Forest Fridays: Restore Van Cortlandt Park's Forest

Friday, April 25, 2025

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

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

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  

Registration

Contact Email

noel@vancortlandt.org

Categories

Nature

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