Forest Fridays @ Van Cortlandt Park

Winter is the most critical time to save the forest floor! Join us to remove invasive Bush Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, and other invasive shrubs while the native plants are dormant.

By clearing these shrubs now, we immediately flood the forest floor with winter sunlight and remove the chemical barriers that stop our native trees from growing. Your hard work this January directly prepares the soil for the return of spring wildflowers and oak seedlings.

Logistics:

• When: Fridays in January | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (we leave for the work site by 10:15am)
• Where: Van Cortlandt Park – VCPA Learning Garden (across from the Riverdale Stables)
• What to bring: Long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes (boots recommended for mud/cold), and water or hot tea.

Need to Know:

• No experience needed: We provide tools, gloves, and teach you how to identify winter vegetation and understand forest ecology as we work.
• Registration: Limited to 30 volunteers.
• Groups: Groups of 6+ please email noel@vancortlandt.org to coordinate.
• Ages 15+ welcome. Minors must have parents sign a volunteer waiver.

Weather Policy: For the safety of our volunteers, this event will be canceled in the event of:

• Heavy rain or snow
• High winds
• Temperatures (or wind chill) below 20°F

Registered volunteers will be notified by email if a cancellation occurs.