Forest Fridays
2021-11-19 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
During the month of November we will focus on removal of non-indigenous plant species within our Floodplain Forest worksite, along the Putnam Greenway. This section of forest absorbs and filters water during storms along Tibbetts Brook and provides a location for silt deposition and a buffer for flooding. Species that we will be removing include multiflora rose, Siebold viburnum, bush honeysuckle, privet and porcelainberry. Long pants and closed toed shoes, preferably boots, are required. We will not meet on November 26th. Meeting at the Van Cortlandt Golf House- enter the park at Bailey Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South.
Register Now.

Garden Volunteer Days
2021-11-16 10:00 - 13:00
Help put the garden to bed for winter. Harvest the last of our homegrown produce; pull and compost remaining annual plants; turn and sift compost bins; then collect, organize, and put away supplies for the next growing season.
RSVP Now.
Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Family Fun Hike: Leaf Mandalas/Rangoli
2021-11-13 10:00 - 12:00
Family Fun Hikes in Van Cortlandt Park. For 2 to 6 year olds and their adult(s). Led by a Van Cortlandt Park Alliance educator! Golds, reds, oranges and purples are all of the vibrant colors we will see during our stroll on our next Family Hike. Come out and celebrate all of the beautiful colors of fall by creating your very own leaf Mandala/Rangoli. Rangoli or Mandala is an art form from India that uses repeating circular patterns on tabletops and floors. During the month of Diwali in Indian homes, Rangoli designs are used to decorate entrances to welcome in good luck and fortune to the family. So gather as many leaves during our walk and get creative as we explore the Northwest woods!

Program will start at the southern end of the VCPA Garden & Compost Site at 10am. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.

Registration Required.

Drawing Onsite in the Park with Shelley Haven
2021-10-31 14:00 - 17:00
Join artist Shelley Haven to experience nature anew. Tour the site with Shelley and gain insights into selecting and framing your subject. Create an artwork with her guidance and encouragement during the session, then share your work with fellow participants.
For beginning and experienced adults and mature young adults. Drawing materials provided or bring your own favorite supplies! Bring a blanket, portable stool, or chair. Limited park bench seating is available. Class size is limited to 15 registered participants.
Session 2: Moved to Raindate: Sunday, October 31, 2-5pm
Session 2 will take place at the Quiet Zone garden at 261st Street and Broadway.
Meet at the benches facing the garden.
Free. Registration required.
Participants can do either or both sessions.
This program is supported by a City Artist Corps Grant awarded to visual artist Shelley Haven for this Creative Public Engagement project. #CityArtistCorps Learn more by following @NYCulture on social media.
www.shelleyhaven.com
www.instagram.com/shelley.haven.art

Youth Run Farmstand
2021-10-27 14:00 - 19:00
Celebrate 10 Years of our Youth Run Farmstand. Get locally grown produce, including Bronx Hot Sauce, at affordable prices at our weekly farmstand. Weekly features including coffee, bread and more. Check our social media @vcpalliance for updates.
Located in the Train Park at Orloff Ave. and Gale Place, Bronx, NY 10463
We accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Cash and Credit/Debit.
For every $2 spent on EBT/Snap, receive $2 in Health Bucks (maximum of $10/day) including the NEW Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits for all families that have school aged children.

Hike-toberfest 2021
2021-10-23 14:30 - 19:00
See why Van Cortlandt Park is where NYC hikes when you join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for Hike-toberfest!
Hike in the park followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration, complete with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games, and more.
Visit our Hike-toberfest 2021 page for more information, to purchase tickets and to become a sponsor.

Northeast Forest Tree Planting Event
2021-10-23 09:00 - 12:00
In conjunction with Maya Lin’s Ghost Forest in Madison Square Park, join the Natural Areas Conservancy, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, and Madison Square Park Conservancy for a tree planting event. Meeting at the Woodlawn Playground- enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park East just south of Kepler Ave.

Registration Required

Forest Fridays
2021-10-22 09:00 - 12:00
During the month of October we will focus on removal of non-indigenous plant species within our Tibbetts wetlands worksite, adjacent to Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond. Species that we will be removing include Norway maple, Siebold viburnum, bush honeysuckle, English ivy and porcelainberry. These plants threaten the biodiversity and stability of the wetland and forest that make up this section of the park. Long pants and closed toed shoes, preferably boots, are required. Meeting at the Van Cortlandt Golf House- enter the park at Bailey and Van Cortlandt Park South.
Register Now

Dancing on the Lawn
2021-10-16 14:00 - 15:30
Get up and dance on the lawn of Van Cortlandt House Museum or bring a blanket, sit, and enjoy the music.

Free Bomba dance instruction and live interactive music and dance performance by Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe performing Bomba and other Caribbean music. Bomba is an Afro-Puerto Rican musical genre with its origins in West Africa, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.

