Community Stewardship

Photo by Asa Aarons

The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance works with almost 2,000 volunteers a year to complete community stewardship projects throughout the 1,146 acres of Van Cortlandt Park. Their work in Van Cortlandt Park is appreciated and seen by the 2.5 million visitors the Park has every year.

Projects include but are not limited to and are subject to change based on Parks need:

Improving natural areas
Maintaining the amazing hiking trails system in Van Cortlandt Park
Park beautification (gardening, spreading woodchips, painting fences)
Freshwater wetland and lake cleanups

All volunteers are required to sign a waiver at the beginning of the project. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent sign the waiver form. You can print out and bring this waiver with you to the volunteer event or fill out the form when you arrive.

Individuals or Small Groups

Individuals or small groups of 10 or less can attend our events that are open to the general public (link to Events listing). Sign up for our eblasts to receive emails with upcoming volunteer events. (link to sign up form)

In addition to one day volunteer events, VCPA has two ongoing volunteer crews which individuals can join:

Tibbetts Brook Watershed Crew: Every Wednesday, stewards work with our staff to improve the health of Tibbetts Brook and Van Cortlandt Lake. Join us in gathering water quality data and assisting in restoration projects including invasive plant removal and native species planting.

Volunteer Trails Restoration Crew: First Saturdays of the month, during the fall and spring, crew members will work alongside trails professionals, developing skills in various areas of trail construction while improving the trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Projects include building boardwalks, clearing waterbars and drainage swells and installing drainage dips. No prior trails experience is necessary; all training will be offered in an on-the-job format. Must be 18 years of age to join.

Please contact john@vancortlandt.org or 718-601-1574 to learn more about these crews.

Groups of 10 or more

Groups can schedule a volunteer project for their group by contacting John Butler at john@vancortlandt.org. There are no fees for School Groups or Nonprofit Groups to schedule a volunteer day. Please visit our Corporate Volunteer Days page for more information and fees for these programs.