Forest Fridays: Restore Van Cortlandt Park's Forest

Friday, April 18, 2025

9:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

This event repeats every week on Friday between 4/4/2025 and 4/25/2025.

Please note: This event has already taken place. Please use the Search options on the right to find upcoming events.

Join our Forest Friday crew to remove invasive species like multiflora rose, porcelain berry, and bittersweet. Your hands-on work will create space for native plants to return and help this 640-acre urban ecosystem thrive for generations to come.

 

What We'll Do:

 

  • Identify and remove invasive plants (e.g. multiflora rose, bittersweet, porcelain berry)
  • Use hand tools to clear priority zones and prepare them for native species
  • Learn about forest ecology, plant ID, and restoration techniques from experienced staff and stewards
  • A bit of spring planting!

 

When:

 

Fridays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Please arrive by 9:00 — the group departs for the site at 9:15 sharp

 

 

Where:

 

Van Cortlandt Park – Garden & Compost Site

(Meeting location; we’ll hike to the work site together)

 

 

What to Bring:

 

Dress in Layers: Long pants (canvas/denim), long sleeves, and a hat — protect yourself from thorns and weather. Avoid puffy jackets.

Gloves & Tools: Provided! Bring your own gloves if you’d like.

Shoes: Sturdy, closed-toe footwear required

Other: Reusable water bottle, snacks, and a spirit of stewardship

 

Sign Up:

 

Each Friday has space for 30 volunteers. A waitlist is available if full.

Groups of 6 or more must email noel@vancortlandt.org to discuss scheduling their own event.

 

Click “Select Your Date” above to sign up for a specific shift.

 

 

This is real forest work! You’ll be in areas where ticks and poison ivy may be present. We’ll help you stay aware and safe — please dress accordingly and do a tick check afterward.

Location

VCPA Garden & Compost Site in Van Cortlandt Park
Bronx
Directions to this location

Cost

Free  

Contact Email

noel@vancortlandt.org

Categories

Nature

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