Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Forest Restoration Volunteer Event
2022-09-17 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join VCPA staff in maintaining a biodiverse forest through the removal of non-indigenous plant species while learning about forest ecology.
Non-indigenous plants such as winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus), bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), threaten the health of the mature deciduous forests within the Northwest Woods of Van Cortlandt Park. Join VCPA staff as we aim to remove these species.
Meeting location is in the Riverdale Stables Parking Lot at 9am. Please be punctual as the worksite is a ten minute walk into the park. VCPA will provide gloves and tools needed for the work. Please bring along water, and wear long pants and closed toe shoes.
Meet at Riverdale Stables Parking Lot- enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
RSVP Now.

Barefoot Dancing
2022-09-17 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off your shoes and dance on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum with West African Drumming and Dance with Yahaya Kamate and Kamate Traders. Yahaya Kamate is a teaching artist with the Bronx Arts Ensemble.
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.
RSVP Now.
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 the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Bronx Council on
the Arts.
Special thank you to Bronx Arts Ensemble and Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Garden Crew Volunteer Days
2022-09-27 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.

Birdwalks with NYC Audubon
2022-10-04 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.
Please note October 1st has been canceled due to severe weather forecast.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2022-10-05 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance in maintaining and repairing our vast network of trails!
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
We are working mostly on the Cross Country Trail this October. 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.
RSVP Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-10-07 09:00 - 12:00
With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help!
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
We are focusing on removing invasive species this October. 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.
RSVP Now.

Hike-toberfest 2022
2022-10-15 13:30 - 18:30
See why Van Cortlandt Park is where NYC hikes when you join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for Hike-toberfest on Saturday October 15!

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!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Sponsorships Available!
Click here for more information on sponsorships.
For more information, visit our Hike-toberfest 2022 page.

Natural Areas Volunteer Day
2022-10-16 09:00 - 12:00
Join VCPA staff in maintaining a biodiverse forest through the removal of non-indigenous plant species while learning about forest ecology.
Non-indigenous plants such as angelica tree and glossy buckthorn threaten the health of the mature deciduous forests in the Woodlawn Woodland. Join VCPA staff as we aim to remove these species.
We will meet in front of the Woodlawn Playground at 9am, and promptly walk into the woods from there. The walk in to the worksite is approximately 5 minutes long. 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.
RSVP Now.

Woodlawn Beautification Day
2022-10-22 10:00 - 12:00
New Date: Saturday, October 22nd!
Volunteers needed to care for and beautify the wildflower patch and area around Woodlawn Playground in Van Cortlandt Park.
Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify 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 patch.

RSVP Now.
Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground. All work tools and supplies will be provided.
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- Special Tuesday Date!
2022-10-25 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.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2022-11-02 09:00 - 12:00
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.

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

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.
