Opportunities From: Riverside Park Conservancy

Volunteer: Compost Compound (95th St)

The Conservancy's Sustainability team invites you to support us with compost processing and gardening work and at the 95th Street Compost Compound.

The compost that is currently in progress at our site is created right here in Riverside Park! We utilize machinery for the composting work, and when the compost is ready it will be applied to soil in the Park, thus retaining nutrients from the debris that enters the site and 'closing the loop'.

We will provide all the tools you need! Please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up on the weekend prior to the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Directions to the Compost Compound for pedestrians from 100th Street & Riverside Drive entrance:

Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 103rd Street & Broadway stop Walk west on 103rd Street until you reach Riverside Drive Cross into the Park and turn left – walk south along Riverside Drive Alternatively, take M5 bus to Riverside Drive & 100th Street There is a staircase on 99th Street & Riverside Drive that goes into the Park – walk down staircase and keep right on the path You will reach a fork in the path - take a left and keep left at the fork, and walk under the overpass Once you cross under the overpass, you will be facing the river - take a left and walk along the river You will then see the Red Clay Tennis courts on your left Take a left on the path either before or after the courts – this is a U-shaped path so either will lead you to the compound entrance

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

The Conservancy's Sustainability team invites you to support us with compost processing and gardening work and at the 95th Street Compost Compound.

The compost that is currently in progress at our site is created right here in Riverside Park! We utilize machinery for the composting work, and when the compost is ready it will be applied to soil in the Park, thus retaining nutrients from the debris that enters the site and 'closing the loop'.

We will provide all the tools you need! Please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up on the weekend prior to the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Directions to the Compost Compound for pedestrians from 100th Street & Riverside Drive entrance:

Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 103rd Street & Broadway stop Walk west on 103rd Street until you reach Riverside Drive Cross into the Park and turn left – walk south along Riverside Drive Alternatively, take M5 bus to Riverside Drive & 100th Street There is a staircase on 99th Street & Riverside Drive that goes into the Park – walk down staircase and keep right on the path You will reach a fork in the path - take a left and keep left at the fork, and walk under the overpass Once you cross under the overpass, you will be facing the river - take a left and walk along the river You will then see the Red Clay Tennis courts on your left Take a left on the path either before or after the courts – this is a U-shaped path so either will lead you to the compound entrance

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10025

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Joan of Arc Island (93rd Street)

Support our longtime ParkTender Randy Hugill in stewarding the beautiful gardens surrounding Joan of Arc Monument.

Sign up is required by Thursday at 1pm each week. 

Please meet at the monument at 93rd Street & Riverside Drive at 10am. Tools and gloves will be provided!

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Support our longtime ParkTender Randy Hugill in stewarding the beautiful gardens surrounding Joan of Arc Monument.

Sign up is required by Thursday at 1pm each week. 

Please meet at the monument at 93rd Street & Riverside Drive at 10am. Tools and gloves will be provided!

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10025

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Canopy Club (97th-120th St Park Interior)

Work with us beneath the beautiful tree canopy in the upper woodlands of the park interior. We will be focusing on weeding, vine pulling, forest restoration, and invasive species removal.

We will provide all the tools you need! Please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Work with us beneath the beautiful tree canopy in the upper woodlands of the park interior. We will be focusing on weeding, vine pulling, forest restoration, and invasive species removal.

We will provide all the tools you need! Please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10025

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: The Bird Sanctuary (120th St)

Volunteer with us to restore and maintain our Bird Sanctuary and surrounding woodland areas! This year we'll only be meeting in the summer months.

Please meet staff on 120th Street and Riverside Drive. We will provide all the tools you need - please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Volunteer with us to restore and maintain our Bird Sanctuary and surrounding woodland areas! This year we'll only be meeting in the summer months.

Please meet staff on 120th Street and Riverside Drive. We will provide all the tools you need - please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10027

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: South Park (68th St)

Work together with our gardeners to maintain select areas of South Park. We will be primarily doing weeding and general horticultural maintenance.

