Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Park Clean Up Mondays
2022-07-18 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us in tidying up Van Cortlandt Park after the weekend.
Special Clean Up after July 4th on Tuesday July 5!
Meet our staff in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. Bring along water.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Forest Invasive Species Training & Removal
2022-07-16 10:00 - 13:00
Join VCPA staff who have been working this summer monitoring habitat of the Northwest Forest in a training of invasive species within the region, and take part in a removal effort. The event will begin with an introduction to the Northwest forest, followed by a training on common non-indigenous invasive plants in the region and a removal effort.
Meet at the Riverdale Stables parking lot at 10am and we will walk into the Northwest forest from there. Wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes, preferably boots. There are thorns in the woods and we will be off trail, so the sturdier your pants and shoes, the better. Also, bring along plenty of water! We will provide gloves and tools for the event.
RSVP Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-07-15 09:00 - 12:00
Every Friday during July 2022, volunteers can join VCPA staff in maintaining the floodplain forest along Tibbetts Brook in Van Cortlandt Park. Work will entail removal of non-indigenous plant species such as mile-a-minute, mugwort, multiflora rose, and bush honeysuckle.
Volunteers can meet VCPA staff outside the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves and any tools needed for the project. Make sure to where long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring along plenty of water. We look forward to seeing you out in the Park!
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Starlight Cinema
2022-07-14 19:30 - 22:30
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, NYC Parks, and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Present:
Starlight Cinema: NATURE’S REVENGE!
Thursday Nights
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground
Movies begin at last light of day (~8:30-9:00 pm)
July 14 Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
July 28 Them! (1954) – please note change in movie
Aug 4 The Birds (1963)
Aug 11 THE MEG (2018)
Arrive early! From 7:30pm on…

Groove to the hits of 1954, 1963, 1986, 2018
Movie Theme Crafts
VCPA Nature Nerds – Meet Plants & More!

RSVP Encouraged.
*Movies subject to change based on availability.
Jurassic Park was not available. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment.

Sponsored by Optimum

Water Chestnut Wednesdays
2022-07-13 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-06-29 09:00 - 12:00
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a non-indigenous, aquatic plant that harms the ecological, and recreational value of waterways here in the Northeast. VCPA leads the effort in removing the harmful plant species. Come join us and learn more about freshwater ecology, put on a pair of waders, or hop in a canoe, all the while helping improve the health of the pond.
VCPA will provide gloves and any tools needed. Please wear long pants, and bring along plenty of water and an extra pair of socks (just in case!)
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Park Clean Up Mondays
2022-06-27 09:00 - 12:00
Join us in tidying up Van Cortlandt Park after the weekend.
Meet our staff in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. Bring along water.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Birdwalks with NYC Audubon
2022-06-25 09:00 - 10:30
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 20 people per week.
Photo by John Larson, Audubon Photography Awards 2015.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-06-24 09:00 - 12:00
Every Friday during June, volunteers can join VCPA staff in maintaining the floodplain forest along Tibbetts Brook in Van Cortlandt Park. Work will entail removal of non-indigenous plant species such as mile-a-minute, mugwort, multiflora rose, and bush honeysuckle.
Volunteers can meet VCPA staff outside the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves and any tools needed for the project. Make sure to where long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring along plenty of water. We look forward to seeing you out in the Park!
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Juneteenth Celebration
2022-06-20 18:00 - 19:30
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble invite you to an evening celebration of Juneteenth.
The program will begin on the back deck of the Van Cortlandt Golf House with performances, including music and spoken word. Then join us for a procession with drums to the Enslaved African Burial Ground for a libation ceremony, honoring the memory of the enslaved people.
Featuring: Master percussionist Baba Don Babatunde, West African Drummer Yahaya Kamate, Baritone Courtney Carey, and Choreographer/Director Tony M. Williams II.
RSVP required, as space is limited.

Woodlawn Basketball Courts Groundbreaking Ceremony
2022-06-20 11:00 - 12:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Courts of Dreams
NYC Parks
Invite you to a groundbreaking event.
This summer, Woodlawn Basketball Courts will undergo a facelift!
Asphalt will be repaired, new paint will be applied, and new backboards will be installed.
Join us as we officially break ground on the project!
Former NY Knicks player John Wallace will be joining us at the event!
RSVP Now!

