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Wild NYC is at the other end of your doorstep! Explore New York's urban forests, streams, and wildlife with these fun outdoor activities.
Nature Events
Friday, September 4, 2026
Powell's Cove Park Forest Restoration
at Powell's Cove Park, Queens
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health.
Free!
Fungi Hike
at Willowbrook Park, Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
September is National Mushroom Month!
Free!
Event
Trees Count at McKinley Park
at McKinley Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with NYC Parks for Trees Count
Free!
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Phoenix Community Garden Public Volunteer Day
at Phoenix Community Garden, Brooklyn
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Volunteers will help weed, mulch, and care for the garden's ornamental and landscape plantings. The tasks we complete will help launch us into the next project: an ADA path installation
Free!
Trees Count at Leif Ericson Park
at Leif Ericson Park, Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer with NYC Parks for Trees Count 2025!
Free!
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island 
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Nature Exploration: Urban Wildlife
at east lawn (in Saratoga Park), Brooklyn
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about the diverse wildlife found in New York City’s parks and the best ways for people and animals to coexist, including the many benefits of having so many animals in our city!
Free!
Summer on the Hudson: Billion Oyster Project Presentation
at On the Pier (in West Harlem Piers), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Come see and learn about the Billion Oyster Project on the Baylander’s Jungle Deck.
Free!
Discovery Hike: Ecosystem Engineers
at West 108th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike through Riverside Park as we discuss the different ecosystems and biodiversity found within NYC.
Free!
Nature Exploration Hike
at Roy Wilkins Park - Entrance (in Roy Wilkins Recreation Center), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore this local ecosystem and learn about the fascinating nature in this park.
Free!
Tea and Healing in Nature, Connecting to the Elements
at Pleasant Village Community Garden (in ), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the garden group at Pleasant Village Community Garden and learn about healing with natural medicine, and discover how to be in the here and now through the art of tea.
Free!
Sunday, September 6, 2026
CANCELLED: Urban Farm Volunteers
at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Whether you are new to our farm or have been a tried-and-true volunteer, join us! You can help us take care of this important educational resource.
Free!
Gardening Plant Party for Kids
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn more about native wildflower planting and its benefits to park ecosystems while maintaining the native plant garden. Tools and plants will be provided.
Free!
Kids
Birding: Urban Birds and Fall Migration
at Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary (in Grant Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an introduction to urban birds at the beginning of the fall migration! We’ll explore the recently renovated Grant Park and the Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary.
Free!
Garden Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Stargazing on the High Line
at On the High Line at 13th Street (in The High Line), Manhattan, under The Standard, at 13th St. (in The High Line), Manhattan
8:15 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky every Tuesday on the High Line!
Free!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Randall's Island Park, Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Monthly Nature Exploration Hike Series
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a monthly hike exploring Inwood Hill Park. The hike will begin at the Inwood Hill Nature Center. This month’s hike will focus on late-summer plants.
Free!
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Trail Work Thursdays
at VCPA Learning Garden (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park.
Free!
Adult Hike: It’s a Shore Thing: South to Midland Beaches
at South Beach
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Ahoy! Summer may be winding down, but it’s still a great time to head to the beach.
Free!
September Ecology Team Meeting
at Virtual/Online Events
5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
September Ecology Team Meeting
Free!
Friday, September 11, 2026
Nature Talks at Bryant Park Reading Room: Environmental History of Parks
at Reading Room (in Bryant Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Step outside and explore the natural world with free outdoor lectures led by local experts.
Free!
Volunteer Day: Work + Learn at Hattie Carthan Herban Farm
at Hattie Carthan Herban Farm, Brooklyn
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Join us for a hands-on Work and Learn Day at the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm!
Free!
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Inwood Hill Park Forest Restoration
at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health.
Free!
Marine Park Forest Restoration
at 36th Street and Avenue U (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health
Free!
Event
Volunteering at Conference House Park - The Blue Wave
at Conference House Museum (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and the Conference House Park Conservancy for our ongoing, self-directed, beach and park clean-up initiative!
Free!
Shoreline Cleanup
at Inwood Canoe Club (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan, Inwood, west end of Dyckman Street, then south through the gate and past the sailing club. (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteer to clean up the Hudson River shoreline!