Please meet at the park entrance at 68th Street & Riverside Blvd. We will provide all the tools you need - please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Work together with our gardeners to maintain select areas of South Park. We will be primarily doing weeding and general horticultural maintenance.

Please meet at the park entrance at 68th Street & Riverside Blvd. We will provide all the tools you need - please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10023

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: The Sweet Spot (72nd-96th St)

Volunteer in the sweet spot of Riverside Park! This historic section of the park is home to majestic monuments, beautiful native plant gardens, hidden forests, and lovely river views. We'll be working across this part of the park in various gardens and woodland areas doing weeding, mulching, pruning, and ecological restoration.

Meeting location will rotate between Hippo Playground and River Run Playground. We will provide all the tools you need - please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Volunteer in the sweet spot of Riverside Park! This historic section of the park is home to majestic monuments, beautiful native plant gardens, hidden forests, and lovely river views. We'll be working across this part of the park in various gardens and woodland areas doing weeding, mulching, pruning, and ecological restoration.

Meeting location will rotate between Hippo Playground and River Run Playground. We will provide all the tools you need - please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10024

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Island Vibes: Restoring the Riverside Drive Islands (97th-116th St)

Help us show some love to these beautiful green spaces along Riverside Drive! We will be focusing on weeding and trash removal. Location will rotate primarily between 99th St & 110th St; exact location will be shared upon signup.

We will provide all the tools you need! Please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Help us show some love to these beautiful green spaces along Riverside Drive! We will be focusing on weeding and trash removal. Location will rotate primarily between 99th St & 110th St; exact location will be shared upon signup.

We will provide all the tools you need! Please bring water to stay hydrated. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes.

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10025

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Sakura Park and Claremont at W 122nd St

Join us as we steward the gardens in Sakura Park and Claremont!

Date: Every Wednesday Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Meeting Location: The Gazebo in Sakura Park

Project Details: Sakura Park is a beautiful area full of cherry trees and serene views. We're excited to partner you with our longtime gardener, Winston Johnson, to steward and show love to this area of Morningside Heights. You will be gardening in Sakura Park and Claremont (across the street). Gardening can include weeding, raking, shoveling, pruning, and other laborious work. Please dress comfortably with closed toe shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Join us as we steward the gardens in Sakura Park and Claremont!

Date: Every Wednesday Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Meeting Location: The Gazebo in Sakura Park

Project Details: Sakura Park is a beautiful area full of cherry trees and serene views. We're excited to partner you with our longtime gardener, Winston Johnson, to steward and show love to this area of Morningside Heights. You will be gardening in Sakura Park and Claremont (across the street). Gardening can include weeding, raking, shoveling, pruning, and other laborious work. Please dress comfortably with closed toe shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10027

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: It's My Park Day: Spring Edition!

It’s My Park Day is a biannual event where we come together to celebrate and take care of our beloved ParkTender gardens. Our ParkTenders steward various landscaped areas throughout the Park, some with one season of stewardship under their belts and some with decades of dedication to their gardens.

During the spring edition of It’s My Park Day, our ParkTenders and field staff work together to take care of spring planting needs. We'll be assigning volunteers to specific gardens in the park and will let you know your assignment the week before the event!

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

It’s My Park Day is a biannual event where we come together to celebrate and take care of our beloved ParkTender gardens. Our ParkTenders steward various landscaped areas throughout the Park, some with one season of stewardship under their belts and some with decades of dedication to their gardens.

During the spring edition of It’s My Park Day, our ParkTenders and field staff work together to take care of spring planting needs. We'll be assigning volunteers to specific gardens in the park and will let you know your assignment the week before the event!

NOTE: Volunteers who sign up less than 24 hours in advance of the session may not receive last-minute updates. Please email lisa@riversideparknyc.org for late signups.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 18, 2026

Zip Code: 10115

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Advocacy Club: Sign-Making Session!

Join us while we create cardboard signs in preparation for the Play Fair Rally on Monday March, 23rd!

