Volunteer Projects
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Volunteer Projects
New York City’s natural areas are a vital resource for all New Yorkers. These park spaces capture rainwater, supply fresh air, and provide habitat for wildlife! In addition to the volunteer opportunities offered below, NYC Parks Stewardship provides communities with opportunities to care for our city’s forests, wetlands, salt marshes, and street trees throughout the year. Their volunteer events include planting trees and shrubs, removing invasive plants, plant protection, trail restoration, and street tree care that benefits all New Yorkers—animal and human alike.
Visit the NYC Parks Stewardship page to find out how you can volunteer for an event, or train to be an advanced volunteer!
Friday, November 1
Forest Restoration
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help remove plants that threaten the native ecosystem and assist in the restoration of native plants and habitats. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, November 2
Cleanup
Baisley Pond Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to clean up around Baisley Pond which was created in the 18th century when local farmers dammed three streams in order to power their grain mill. All tools provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYCH2O. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Beach Clean Sweep
Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Enjoy the fall weather and volunteer to remove marine debris from the shoreline. All tools provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Friday, November 8
Stewardship Days
Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Protect and help sustain the habitat at the park. Help establish a native plant habitat to feed and house migratory birds and pollinators. Pre-registration is recommended. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, November 9
Coastal Cleanup and Restoration
Ferry Point Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to help remove goose fencing from a remediated salt marsh area, completing a restoration project years in the making. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Team RIVER – Natural Areas
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) to help keep the park beautiful. Volunteers will care for the many gardens, green streets, and meadows in the park. Volunteers must be at least 11 years old and have a waiver signed. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Randall’s Island Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Beach Clean Sweep
Hamilton Beach Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Enjoy the fall weather and volunteer to remove marine debris from the shoreline. All tools provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Forest Restoration
Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Inwood Hill Park. Contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, November 10
Landscape Restoration
Ridgewood Reservoir, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to remove unwanted plants and support native plants at Ridgewood Reservoir. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYCH2O and NYC Parks. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Friday, November 15
Stewardship Days
Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Protect and help sustain the habitat at the park. Help establish a native plant habitat to feed and house migratory birds and pollinators. Pre-registration is recommended. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Forest Restoration
Alley Pond Park, Queens, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Alley Pond Park. Contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Coastal Cleanup
Bush Terminal Park, Brooklyn, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect coastal areas in Bush Terminal Park. Help remove debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, November 16
Team RIVER – Natural Areas
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) to help keep the park beautiful. Volunteers will care for the many gardens, green streets, and meadows in the park. Volunteers must be at least 11 years old and have a waiver signed. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Randall’s Island Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Beach Clean Sweep
Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
As the winter months progress, the prevailing winds and tides bring major debris into Jamaica Bay. Enjoy the fall weather and volunteer to remove marine debris from the shoreline. All tools provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, November 17
Beach Cleanup
Breezy Point, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Help pick up litter and other debris from the beaches of Breezy Point. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided. Dress appropriately for weather. Program is hosted by NPS Gateway National Recreation Area and NYC Plover Project. Please visit NPS’ website for more information.