• Forest Fridays

    Forest Fridays

    Join us for invasive species removal at the peak of the growing season. June is when invasives are easiest to spot and most vulnerable to removal — your work opens the forest floor for native wildflowers, oak seedlings, and the spring-loaded understory waiting underneath. When: Fridays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Note- no event on...

  • Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up

    Canine Court needs some TLC! Help keep this doggie happy by volunteering to clean up Canine Court! NYC Parks staff does not perform daily maintenance inside dog runs. Daily maintenance is up to volunteers- like YOU! Join us for an afternoon of weeding, cleaning and spreading woodchips to spruce up Canine Court. VCPA provides all...

  • Cross Country Volunteer Days

    Cross Country Volunteer Days

    Be a part of the community effort to maintain the historic Course Country Trail in Van Cortlandt Park Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail work, your help will make a significant impact! Event Dates and Times: Saturdays May 2,  June 6, August 1 and September 5 from 10am to 1pm.* Meeting Location:...

  • Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up

    Canine Court needs some TLC! Help keep this doggie happy by volunteering to clean up Canine Court! NYC Parks staff does not perform daily maintenance inside dog runs. Daily maintenance is up to volunteers- like YOU! Join us for an afternoon of weeding, cleaning and spreading woodchips to spruce up Canine Court. VCPA provides all...

  • Tune-up Tuesdays

    Tune-up Tuesdays

    Turnip to volunteer and help us take care of our Learning Garden! Volunteers will help care for our garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed - just show up in clothing you will be comfortable getting dirty in! Location: The VCPA Learning Garden is located near the Mosholu Avenue...

  • Wetland Wednesdays

    Wetland Wednesdays

    Summer Edition: Water Chestnut removal on Van Cortlandt Lake. August Projects: water chestnut removal on Van Cortlandt Lake through mid-month, then phragmites and floodplain restoration. When: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Note: no event on 6/10) Where: Van Cortlandt Golf House (meet at south entrance) What to bring: Clothes that can get wet and...

  • Forest Fridays

    Forest Fridays

    Join us for forest restoration work along the cross-country trail. July is peak growing season — we'll be removing invasive species and working on trail-adjacent restoration. Your work opens the forest floor for native wildflowers, oak seedlings, and the understory waiting underneath. When: Fridays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Where: Van Cortlandt Park — Cross...

  • After Holiday Weekend Clean Ups

    After Holiday Weekend Clean Ups

    Nice holiday weekends bring lots of visitors to the park. Lots of visitors make a mess! Volunteers are needed to help keep the park tidy. Join the Van Cortlandt Park staff in cleaning up the Park after holiday weekends. Help Van Cortlandt Park staff clean up trash after holidays this year: Monday, June 22 (after Father's Day weekend) Monday, July 6 (after July 4th weekend) Tuesday, September 8 (after Labor weekend) Meeting at 9am in front of the Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse - enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue. We will provide gloves and...

  • Tune-Up Tuesdays – Garden Volunteer Days

    Tune-Up Tuesdays – Garden Volunteer Days

    Turnip to volunteer and help us take care of our Learning Garden! Volunteers will help care for our garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed - just show up in clothing you will be comfortable getting dirty in! Location: The VCPA Learning Garden is located near the Mosholu Avenue and Broadway entrance...

  • Woodlawn Wednesday: Forest Restoration

    Woodlawn Wednesday: Forest Restoration

    Help restore the beautiful woodlands of Van Cortlandt Park’s east side! Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers like you play a vital role in preserving this important urban ecosystem. You might: Remove Invasive Species: Tackle harmful plants like multiflora rose, bush honeysuckle, bittersweet, and Japanese angelica tree that threaten our native biodiversity. Maintain Trails: Keep paths clear, safe, and welcoming for all park visitors. No experience needed! We provide all tools and gloves. You'll also learn about forest ecology, plant ID, and restoration techniques. When: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Please arrive on time – we depart for...

  • Trail Work Thursdays

    Trail Work Thursdays

    Be a part of the community effort to care for the trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Upcoming Activities Include: Clearing debris and overgrowth Ensuring trail safety and accessibility Maintenance on structures that mitigate erosion and improve access. What to Bring: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing Closed-toed shoes Water and a snack Meeting Details: Location: VCPA Learning Garden Time: 9 am sharp; work begins at 9:15 am RSVP Now

  • Forest Fridays

    Forest Fridays

    Join us for forest restoration work at a new work location. Your work opens the forest floor for native wildflowers, oak seedlings, and the understory waiting underneath. When: Fridays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM New Location: Van Cortlandt Park — meeting at the Classic Playground on the southern end of the park. What to bring: Clothes that can get dirty, sturdy shoes, water bottle, sunscreen.  Tools and gloves provided. RSVP Now. Ages 15+ welcome (minors need signed waiver: https://vancortlandt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/VCPA_Waiver_Form_2019.pdf) Limited to 30 volunteers per shift. Groups of 6+ email noel@vancortlandt.org