Dene Slope
The Dene Slope, located along a steep hill on the west side of the landscape known as the Dene, is one of the area’s most prominent features.
The Central Park Conservancy has planted more than 50 species of native wildflowers and grasses here and the landscape serves as a habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. A trail provides access to the slope and rustic seating, which invites visitors to pause and enjoy the wildlife as well as the surrounding views. The meadow was completed in 2017 and took many years to establish—work that involved seeding, installing new irrigation infrastructure, and eliminating weeds. Native meadows are incredibly dynamic—each season is unique based on factors like the amount of sunlight and rainfall, and which seeds are spread by wind and wildlife.
Stroll in the Dene Slope
Join us as we walk through this vibrant meadow and year-round pollinator’s paradise.
The Dene Slope is part of the Dene, a quintessential Central Park landscape. Its name, an English word for “valley,” evokes its topography created by steep hills and dramatic rock outcrops that are popular among Park visitors for climbing and exploring.
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Become an honorary gardener and keep Central Park blooming by contributing to the Conservancy’s work.
Also in the area
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Park Information
A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park
Central Park is made up of a variety of landscapes that are diverse, intricate, and interconnected—just like the communities of Park-lovers who enjoy them.
Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes
Park History
From Alaska to Central Park: Balto the Siberian Husky
In January 1925, a deadly diphtheria epidemic threatened the children of Nome, Alaska. Medicine to stop the outbreak was in Anchorage, nearly 700 miles away. Twenty sled dog teams relayed the medicine from Nenana to Nome, by way of the Iditarod Trail, in just over five days. Balto, a hardy Siberian husky, led the final leg of the trip.
Tags: Monuments / Best for Kids / Art Lovers
Wildlife
From Central Park to Central Mexico: The Great Monarch Butterfly Migration
When it comes to skipping town—and the cold—Central Park’s monarch butterflies go the distance: a pilgrimage that starts in southern Canada and the northeastern United States and ends in Mexico.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Spring / Flowers / Pollinators / Nature Lovers
Park Information
What is Biodiversity?
Even so-called concrete jungles like New York City have their own degree of biodiversity. Amid a significant reduction in global biodiversity, thriving urban ecosystems are essential to the health and resilience of highly developed areas. Learn what biodiversity is and its importance in Central Park.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / Flowers / Pollinators / About the Conservancy / Trees / Highlights / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / Landscape Design / Wildlife / Plants and Trees / Landscapes / Restoration and Maintenance
Restoration and Maintenance
A Look Back: Improving Central Park in 2017
About the Conservancy
Urban Wildlife in Central Park: Understanding our Human Impact and the Hazards of Feeding Wild Animals
Feeding urban wildlife may seem like a kind gesture, but it can often do more harm than good. Learn why offering food like bread, crackers, and nuts to Central Park’s wildlife can cause malnutrition, disease, and injuries, and the other ways humans impact our feathered and furry neighbors.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Pollinators / Nature Lovers / Landscapes
Things to See and Do
What’s Blooming This Summer in Central Park
Tags: Summer / Flowers
Wildlife
Flying in Plain Sight: The Bats of Central Park
Nine species of bats live in New York State, and Central Park’s 843 acres of sprawling meadows, woodlands, and water bodies play a crucial role in their health.
Tags: Pollinators / Nature Lovers
Restoration and Maintenance
A Native Meadow in Progress, the Dene Slope Opens to the Public
Tags: Flowers / Pollinators