Field Trip to Central Park

The Geologic History of New York

Friday, April 22, 2011 9:45 - 2:00

Prof. DiVenere

divenere@liu.edu

We will meet at the southwest corner of Central Park at Central Park West and 59th St (Columbus Circle) at 9:45 am for introductory remarks. We start walking at 10:00. Be ready to walk several miles. Wear comfortable, supportive walking shoes (or boots). Wear clothes in layers to allow for chilly or mild weather. Watch the weather forecast. Make sure make a restroom stop before meeting because there won't be another opportunity until late in the trip. Also, bring a sandwich or bite to eat and something to drink. We won't stop for lunch, though we will pass a couple of vendors' carts where you can purchase a drink and a snack. We should finish shortly before 2:00 pm in the park at 72nd St.

From there, most of us will walk out to Central Park West and get on the subway, downtown, to return to Penn Station and the Long Island Railroad, or, if you like, uptown to see the American Museum of Natural History. You can alternatively walk out to Central Park East (Park Avenue) to see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, etc. There are limitless opportunities for culture, dining, and entertainment, so take advantage while you are there.

Summary Paper: A three-to-five page summary paper of what we see can be submitted in place of your lowest, quiz or exercise grade. Due by the day of our final exam review (see syllabus).

In Case of Rain: we will go to the American Museum of Natural History where I will lead a "field" trip to explore the origin of the Earth and the evolution of vertebrates and humans.

How to get there:

The Hard Way: drive in, pay bridge tolls, and try the always difficult and/or expensive task of parking.

The Easy Way: take the Long Island Railroad to Penn Station, then the subway uptown to 59th St -Columbus Circle (or 81st St for the Museum in case of rain).

Long Island Railroad

>You should take a train that gets into Penn Station no later than 9:30 to make Columbus Circle by 9:45.

>Make sure to look at the weekday, not the weekend/holiday schedule.

>It is easiest to buy a subway pass at the same time that you buy your LIRR ticket in the train station.

Long Island Railroad Timetables: http://lirr42.mta.info/

Subway

>There is a subway station/platform at each end of Penn Station
   (one end is for the number 1, 2, and 3 trains, the other end is for the A, C, and E trains)

>subway trains you can take to Central Park: 1, A, C
   (for the Museum, take the C train)

>get on the uptown platform

>Penn Station is at 34th St., Columbus Circle is at 59th St. (the Museum is at 81st St).

New York City Subway Route Map: http://www.nycsubway.org/maps/route/