Oaks, Our City and Us: A Vision For Nature In New York City

Despite its image as a concrete jungle, New York City is home to a rich array of rare and native species, thanks to its unique geography, extensive shoreline, and position along the Atlantic Flyway. From salt marshes and vernal pools to kettle ponds and coastal dunes, critical habitats persist across the five boroughs - often unseen and undervalued.

Yet decades of development and underinvestment have devastated these ecosystems. The City has lost nearly all of its wetlands, while its forests face ongoing degradation. Global biodiversity declines are mirrored here: butterfly and bird populations have plummeted and invasive species are straining habitats. Meanwhile, scant resources are allocated to address these challenges.

Biodiversity isn’t just an ecological concern - it directly supports human health, climate resilience,and economic sustainability. Nature improves mental and physical health and provides flood protection, oxygen and cooling. It also offers vital ecosystem services that save New Yorkers money and protects their well-being.

Despite these benefits, New York is the only major global city without a biodiversity plan. The NYC Biodiversity Task Force was formed to change that, by elevating local ecosystems, advancing environmental justice, and bringing community voices to the center. With no outside funding, a diverse coalition of government, grassroots, academic, and civic leaders came together to craft a citywide framework.

New Yorkers have long been at the forefront of ecological care. From volunteer stewards in local parks to neighborhood-led coalitions fighting to protect forests and wetlands, community groups are essential to the City’s environmental progress. The Task Force builds on this legacy, prioritizing inclusive, place-based solutions shaped by those who live and work closest to nature. Their lived experience and deep local knowledge form the backbone of this report.

This report lays out five priorities for action:

1. Protect and manage wild spaces and species

2. Advance biodiversity justice

3. Promote ecological landscapes

4. Invest in nature

5. Elevate biodiversity in all aspects of City life

To support these priorities, the Task Force developed 15 recommendations organized into four themes: protecting nature, strengthening community stewardship, transforming city systems, and leading on urban biodiversity. Each recommendation includes actionable, science-informed steps to guide implementation across government and community partners.