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 felt like a secret for nearly a century. Originally called The Promontory, this area was fenced off…
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Deep in the southeastern corner of Central Park lies a four-acre woodland that felt like a secret for nearly a century. Originally called The Promontory, this area was fenced off by Robert Moses in 1934 to create an undisturbed bird sanctuary. For decades, it remained closed to the general public, accessible only occasionally for school groups.
It wasn't until 2016 that regular visitor hours finally began, allowing everyone to explore its rustic trails and overlooks. Now known as the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, it serves as a nature-immersive escape where over two hundred bird species migrate, proving that sometimes the best urban transformation is simply letting nature take over and then slowly inviting the city back in.
Updated June 2026