Pathways to the Past: 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 Van Cortlandt family plantation relied upon the labor of enslaved people, as did many plantations and farms in the north. Enslaved Africans, their descendants, and...

Caribeando Music and Dance Workshops with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe

This community interactive workshop series featuring Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe introduces the traditional genres of Bomba and Plena.  Participants will learn Bomba and Plena dances, drum patterns, piquetes (dance improvisation), and songs. Workshops will be held on Saturdays, September 7 and 21st from 1 to 3pm  next to the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Ground...

Event Series Monday Morning Clean Ups

Monday Morning Clean Ups

Nice weekends bring lots of visitors to the park. Lots of visitors make a mess! Volunteers are needed to help park staff tidy up. Help Van Cortlandt Park staff clean up after weekend picnicking. We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape. You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for...

Event Series Monday Afternoon Clean Ups

Monday Afternoon Clean Ups

Nice weekends bring lots of visitors to the park. Lots of visitors make a mess! Volunteers are needed to help park staff tidy up. Help Van Cortlandt Park staff clean up after weekend picnicking. We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape. You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for...

Event Series Summer Garden Tune-Up Tuesdays

Garden Tune-Up Tuesdays

Turnip to volunteer! At the VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site, we are open and enjoying our rebuilt space while maintaining our plants and produce. Volunteers will learn how to care for the garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed. 18 and older. Groups of 5+ must register as...

Event Series Woodlawn Restoration Wednesdays

Woodlawn Restoration Wednesdays

Join us in the Northeast Woods to combat invasive species and prepare for fall planting. Meet us at Woodlawn Playground by the handball courts at 9 AM for a rewarding morning of ecological restoration. Event Highlights: Date: Every Wednesday in August and September. Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Meeting Location: Woodlawn Playground by the...

Event Series Forest Fridays

Forest Fridays

🌳 What: Forest Restoration in the Northwest Forest 📅 When: Fridays ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 📍 Where: Van Cortlandt Park - Garden & Compost Site Description: We will be focusing on removing invasive species like porcelain berry, bittersweet, mile-a-minute, Norway Maple and more. These activities are crucial in preserving the health and...

Event Series Birding with NYC Audubon

Birding with NYC Bird Alliance

Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various species of resident and migratory birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. Each walk will be led by a NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) guide. Advance registration is required. You...

Tree Planting for Climate Week

🌳 What: Tree Planting for Climate Week in the Northwest Forest 📅 When: Saturday, September 28th ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 📍 Where: Van Cortlandt Park - Garden & Compost Site Description: Join us for a planting event in the Northwest Forest. These activities are crucial in preserving the health and biodiversity of...

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