Mile-a-Minute Pull
2022-06-18 10:00 - 13:00
Join us in removing mile-a-minute from the floodplain forest. Mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata) is a non-indigenous vine species that threatens the biodiversity within Van Cortlandt Park. It is easy to pull and we think a highly entertaining activity.
Meet VCPA staff in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse. We will provide gloves. Bring along water, and wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Family Fun Hike: Happy Father's Day
2022-06-18 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!

Happy Father’s Day!

Leaves for ears, curly grass blades for hair, pebbles for eyes….how will you create a portrait of dad using items found in nature? Let’s find out!

Join us for our final Family Hike for the season as we celebrate dad by creating fun and unique portraits using items found on our walk through the woods.
Read Aloud Story: I Love You to the Moon and Back by Tim Warnes

Program will start at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House at 10am. Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.
– Easy hike 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.
RSVP Now!
VCPA will hold Family Fun Hike 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.

NY Philharmonic Concert in VCP
2022-06-14 20:00 - 22:00
THE PHIL IS BACK!!! And, as always, it is FREE for all to enjoy.
Pack a picnic, BYOB (bring your own blanket), and get ready for a lovely evening on the Parade Ground.
We look forward to seeing you all:
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 pm
Fireworks will follow the concert!
Folks have been asking if we will offer VIP seating this year, as has been the practice in years past.
Yes! If you become a Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Member at the $100 level, 1 ticket is included as a benefit of membership. You can also purchase one additional ticket at a discount.
Become a Member
Already a member?
Email events@vancortlandt.org to receive a discount code in the amount of your current membership level.
Your membership provides vital support to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s work in the park.
Our programming includes environmental education for kids; research; restoration of natural areas, athletic fields, and trails; paid internships for Bronx teens; work with thousands of volunteers; daylighting advocacy; and bringing to light the legacy of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked in the park.
Your support is essential to everything we do.
Philharmonic program information is available here.

Woodlawn Beautification Day
2022-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Ave., Bronx, NY, 10470
Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify the wildflower patch and the area around Woodlawn Playground. Projects will include removing non-native invasive plants, planting native species and general clean-up around the playground and in the wildflower garden. Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground. All work tools and supplies will be provided.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Barefoot Dancing
2022-06-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Van Cortlandt Park Golf House, 115 Van Cortlandt Park West, Bronx, NY, 10471, United States
Featuring Quenia Ribeiro with Live Drumming performing Samba dance from Brazil. This workshop and performance will consist of various forms of Samba from Bahia and Rio De Janeiro – including Samba Reggae, Samba Afro, Samba No Pe, Miudinho, and Samba De Roda.
This cultural enrichment event is free, fun, and for the whole family. All ages are welcome!
Special Thank You to Abada-Capoeira Bronx.
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 Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-05-27 09:00 - 12:00
Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx contains 640 acres of forest and freshwater wetlands. Join VCPA in maintaining this important ecosystem.
Every Friday during the month of April 2022, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance staff will be working within the floodplain forest of Tibbetts Brook removing non-indigenous shrubs and vines. These non-indigenous plants impact the biodiversity and health of the Park, and we invite volunteers to just us in this removal effort.
Meet in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Clubhouse, bring along water, and wear sturdy shoes and long pants. The worksite is a 20 minute walk from the meeting location.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2022-05-25 09:00 - 12:00
VCPA and volunteers will be working on maintenance of trails throughout the park. Bring along a water bottle and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and long pants.
May Trail Work Wednesdays will meet at Garden and Compost Site.
RSVP Now.

Community Volunteer Day: Forest Restoration
2022-05-21 10:00 - 13:00
Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx contains 640 acres of forest and freshwater wetlands. Join VCPA in maintaining this important ecosystem. The Northwest Forest in particular is mainly derived of an oak-hickory community in the canopy. Winged euonymus, also known as burning bush, is a non-indigenous and invasive shrub species commonly planted in yards. It threatens the recruitment of oaks and hickories in the understory and limits the biodiversity of the forest and has populated the understory of the Northwest Forest. Volunteers will assist VCPA staff in removing the winged euonymus from the forest.
Meet at VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
RSVP Now!

Springtime Fête!
2022-05-19 18:00 - 20:00
A festive evening by the lake celebrating two remarkable women
Sonia Manzano
Sesame Street’s Maria
Actress & Author
Cultivating the Bronx Award

Iris Rodriguez-Rosa
First Deputy Commissioner
NYC Parks
Betty Campbell-Adams Park Angel Award

Cocktails • Abundant Hors d’oeuvres • Dessert
Dance Party • Picturesque Setting • Raffle
Dress Fabulous!
Tickets on Sale!

