Gateway NRA has a very diverse ecosystem.   From ocean beaches to maritime forests, freshwater ponds, and salt water marshes the park contains many environments that contain a wide variety of wildlife.  Over 300 species of birds use the park as a stop over during spring and fall migration.

Jamaica Bay Institute

Gateway National Recreation Area is committed to focusing energy and resources to conserve the health and diversity of our ecosystem. The Jamaica Bay Institute was created as a testament to this commitment with the mission: to promote and improve the ecological health and social relevance of Jamaica Bay through research, education, and informed decision making.

Through partnerships with academic institutions, state, and federal agencies, Gateway National Recreation Area is able to gain access to sophisticated and multidisciplinary scientific information. This up- to-date scientific knowledge will then be shared with park management, local community leaders, and the public to foster science-based decisions.

Important aspects of the science investigations needed at Gateway are urban ecology themes such as: environmental justice, resource conservation versus visitor access and integrated management of cultural and natural resources. Although these projects are of high importance, we welcome research proposals in any area of scientific, historic, cultural, or social inquiry.