JFK Airport's Hidden Nature: How Wildlife Thrives and is Managed Behind the Scenes

By Idy Perl

JFK Airport is a picture of urban development but hidden just behind it is a treasure trove of nature and animals that feels like its miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The Port Authority’s Wildlife team monitors the wildlife that is at home in the 5 miles of marsh and forest surrounding the airport. You can find many different animals there, including geese, kestrels, peregrine falcons, gulls, songbirds, turtles and muskrats. 

Most of the animals stay away from the planes, but some species can get close and disturb airport operations. The wildlife department carefully tracks those animals and relocates them whenever necessary to ensure they stay safely out of the way. 

The Port Authority also monitors the conditions of the New York Harbor and the wildlife habitats in the waters near JFK. They have been working on the Billion Oyster Project since 2016, which looks to restore the oyster population in the New York Harbor, since oysters play a part in improving the water quality and protecting the shore from flooding. Governor Hochul has said that they plan to add another 20 million oysters in the water by the end of 2025. 

photo Credit: Billion Oyster Project