Barefoot Dancing
2022-05-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Van Cortlandt Park Golf House, 115 Van Cortlandt Park West, Bronx, NY, 10471, United States
Workshop and Performance of Bomba Music and Dance by Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe. 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!
New Location! Van Cortlandt Golf House – Back Deck. Enter the park at Bailey and Van Cortlandt Park South.
RSVP Now.
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.

City Nature Challenge
2022-05-01 10:00 - 13:00
The City Nature Challenge is an annual global bioblitz event occurring in 2022 between April 29th and May 2nd. It is a friendly competition to see which city can gather the most observations, find the most species, and engage the most people. This collaborative effort gathers important biodiversity data within urban ecosystems. The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance staff will lead you in helping document the biodiversity here in the Bronx. The program will begin with an iNaturalist best practices overview followed by a group bioblitz in the park.
Saturday April 30: Meet at VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site- enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave. RSVP for April 30.
Sunday May 1: Meet at the VCP Golf Course- enter the park at Bailey Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South. RSVP for May 1.

261st Street Garden Volunteer Day
2022-04-23 10:00 - 12:00
Celebrate Earth Day with VCPA and the Riverdale Main Streets Alliance as we maintain the garden and field at 261st and Broadway.
Show VCP some TLC for Earth Day! Volunteers needed to help us beautify the 261st Street section of VCP. Gloves and tools provided.
Raindate: Saturday May 7th at 10am.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Garlic Mustard Pull
2022-04-16 10:00 - 13:00
Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx is home to 640 acres of forest and wetlands. Non-indigenous species such as garlic mustard threaten it.
Join VCPA in removing the non-indigenous herbaceous plant known as garlic mustard from the understory of Van Cortlandt Park. The species threatens the biodiversity within the park. It is fun and easy to remove!
Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Bring along plenty of water.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Family Fun Hike: Welcome Spring!
2022-03-26 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!

Welcome Spring!
Can you find Spring? Is it hiding behind the rocks or up in a tree? Could be!
Let’s hike through the woods and use our senses to find Spring! After our interactive walk you will have a chance to decorate your own flower pot and plant some seeds.
Read Aloud Story: Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
Program will start at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House at 10am. Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.
– Easy hike 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.
RSVP Now.
VCPA will hold Family Fun Hike 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.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-03-25 09:00 - 12:00
Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx consists of 640 acres of forest and freshwater wetlands. Help VCPA maintain this important ecosystem.
During the month of March, VCPA’s weekly Forest Restoration Friday’s will meet in front of the Woodlawn Playground and take place in the Northeast Forest of Van Cortlandt Park. Volunteers will assist our staff in removal of non-indigenous shrub and vine species that harm the biodiversity and health of the Park.
Bring along a water bottle and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and long pants.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Tibbetts Brook Trash Clean Up
2022-03-19 10:00 - 13:00
Tibbetts Brook, a small freshwater river, cuts through the heart of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Join us to help clean it!
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance as we spend the morning cleaning Tibbetts Brook. We will be working along the shores and in the stream removing trash and debris.
Dress warm, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes and long pants. Some volunteers can walk up the Putnam to join some staff up near the border removing trash from the Brook. Others can stay close to the Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse and clean up along the shores of the pond.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Bronx Parks Speak Up
2022-02-26 11:00 - 15:00
VCPA and other Bronx parks groups will present at the 28th Annual Bronx Parks Speak Up, which will be held virtually. This year’s theme is Green Infrastructure: Building a Healthier Bronx. Sponsored by Con Edison.
Click here for more details and to RSVP.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-02-25 09:00 - 12:00
Forest Restoration Friday on February 25th has been canceled due to inclement weather.
During the months of January and February, forest maintenance will entail removal of non-indigenous vine species and shrubs from the Vault Hill section of the Park. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. Events are subject to cancellation if there is inclement weather.
RSVP Here.
Meeting location: Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Educational Garden and Compost Site, enter the park at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway. The garden is across from the parking lot to the Riverdale Stables.

Urban Park Roundtable
2022-02-24 12:00 - 17:00
Join urban park managers from across the country on February 24 from 12-5pm for the virtual winter Urban Park Roundtable, hosted by the Central Park Conservancy’s Institute for Urban Parks & Van Cortlandt Park Alliance!
This season’s programming will focus on challenges and opportunities for urban park managers navigating the labor landscape and workforce development in their cities. We’ll be bringing together leaders from across industries and the country to engage in peer-to-peer dialogue and hear from expert guest speakers as they build sustainable solutions for their organizations. Register now!
