Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Rowboating on the Mill Pond
2024-09-17 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Village Community Boathouse is back with FREE rowboating on Hester and Piero’s Mill Pond. Rowboats for small groups will be available to paddle around the lake. Children must be accompanied by adults. First come first served.
Meet at the southern end of the Mill Pond- enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.

Pathways to the Past: Enslaved African Legacy Tour
2024-09-18 18:00 - 19:00
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 Indigenous people were vital to colonial New York’s economy–growing, harvesting, milling, packing, and shipping the wheat that would be a staple export out of New York harbor. This tour will stop at several sites within the park that are daily reminders of their labor and lasting legacy.
This walk will be approximately 1 hour long and will include uneven surfaces so please wear appropriate shoes.
RSVP Required.

Caribeando Music and Dance Workshops with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe
2024-09-21 13:00 - 15:00
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 behind the Tennis Courts.
Parking is available in the Van Cortlandt Golf Lot. No driving inside the park allowed.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
RSVP Suggested.

Garden Tune-Up Tuesdays
2024-09-24 10:00 - 13:00
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 a unit via email to gardening@vancortlandt.org
Dates:

September 24
October 8
October 22
November 12

Sessions run from 10am-1pm.
RSVP Now.

Starlight Cinema: The Princess Bride
2024-09-27 17:30 - 21:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Horace Mann School Present:
Starlight Cinema: Enchanted Forest
Featuring: The Princess Bride (1987)
FREE! Movies in the Park FREE!
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground
6:45-ish • Movies Begin at Last Light
5:30 PM • Music of 1987
5:30 PM • Movie-themed Crafts

Tree Planting for Climate Week
2024-09-28 09:00 - 12:00
🌳 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 our forest.
Activities Include:

Invasive Species Removal: Help us eradicate invasive plants that threaten our native ecosystem.
Tree Planting: Help us get new trees in the ground as the fall season begins.

What to Bring:

Long sleeves and pants
Sturdy shoes
Water and snacks
Enthusiasm for environmental conservation!

RSVP Now!
Want to bring a group? This event is limited to small groups of 5 or less. If you would like to bring more 6 or more people please complete this form to schedule a separate event.

Rising NYRR at the Cross Country Course #1
2024-09-29 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Wetland Wednesdays
2024-10-02 09:00 - 12:00
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 reeds, which threaten to overrun native plants and alter the wetland habitat. In other seasons, we may tackle aquatic invasive species like water chestnut or work on additional restoration projects in the floodplain.
What to Expect:
Seasonal tasks: Depending on the time of year, we could be thinning phragmites, removing water chestnuts, or engaging in other wetland restoration activities.
Hands-on involvement: Volunteers will work directly in the wetlands, with tasks that may involve getting wet and muddy.
Equipment provided: Waders, gloves, and tools will be supplied.
What to Bring:
Long sleeves, pants, and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty
Water and snacks
Enthusiasm for environmental restoration!
Location:
📍 Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House
RSVP Now.

Super Seedlings
2024-10-05 10:00 - 12:00
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 28th
Saturday, October 5th
Saturday, October 12th
Saturday, October 26th
Saturday, November 2nd
🕐 Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Location: VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables).
Drop-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended.
Please e-mail us with any questions at gardening@vancortlandt.org

Rising NYRR at the Cross Country Course #2
2024-10-06 10:00 - 11:00

Caribeando: Caribbean Folk and Traditional Music and Dance Performance
2024-10-08 17:00 - 18:30
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 dance, music, and storytelling.
Performance will be held on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
RSVP Suggested.

Hike-toberfest 2024
2024-10-19 13:30 - 18:00
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.

Memorial Grove Maintenance for Veterans Day
2024-10-24 13:00 - 16:00
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:
Dates: Thursday 10/24 & 10/31
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Memorial Grove, Van Cortlandt Park
Activities:
Raking Leaves: Gather and rake leaves to keep the grove tidy.
Picking Up Sticks: Collect sticks and debris to maintain a clean environment.
General Upkeep: Assist with trimming, trash collection, and pathway maintenance.
What We Provide:
All necessary tools and equipment (rakes, gloves, trash bags, etc.)
Guidance and training from the VCPA team
A friendly, supportive environment
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work
Sturdy footwear
Water
Sunscreen
Optional: Your own gloves for added protection
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 Van Cortlandt Park.
Make a Difference: Help create a welcoming and respectful space for Veterans Day.
RSVP Now.

