Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Fairy Garden Workshop
2024-08-12 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Monday, August 12th – 10-12 pm
Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in fairies and other enchanted creatures? You can invite them into your home with a magical fairy garden!
In this workshop, a child and accompanying adult will create a fairy terrarium garden with a live plant to take home. All materials will be provided.
Get Your Tickets!

Woodlawn Restoration Wednesdays
2024-08-14 09:00 - 12:00
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 handball courts, walk to restoration site at 9:10am (so don’t be late)
Activities: Removing invasive species like multi-flora rose, porcelain berry, and angelica.
What to Wear: Sturdy shoes, protective clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray. Bring water.

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.

New Date: Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up
2024-08-14 16:00 - 18:00
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.

Canine Court Volunteer Clean Ups
2024-08-21 16:00 - 18:00
Wednesdays 8/21, 8/28 and 9/4 from 4-6pm
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.

Post Labor Day Morning Clean Up
2024-09-03 09:00 - 12:00
Labor Day weekend 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 this popular picnicking holiday.
We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape.
You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for walking!
Meet at 9 am at southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.
RSVP Now.

Post Labor Day Afternoon Clean Up
2024-09-03 14:00 - 16:00
Labor Day weekend 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 this popular picnicking holiday.
We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape.
You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for walking!
Meet at 12pm at VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

Chalk Art Fest
2024-09-05 16:00 - 19:00
FREE street chalk drawing event led by Ghana-born, Bronx artist Tijay Mohammed.
Create temporary art inspired by Adinkra and Uli symbols of West Africa, which adopt the spirit of the human body using basic geometric and abstract shapes, animals, and floral designs. Adinkra and Uli symbols promote healing while capturing joy, love, freedom, hope, pride, beauty, wisdom, strength, leadership, womanhood, and power.
In honor of the ancestors, the event will be held in front of the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Grounds, located behind the Tennis Courts. Parking is available in the Van Cortlandt Golf Lot and Broadway.

Caribeando Music and Dance Workshops with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe
2024-09-07 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.

Monday Afternoon Clean Ups
2024-09-09 14:00 - 16:00
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 walking!
Note: There will be no Monday CleanUps on 9/2.
Meet at 2pm at VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

The Aeolian Trio Concert
2024-09-14 14:00 - 15:30
The Aeolian Trio Concert
Saturday, September 14, 2024
2pm to 3:30pm
Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance presents The Aeolian Trio as part of their 3-week US tour.
Original compositions for shakuhachi flute, acoustic guitar, and Uduboo drum, an African Ud made from bamboo.
The shakuhachi, a Japanese traditional bamboo flute that is rooted in Zen Buddhism, meets the guitar, a Spanish folk instrument that became a giant of jazz, rock, and pop. In ancient times, the shakuhachi was carried from the Middle East to Japan on the fabled Silk Road. Meanwhile, the guitar springs from flamenco and Renaissance traditions, and has antecedents in the Middle Eastern Oud. These seemingly disparate traditions separated by two continents spring from the same cradle of civilization.
Now, centuries later, in California, Tokyo, and New York, Japanese guitarist Kôfû Suwa and shakuhachi master Bruce Huebner join New York-based percussionist Todd Isler to reunite these ancient traditions and bring them into the 21st century. In their concert, we hear how the melisma and phrygian Spanish mode is answered by the nuances of the Japanese miyako mode of the Zen bamboo flute, and how the rich rhythmic traditions of South and Central Asia underpin the fusion.

RSVP Suggested.

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.

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.
