and turkeys would roam freely through forests, marshes and grassland. Its ecology was as diverse as Yellowstone or Yosemite today There used to be sandy beaches along the coasts streams. and 90 kilometres of fresh-water project resulted in a 3-D Sanderson's computer model of the area. You can pick any spot in modern New York and see what used to be there. Take Fifth Avenue, for example. A family called Murray used to have a farm here and in 1782 during the American War of Independence) the British troops landed near here. Legend has it that Mrs Murray offered the British officers tea while George troops slipped past them, down Washington's what is now Broadway. I'd like every New Yorker to know that they live in a place with amazing natural potential even if you have to look a little harder to see it,' says Sanderson.