Question: Who's the Oldest New Yorker?
The oldest living thing in New York City is also the tallest living thing in New York City. It's not a person!
Answer: The oldest living New Yorker is a tree in Queens. I should say it's most likely the oldest living thing in New York. It's definitely the tallest living thing in New York, as of 2011.
The tree is old Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), known as the Queens Giant or Ally Pond Giant. It's approximately 350 to 450 years old, and 133 feet tall.
The Queens Giant is in Alley Pond Park, just north of the LIE (Long Island Expressway). The location is marked, but unsupervised visitors aren't encouraged in an effort to keep the tree safe. The best way to visit the Queens Giant is on a tor led by the NYC Urban Park Rangers. Check our weekend listings regularly to hear about the next one.
