Sunset Park is buttressed by a rough stone retaining wall that has become the home of numerous lifeforms. Above is the southwest-facing flank. 
Here’s the northeast wall, along 41st St. That’s where all the following were found:
The presence of lichen, which doesn’t tolerate pollution, means the air here is relatively good. Indeed, elevated near the top of the Harbor Hill Moraine, the park catches the harbor breezes very nicely.
There are numerous clumps of Scotch Moss (Sagina subulata), which isn’t a moss but rather a flowering plant.
Haven’t yet figured out which fern this is. A spleenwort perhaps? 
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
The caterpillar of the Sycamore Tussock Moth (Halysidota larrisii). Wikipedia says these can cause hives; this Auburn entomology page says nix to that, while listing other “stinging” caterpillars.’
“Stone wall, Sunset Park ……… $50,000” from the May 10, 1906, edition of The City Record. Would love to know where these stones came from.
Backyard and Beyond 
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