New York City, New York story
A Sanctuary in the City
Deep in the southeastern corner of Central Park lies a four-acre woodland that spent nearly a century in silence. Originally called The Promontory, the area was fenced off by Robe…
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Deep in the southeastern corner of Central Park lies a four-acre woodland that spent nearly a century in silence. Originally called The Promontory, the area was fenced off by Robert Moses in 1934 and designated as a bird sanctuary intended to remain undisturbed. For decades, it was closed to the general public, accessible only occasionally to school groups.
It took years of quiet growth before the site was renamed Hallett Nature Sanctuary in 1986 and finally opened for regular visitor hours in 2016. Today, this secluded spot feels worlds away from the Manhattan bustle, hosting up to 210 migrating bird species. It's a reminder that sometimes the greatest resilience is simply being left alone to thrive.
Updated June 2026