland that feels like a glitch in the city's map. The Hallett Nature Sanctuary was originally called The Promontory,…
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In the southeastern corner of Central Park lies a four-acre woodland that feels like a glitch in the city's map. The Hallett Nature Sanctuary was originally called The Promontory, but in 1934, Robert Moses fenced it off to create an undisturbed bird sanctuary. For decades, it remained a secret, closed to the general public until regular visitor hours finally began in 2016.
Now, you can walk rustic trails and discover a secluded spot where up to 210 bird species migrate. It's the smallest of the park's three woodlands, but it's a powerful reminder of the wilderness that once defined this entire region.
Updated June 2026