Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Trail Work Wednesdays
2022-11-02 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance in maintaining and repairing our vast network of trails!
We are working mostly on the Cross Country Trail this month. Make sure to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from the Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
RSVP Now.

Veterans Day Ceremony
2022-11-06 12:00 - 13:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance & Bronx Community Board 8
Veterans Day Ceremony
Memorial Grove • Van Cortlandt Park
Sunday, November 6, 2022 • 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;
Color Guard units from SUNY Maritime College.

Garden Crew Volunteer Days
2022-11-15 10:00 - 13:00
Please Note: November 22nd has been canceled.
We are launching a new Garden Crew! Come join VCPA staff in rebuilding and maintaining our Educational Garden and Compost Site. In addition to weeding, watering and harvesting produce, garden crew members will learn how to care for the garden, maintain compost bins and help prep our site for winter. No gardening experience needed. 18 and older.
VCPA Garden and Educational Garden is located next to the Riverdale Stables. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

Forest Friday
2022-11-18 09:00 - 12:00
With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help!
For November’s only Forest Friday, we are focusing on planting trees in canopy gaps in the Northwest forest. Make sure to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from the Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
RSVP Now.

Fall Foliage, Fruits, and Forageables
2022-11-18 14:00 - 16:00
Venture through the park in search of iconic New York fall foliage, fruits, and forageable foods. On this afternoon hike we will talk about forest ecology, identify these important plants, and discuss how they have been sustainably used (and enjoyed!) by humans and animals alike for millennia. Led by VCPA’s knowledgeable staff.
Meet in front of the Nature Center.
RSVP Now

End of Season Garden Volunteer Day
2022-11-19 10:00 - 13:00
Our garden, much like the rest of the Bronx, is preparing for the cold winter season!
To care for the garden and celebrate the end of this year’s growing season volunteers are needed for weeding, mulching, and maintaining the compost bins to prepare for the rebuilding of the garden this winter. No gardening experience is necessary.
RSVP Now.

Natural Areas Volunteer Event
2022-11-19 10:00 - 13:00
Help plant trees in the Northeast Forest of Van Cortlandt Park.
With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help!
This November, we are focusing on planting trees in canopy gaps across the forest. Make sure to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
Meet us at Woodlawn Playground and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
RSVP Now.

December Forest Fridays
2022-12-02 09:00 - 12:00
Please Note: Friday December 16th Forest Friday is canceled due to inclement weather forecast.
Help with winter forest care and spend some time outside this December!
With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help!
For December Forest Fridays, we are focusing on caring for the Northwest forest. Make sure to bundle up warm, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring some water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from the Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.

Birdwalks with NYC Audubon
2022-12-03 09:00 - 10:30
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 New York City Audubon guide.
Advance registration is required. You must register separately for each date you would like to attend.
Fall Bird Walks Offered in Memory of Henry Samol, a lifelong bird lover.
RSVP Required.

DIY Wreath Making Workshop
2022-12-10 10:00 - 13:00
Enjoy a Full Harvest-to-Wreath Experience!
Saturday, December 10 • 10 am to 1 pm
Rain Date: Sunday, December 11 • 10 am to 1 pm
Get Your Ticket(s) Now!
Let your creativity run wild while helping your favorite park!
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 natural and artificial materials.
All supplies will be provided…you provide the creativity.

This is an outdoor event. Please dress for the weather.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Hot cocoa will be provided.

Fees
Please purchase 1 ticket for every person attending. Each person will take home a wreath.

General Admission (age 17+): $25*
Junior Admission (age 10 to 16): $15*

Must be accompanied by a paid adult with a General Admission ticket.

*Ticket price includes materials fee.
Cancellations/Refunds

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 10th. (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 11th and attendees will be notified the morning of the workshop.
If VCPA changes the date due to rain, you will have the option of a refund if you are unable to attend on December 11th.

January Forest Fridays
2023-01-06 10:00 - 13:00
Help with winter forest care and spend some time outside this January!
For January Forest Fridays, we are focusing on caring for the Northwest forest. Make sure to bundle up warm, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring some water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from the Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
RSVP Now.

Mulchfest 2023
2023-01-07 10:00 - 14:00
Recycle your holiday tree by bringing it to Van Cortlandt Park, where the VCP Forest Restoration Crew will chip it into mulch! This event will take place on Saturday January 7 and Sunday January 8 from 10am to 2pm in the “free lot” near the Van Cortlandt Golf Course; as you drive in from Bailey Avenue, it will be the first parking lot on your left.
Trees can be dropped off starting December 26th, 2022. For more information on additional locations and dates, visit NYC Parks’ Mulchfest page.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop
2023-01-21 10:00 - 12:00
Join VCPA’s Restoration and Stewardship Program Director, John Butler, in a workshop focused on identification of woody plants in the winter.
Even without leaves, there are lots of ways to identify trees and shrubs!
This workshop will teach you signature traits to look for when identifying common species in a northeastern forest. You’ll leave with skills you can use year-round.
RSVP Now.
Meet in the parking lot of the Riverdale Stables. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.

