Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a protected natural area on Staten Island, New York, preserving former clay mining pits, freshwater ponds, wetlands and remnant woodlands. The preserve is managed for habitat conservation and passive recreation.

Visitors encounter a network of unpaved trails and boardwalks that pass ponds, kettle holes and forested areas, with opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife. The landscape reflects the area’s history of clay extraction, with ponds and pits now serving ecological roles.

Historically the site provided raw clay for brickmaking in the 19th and early 20th centuries; after industry declined the land became a focus for conservation and was set aside as a state preserve. Management emphasizes protection of rare plants and natural communities.

The preserve is located on the south shore of Staten Island within New York City, occupying a largely undeveloped tract surrounded by suburban neighborhoods.

• Habitats protected: The preserve protects a mosaic of habitats including freshwater ponds, kettle ponds, oak-pine woodlands and wetlands that are rare on Staten Island.
• Visitor facilities: Multiple short trails and a small nature center provide access and interpretive material for visitors interested in local ecology.