This cultural enrichment event is free, fun, and for the whole family. All ages are welcome!
RSVP Now.
This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts.

Drawing Onsite in the Park with Shelley Haven
2021-10-11 14:00 - 17:00
Join artist Shelley Haven to experience nature anew. Tour the site with Shelley and gain insights into selecting and framing your subject. Create an artwork with her guidance and encouragement during the session, then share your work with fellow participants.
For beginning and experienced adults and mature young adults. Drawing materials provided or bring your own favorite supplies! Bring a blanket, portable stool, or chair. Limited park bench seating is available. Class size is limited to 15 registered participants.
Session 1: Moved to Raindate: Monday, October 11, 2-5pm
Session 1 will take place near the lake, newly renamed Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond.
Meet on the lawn north of the Golf House, just past the golf carts.
Rain date: Monday, October 11, 2-5pm
Session 2: Saturday, October 30, 2-5pm
Session 2 will take place at the Quiet Zone garden at 261st Street and Broadway.
Meet at the benches facing the garden.
Rain date: Sunday, October 31, 2-5pm
Free. Registration required.
Participants can do either or both sessions.
This program is supported by a City Artist Corps Grant awarded to visual artist Shelley Haven for this Creative Public Engagement project. #CityArtistCorps Learn more by following @NYCulture on social media.
www.shelleyhaven.com
www.instagram.com/shelley.haven.art

Fall Mushroom Walk
2021-10-10 10:30 - 12:30
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and New York Mycological Society on a fall mushroom walk into Van Cortlandt Park’s lovely and extensive woodlands where we’ll encounter all types of fascinating fall fungi – from cap-and-stem fungi to polypores, puffballs, jellies, crusts and even tiny ascomycetes. Learn about mushroom lifestyles, find out what’s toxic and what’s not and get tips on mushroom identification. Come prepared for off-road walking. Kids welcome!
We will meet on the parkside of W. 242nd Street and Broadway near the last stop of the 1 train.
RSVP Required.

Honor and Praise
2021-09-29 17:00 - 18:30 | Van Cortlandt House Museum
MOVED DUE TO FORECAST OF RAIN TO WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH AT 5PM.
Honor and Praise: Celebrating the Influence of the African Diaspora on Global Culture
Join us for an evening of music and discussion on the intersection of music, culture, and Black identity. This outdoor concert highlights contemporary classical works by composers Trevor Weston, Valerie Coleman, and Dorothy Rudd Moore. Featuring members of Bronx Arts Ensemble and The New York Philharmonic, alongside an interdisciplinary panel of Black scholars:

Dr. Fredara Hadley, ethnomusicologist;
Dr. Trevor Weston, composer; and;
Dr. Raymond Codrington, cultural anthropologist.

Vaccination, mask, and advance reservation required.
Held on the grounds of the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Enter the park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.
Presented by Bronx Arts Ensemble, the New York Philharmonic, Van Cortlandt House Museum, and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Family Fun Hikes: Beautiful Fall!
2021-09-25 10:00 - 12:00
Family Fun Hikes in Van Cortlandt Park. For 2 to 6 year olds and their adult(s). Led by a Van Cortlandt Park Alliance educator!

Friday, September 24th from 4pm to 6pm – meeting at Woodlawn Playground

Saturday, September 25th from 10am to 12pm – meeting at Southern end of Van Cortlandt Golf House
Click here to purchase tickets!

Nature Glam! Come with us for an outdoors adventure in Van Cortlandt Park to create Nature Bracelets! Collect all the beautiful pieces of nature that have fallen on the forest floor to design your very own bracelet. Colorful leaves, fancy seeds, delicate flower petals and even shiny pebbles make the perfect trinkets and charms!Read Aloud Story: “Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn” by Kenard Pak
– Both easy hikes include a hands-on activity and goody bags for all participants (even parents!).
– Tickets must be purchased for everyone participating.
– Please select the appropriate ticket so we can prepare your goody bags!
– Space is limited, so register soon for one or both.
– Two different meeting locations! Friday is at Woodlawn Playground and Saturday is at the Southern End of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.
VCPA will hold Family Hikes Rain or Shine! In the event of heavy downpours or thunderstorms, we will cancel and refund tickets. Tickets canceled with less than 48 hour notice will not be refunded.

261st Street Garden Maintenance Day
2021-09-25 10:00 - 12:00
Alongside our partners at the Riverdale Main Streets Association we will be maintaining the garden and open field within the park. Come help us mulch trees and beds and remove non-indigenous plant species. We will provide gloves and tools. Meet at the garden at W. 261st and Broadway.

RSVP required.