February Forest Fridays
2023-02-03 10:00 - 13:00
PLEASE NOTE THE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH DATE HAS BEEN CANCELED.
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
Register Now.

Bronx Parks Speak Up
2023-02-25 11:00 - 17:00
The Bronx Coalition for Parks and Greenspaces Presents:
The 29th Bronx Parks Speak Up
Connecting the Bronx: One Greenway at a Time
Join VCPA and other Bronx Parks groups at this annual event that is back in person!
RSVP Now.
Lehman College
Music Building, Faculty Dining Room
Please enter at Gate 8 – Bedford Park
CUNY’s COVID Policy https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/cuny-access-pass/visitor-policy/

March Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-03-03 09:00 - 12:00
PLEASE NOTE MARCH FOREST FRIDAYS WILL MEET AT 9AM.
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
RSVP Now.

Volunteer for the Ultimate Trail Running Series
2023-03-04 08:30 - 12:00
Volunteers will be placed at key spots along the course to guide runners and monitor progress, as well as staffing a water stop and snack table.
Meet at the Tortoise & Hare Statue (across the street from 6087 Broadway) at 8:30am.
Please make sure dress appropriately for being outdoors in early March weather.
Your help is needed at this fundraiser for Van Cortlandt Park. A portion of the net proceeds from the race will be donated to the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to support trail maintenance.
Register Now.

NYC Ultimate Trail Running Series at VCP
2023-03-04 09:00 - 12:00
Join us at the world famous home of cross country trail running, Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
Saturday, March 4, 2023, join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and King of the Mountain Events for this first-of-its-kind NYC Ultimate Trail Running Series featuring 8K (4.97 miles) filled with rolling single-track trails, mixed with stairs, wooden boardwalks, and sections of paved and double wide paths. Start off your 2023 trail running season with this challenging and tricky course!
A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to support trail maintenance.
This event is a USATF New York Association Championship.
Register Now.
RACE INFORMATION:

Start/Finish area at the Tortoise & Hare statue on Broadway, across from 6087 Broadway, Bronx 10471.
Registration begins on-site at 9AM.
Pre-registration bib and t-shirt pickup begins at 9AM
Day-of registration is $55. We accept credit card payments. No cash.
Start of the race begins at 10AM
T-shirts guaranteed for online registration only. T-shirts will be given to day-of registrations as supplies allow.
Event is rain or shine; course may be altered due to weather conditions.

PRICE:

Advance registration until January 31: $35
Advance registration until March 2: $45
In-person day-of registration: $55
NO REFUNDS

INCLUDES:

Commemorative running bib
Custom running t-shirt (while supplies last)

RUN INSTRUCTIONS:

Please arrive no later than 9:30AM to Van Cortlandt Park.
Wear appropriate running shoes. You will get wet and muddy.
Dress in running clothes for early March weather.

A WORD ABOUT TRAIL RUNNING (source: salomon.com):

Trail running also involves more than running! It’s practiced in the mountains as well as hilly, rugged terrain and climbs are part of the sport.
During the ascents, you alternate walking and running. You sometimes use poles or push on your legs with your arms in the steeper sections.
During descents, you have to watch your footholds, landing on the forefoot to cushion the impact. You use your arms a lot for balance. Embrace the slope, run easy and have fun with the terrain!
Unlike road running, the terrain varies constantly when trail running. You run on trails, over rocks, mud and grass and perhaps even over snow during a white trail run. Even an urban or a city trail will provide a diverse route.
QUESTIONS? CONCERNS?

Any questions? Contact us at info@KOTMevents.com

Wetland Wednesdays
2023-03-22 09:00 - 11:00
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Manhattan College for a community event on Wetland Wednesdays – March 22nd and March 29th – to improve the habitat of Van Cortlandt Park’s wetlands.
We will be working to replace the invasive common reed (phragmites) with vegetation that has improved ecological value.
No experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. The first 50 volunteers will receive a Wetland Wednesdays Tee-Shirt!
There will be two work sessions each day, from 9-11am and 12-3pm.
RSVP Now.

