When thinking of Queens, ones imagination doesn't naturally fall to nature or wetlands - but Queens is bordered by wetlands on both its Southern border with the Atlantic Ocean and on the North by the Long Island Sound. Many of the wetlands have been drained and taken over by housing, industrialization, or airports - both JFK and LaGuardias sprawling web of related businesses and buildings both sit on former wetlands. Despite this there a few gems, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge comes to mind, () but outside of this well regarded refuge -there are often overlooked wetlands, if if you know where to look.
The photojournalist, Nathan Kensinger, shooting for Curbed NY, has documented many unseen corners of NYC. I first came across his work in 2014 when he documented Hook Creek wetlands, and recently discovered his more recent photoessay about Alley Pond park.
I've been to both Alley Pond Park and driven along the often flooded Brookville Blvd/Snake Road in Rosedale many times over the years- the wetlands are still very much there- if smaller, but seem to be in better condition that 20 years ago. The wetlands around Brookville Blvd. were always a dumping ground with many abandoned cars and trash. NYC seems to have belated realized their importance looks to have invested some money, especially on the South Shore, where hurricane Sandy devastated the area. Prior to reading, Meadowmere and Warnerville were unknown to me, despite me frequently travelling through the area- I just never crossed south of Rockaway Boulevard.
If your interested in urban NYC wetlands, he has probably written about it with a careful eye towards history and community, and touches upon how they have played a role in NYC and their resiliency plans for a changing climate.
Other worthwhile 5 boro wetland related essays cover, Hurricane Sandy, Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal, and most recently, (2020) the development threatening Graniteville Swamp in Staten Island.
Further Reading:
Hook Creek, Queens/Nassau