City of Forest Week Planting Event
2024-10-26 09:00 - 12:00
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.

What to Bring:

Long sleeves and pants
Sturdy shoes
Water and snacks
Enthusiasm for environmental conservation!

Why Participate?

Contribute to the health of your local environment
Gain hands-on experience in conservation work
Meet like-minded individuals passionate about the environment

RSVP Now!

Garden Cover Crop Community Workshop with NYRP
2024-10-26 14:00 - 16:00
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 of vegetables. They are planted to improve soil quality and to provide other benefits to the garden ecosystem.
Gardeners of all levels are welcome!
When: October 26th, 2 – 4 PM
Where: VCPA Garden & Compost Site, Enter the park at Broadway & Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

Halloween: Wags to Witches
2024-10-27 12:00 - 16:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Van Cortlandt House Museum invite you to a FREE fang-tastic afternoon of family and doggy fun. Get ready for creepy crafts, face painting, spine-chilling stories and more! Event will be held on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Join us at 2pm for our Second Annual Canine Costume Contest.
$20 pre-registration; $25 day-of to enter the Canine Costume Contest for a chance to win fun prizes.
RSVP Now.

Veterans Day Ceremony
2024-11-03 12:00 - 13:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance & Bronx Community Board 8
Veterans Day Ceremony
Memorial Grove • Van Cortlandt Park
Sunday, November 3, 2024 • 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

Vault Hill Wednesdays
2024-11-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance in an ongoing effort to restore the natural biodiversity of Vault Hill Meadow by removing invasive plant species. This opportunity focuses on hands-on invasive species removal, with tasks varying seasonally to ensure the health and recovery of this important area within the park.
What to Expect:
• Seasonal invasive species removal: Volunteers will tackle invasive plants such as porcelain berry, multiflora rose, and others that pose a threat to native species.
• Hands-on fieldwork: Expect to get involved in physical tasks, including cutting, pulling, and gathering invasive plants.
• Equipment provided: Gloves, tools, and any other necessary equipment will be supplied.
What to Bring:
• Long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes
• Water and snacks
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork and environmental restoration
Location:
📍 Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House. From there, we’ll walk to Vault Hill Meadow to begin the day’s activities.
Why Participate?:
• Contribute to the restoration of Vault Hill Meadow, one of Van Cortlandt Park’s key areas for native biodiversity.
• Gain experience in invasive species management.
• Be part of an ongoing effort to improve the park’s ecological health.
Join us in restoring Vault Hill Meadow and make a lasting impact on Van Cortlandt Park’s natural beauty!
RSVP Now.

Trail Thursdays on the XC
2024-11-07 09:00 - 12:00
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the historic Cross Country Course in Van Cortlandt Park. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact!
Meeting Details:
Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Garden and Education Compost Site, across from Riverdale Stables.
Time: 9 am sharp; work begins at 9:15 am
Please note: There is no session on October 3rd.
Activities Include:
Repairing cross country trail surfaces
Clearing debris and overgrowth
Ensuring trail safety and accessibility
What to Bring:
Sunscreen
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toed shoes
Water and a snack
Why Join Us?
Contribute to the vitality and safety of the trails you love! Engage with fellow community members, learn about trail maintenance, and enjoy the satisfaction of hands-on work in the great outdoors.
Necessary tools and gloves will be provided!
RSVP Now.
Want to bring a group? This event is limited to small groups of 5 or less. If you would like to bring more 6 or more people please complete this form to schedule a separate event.