DIY Beeswax Wraps
2023-03-29 18:00 - 19:30
Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap made out of a natural wax produced by honey bees! Making your own wrap to use yourself or to give to others is a great step to sustainable living.
In this workshop you will make your own beeswax wrap using beeswax and cotton fabric. You are welcome to bring 100% cotton sheets and pillowcases (we find these work best) to upcycle or we can provide fabric for you along with all other materials. We will also taste test honey produced by a beehive belonging to the VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site and explore a real bee frame!
*No live bees will be at the event.*
We are meeting at 100 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx NY 10463 in Community Room 9, which can be found on the side of the building on Gale Place.
Get Your Tickets Now!

April Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-04-07 09:00 - 12:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
RSVP Now.
Please Note: There will be no session on Friday April 14.

East Meets West
2023-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Ave, Bronx, 10470, United States
Join us for a fun, fundraiser to support programs in the two largest parks in the Bronx at the Rambling House in Woodlawn.
$35 in Advance, $45 at the Door
Includes:

Your first beer/wine
Finger Foods
Giveaways

Get Your Tickets Now!

Spring Garden Community Volunteer Day
2023-04-15 10:00 - 13:00
To care for the garden and prepare for this year’s growing season, volunteers are needed for weeding, building, and maintaining the compost bins!
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water!
All tools will be provided.
No gardening experience is necessary.
RSVP Now.

Earth Day
2023-04-22 14:00 - 17:00
Join us at this FREE event to celebrate Earth Day. Activities include:

Garden Activities
Nature Crafts
Music & Dancing with Edwin Ferreras & Company
NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers
Meet the Horses!

Event will be held on the Stables Lawn and inside VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site in Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Encouraged.

Wetland Wesdnesdays
2023-04-26 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for Wetland Wednesdays, where we volunteer to improve the wetland ecosystems in Van Cortlandt Park.
April is a great time to get out and enjoy the warmer air as the park is waking up from winter. Projects will be focused on invasive removal. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Meeting Location: Van Cortlandt Park Golf Clubhouse.
Please bring plenty of water, a hat, and an extra pair of socks. Wear sunscreen. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. The wetland may be… well, a little wet (in places).
RSVP Now.
Please Note: There will be no event on April 19.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2023-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Garden & Compost Site, Enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu, Bronx, NY, 10471
Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff on maintenance of the cross country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes waterbar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc.
Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.
Meet at Riverdale Stables Parking Lot.
RSVP Now.

May Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-05-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Ave., Bronx, NY, 10470
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
RSVP Now.

Birding with NYC Audubon
2023-05-06 09:00 - 10:30
Please Note: The June 10th Birding Event has been canceled.
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 New York City Audubon guide.
Advance registration is required. You must register separately for each date you would like to attend.
Note: We do not provide binoculars and suggest that attendees bring their own
These walks are funded by NFWF’s Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program.
Want us to continue birding programs in the future? Please make a donation during checkout. All donations made will be used to continue birding programs.
RSVP Now.
As space is limited, if you are not able to attend please let us know ASAP so we can fill in your spot by emailing info@vancortlandt.org.

Super Seedlings!
2023-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
Please Note: 4/29 has been canceled due to the weather forecast.
Please Note: New Time is 10am to 12pm.
Accompanied by a guardian, young adventurers will experience nature in their city! Kids and their grown-ups will dig, plant seeds, and create crafts together through hands-on play in the garden.
This is a free 7 week program. Come once, twice or all seven weeks for playing, planting, crafts, and more!
This program is for children ages 3-7 with an accompanying adult.
In addition to digging, watering and exploring, children will learn how to care for a garden and the environment around them. This is a great way to get outside and learn through fun experiences!
RSVP Now!
For any questions, please contact: mads@vancortlandt.org
The Garden & Compost Site can be found inside the park at the intersection of Mosholu Ave. and Broadway.

Pinkster Festival!
2023-05-06 12:00 - 16:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum and Kingsbridge Historical Society present a Pinkster Festival on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Live Music with Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Master Percussionist
Story of Pinkster with the Pinkster Players
African Games with Lavada Nahon, NY Cultural Historian & Interpreter
Stories with April Armstrong, Master Storyteller
Tours with Ashley Hart Adams, Teaching Artist & Actress
Chat with Carla & Keyes, Interpreters
Community Art Project with Tijay Mohammed, Artist
PLUS: Food from Voilà Afrique and crafts from African Masidi & Co for sale!

What is Pinkster?
Once a major holiday in colonial New York, Pinkster is the Dutch name for the Christian event of Pentecost. For the enslaved and free people of African descent, Pinkster proved to be a unique New York historical holiday that incorporated African rituals and traditions.
RSVP encouraged but not required to attend.
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.
