Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Riverside Park Conservancy! We are a small nonprofit that works in conjunction with the NYC Parks Department to help maintain and improve Riverside Park.
Our community volunteering program allows groups like yours to set up your very own volunteer project in a specific location of the Park convenient to you (or per your choosing, subject to project availability) with dedicated full-time horticulture staff leading volunteers in season-appropriate gardening projects and demonstrating correct techniques and identification.
SCHEDULING: Projects typically run from 10:00am – 1:00pm, but we can be flexible between the hours of 9:00am and 2:00pm. We will be ready for you, rain or shine! We can accommodate groups most days of the week: Tuesday-Saturday during the growing season, subject to availability. Groups are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, and we recommend confirming a date 30 days in advance (60 days for April-June requests).
PROJECT SELECTION: All volunteer projects & locations are selected by Riverside Park Conservancy based on seasonal priorities to maintain the health of the park and enhance park experience for users. Activities may include planting, lawn restoration, targeted plant removal, erosion control, fence painting, mulching, raking, trash removal, and more. Our projects take place in Riverside Park and neighboring areas west of Riverside Drive, from 59th Street to 181st Street.
FEES & PAYMENT POLICY: There is a $100 reservation fee for each group of up to 30 volunteers, which helps cover the cost of plant material and supplies for the volunteer program. This must be paid prior to the project and is expected to be paid in full unless canceled three weeks prior to the date of the project.
Thank you for thinking of us – we look forward to hosting your group at Riverside Park! A staff member from the volunteer department will respond shortly. In partnership with Riverside Park Conservancy and the NYC Parks & Recreation department, individuals of all skill levels and availability can make meaningful contributions to improving Riverside Park’s overall horticultural care, dog runs, playgrounds, and athletic fields.
Please join us at our next virtual volunteer orientation
