The Randall’s Island Park Alliance is opening the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh for a free drop-in exploration this Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon — no registration, just show up. The marsh pathway gates on the boardwalk will be open and members of RIPA’s Natural Areas Team will be on site to answer questions, share facts, and point out the plants and animals that live in one of the city’s last remaining tidal salt marshes. It’s a vital little ecosystem: it buffers the island from flooding and erosion and provides habitat for a range of species, and the rangers make it accessible to kids and adults alike. The next session is Sept. 26. Randall’s Island is at 10 Central Road in Manhattan’s backyard — free entry to the park, and the program costs nothing. For accessibility questions, email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

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