• Winter Wreath Workshop

    Let your creativity run wild while helping your favorite park! After a short hike in the park to pull and collect invasive vines, you’ll mold the twisted woody vine into a wreath; ready to decorate with a mix of festive natural and artificial materials. This DIY workshop is perfect for environmental enthusiasts, craft-lovers, and anyone...

  • Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walk

    Sunday, December 14at 10am meets in front of Nature Center Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing. RSVP Now.

  • Woodlawn Wednesdays

    Woodlawn Wednesdays

    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:...

  • Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walk

    Wednesday, December 17th at 2pm meets at Riverdale Stables Lot. Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing. RSVP Now.

  • Forest Fridays

    Forest Fridays

    Please note: Forest Friday on December 19th, 2025 has been canceled due to high winds. Remove invasive species from the Northwest Forest. Promote biodiversity, protect young trees, and maintain trails. When: Fridays November 14 and 21 meeting at 9am and Fridays December 5, 12 and 19 meeting at 10am Where: Van Cortlandt Park - VCPA...

  • Welcoming Winter: A Family Nature Walk

    In this free guided hike, families can hit the trails while learning about amazing local plants and animals, and how the park changes in the colder weather. Afterwards, join us for a nature craft and themed activities! Date: Sunday, December 21 Time: 10:30 am - 11:45 am (The hike will start at approximately 10:40 am)...

  • New Year’s Day Sunrise Hike & Meditation

    Welcome the first light of 2026. Join us for a peaceful sunrise hike and Japanese New Year tradition in Van Cortlandt Park. Start 2026 with intention, tranquility, and community. Join us for the 3rd Annual Hatsuhinode—the Japanese tradition of welcoming the first sunrise of the year—on a peaceful hike through the winter landscape of Van Cortlandt...

  • Mulchfest

    Mulchfest

    Two Dates: Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11 from 10am to 2pm Recycle your holiday tree by bringing it to Van Cortlandt Park, where the VCP Forest Restoration Crew will chip it into mulch! Trees can be dropped off prior to Mulchfest. For more information about drop-off locations throughout the city, visit NYC Parks’ Mulchfest...

  • VCP Nature Group Walk

    Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing. Kick off the New...

  • VC Nature Group Walk

    Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing. Kick off the New...

  • VC Nature Group Walk

    Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that...

  • Black History Month: Enslaved African Legacy Tour

    Join VCPA's Arts Integration Strategist, Ashley Hart Adams, on a guided walk that will enlighten participants on the true history that shaped Van Cortlandt Park. For approximately 200 years, the...