Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Park
Urban nature preserve protecting wetlands and rare species
A Staten Island preserve of ponds and former clay pits, Clay Pit Ponds protects maritime woodlands, kettle ponds and rare plants; visitors come for birdwatching, geology and quiet walking trails away from the shoreline.
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve at a Glance#
Address: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, Staten Island, NY (park spans southern Staten Island)
Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/clay-pit-ponds-state-park-preserve
Hours: Dawn-dusk (typical for NYC Parks preserves)
Admission: Free (preserve run by NYC Parks)
About 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.
How to Get to Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve#
The preserve is on Staten Island’s southern flank; access is by car or local bus routes connecting to the Staten Island Ferry terminal. Check NYC Parks for maps and bus route details.
Tips for Visiting Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve#
- Use the main nature center as an orientation point-guided walks and programs are often scheduled there.
- The preserve protects rare serpentine and clay soils-stay on trails to avoid trampling sensitive plant communities.
- Bring a field guide for spring wildflowers and migrating birds; the preserve has a surprising variety for Staten Island.
Best Time to Visit Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve#
Spring and fall are best for birding and botany; summer sees more recreational use.
Weather & Climate near Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve#
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1231 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 4° | -6° | 98 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 5° | -4° | 78 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 0° - 10° | 1° | 105 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 16° | 10° | 103 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 10° - 22° | 16° | 113 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 15° - 27° | 21° | 96 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 18° - 29° | 24° | 124 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 29° | 23° | 113 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 25° | 19° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 19° | 13° | 93 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 13° | 5° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 7° | -2° | 97 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
