Sunday, November 12, 2023

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Enjoy the rest of Autumn in VCP!

 

Trail Work Wednesdays
Wednesdays - Meet at 9am
Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff on maintenance of the cross country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes waterbar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.
Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

Birding with NYC Audubon
Saturdays, November 18 - Meet at 9am
Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. Each walk will be led by a New York City Audubon guide.
Meet at the Nature Center.

 

Free Youth Running Event with NYRR

Sunday, November 19 
Introduce young runners in the family to the magic of cross country with Rising New York Road Runners’ FREE youth running event. Registration is open to participants of all abilities ages 2 to 18. Every finisher will earn a medal/

Register Here 


Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up!

Sunday, November 19 - from 10am to 12pm
Canine Court needs some TLC! Help keep the doggies happy by volunteering to clean up Canine Court!  Join us for a morning of weeding and cleaning to spruce up Canine Court.

RSVP Now

Canine Court- Broadway and W. 252nd Street.

Can't make it but want to become a Dog Run Volunteer - sign up here.

 

Please note that Forest Fridays will be taking a hiatus in November!

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park
Make a Donation
The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

VCPA Merch Shop!
Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

 

Become a Member
Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Please join the East Bronx History Forum on Saturday, November 18th at 11 AM for a Walk and Talk of Astor Village. We will meet at 925 Astor Avenue, in front of Columbus High School.

 

Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,

Please join the East Bronx History Forum on Saturday, November 18th at 11 AM for a Walk and Talk of Astor Village. We will meet at 925 Astor Avenue, in front of Columbus High School. Some important destinations will include the multiple educational institutions such as the New York Institute for Special Education, St. Catherine’s High School and some of Columbus High School’s more famous alumni: including actress Ann Bancroft, computer scientist Evelyn Berezin and former New York state attorney general and Bronx borough president Robert Abrahams.
We will be following the legacy of John Jacob Astor IV and his untimely demise on the Titanic and the passing of his real estate fortune to his son Vincent. The Astor family legacy extends back to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and to some of the family’s other businesses such as a theater, beverage company, apartment blocks, and a nut shoppe. The neighborhood of northwestern Queens, more commonly known as Astoria bears their surname. However, the family never seemed to have made a visit to this neighborhood on the East River.
We will also track the development and construction of the New York Westchester and Boston’s (NYW&B) Pelham Parkway station. Some other items will include construction photos of the NYW&B before going into full service in 1912 and photos prior to the recommissioning by the New York City Transit Authority to the Dyre Avenue line in 1941. We will end our tour at Esplanade and Pearsall Avenues by the old Community Center of Israel Synagogue and also touch on the lives of some deceased veterans from the neighborhood who left a lasting impact.
The walk is free, so please contact our Facebook or Instagram pages for additional information or email us at EastBronxHistory@gmail.com. 
Looking forward to seeing you.
Dorothy A. Krynicki 
Secretary 

The EBHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit chartered by the New York State Education Department
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Wave Hill Weekly Events: Nov 30 – Dec 7 | Winter Haven Opens

 

December kicks off the Winter Haven at Wave Hill! This year we are offering even more ways to escape from the hectic pace of the season into the natural beauty of the garden decorated for the holidays. We’re hosting a myriad of events to come together and make memories with family and friends.  

This opening weekend brings back two seasonal favorites – multiple sessions of our wreath-making workshops and the Artisan Market, a fabulous shopping opportunity with a unique collection of gifts and spirits. Stroll our fun and funky display of outdoor wreaths created by talented Wave Hill staff and volunteers. Stick around for Happy Hour Friday and Saturday after sunset on our beautiful Kate French Terrace and enjoy the peace of our gardens illuminated at night.  

 
 

Thursdays are free at Wave Hill and we’ll be hosting free family events every Thursday evening until 7PM. The gardens, The Shop and our Conservatory will also be open late on Friday evenings to enjoy our gardens illuminated at night, along with premium Friday evening events for adults.   


 

Holiday Wreath Workshop 
$70 including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Our annual wreath workshop is back! Create your natural wreath using a grapevine base and fresh greens harvested by our Wave Hill gardeners. Floral designer Hanako Shimamoto shares simple techniques to design gorgeous own one-of-a-kind holiday decorations.  

No experience necessary. All materials provided. Timed tickets are available in 90-minute blocks.  

Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

  

Family Art Project: Light Your Holiday Candle 
Free with admission to the grounds
Registration not required. 

Set the mood for a cozy night by making your very own candle, experimenting with the shapes and colors we can create with wax. Let your candle’s glow remind you of the many celebrations of light taking place around the world at this time of year.  

At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater; all ages welcome. 

Home for the Holidays: Stop by during Family Art Project hours to make edible ornaments for birds that will be used to decorate our holiday tree display! 

Artisan Market 

Fri, Dec 1, 12:00PM – 6:00PM
Sat, Dec 2, 11:00AM – 6:00PM
Free with admission to the grounds 
 
Experience some of the finest goods from local artisans and makers. With more than 25 vendors for a larger-than ever-market, we're expanding this year to include vendors in iconic Glyndor Gallery. Returning this year is Sol Cacao single-origin chocolate, New York-based jewelry innovator Megan Patrice Riley, textile artist Jessie Zhao and our hands-down favorite, Hetta Glogg. Enjoy Hudson Valley wine-tasting while finishing up your holiday list—and know that your purchases not only support these fine makers but Wave Hill and our educational and horticultural programming as well. 
 

The Shop, Café, and Conservatory are open until 6:30PM this evening. Enjoy an evening stroll along lighted pathways with self-guided activities. The grounds close at 7:00PM. 

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk
Free with admission to the grounds
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.  


 

Pajama Party
Thu, Dec 7, 4:30PM – 7:00PM
Free, and admission to the grounds is free

On a cold winter night, nothing's better than getting cozy with some bedtime stories. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and a book or listen to exciting tales from storytellers. Be sure to wear your favorite pajamas for extra fun! 

On Thursday evenings, enjoy hot cocoa and self-guided activities along our lighted pathways. The Café, Conservatory and Shop are open until 7:00PM. The grounds close at 7:30PM. 

Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 
Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.