• Halloween: Wags to Witches

    Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, and the Urban Park Rangers invite you to a FREE afternoon of family and doggy fun. Get ready for creepy crafts, face painting, spine-chilling stories with LINC and more!   The event will be held on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Join us at 3pm...

  • Memorial Grove Volunteer Clean Up Event

    Join VCPA and Bronx Community Board 8 in honoring our veterans by cleaning up Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park. Help us get Memorial Grove ready for the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Van Cortlandt Park. Volunteer Tasks: Raking Leaves: Gather and rake leaves to keep the grove tidy. Picking Up Sticks: Collect sticks and debris to keep a clean environment. General Upkeep: Assist with trimming and trash collection. Why Volunteer? Honor Veterans: Contribute to a meaningful cause that honors our heroes. Community Engagement: Meet and work alongside like-minded individuals. Enjoy the Outdoors: Spend a rewarding day in the beautiful...

  • Wetland Wednesdays

    Wetland Wednesdays

    Hands-on restoration in the park's wetlands and floodplain. What we do shifts with the season — check the individual date before you sign up. By season: water chestnut removal on Van Cortlandt Lake in summer; phragmites control and planting native willows and shrubs in fall. When: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Where: Van Cortlandt Golf House — meet outside the VCPA offices next to the bathrooms Bring: clothes that can get wet and muddy, water bottle, sunscreen. Long sleeves and boots for the phragmites dates. Tools, gloves and training provided. No experience needed. Ages 15+ welcome (minors need waiver)....

  • Youth Run Farm Stand

    Youth Run Farm Stand

    We are very excited to bring our Youth Run Farmstand featuring fresh local produce at affordable prices back! Wednesdays 2-7pm from July 8 to October 28 Train Park (Gale Place and Orloff Avenue) We accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Fresh Connect Checks, Cash and Credit/Debit.

  • Trail Work Thursdays

    Trail Work Thursdays

    Help Maintain the Trails that Keep the Park Connected Be part of the community crew that cares for Van Cortlandt Park’s trails! Whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer or trying trail work for the first time, your effort makes a real difference in keeping these paths accessible and safe. 📍 Meeting Details: Location: Location: VCPA Learning Garden Time: 9:00 AM arrival — we begin hiking to the site promptly at 9:15 AM 🛠️ What We’ll Be Doing: • Clearing debris, branches, and overgrowth • Closing “desire lines” (unofficial paths) to protect habitats • Ensuring trail safety and erosion control • Learning...

  • 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

  • Veterans Day Ceremony

    Van Cortlandt Park Alliance & Bronx Community Board 8 Veterans Day Ceremony Memorial Grove • Van Cortlandt Park Sunday, November 1, 2026 • 12 PM This year, the program will include: - Procession and posting of the American Flag - Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and singing of the National Anthem - Remarks by local War Veterans - Remarks by local elected officials and Community Board 8

  • Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walk

    Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Nature is very active in the Fall, with bird migrations, changing leaves, and animals getting ready to hibernate. So come out into the crisp air on a nature walk in Van Cortlandt Park where you’ll find it...

  • Rising NYRR at the NYRR Cross Country Series #3

    Hosted by New York Road Runners. Perfect for both new and experienced runners, this fun three-event series is a great way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and experience the thrill of cross country! Registration is FREE and open to participants ages 2–18 of all abilities.

  • Crunch & Munch: A Fall Garden Celebration

    Van Cortlandt Park Alliance invites you to celebrate another great gardening season at our 3rd annual Crunch and Munch event. Bring your friends and family to stuff a scarecrow. Get your hands dirty planting garlic. Rake and crunch leaves to fill our compost bins, and make herb bundles to take home. Create a seasonal craft,...