Compost Sifter Building Workshop
2024-11-11 11:00 - 14:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Green-Up to learn how to build your own compost sifter and use finished compost in your garden!
Participants can build sifters to take home, or to donate to a local community garden. Gardeners of all levels are welcome!
RSVP is required as materials are limited.
When: November 11, 11 AM – 2 PM
Where: VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site, Enter the Park at Broadway & Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

Crunch and Munch - A Fall Garden Celebration
2024-11-16 10:00 - 14:00
Come join us for a garden family event to celebrate a wonderful harvest season!
Festivities will include:

Leaf Crunch with Bronx Green-Up
Children’s Crafts and Activities
Garlic Planting with New York Restoration Project
Garden Harvesting
Seasonal Snacks and Beverages
& More!

Grab your family and friends and enjoy a day full of garden fun, celebration, and community!
VCPA Garden & Compost Site, Enter the park at Broadway & Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now

Discover VCP: An Autumn Hike
2024-11-16 11:00 - 13:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for an enriching hike and forest exploration experience in the Northwest Woods. Led by Trail Stewardship Coordinator Leslie Garcia, this leisurely walk covers 2-3 miles and offers a fresh look at both native and invasive tree species in our Northwest forest.
Pets, on leashes, are welcome! The hike is suitable for all ages, though keep in mind that there are moderate elevation changes.
RSVP Now

Canine Court Clean Up Volunteer Event
2024-11-20 14:00 - 16:00
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 evening of weeding, cleaning and spreading woodchips to spruce up Canine Court.
VCPA provides all necessary gear. You bring the can-do attitude
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 252nd.
RSVP Now.

Rising NYRR at the Cross Country Course #3
2024-11-24 10:00 - 11:00

VCTC's Lettuce Run Turkey Trot
2024-11-28 09:00 - 10:00
A Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving!
Organized by the Van Cortlandt Track Club, this fun run will benefit the Friendly Fridge BX Community Food Hub at 242nd Street.
Bring your whole family and get some exercise before your big meal.
Register Now.

Forest Fridays
2024-12-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join Us for Forest Friday Events This December!
🌳 What: Forest Restoration in the Northwest Forest
📅 When: Fridays, December 6th, 13th, and 20th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (please arrive on time – we leave for the site by 9:15 AM)
📍 Where: Van Cortlandt Park – Garden & Compost Site (link)
Description
Help preserve Van Cortlandt Park’s 640 acres of urban forest this December! Through our Forest Friday events, we’ll focus on removing invasive plants like multiflora rose, bittersweet, and porcelain berry to restore balance to our ecosystem.
Multiflora rose is a particularly invasive species that poses a serious threat to native plants. Your efforts will create space for biodiversity to thrive and support the long-term health of our forest.
Activities Include:
• Invasive Species Removal: Target multiflora rose and other invasive plants to protect the forest ecosystem.
• Forest Restoration: Prepare key areas for native plants to reclaim their space.
• Hands-on Conservation: Engage in rewarding activities alongside fellow volunteers.
What to Bring:
• Dress Smartly: Layer clothing for warmth, and wear denim or canvas to avoid snags when working with thorny plants like roses. Puffy coats aren’t ideal for this type of work. Old sweatshirts are better.
• Gloves and Tools: We provide long gloves and tools, but feel free to bring your own if preferred.
• Sturdy, weather-appropriate shoes
• Water and snacks
• Enthusiasm for environmental conservation!
RSVP Now.

DIY Wreath Making Workshop
2024-12-14 11:00 - 14:00
Come join us for a fun and creative wreath making workshop where you’ll learn to make your own beautiful wreath….from harvest to finish!
After a short hike in the park to pull and collect invasive bittersweet, learn how to 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 who wants to spread festive cheer!
Everyone will get to go home with their own unique holiday wreath.
No prior experience or knowledge required.
Workshop takes place outside, please dress for the weather.
All supplies (including hot cocoa and cookies!) will be provided…you provide the creativity!
Get Your Tickets!
Please purchase 1 ticket for every person attending. Each person will take home a wreath. Space is limited and tickets are required. Ticket price includes materials fee.

General Admission (age 17+): $25
Junior Admission (age 10 -16): $15
Junior Admission ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult with a GA ticket.

