Legacy: The Preservation of Wilderness in New York City Parks

Legacy captures and documents New York City's network of hidden natural spaces through photographs taken over 12 months. Photographer Joel Meyerowitz received unprecedented access to restricted areas within NYC parks to chronicle undisturbed wilderness that exists within the urban landscape. The collection contains 250 color photographs of forests, wetlands, shorelines and other protected natural areas across the city's five boroughs. Meyerowitz photographed these spaces in all seasons and weather conditions, recording both grand vistas and intimate details of plant and animal life. Each photograph is accompanied by location information and historical context about the featured parkland. The book includes essays from park officials and conservationists about the past, present and future of wilderness preservation within America's largest city. The work poses questions about the relationship between civilization and nature, and what it means to maintain untamed spaces within a metropolis. Through its documentation of these preserved places, Legacy explores themes of time, change, and humanity's role as steward of the natural world.

Very limited reader reviews exist online for this photography book documenting NYC's natural areas. The few available reviews highlight these aspects: Readers appreciated: - The historical documentation of wilderness areas within NYC parks - Image quality and printing - Coverage of lesser-known natural spaces - Value as a record of pre-Hurricane Sandy landscapes Common critiques: - High price point at original $150 retail - Limited text and context about the locations - Some felt more urban park areas should have been included Ratings: Goodreads: No ratings Amazon: 5/5 (only 2 reviews) LibraryThing: No ratings From one Amazon reviewer: "The photographs capture wild spaces that most New Yorkers don't realize exist within the city limits. This collection preserves views of coastal areas that were later damaged by Sandy." Overall, too few public reviews exist to form a comprehensive assessment of reader response.

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🌳 Joel Meyerowitz spent two years exploring and photographing 9,000 acres of parks across New York City's five boroughs to document the city's often-overlooked wild spaces. 📸 The project was commissioned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, marking the first time the department had ever hired a photographer to document its spaces. 🌿 The book reveals that approximately 10,000 acres of New York City parkland remains in its natural state, untouched since the last ice age. 🗽 Many of the wilderness areas featured in the book are "Forever Wild" sites, which receive special protection from the city to preserve their natural state and native ecosystems. 📚 The oversized art book contains 250 color photographs and includes essays by Bill McKibben, Michael Brenson, and Philip Lopate exploring the intersection of urban life and wilderness preservation.