Free!
Fishing Series: Femme Fishing
at East River Picnic Area (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the Randall’s Island Park Alliance for an afternoon of fishing for women, femme, and gender-nonconforming folx!
Free!
Event
Monarchs and Milkweed: Creating and Connecting Habitat for Monarch Butterflies
at Green Oasis Community Garden/Gilbert's Garden (in ), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn about the monarch’s life cycle, its impressive multi-generational 3,000 mile migration, and how to help them thrive in NYC green spaces. Attendees will be able to take home native milkweed or butterfly nectar plants for their gardens.
Free!
Outdoor Skills: Water in the Wilderness
at Entrance - Cornelia Avenue and Chester Avenue (in Wolfe's Pond Park), Staten Island
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn how to find, collect, and safely use water in the wild. Perfect for anyone looking to build confidence and stay prepared in real wilderness conditions.
Free!
Summer on the Hudson: Nature Explorers
at 102nd Street Field House (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Nature-focused workshops and educational craft activities, best for children ages 4-10.
Free!
Kids
Trees Count at Socrates Sculpture Park with the Urban Park Rangers
at Entrance - Vernon Boulevard and Broadway (in Socrates Sculpture Park), Queens
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Using our Tree Census app, you’ll split up into different zones within the park to start counting trees! Registration is required. Registration begins on August 22.
Free!
Food Demos on the Urban Farm
at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
The Urban Farm hosts free food demonstrations to teach the community-at-large how to cook with the seasonal produce they can see growing on the farm.
Free!
Kids
Houseplant care and workshop at Eastchester Road Community Garden
at Eastchester Road Community Garden, Bronx
12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Are you a houseplant enthusiast or dreaming of starting an apartment garden but unsure where to begin? This workshop is perfect for you!
Free!
Nature Puppet Show
at Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks
Free!
Kids
Bronx River Forest Clean Up
at Bronx River Forest at Burke Bridge (in Bronx Park), Bronx
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of stewardship at the Bronx River Forest!
Free!
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Seining
at Bayview Avenue and Johnston Terrace (in Lemon Creek Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Our experienced Urban Park Rangers teach the ecology of our waterways on every seining program. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Free!
Urban Farm Volunteers
at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Whether you are new to our farm or have been a tried-and-true volunteer, join us! You can help us take care of this important educational resource.
Free!
Garden Highlights Walk
at Wave Hill, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens.
Heather Garden Highlights
at Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a stroll through the beautiful Heather Garden as we appreciate the flowers, park history, and bird activity. Celebrate the start of autumn!
Free!
Stingers!
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
What vital roles do bees and wasps, and other stinging insects, play in the environment? Learn why and how with Jared Kirschner, Education Manager and Junior Entomologist from the Long Island Aquarium.
Free!
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Stargazing on the High Line
at On the High Line at 13th Street (in The High Line), Manhattan, under The Standard, at 13th St. (in The High Line), Manhattan
8:15 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the night sky every Tuesday on the High Line!
Free!
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Team RIVER Volunteers
at Randall's Island Park, Manhattan
9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful!
Free!
Senior Community Day
at West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers to explore the Inwood Hill Nature Center and build community. This month's Senior Community Day will be a natural dye making day.
Free!
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Trail Work Thursdays
at VCPA Learning Garden (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park.
Free!
Friday, September 18, 2026
Restoration Fridays at Forest Park
at Buddy Monument (in Forest Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust for Forest Restoration Fridays this summer to engage in hands-on forest restoration work!
Free!
Siedenburg Park Trail Marker Installation
at Redwood Ave & Corbin Ave (in Siedenburg Park), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will learn how to place trail markers, and why maintaining trails restores forests and creates healthy ecosystems.
Free!
Event
Summer on the Hudson: Birding Walk
at 120th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Explore Riverside Park on a family-friendly bird walk in partnership with NYC Bird Alliance.
Free!
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Jackson Heights Street Tree Care
at 78th St and 34th Ave (in Travers Park), Queens
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Volunteers will learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees.
Free!
Highland Park Horticulture Helpers
at Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue (in Highland Park), Queens
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust for Highland Park Horticulture Helpers this summer to learn some basic gardening skills!
Free!
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