NYC Urban Sketchers Blog

 

Who’s up for an adventure?  Let’s check out the marshy areas of Manhattan.  

Seems incredible to imagine a marsh in our town.  All the waterways and wet areas have been paved over for decades and centuries.  New York as it once was can’t be seen in the lower parts of the island.  But, up in the northernmost corner, where the East River wraps around and meets the Hudson, we'll be sketching at Muscota Marsh and in Inwood Park with views across the Spuyten Duyval  of the Bronx.

“The area is a reminder of what Manhattan might have looked like before steel and concrete overtook the borough. Hundreds of acres of natural land still exist in the park, making for a quiet reprieve in “the city that never sleeps.”  

Inwood Hill Park is home to the last natural forest and salt marsh in Manhattan. Aside from a few trails here and there, the 196-acre park contains a huge span of primordial green space, which is made up of mostly thick deciduous forest that has remained relatively untouched since the colonial days. When the Department of Parks purchased the land for Inwood Hill Park in 1916, the salt marsh was also saved and later landscaped. It serves as lasting reminder of the system of salt marshes that used to surround the island.”  (Adapted from an article by Susan Xu at Untapped Cites) 

DETAILS

What:   We’ll be sketching the park area at the northern tip of Manhattan(see map below)

Where:   We’ll meet at the entrance to Inwood Park.  Muscota Marsh is to the right.  This is the corner of Indian Road and West 218th Street

When:  Start time - 10 AM.   Running late?  Messed up by the subways?  Come anyway - we'll be there.

How:

-   By Subway:  Take the #1 train to 215th Street.  It’s about a three block walk to the entrance.  See the map (below) 

Lunch:  We'll break at 12:00.  Location to be determined.  Bring your own food and drink.  The choices may be limited and may require a time consuming walk.  

Afternoon:  1:00  Back to sketching

Show and Tell:  3:00 PM - Location to be determined.

NOTE:

• Bring a hat (for the sun - hopefully!)
• Bring a stool if you have one, it gives you more options. 
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click to enlarge

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If you can’t find us

call or text Mark at 973-809-9128

There are no fees.   All drawing skill levels are welcome.