Raindate and Cancellation Policy:

Ticket sales will not be refunded and will be considered a donation to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance if you cannot attend the workshop on December 14th. (If your fee is converted to a donation, it will be considered fully tax-deductible.)
In the event of rain, the workshop will be moved to Sunday, December 15th and attendees will be notified by Friday, December 13th.
If VCPA changes the date due to rain, you will have the option of a refund if you are unable to attend on December 15th.

How the Earth Answers
2024-12-17 18:00 - 19:30
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Van Cortlandt House Museum present a poetry reading by poet and Bronx byproduct David Mills.
David Mills will read from a new, yet-to-be-published poetry collection, How the Earth Answers, focused on slavery in the Bronx.The reading will be held on the third floor (accessible via stairs only) of the Van Cortlandt House Museum, adjacent to an area identified as the quarters inhabited by the enslaved people who toiled and lived on the plantation.
RSVP Now.
The Enslaved People Project
This reading is part of a series of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s ongoing programs and continued efforts to educate the community about the Enslaved People of the Van Cortlandt Plantation.
The Story Behind How the Earth Answers
Most folks who live in the Bronx—and maybe in all five boroughs—have heard of Van Cortlandt Park, Hunts Point, Pelham Parkway, and Morrisania. But how many know that slavery took place in each of these neighborhoods, all in the name of families like Van Cortlandt, Hunt, Pell, Morris, and Berrian? The Morrises and Van Cortlandts owned large plantations worked by people they had enslaved. In fact, New York’s plantations were part of the larger, hideous slavery ecosystem, providing provisions for sugar, cotton, and tobacco operations in the southern states and Caribbean.
All combined, Manhattan, the Bronx, and modern-day Westchester served as the “breadbasket” for the American colonies throughout the 1700s. For a long time, David Mills wondered if there had been slavery in the Bronx, the borough of his youth. With grant funding, he conducted considerable research and wrote a number of poems about slavery in the Bronx during this last year. Now he no longer wonders.
Still, he questions how he grew up in the Bronx and never heard about its slaving past. He played sandlot football in Van Cortlandt Park and baseball for the Pelham Park Sox as a teenager, frequently visited an aunt in Morrisania, and dated a woman from Hunts Point. Yet he only discovered, in his late 30s, that the borough that shaped him played such a significant role in our country’s slaving past.
Through his evocative writing and passionate reading, David Mills will share his Bronx slavery poems with you. Thoughtful conversation follows the reading.
About David Mills
David Mills holds an M.F.A. from Warren Wilson College and an M.A. from New York University in creative writing. He has published four poetry collections: Boneyarn (Manhattan slavery poems); After Mistic (Massachusetts slavery poems); The Sudden Country; and The Dream Detective. His poems have appeared in Ploughshares, Colorado Review, Fence, Crab Orchard Review, Jubilat, Callaloo, Brooklyn Rail, and Obsidian.
Space is limited so advance registration is required.
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Woodlawn Wednesdays
2024-12-18 09:00 - 12:00
Please Note: We have canceled the event on December 11 due to rain.
Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers help restore the woodlands on the east side of Van Cortlandt Park. Tasks vary by season and focus on invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and planting native species to promote a healthy forest ecosystem.
What to Expect:
• Seasonal work: Removing invasives, planting trees, maintaining trails.
• Hands-on tasks: Use tools provided to help restore the forest.
• Supplies: Gloves, tools, and necessary equipment provided.
What to Bring:
• Long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes
• Water and snacks
• Enthusiasm for conservation!
Location:
📍 Meet at outside the handball courts at the Woodlawn Playground on the park’s east side.
Why Join?
Help preserve the woodlands, contribute to forest restoration, and make a lasting impact on this critical urban ecosystem.
RSVP Now.

CANCELLED Welcoming Winter: A Family Nature Walk
2024-12-21 10:00 - 12:00
Due to the very cold real feel temperatures and high winds forecasted for Saturday we have cancelled this event.
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!
Meet at VCPA’s Garden and Compost Site – enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.

We’ll be outside the whole time; dress appropriately for the weather
All children must be accompanied by an adult
Recommended for ages 3+
Participants must be able to travel on unpaved, uneven trails for up to a mile
Strollers/bikes/scooters can be left at our garden space during the duration of our hike
Friendly and well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome!
