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!
Saturday, April 12
Beach Cleanup
Great Kills Park, Staten Island, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help preserve the beauty of the beach and protect marine life, reduce pollution, and ensure a cleaner, more enjoyable environment for all visitors. Make a positive impact on the local ecosystem while fostering a sense of community stewardship. Program is hosted by NPS Gateway National Recreation Area. Please visit their website for more information.
Earth Day Shoreline Cleanup
Shirley Chisholm State Park, Brooklyn, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Volunteer to remove washed up debris off the shoreline at the Fountain Water Access Area. All materials provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Wednesday, April 16
Wetlands Restoration
Fresh Creek Nature Preserve, Brooklyn, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect wetlands in Fresh Creek Nature Preserve. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health, as well as remove debris to help restore the wetland and create a healthier ecosystem. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, 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.
Thursday, April 17
River Cleanup
Shoelace Park, Bronx, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help the Conservation Crew clean up the Bronx River. Remove litter and debris from the river and surrounding parkland. Your efforts not only protect wildlife & the Bronx River ecosystem, but they also help us identify the sources of trash so we can stop the pollution where it starts. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Friday, April 18
Forest Restoration
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Pelham Bay Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, 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, April 19
Forest Restoration
Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to protect forested areas in Pelham Bay Park. Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, 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.
Earth Day Cleanup
Broad Channel American Park, Queens, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will help remove trash and debris from the shoreline and surrounding spaces while enjoying incredible views of Jamaica Bay. Tools will be provided. Event is rain or shine. Program is hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. Please visit their website for more information.
Tuesday, April 22
Tree Planting
Bronx River Forest, Bronx, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help preserve vital habitat along the river by planting native trees in the forest. Please wear protective clothing that can get dirty. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Thursday, April 24
River Cleanup
Bronx Park, Bronx, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help the Conservation Crew clean up the Bronx River. Remove litter and debris from the river and surrounding parkland. Your efforts not only protect wildlife & the Bronx River ecosystem, but they also help us identify the sources of trash so we can stop the pollution where it starts. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, April 26
Beach Cleanup
Plumb Beach, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to clean up this beach, located along the Belt Parkway. Gloves, garbage bags, and pickers will be provided. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYCH2O. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Beach Cleanup
Wolfe’s Pond Park, Staten Island, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Be an environmental warrior and volunteer to clean up the beach and surrounding park while learning the importance of keeping the ecosystem clean. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers. Please visit their website for more information.
Coastal Cleanup
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day and volunteer to remove debris that has washed up onto park beaches with the tides. You’ll also help document the types of trash collected-important data that is shared with the Ocean Conservancy to support global efforts in understanding and combating plastic pollution. Program is hosted by Brooklyn Bridge Park. Please visit their website for more information.
Bio Blitz and Coastal Cleanup
Vernam Barbadoes Peninsula, Queens, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Enjoy a hike around the beach of this preserve to explore and clean the coastline. Volunteers will learn how to identify plants and make iNaturalist observations of any signs of nature you may find along the way. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Sunday, April 27
Bio Blitz and Park Cleanup
Ecology Park, Brooklyn, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help spruce up the park and enjoy a tour of the unique ecosystem. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in iNaturalist’s annual City Nature Challenge bioblitz. Please bring your smartphone or camera and learn how to make iNaturalist observations. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Tuesday, April 29
River Cleanup
Bronx River Forest, Bronx, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help the Conservation Crew clean up the Bronx River. Remove litter and debris from the river and surrounding parkland. Your efforts not only protect wildlife & the Bronx River ecosystem, but they also help us identify the sources of trash so we can stop the pollution where it starts. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Thursday, May 1
River Cleanup
Bronx River Forest, Bronx, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Help the Conservation Crew clean up the Bronx River. Remove litter and debris from the river and surrounding parkland. Your efforts not only protect wildlife & the Bronx River ecosystem, but they also help us identify the sources of trash so we can stop the pollution where it starts. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Saturday, May 3
Coastal Cleanup
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Be a part of Riverkeeper’s annual Sweep and volunteer to remove debris that has washed up onto park beaches with the tides. You’ll also help document the types of trash collected-important data that is shared with the Ocean Conservancy to support global efforts in understanding and combating plastic pollution. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by Brooklyn Bridge Park. Please visit their website to register and for more information.
Riverkeeper Sweep
Bronx Park, Bronx, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Help remove litter from the Bronx River and surrounding trails. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Program is hosted by NYC Parks Stewardship Team, Riverkeeper, and Teddy Bear Project. Please visit NYC Parks’ website to register and for more information.