Little Hell Gate Channel

Manhattan and the coastal areas around it were once buffered by vast wetlands habitat. Two particular islands, Randall's and Wards Islands, were separated by the Little Hell Gate Channel, and Randall's was bordered to the north by what is now called the Bronx Kill. Like nearly all the shoreline of New York City, these have been filled in and the wetlands destroyed. The Bronx Kill is far narrower and has been pushed north of its footprint, and the Little Hell Gate Channel was nearly completely filled with construction debris from the 1930s-1970s. However, in both spots, a small amount of wetlands, a total of nine precious acres, were reclaimed and restored in 2008 by the Randall's Island Park Alliance at what is now Randall's Island Park. Diving and wading birds visit to forage, and small fish, crabs and other wildlife, once abundant, are finding their way back to this uniquely hospitable spot in the middle of New York City.