Volunteer
If you want to do something special in the city, NYC Parks can match you with the right volunteer opportunity for you! Fulfill a service day by spending time outdoors and making new friends. From a neighborhood park to New York City's wildest natural areas, we work with hundreds of park partner groups across the city to find meaningful opportunities to give back to your park.
Looking for more volunteer opportunities? Check out our Let's Green NYC page! We'll match you with a volunteer group that you'll love, and find the group that's right for you!
Volunteer Events
Saturday, October 12, 2024
It's My Park at Leif Ericson Park
at Leif Ericson Park, Brooklyn
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Parent-Child Relationship Association to beautify Leif Ericson Park.
Free!
Sunday, October 13, 2024
It's My Park at Cadman Plaza Park
at Cadman Plaza Park, Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Volunteer with Cadman Park Conservancy to beautify at Cadman Plaza Park.
Free!
It's My Park at North Shore Esplanade
at North Shore Esplanade (in ), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with HEALTH for Youths to plant Daffodil bulbs at North Shore Esplanade.
Free!
It's My Park at Skyline Playground
at Skyline Playground Garden (in Skyline Playground), Staten Island
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with HEALTH for Youths to plant daffodil bulbs at Skyline Playground.
Free!
It's My Park at Ewen Park
at Ewen Park Dog Run (in Ewen Park), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Stewards of Ewen Park to remove invasives from the western woods at Ewen Park.
Free!
It's My Park at Marine Park
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Volunteer with Marine Park Alliance to beautify Marine Park.
Free!
CANCELLED: Urban Farm Volunteers
at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Volunteer with our team to manage our one-acre Urban Farm! Whether you are new to our farm or have been a tried-and-true weekly volunteer, come and join us!
Free!
Greenbelt Native Plant Center Gardening
at Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Greenbelt Native Plant Center staff for a gardening day!
Free!
Event
It's My Park at Brookville Park
at Brookville Playground (in Brookville Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Brookville Park to paint and steward at Brookville Park.
Free!
It's My Park at Canarsie Park
at Canarsie Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with NYC H2O to beautify Canarsie Park and the Paerdegat Basin.
Free!
It's My Park at Francis Lewis Park
at Francis Lewis Park Comfort Station (in Francis Lewis Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends Of Francis Lewis Park to beautify Francis Lewis Park.
Free!
Monday, October 14, 2024
Monday Morning Clean Ups
at Van Cortlandt Golf House (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help park staff tidy up.
Help Van Cortlandt Park staff clean up after weekend picnicking.
Free!
Greenbelt Native Plant Center Tour & Seed Harvesting
at Greenbelt Native Plant Center, Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Greenbelt Native Plant Center staff for a tour of the facility and a day of plant and seed care, and grounds maintenance.
Free!
Event
It's My Park at Stuyvesant Square
at Stuyvesant Square, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Stuyvesant Park Gardeners to clean up, weed, prune, mulch, and rake at Stuyvesant Square.
Free!
Gardening and Cooking Afterschool Class at Stars of Hope Community Garden
at Stars of Hope Community Garden, Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Students will learn the fundamentals of gardening with hands-on guidance from expert instructors cultivating their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
Free!
Kids
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Gardening Tuesday at Shoelace park
at Shoelace Park, Bronx
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Bronx River Alliance select Tuesdays in October from 10a-12pm for stewardship activities such as litter removal, weeding, mulching, watering & planting at different rain gardens & newly planted tree sites along the Bronx River!
We will be stewarding a rain garden in Shoelace Park ( 224th street & Bronx Blvd) .
Please wear clothing appropriate for outdoor weather and gardening/cleaning activities. We also recommend bringing snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
All gloves and tools needed will be provided by the Alliance.
Please feel free to contact jennifer.seda@bronxriver.org with any questions or concerns.
Free!
It's My Park at Ralph Bunche Park
at Ralph Bunche Park, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Ralph Bunche Park to clean up, prune, weed, and water at Ralph Bunche Park.
Free!
Boogie Down Pen Pal
at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, Bronx
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Boogie Down Pen Pal program where high school students can write encouraging letters to elementary school students
Free!
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Wetland Wednesdays in Van Cortlandt Park
at Van Cortlandt Golf House (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
12:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for Wetland Wednesdays, a year-round opportunity to engage in hands-on wetland conservation efforts.
Free!
Citywide Nursery Gardening
at Arthur Ross Nursery Parking Lot, Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Stewardship team and staff at Citywide Nursery to maintain our plant hoop houses and pot up perennials into larger grow pots.
Free!
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
10/16 Young Tree Care at Forest Park
at Seuffert Bandshell Parking lot (in Forest Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Forest Park Trust for young tree care at the Forest Park Picnic Area!
Free!
It's My Park at Stuyvesant Square
at Stuyvesant Square, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Stuyvesant Park Gardeners to clean up, weed, prune, mulch, and rake at Stuyvesant Square.
Free!
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Trail Thursdays on the XC
at VCPA Garden & Compost Site (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the historic Cross Country Course in Van Cortlandt Park. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact!
Free!
