Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary
Rockaways, Queens

One can easily overlook the Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary in the Rockaways. At first glance it seems to be just another unkempt shoreline where the locals fish. But step in carefully and you’ll see a mossy green shore covered in mussel colonies, most of which is inaccessible during high tide. You’ll also see the city’s skyline and the remnants of years of neglect, yes. Places like this exemplify how much damage must be undone as urban growth outpaced nature’s limitations. But on a magical note, you’ll see gorgeously weathered glass from the old Edgemere Landfill. Similar to a stroll on Dead Horse Bay Beach, which still gets goodies washing up from the old Barren Island (now the Marine Parkway Bridge), some of the glass is pretty old.

For pirates