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...
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...
🌳 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...
Kids of all ages and abilities can experience the joys of cross country running in Van Cortlandt Park! Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a New Balance souvenir. Hosted by VCPA supporter, New York Road Runners.
Each Wednesday, we’ll focus on different tasks depending on the season—such as phragmites cutting, water chestnut removal, and other vital restoration activities. Our efforts help maintain the health and biodiversity of Van Cortlandt Park's wetlands, ensuring the sustainability of this important ecosystem. For the October dates, our primary task will be cutting back invasive phragmites...
Super Seedlings is a FREE, drop-in gardening program for kids ages 2-7 and their caregivers. Each session will have a fun seasonal theme to explore, nature crafts, garden produce to harvest, soil digging, and more! Come once, twice, or every week for some playing and planting! We hope to see you there! 📅 Dates: CANCELED: Saturday, September...
Kids of all ages and abilities can experience the joys of cross country running in Van Cortlandt Park! Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a New Balance souvenir. Hosted by VCPA supporter, New York Road Runners.
This interactive performance with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe will feature Bomba, Plena, Nengón, and Changuí. Participants will learn stories, songs, dance steps, rhythmic movements, improvisations, and drum rhythm patterns. Caribeando is part of the Caribbean Folk Songs for Kids of All Ages (CFSKAA) Project, a multidisciplinary performance series, workshop series, and exhibition featuring...
Support the Park! Hike-then-sip at VCPA’s Annual Hike-toberfest! Hike in the park followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration, complete with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games, and more. Tickets on Sale! For more information, visit our Hike-toberfest page.
Join us in honoring our veterans by maintaining Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park this October. We’re hosting two volunteer events to ensure the grove is beautifully prepared for our upcoming Veterans Day celebration. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with fellow volunteers. Event Details:...
Join us for an important planting event in the Northeast Forest as we work to preserve the health and biodiversity of our forest. Activities Include: Invasive Species Removal: Help us remove invasive plants threatening our native ecosystem. Native Species Planting: Get new trees and shrubs in the ground as part of City of Forest Week....
Learn how to prepare garden beds for the winter with cover crop! Join New York Restoration Project’s Urban Agriculture Team to learn all about the process and benefits of covering your garden with cover crops in preparation for Winter. What are cover crops? Cover crops are close-growing plants sown to cover bare ground in between plantings...