EcoZone Volunteer Crew Open House
at Prospect Park, Brooklyn
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join an upcoming Open House to learn about joining a committed group of volunteers that work alongside Prospect Park Alliance gardeners in “EcoZones” to keep Brooklyn’s Backyard green and vibrant!
Free!
Tree Planting in Bronx Park
at Bronx River Forest at Burke Bridge (in Bronx Park), Bronx
9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Help preserve vital habitat along the river by planting native trees in Bronx Park!
Find our team at the 204th & Webster avenue entrance to Bronx Park (nearest address: 732 E 204th St Suite 2D, Bronx, NY 10467) on Thursday October 17th, from 9:30am-12pm.
Please wear protective clothing that can get dirty (long pants and closed toed shoes), and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. All planting materials and equipment will be provided. For questions, please contact jennifer.seda@bronxriver.org or call 718.542.4124
Free!
It's My Park at Hunter's Point South Park
at Hunter's Point South Park, Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Hunters Point Parks Conservancy to beautify Hunter's Point South Park.
Free!
It's My Park at Kaiser Park
at Kaiser Park, Brooklyn
2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Billion Oyster Project to beautify Kaiser Park.
Free!
Boogie Down Pen Pal
at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, Bronx
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Join us for our Boogie Down Pen Pal program where high school students can write encouraging letters to elementary school students
Free!
It's My Park at Richardson Street Triangle
at Richardson Street Triangle (in McCarren Park), Brooklyn
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Join us for a weekly community volunteer event to beautify our local traffic triangle!
Free!
Friday, October 18, 2024
Stewardship Event at Concrete Plant Park
at Concrete Plant Park, Bronx
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Bronx River Alliance in a series of stewardship days to protect and sustain the Long Island Sound habitat at Concrete Plant Park. Help establish a native plant habitat to feed and house migratory birds and pollinators.
Drop ins are welcome, but register here to stay in the loop with updates and cancellations! We take a break from 12pm-1pm. We get back to the stewardship event after 1pm.
For questions or concerns, email Foodway@bronxriver.org or call 718-542.4121.
This event is generously supported by by the Long Island Sound Study and Restore America’s Esturaries.
Free!
10/18 Restoration Fridays at Highland Park
at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust for Forest Restoration Fridays this summer to engage in hands-on forest restoration work!
Free!
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Alley Pond Park Tree Planting
at Adventure Course Parking Lot (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to plant trees in the forest of Alley Pond Park!
Free!
Event
It's My Park at Cooper Park
at Cooper Park, Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Cooper Park to clean up and maintain Cooper Park.
Free!
It's My Park at Rudd Playground
at Rudd Playground, Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Rudd to remove invasive weeds and prep the garden beds for planting at Rudd Playground.
Free!
It's My Park at West 72nd Street Trees
at Giuseppe Verdi (in Verdi Square), Manhattan
9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Volunteer with West 72nd St. Block Association to beautify 72nd Street by doing a community litter cleanup and planting a variety of bulbs!
Free!
It's My Park at Yellowstone Park
at Yellowstone Park, Queens
9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Yellowstone Park to beautify Yellowstone Park.
Free!
CANCELLED: Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
CANCELLED: Team RIVER Volunteers
at Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
It's My Park at East River Esplanade
at East River Esplanade, Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Volunteer with Alliance for Kips Bay to remove weeds, water plants and clean up the park at East River Esplanade.
Free!
Forest Restoration Workshop at High Rock Park, It’s My Park Day!
at High Rock Gate (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Come join us for a hands-on Forest Restoration Workshop at High Rock Park on It’s My Park Day to help beautify our local green space!
Free!
It's My Park at Brighton Playground
at Basketball Courts (in Brighton Playground), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Asser Levy Park to beautify Brighton Playground.
Free!
It's My Park at Bushwick Inlet Park
at Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park for our 50 Kent Pollinator Garden Restoration Project.
Free!
It's My Park at Leif Ericson Park
at Leif Ericson Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Parent-Child Relationship Association to clean up Leif Ericson Park.
Free!
It's My Park at Oakwood Beach
at Oakwood Beach (in Great Kills Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC H2O, along with the Natural Resources Protective Association for a volunteer cleanup at Oakwood Beach!
Free!
It's My Park at Tompkins Square Park
at Tompkins Square Park, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Tompkins Square Park to plant bulbs, clean up, and spread mulch in the southeast quadrant at Tompkins Square Park.
Free!
Kaiser Park Coastal Cleanup
at West 33rd Street and Bayview Avenue (in Kaiser Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect coastal areas in Kaiser Park! Volunteers will help us remove the debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem.
Free!
Roots and Shoots Youth Brigade
at Entrance - Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Roots and Shoots Brigade at Eastern Queens Alliance! Our program empowers young minds to take charge, explore environmental initiatives, and develop leadership skills!
Free!
It's My Park at Luther Gulick Playground
at Luther Gulick Park, Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of Gulick Park for our annual pumpkin painting event for kids and a bulb planting project at Luther Gulick Playground.
Free!
It's My Park at Bowne Park
at Bowne Park, Queens
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Volunteer with Friends of the Well to beautify Bowne Park.
Free!