New York City, New York story
A Sanctuary for Birds
Deep in the southeastern corner of Central Park is a place that, for decades, was a secret. The Hallett Nature Sanctuary is a four-acre woodland that feels entirely disconnected f…
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Deep in the southeastern corner of Central Park is a place that, for decades, was a secret. The Hallett Nature Sanctuary is a four-acre woodland that feels entirely disconnected from the surrounding city. Originally called The Promontory, the area was fenced off in the 1930s by Robert Moses, who designated it as a bird sanctuary.
From 1934 until the modern era, it was closed to the general public to ensure the wildlife remained undisturbed. It wasn't until 2016 that regular visitor hours began. Now, you can explore rustic trails and overlooks near the Pond, where up to 210 bird species are reported to migrate.
Renamed in 1986 in honor of George Harvey Hallett Jr., this tiny woodland remains the smallest of the park's three woodlands, serving as a quiet refuge for both birds and humans.
Updated June 2026