Volunteer Projects

Volunteer Projects.

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 disease, known as the coronavirus, a pandemic. During this time, we ask that all New Yorkers use additional precautions to protect their health and safety and that of those around them, including practicing social distancing.

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, March 3

Forest Restoration Fridays
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help! Learn about forest ecology and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

 

Sunday, March 5

Riverdale Park Trail Work
Riverdale Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health, as well as close desire lines in order to restore the forest and create a healthier ecosystem. 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.

 

Saturday, March 11

Forest Restoration
Paerdegat Basin Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Volunteer to protect forested areas in Paerdegat Basin Park. Contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. 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.

 

Coastal Cleanup
Idlewild Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Volunteer to protect coastal areas in Idlewild Park. Volunteers will help to remove old tires and debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. Please note that tires can weigh 20lbs or more depending on size, and work will be in an area close to JFK. Ear protection and supplies will be provided. REIGSTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks’ Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

 

Jamaica Bay Tidy
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Help keep the trails of the refuge tidy. Volunteers will help clean up any marine debris and litter to keep the refuge looking beautiful. All supplies provided. Program is hosted by Gateway National Recreation Area. Please visit their website for more information.

 

Tuesday, March 14 & Thursday, March 16

Information Session: Project Safe Flight
Online Program, 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Help NYC Audubon study the causes of bird collisions and ways to prevent them by becoming a Project Safe Flight (PSF) volunteer this spring. There will be at least one monitoring route in each of the five boroughs. Learn more about the program, and how you can protect and conserve birds in urban spaces. Attendance at an information session is required for new monitors to participate this spring. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Audubon. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

 

Saturday, March 18

Forest Restoration
Kissena Park, Queens, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Volunteer to protect forested areas in Kissena Park. Contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. 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.

 

Wet Meadow Maintenance
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

This small wet meadow is home to a diverse plant assemblage, attracting a wide variety of pollinators and bird species. Assist in plant removal and prepare for planting and seeding of pollinator plant species. Attendees will help in removing vines from the meadow and cutting back shrub species. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

 

Lemon Creek Pier Cleanup
Lemon Creek, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

The salt marshes and beach areas of Lemon Creek provide a refuge for migrating birds and wetlands flora and fauna. All supplies provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYCH2O, Staten Island Zoo, and Engines for Change. Please visit NYCH2O’s website to register and for more information.

 

Sunday, March 19

Wetlands Cleanup
Seagirt Avenue Wetlands, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Volunteer to restore wetland areas at the Seagirt Avenue Wetlands. Clean up debris and learn about wetland species here in NYC. Urban wetlands provide a variety of benefits including improved water quality, stormwater retention, and critical habitat for wildlife. 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.

 

Monday, March 20

Information Session: Project Safe Flight
Online Program, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Help NYC Audubon study the causes of bird collisions and ways to prevent them by becoming a Project Safe Flight (PSF) volunteer this spring. There will be at least one monitoring route in each of the five boroughs. Learn more about the program, and how you can protect and conserve birds in urban spaces. Attendance at an information session is required for new monitors to participate this spring. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Audubon. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

 

Wednesday, March 22 & March 29

Team RIVER Volunteers
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Volunteer with the Team Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers and help keep the park beautiful. Volunteers regularly work with the Natural Areas team twice a month taking care of and restoring natural spaces on the island. Volunteers must be at least 11 years old. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Randall’s Island Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.

 

Saturday, March 25

Coastal Cleanup
Soundview Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Join a coastal cleanup and protect natural areas. All materials provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance and Teddy Bear Project. Please visit the Alliance’s website to register and for more information.

 

Coastal Cleanup
Rockaway Beach & Boardwalk, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Volunteer to protect coastal areas at Rockaway Beach. Volunteers will help to remove debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem and volunteers can enjoy a bird walk after the cleanup from 12-1pm. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. REIGSTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks’ Stewardship Team and Wildlife Unit. Please visit their website to register and for more information.