Urban Environmental Challenge
Run the trails you love. Van Cortlandt Track Club has hosted this classic park race for decades, and a portion of proceeds goes to the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to support trail...
12 events found.
Events
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Woodlawn Wednesday
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: Keep paths clear, safe, and welcoming for all park visitors. No experience needed! We provide all tools and gloves. You'll also learn about forest ecology, plant ID, and restoration techniques. Where: Meet outside the handball courts at Woodlawn Playground (Located on the east side of...
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Trail Work Thursdays
Help Maintain the Trails that Keep the Park Connected Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact! What We’ll Be Doing: Learn how to plan and assess site to install a puncheon. Clearing debris and overgrowth Ensuring trail safety and accessibility Trail structure installation Meeting Location: Southern end of Van Cortlandt Park Golf House RSVP Now.
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Forest Fridays
Volunteers will assist with forest restoration work, including invasive species removal, planting, compost management, and general site maintenance. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and pants, bring water and snacks, and be prepared for physical work. No prior experience required, but enthusiasm for environmental conservation is a plus. For April, Forest Fridays will meet at VCPA's Learning Garden near the Riverdale Stables. Note: There is no session on 4/24/26. RSVP Now.
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Van Cortlandt Park 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 she enjoys sharing. This walk will meet in front of the Van Cortlandt Nature Center and will walk through the wetland areas of Van Cortlandt Park. RSVP Now.
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Van Cortlandt Park 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 she enjoys sharing. This walk will meet in the parking lot of the Riverdale Stables and will walk through the Northwest Woods of Van Cortlandt Park. RSVP Now.
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Birding with NYC Bird Alliance
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and NYC Bird Alliance invite you to join us during 4 weekend mornings of birding in the park this spring. 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 must register separately for each date you would like to attend. Birding sessions meet at 9am on the following dates: Saturday,...
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Pitch in for NYC Parks
Pitch in for NYC Parks Day at Van Cortlandt Park Van Cortlandt Park is one of New York City’s largest and most ecologically rich parks, and keeping it clean takes community effort. Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for our annual Pitch in for NYC Parks Day event, a morning of hands-on park stewardship near Caryl Field along the park’s northern edge by the Yonkers border. Volunteers will collect litter and debris from park paths, natural areas, and surrounding green spaces, making a direct and visible difference in the park. No experience is required. Gloves, bags, and all equipment will be...
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Tree Identification Walk
Put your ID skills to the test and have the opportunity to ask the experts! Think all trees look the same ? Think again! Join us for an in-person tree identification walk in Van Cortlandt Park hosted by Riverside Park Conservancy and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance where we will be identifying common New York trees. We’ll explore bark patterns, twig shapes, and buds,--nature’s secret clues hiding in plain sight. Perfect for hikers, naturalists, and anyone who wants to deepen their connection to the woods. Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House. RSVP Now.
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Tune-up Tuesdays
Turnip to volunteer and help us take care of our Learning Garden! Volunteers will help care for our garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed - just show up in clothing you will be comfortable getting dirty in! Location: The VCPA Learning Garden is located near the Mosholu Avenue and Broadway entrance of the park (past the Northwest playground). Held on the following Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm: April 14 April 28 May 26 June 9 June 23 Volunteers must be 18 and older. RSVP Now. Groups of 5+ must register as a unit...
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Register Now for 26.2 in ’26
Hike (or Run or Walk) 26.2 miles in Van Cortlandt Park in 2026! The Challenge: Hike 26.2 miles in Van Cortlandt Park anytime during 2026, post on social media (@vcpalliance)...
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Super Seedlings
Please note: 4/25 session has been canceled due to inclement weather. Join VCPA for tons of family-friendly garden fun! Let's grow together! Super Seedlings is a free, drop-in gardening program for kids ages 3-7 and their caregivers. Each Saturday session will have a fun theme to explore, nature crafts, planting, soil digging, and more! Come once, twice, or all four weeks for some playing and planting! We hope to see you there! Dates: 4/18, 5/2, 5/9 Time: 10 AM - 12 PM Location: The VCPA Learning Garden is located near the Mosholu Avenue and Broadway entrance of the park (past...