Forest Care Day
2021-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Ave., Bronx, NY, 10470
Alongside our partners at the Natural Areas Conservancy, we are restoring 2 acres of forest and we would love your help! Wear close toed shoes and long pants and bring along water. We will provide gloves and tools. Meet in front of the Woodlawn Playground.
Registration is required.

Barefoot Dancing
2021-09-09 17:30 - 19:00
NEW LOCATION- VAN CORTLANDT GOLF HOUSE!
Kick off your shoes and dance on the deck of the Van Cortlandt Golf House. Free Bachata and Merengue dance instruction and live music by Edwin Ferreras and Edwina Chavez along with instruments by Areíto Arts musicians. This cultural enrichment event is fun for the whole family- parents and kids of all ages welcome. Enter the park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.
This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts.
Special thank you to Lotus Music and Dance.

Northeast Forest Restoration
2021-08-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Ave., Bronx, NY, 10470
The Natural Areas Conservancy and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance are teaming up to restore two acres of forest in the Northeast Forest of Van Cortlandt Park this year.
We would love for you to join us, especially if you are a community member in Woodlawn or Yonkers, or utilize this section of Van Cortlandt Park.
RSVP Required.

Trail Maintenance Training
2021-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Ave., Bronx, NY, 10470
The Natural Areas Conservancy and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance are teaming up to restore two acres of forest in the Northeast Forest of Van Cortlandt Park this year.
Learn the basics of trail navigation & maintenance during this walk. We will discuss and assess conditions in Van Cortlandt’s Northeast Forest, as well as engage in hands-on trail maintenance efforts.
RSVP Required.

Water Chestnut Removal
2021-08-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Van Cortlandt Park Golf House, 115 Van Cortlandt Park West, Bronx, NY, 10471, United States
Help us remove Water Chestnut from the Mill Pond as we finish up our last few days of the season. No pre-registration required. Bring plenty of water, a hat and an extra pair of socks.

Beautify the Park Days
2021-08-02 09:00 - 12:00 | Van Cortlandt Park Golf House, 115 Van Cortlandt Park West, Bronx, NY, 10471, United States
Join VCPA on Monday mornings until August 2, except for July 5th, as we clean up the park. Volunteers must wear a mask and practice social distancing while volunteering. VCPA will provide all work tools and supplies. Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House. Sponsored by Bronx Council for Environmental Quality.

After Holiday Weekend Clean Ups
2021-07-06 09:00 - 12:00
Holiday weekends are always rough on the park. Help us clean up the park after two major weekends- Memorial Day and July 4th! Join us on Tuesday June 1st and Tuesday July 6th to give Van Cortlandt Park some much needed TLC. Volunteers must wear a mask and practice social distancing while volunteering. VPCA will provide all work tools and supplies. Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House. Sponsored by Bronx Council for Environmental Quality.

Let's Talk About Slavery in VCP
2021-06-27 13:00 - 14:30
RSVP Required!
Most visitors are not aware that the Van Cortlandt plantation relied upon the labor of enslaved Africans, 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.
In addition to being the home of the wealthy and influential Van Cortlandt family, the land now known as Van Cortlandt Park was home to generations of enslaved people, both African and Native American, going back to the 1600s. The work of enslaved people in the Bronx–building roads, constructing houses, damming streams–is still visible in the landscape of the park. Favorite sites in Van Cortlandt Park, like the lake and Van Cortlandt House Museum, are daily reminders of their labor and lasting legacy.
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Van Cortlandt House Museum for an in-person tour of the history of slavery in Van Cortlandt Park. Educator and subject expert Cheyney McKnight will lead the tour. Cheyney McKnight is the founder and owner of Not Your Momma’s History. She acts as an interpreter advocate for interpreters of color at historical sites up and down the east Coast, providing them with much needed on-call support. Special thank you to Kingsbridge Historical Society.
Participants will go inside the Van Cortlandt House Museum to see the Slave Quarters and then tour various locations in the park that tell the story of the enslaved people. Please dress appropriately to walk about 1 mile on trails in the park. Bring your own water.
Please note: Tours are limited to 20 participants only. Please only RSVP for 1 tour so that we can accommodate as many people as possible.
For more information on Not Your Momma’s History visit: notyourmommashistory.com.
To learn more about the Enslaved People Project visit: vancortlandt.org/epp.
Van Cortlandt House Museum photo courtesy of Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Birdwalks with NYC Audubon
2021-06-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Enter the Park at Broadway and W. 246th, Bronx
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and New York City Audubon invite you to join us for weekly birdwalks 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 lead by a New York City Audubon guide.
Advance registration is required and limited to 12 people per week.
Attendees are required to wear masks and follow social distancing protocols while at the event.
As space is limited, if you are not able to attend please let us know ASAP so we can fill in your spot by returning your ticket on Eventbrite or by emailing info@vancortlandt.org.
Photo by John Larson, Audubon Photography Awards 2015.

