Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
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Type	State park
Location	83 Nielsen Avenue Staten Island, New York[1]
Nearest city	Staten Island, New York
Coordinates	40°32′28″N 74°13′48″W / 40.541°N 74.230°W / 40.541; -74.230
Area	265 acres (1.07 km2)[2]
Created	1977 (1977)[3]
Operated by	New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Visitors	47,415 (in 2021)[4]
Open	All year
Website	Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is 265-acre (1.07 km²) state park^[2] located near the southwestern shore of Staten Island, New York.^[5] It is the only state park located on Staten Island.

History

The park was the site of extensive mining of white kaolin clay in the 19th century that provided the raw material for bricks and terra cotta. After the abandonment of the quarrying operations, rainwater, natural springs, and vegetation filled in the pits.^[3] The preserve also contains archaeological evidence of settlements of the Lenape, early European settlers, and the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground.

The park was created in 1977 after extensive lobbying by the Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, a local conservation organization.^[3]

Groundbreaking for a $1.3 million nature center was held on May 4, 2007.^[6] In October 2008, the center opened with exhibits on the history of the Charleston area and wildlife and plants found within the park.^[7] The 3,000-square-foot (280 m²) facility contains exhibit space, classrooms, and an outdoor pavilion.^[6]

Park description

The park is a 265-acre (1.07 km²) nature preserve, comprising wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams, and woodlands. It includes pitch pine woods, and rare wildflowers such as cranberry, lizard-tail, possumhaw, and bog twayblade. The animal species found in the park include northern black racer snakes, box turtles, eastern fence lizards, Fowler's toads, green frogs, and spring peepers. More than 170 bird species have been sighted in the park. Deer are also regularly seen there.

The purpose of the preserve is to retain the site's unique ecology, as well as to provide educational and recreational opportunities, such a nature walks, pond ecology programs, and birdwatching. Two hiking trails – the Abraham's Pond Trail and the Ellis Swamp Trail – are open to the public near the park headquarters, and horseback riding is permitted on five miles (8.0 km) of bridle paths.

The park has two designated areas, which are set aside for endangered species and are off-limits to the public.^[3]