Volunteer Projects
WildlifeNYC311Search all NYC.gov websites
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!
Sunday, September 1
Shoreline Cleanup
Bayswater, Queens, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Volunteer to help remove trash and debris from the shoreline and surrounding park while enjoying views of Jamaica Bay. Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Event is rain or shine. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit the Conservancy’s website to register and more information.
Friday, September 6
Stewardship Day
Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Help protect and sustain the habitat at the park. Help establish a native plant habitat to feed and house migratory birds and pollinators. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, September 7
Beach Cleanup
Crescent Beach, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help clean up this beautiful beach. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by NYC H2O. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, September 8
Beach Cleanup
Joe Michaels Mile, Queens, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Volunteer to help protect the coastal areas of Joe Michaels Mile! 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, September 13
Forest Restoration
Idlewild Park, Queens, 9:00 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, September 14
Shoreline Cleanup
Frank Charles Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to help remove trash and debris from the shoreline and surrounding park. Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. 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 more information.
Forest Restoration
Riverdale Park, Bronx, 10:00 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.
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.
Sunday, September 15
Coastal Cleanup
Seagirt Avenue Wetlands, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Help to remove debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in clothing that can get dirty. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and NYC Parks. Please visit the Conservancy’s website to register and for more information.
Thursday, September 19
Forever Wild Celebration & Forest Restoration
Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Participate in forest restoration, a nature walk, and other activities at Inwood Hill Park as part of Forever Wild in New York City: Celebrating 40 years of caring for nature. Learn about the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health and discuss challenges that face our ecological world due to climate change. 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, September 20
Stewardship Day
Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Help protect and sustain the habitat at the park. Help establish a native plant habitat to feed and house migratory birds and pollinators. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, September 21
Coastal Cleanup
Randall’s Island, Manhattan, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Participate in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) which engages people to remove trash from the world’s beaches and waterways. Thanks to millions of volunteers around the world, the ICC has become a beacon of hope, leading and inspiring action in support of our ocean. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Randall’s Island Park Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
Plumb Beach, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help to remove debris from the shoreline, marsh, and Greenway surrounding Plumb Beach as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024. Gloves, bags, and tools will be provided. Event is rain or shine. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Global Citizen. Please visit the Conservancy’s website to register and for more information.
Beach Cleanup
Canarsie Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help clean up this beautiful beach. Located within the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, Canarsie Beach and salt marsh remains a hotspot for marine wildlife and birds. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by NYC H2O and Councilmember Narcisse. Please visit NYC H2O website to register and for more information.
Forever Wild Celebration & Forest Restoration
Seton Falls Park, Bronx, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Participate in ongoing restoration work, a nature walk, and other activities at Seton Falls Park as part of Forever Wild in New York City: Celebrating 40 years of caring for nature. Learn about the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health and discuss challenges that face our ecological world due to climate change. 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.
Forever Wild Celebration & Forest Restoration
Idlewild Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Participate in ongoing restoration work, a nature walk, and other activities at Idlewild Park as part of Forever Wild in New York City: Celebrating 40 years of caring for nature. Learn about the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health and discuss challenges that face our ecological world due to climate change. 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.
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.
Thursday, September 26
Forest Restoration
Idlewild Park, Queens, 9:00 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.
Friday, September 27
Stewardship Day
Concrete Plant Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Help protect and sustain the habitat at the park. Help establish a native plant habitat to feed and house migratory birds and pollinators. Pre-registration is preferred. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Forest Restoration
Marine Park, Brooklyn, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Marine 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.
Forever Wild Celebration & Forest Restoration
Paerdegat Basin Park, Bronx, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Participate in ongoing restoration work, a nature walk, and other activities at Ecology Park as part of Forever Wild in New York City: Celebrating 40 years of caring for nature. Learn about the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health and discuss challenges that face our ecological world due to climate change. Volunteers can also join a nature walk and other activities 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, September 28
Climate Week Dune Planting
Rockaway Beach, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Participate in a hands-on dune restoration project as part of Greater Rockaway Coastal Resilience Plan during Climate Week. Plant native plants and shrubs to build and restore a natural protective buffer along the east end of the Rockaway. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by RISE and Surfrider Foundation. Please visit Surfrider’s website to register and for more information.
Beach Cleanup and Birding
Norton Basin Natural Area, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to help remove trash and debris from the coastline to improve the ecosystem and mitigate plastic pollution, while enjoying nature and spotting shorebirds migrating south. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Please visit the Conservancy’s website to register and more information.
Forest Restoration
Goodhue Park, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Goodhue 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, September 29
Coastal Cleanup
Bayswater Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Volunteer to help protect coastal areas at Bayswater 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.
Monday, September 30
Coastal Cleanup and Wetland Planting
Bush Terminal Park, Brooklyn, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Help to clean up and strengthen our coastlines. Volunteers will help remove debris from the coastline and participate in a community science project to collect data on debris within NYC waterways. Volunteers will also help plant native salt marsh grass to help make our shoreline more resilient to flooding and erosion. 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.