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!
Wednesday, July 3
Team RIVER – Natural Areas Volunteers
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (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.
Friday, July 5
Forest Restoration
Conference House Park, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Conference House Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, July 6
Beach Cleanup
Frank Charles Memorial Park, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Help remove trash and debris from the shoreline. Tools will be provided. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Event is rain or shine. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, July 7
RESPECT Rockaway Beach Cleanup
Rockaway Beach, Queens, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Our beaches often get very dirty after 4 of July celebration. Take practical action to protect the environment. Data from your collection efforts will be used to influence laws and reduce waste at the source. Tools provided. REGISTRATIO NIS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the Surfrider Foundation. Please visit the Conservancy’s website to register and for more information.
Friday, July 12
Forest Restoration
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Assist in removing unwanted species like wineberry, bittersweet, mile-a-minute, and more. Their removal is helpful in preserving the health and biodiversity of the forest. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Van Cortland Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Forest Restoration
Idlewild Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Idlewild Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, July 13
Coastal Cleanup
Soundview Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Celebrate City of Water Day and help to protect coastal areas in Soundview Park! Volunteers will help remove debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Beach Cleanup
North Channel Bridge Beach, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Join this monthly beach cleanup series and become a steward for your park and Jamaica Bay. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided. Dress appropriately for weather and conditions. Program is hosted by NPS Gateway National Recreation Area and Sadhana. Please visit NPS’ website for more information.
Natural Areas Restoration
Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect natural areas in Inwood Hill Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Coastal Cleanup
Kaiser Park, Brooklyn, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Celebrate City of Water Day and participate in a fun-filled day of water themed activities. Volunteers will help to remove debris from the coastline. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team and Coney Island Beautification Project. Please visit NYC Parks’ website to register and for more information.
Sunday, July 14
Coastal Cleanup
Calvert Vaux Park, Brooklyn, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Volunteer to help to protect coastal areas in Calvert Vaux Park! Volunteers will help remove debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Friday, July 19
Forest Restoration
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Assist in removing unwanted species like wineberry, bittersweet, mile-a-minute, and more. Their removal is helpful in preserving the health and biodiversity of the forest. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Van Cortland Park 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. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, July 21
Shoreline Cleanup
Jamaica Bay Park, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Help remove trash and debris from the park while enjoying incredible views of the bay! Tools provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Wetland Restoration
Wolfes Pond Park, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect wetland areas in Wolfes Pond Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Friday, July 26
Forest Restoration
Riverdale Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Riverdale Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Forest Restoration
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Assist in removing unwanted species like wineberry, bittersweet, mile-a-minute, and more. Their removal is helpful in preserving the health and biodiversity of the forest. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Van Cortland Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Forest Restoration
Idlewild Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Idlewild Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, July 27
Litter Cleanup
Crotona Park, Bronx, 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
There’s no better way to contribute to a cleaner and healthier community than by volunteering. Join fellow community members to clean and beautify Crotona Park. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.
Forest Restoration
Conference House Park, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Conference House Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, July 28
Forest Restoration
Paerdegat Basin Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Ecology Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Face masks may be worn at your discretion. Come dressed in clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Wednesday, July 31
Team RIVER – Natural Areas Volunteers
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (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.