Lawn Party!
2021-06-24 18:00 - 20:00
Honoring Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP
Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
with the Betty Campbell-Adams Park Hero Award

Featuring: Mingling in the Park! Goats! Lawn Games!
For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Click here for Sponsorship Information.
Click here for Journal Ad Information.

Let's Talk About Slavery in VCP - Virtual
2021-06-22 18:30 - 20:00
RSVP Required!
Most visitors are not aware that the Van Cortlandt plantation relied upon the labor of enslaved Africans, 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.
In addition to being the home of the wealthy and influential Van Cortlandt family, the land now known as Van Cortlandt Park was home to generations of enslaved people, both African and Native American, going back to the 1600s. The work of enslaved people in the Bronx–building roads, constructing houses, damming streams–is still visible in the landscape of the park. Favorite sites in Van Cortlandt Park, like the lake and Van Cortlandt House Museum, are daily reminders of their labor and lasting legacy.
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for a virtual presentation of the history of slavery in Van Cortlandt Park. Educator and subject expert Cheyney McKnight will lead the presentation. Cheyney McKnight is the founder and owner of Not Your Momma’s History. She acts as an interpreter advocate for interpreters of color at historical sites up and down the east Coast, providing them with much needed on-call support. Special thank you to Van Cortlandt House Museum Kingsbridge Historical Society.
For more information on Not Your Momma’s History visit: notyourmommashistory.com.
To learn more about the Enslaved People Project visit: vancortlandt.org/epp.
Van Cortlandt House Museum photo courtesy of Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Family Fun Hike
2021-06-19 14:00 - 16:00
Father’s Day Weekend Hike!
Grab your magnifying glass and hiking shoes as we venture out for a fun-filled bug hunt with dad! After listening to the heartwarming story, “I Love You Daddy,” by Melanie Joyce, we will set off to explore the buggy world hidden under rocks and logs! Create a bug themed Father’s Day card for dad using natural materials collected during our walk.
Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground. Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park East just south of Kepler Avenue.

Geared towards 2 to 6 year olds and their adult(s).
Easy hike includes a hands-on activity and goody bags for all participants (even parents!).
Tickets must be purchased for everyone participating.
Please select the appropriate ticket so we can prepare your goody bags!
Space is limited, so register soon.
Father’s Day Hike will meet at 2pm in front of Woodlawn Playground- enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park East just south of Kepler Avenue

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Juneteenth Ceremony
2021-06-19 11:00 - 12:00
On Juneteenth, in gratitude for the sacrifice of the African Ancestors who built what is now Van Cortlandt Park, the African Burial Ground in the park will be consecrated.

Proceedings hosted by cultural consultant Peggy King Jorde
Libation Ceremony by Chief Baba Neil Clarke
Live Music by Bronx Arts Ensemble
Traditional Negro Spirituals by soloist Beverly Fleming-Camejo
Remarks by Artist and Historian Kamau Ware, Black Gotham Experience
Benediction by Rev. Dr. Hermon L. Darden, Senior Pastor, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church

Click here to view a recording of the event.
Click here to view the Event Program.
This program is presented respectfully by Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum, Kingsbridge Historical Society, and the Enslaved People Project Task Force Steering Committee with NYC Parks.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in Partnership with the City Council.

Northwest Playground Spring Crafts
2021-05-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Northwest Playground, Broadway and Mosholu Ave., Bronx, NY, 10463, United States
NEW DATES! Wednesday May 19th and 26th from 1 to 3pm. Get outside and get crafty with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance this spring. Join our educator in repurposing old objects into new crafts you get to take home. Turn baby food jars into animals or plant a seedling in a reused container. Free and open to the public. Appropriate for ages 7 and under with a parent or guardian. Participants must wear masks and follow social distancing. The Northwest Playground is located at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.

Spring Garden Volunteer Day
2021-05-22 10:00 - 13:00
VCPA wants to welcome volunteers back to our garden for our first volunteer day of the 2021 season.

Covid-19 has not stopped the work Van Cortlandt Park Alliance does to grow healthy food in our garden, in fact over the last year the food grown has taken on an important role in meeting the needs of the community. Help us plant, weed and prepare for what we hope will be an extraordinary season of growth for our garden.

Volunteers must wear masks and follow social distancing while volunteering.
Advance registration is required.

Celebrating Pinkster!
2021-05-19 15:00 - 16:00
Family Friendly Event! VCPA is excited to be partnering with the New-York Historical Society for two virtual Living History @Home presentations in May. Join us for Celebrating Pinkster! on May 19. What would a Pinkster celebration look like? Enslaved Africans in 17th- and 18th-century New York used the festival as a way to reconnect with family and resist the erasure of their West African cultures. Explore the dance and music of Pinkster at this digital program. This New-York Historical Society program is in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum and The National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York. Click here to register.