Location instructions: Please enter the Interchurch Center on Claremont Ave (between 119th and 120th Streets) and keep going straight, on the right side of the reception desk. You'll see a sign on the right just before you reach the other set of glass doors, and that's where you'll find the Orthodox Room.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Join us while we create cardboard signs in preparation for the Play Fair Rally on Monday March, 23rd!

Location instructions: Please enter the Interchurch Center on Claremont Ave (between 119th and 120th Streets) and keep going straight, on the right side of the reception desk. You'll see a sign on the right just before you reach the other set of glass doors, and that's where you'll find the Orthodox Room.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Mar 20, 2026

Zip Code: 10115

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Sunset Gardening at W 153rd St

Join us as we steward the garden slope at W 153rd St!

Date: 3rd Friday of every month

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Meeting Location: W 153rd St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this sunset event, we'll be working together to clean up the park and weed out introduced species. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. This project is not suitable for corporate groups! If yo

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Join us as we steward the garden slope at W 153rd St!

Date: 3rd Friday of every month

Time: 5pm - 7pm

Meeting Location: W 153rd St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this sunset event, we'll be working together to clean up the park and weed out introduced species. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. This project is not suitable for corporate groups! If yo

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10031

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: West Harlem Forest Tree Club

Become a part of the West Harlem Forest Tree Club!

Date: Every Wednesday and Saturday

Time: 1:30pm- 3:00pm

Meeting Location: W 143rd St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to pick up trash, weed out introduced species, and take care of our trees. This is part of a new restoration project called the West Harlem Forest. Come learn and restore 7.5 acres with us! No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Become a part of the West Harlem Forest Tree Club!

Date: Every Wednesday and Saturday

Time: 1:30pm- 3:00pm

Meeting Location: W 143rd St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to pick up trash, weed out introduced species, and take care of our trees. This is part of a new restoration project called the West Harlem Forest. Come learn and restore 7.5 acres with us! No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10031

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Camel Gardens at W 143rd St

Join us as we steward the garden beds next to Riverbank Playground, which we like to call Camel Playground!

Date: First and Third Wednesday of every month

Time: 8:30am - 11:00am

Meeting Location: Riverbank (Camel) Playground at W 142nd St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to clean up the park, weed out introduced species, and remove woody debris. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Join us as we steward the garden beds next to Riverbank Playground, which we like to call Camel Playground!

Date: First and Third Wednesday of every month

Time: 8:30am - 11:00am

Meeting Location: Riverbank (Camel) Playground at W 142nd St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to clean up the park, weed out introduced species, and remove woody debris. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10031

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Tunnel Gardens at 148th St

Join us as we steward the garden beds in the tunnel near Ten Mile River Playground!

Date: Second Thursday of every month

Time: 8:30am- 11:00am

Meeting Location: Ten Mile River Playground

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to clean up the park and weed out introduced species. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Join us as we steward the garden beds in the tunnel near Ten Mile River Playground!

Date: Second Thursday of every month

Time: 8:30am- 11:00am

Meeting Location: Ten Mile River Playground

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to clean up the park and weed out introduced species. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10031

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Ralph Ellison Memorial at W 150th St

Join us as we steward the garden beds at the Ralph Ellison Memorial!

Date: Fourth Saturday of every month

Time: 9:00am- 11:00am

Meeting Location: Ralph Ellison Memorial at 150th St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to clean up the park, weed out introduced species, and remove woody debris. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Join us as we steward the garden beds at the Ralph Ellison Memorial!

Date: Fourth Saturday of every month

Time: 9:00am- 11:00am

Meeting Location: Ralph Ellison Memorial at 150th St and Riverside Drive

Project Details: During this event, we'll be working together to clean up the park, weed out introduced species, and remove woody debris. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the well-being of our community. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your energy and enthusiasm! We'll provide all the necessary tools and equipment. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Program: PlacePartner Opportunities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 10031

Allow Groups: No