Jerry McCaffery’s interest in gardening comes from his and his wife’s good fortune to have their own garden as part of their co-op apartment, where they have lived for over 40 years. Jerry’ passion for gardening is matched by his dedicated career in the non-profit sector. He was the CEO of a non-profit agency that cared for children and teens in foster care in New York City and Long Island. The agency also provided support for teens involved in Family Court, as well as unaccompanied minors from Central America. After 45 years, he retired in mid-2021 and began volunteering at Riverside Park Conservancy.
“I am finishing my fourth year as a ParkTender,” says Jerry McCaffery, “I started by helping fellow Tender Brigitte Lifschitz until I got my own area a few months later. I still trim some very tall and thorny bayberry bushes in her area.” He continues to be inspired by what fellow long-time ParkTenders, like Brigitte and David Goldstick, have accomplished in the park. “I also enjoy seeing the results of my own work through ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos I take. On my Facebook page, I post updates and stories on what I am doing in the park that I call ‘Tales of a ParkTender.”
You can see his ongoing work just south of the West 84th Street park entrance near Mt. Tom, the distinctive rock formation named by Edgar Allan Poe after the son of the family who owned the farmhouse where he lived in the 1840s. Poe often visited the rock to look out at the Hudson River. Today, it is the park’s only formally named rock formation.
Like many volunteers, Jerry says, “I am in the park several times a day walking my dog Mojo and enjoying the park. So, like many others, I enjoy being able to give back to the park and my community.” He’s also surprised by how often passersby pause to ask what he’s doing, how he became a volunteer, and ask questions about the plants. “I always encourage them to give volunteering in the park some thought,” he says. “Allowing people opportunities to give back to their community in whatever way they can is very positive all around.”
His advice to potential volunteers? “Just do it! The Conservancy can match you up with activities and events that align with your availability and your level of knowledge about gardening. You’ll learn and grow and do a lot of weeding!” He adds that the Conservancy does a great job of hosting events and building community by connecting volunteers and creating opportunities to learn from one another. “They’re always very helpful with whatever assistance you need to take care of your area. I’ve also attended some of the workshops they’ve given on birds, pruning, etc.” Feel free to catch up with Jerry on-site when he’s working in his garden!