At Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, we have a small but mighty team. Like you, each of our staff members has a deep connection to the park. Their passion drives everything we do—from restoring natural areas to educating youth to celebrating this incredible green space.
Over the next week, we’ll be sharing the places in Van Cortlandt Park that inspire our staff most and why they love them. We hope these stories encourage you to revisit your favorite spot—or discover a new one.
Follow along on Instagram or Facebook this month to see their favorite places!
Today, our Trail Stewardship Coordinator, Leslie Garcia, shares her favorite spot in Van Cortlandt Park:
“Tucked along the Old Croton Aqueduct trail near the historic Old Weir, this stretch of forested area is more than just a scenic passthrough; it's a living showcase of collaborative stewardship, hands on conservation, and ongoing problem-solving in Van Cortlandt Park. As one of the park’s most flood-prone corridors, this area has faced persistent management challenges due to a chronically clogged and undersized drain beneath the weir. Repeated flood events have eroded the trail to the point where sections of the original aqueduct stones are now exposed.
For me as Trail Stewardship Coordinator with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, this spot represents the heart of what partnership-driven restoration can accomplish. Beginning early this spring, I’ve worked alongside an incredible team of collaborators including the Natural Areas Conservancy, Student Conservation Association, the Jolly Rovers, community volunteers and VCPA’s seasonal trail crew, on a multi-phase retaining wall and drainage improvement project. Of course, we do this all in support of and with the guidance of NYC Parks!
This section of the Old Croton Aqueduct trail isn’t just a favorite place. It's a testament to how committed hands, shared expertise, and long-term stewardship can revive a landscape shaped by both history and natural forces.”
Please consider supporting our staff by making a gift today to champion their work, and the park you love!
Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org
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