Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Trade your flip-flops for fall fun

 

SPECIAL EVENT: Christian Cooper & Lili Taylor in Conversation About Birds

Tuesday, September 15 - 7pm to 9pm

Christian Cooper will read from his  book, Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World in conversation with actress, author, and fellow birder Lili Taylor, who will share from her book, Turning to Birds: The Power and Beauty of Noticing. This very special event takes place in Manhattan and benefits VCPA. Tickets: $10 

P&T Knitwear • 180 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002

Cultural and Family Programs

Starlight Cinema: Four-Legged Friends

Fridays - Music and Crafts start 5:30pm and Movies start around 6:30pm

September 11: Babe (1995)
September 18: Best in Show (2000)
September 25: Ratatouille (2007)
October 2: Paddington 2 (2017)
More Details

GUIDED TOUR: The Ecology of Van Cortlandt Park: Past to Present

Sunday, September 13 - 1pm to 3pm

The land we know as Van Cortlandt Park has a long history, with deep human impact on its ecology. From indigenous Lenape land, to plantation cultivated by enslaved people, to flagship park, it continues to evolve today, with daily stewardship, natural area restoration, and the city’s largest green infrastructure project to date—Daylighting Tibbetts Brook. Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Urban Park Rangers, and Van Cortlandt House Museum for a special collaborative tour.

Meet at Van Cortlandt House Museum

Concert: Irish Ghanaian Fusion

Saturday, September 19 -  1pm to 3pm

Move to the music as we explore the liminal spaces between Irish traditional music and West African Ghanaian music. Revel in lively, blended compositions drawing from both traditions, as performed by renowned musicians. Watch! Learn! Join in! 

RSVP Now

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn

Rising NYRR

Sunday, September 27 at 10am

Hosted by New York Road Runners. Perfect for both new and experienced runners, this fun three-event series is a great way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and experience the thrill of cross country!

Register Now

SAVE THE DATE

Woodlawn Family Fun Day

Saturday, October 3 - 1pm to 4pm

More Details

Indian Field

Wellness and Nature Programs

Youth Run Farmstand

Wednesdays through October 28 - 2pm to 7pm

Stop by the Youth Run Farmstand, featuring fresh, local produce at affordable prices, healthy recipes, and a chance to chat with our awesome interns. 

NEW! Yoga at the Farmstand

Wednesdays 9/9 and 9/16 - 5:30 to 6:30pm. Designed to meet you where you are, with a combination of gentle movement, breath awareness, and moments of stillness.

Pre-registration suggested.

Corner of Orloff Avenue and Gale Place.

Van Cortlandt Nature Group Walks

Sunday, September 6 at 9:30am - Meets in front of Nature Center

Wednesday, September 9 at 2pm - Meets in Riverdale Stables parking lot

Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing.

Register for 9/6 Walk

Register for 9/9 Walk

Birding with NYC Bird Alliance

Sunday, September 20 - 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 NYC Bird Alliance guide.

RSVP Required

Van Cortlandt Nature Center

WANNA VOLUNTEER?  Look for our August Volunteer Events email!

26.2 in 26

Join the Challenge — hike, run, stroll, or skip your way to 26.2 miles in Van Cortlandt Park anytime in 2026.

You choose the trails. You choose the pace. You choose the timeline.

Register Now

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.

Donate!

VCPA Merch Shop!

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

Shop Now!

Become a Member

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

Join Now!

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

On International Overdose Awareness Day, Governor Hochul Highlights Major Decline in Overdose Deaths Across New York State

Overdose Deaths Have Fallen by Approximately 45% Statewide Since 2022

Governor Hochul’s Administration Has Made Nearly $500 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds Available Since Fiscal Year 2023 For Historic Investments in Programs and Services to Address Drug Addiction

New York State Landmarks To Be Illuminated Purple on Evening of Aug. 31 To Honor Lives Lost to Overdose Epidemic

As New York marks International Overdose Awareness Day, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major decline in overdose deaths across New York State following her administration’s historic investments in programs and services to address drug addiction and the overdose epidemic. Overdose deaths have fallen by approximately 45 percent statewide since 2022.

The Governor also announced today that landmarks across the state will be lit purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. The illumination honors the lives lost to the overdose epidemic and acknowledges the grief of the family members and friends who have been impacted by the deadly epidemic. The awareness day is also a reminder of the continued support needed for those who are still struggling with substance use disorder.

“International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a reminder that every life lost to drug overdose is one too many,” Governor Hochul said. “The progress made in recent years shows that our historic investments in the fight against drug addiction are making a difference. As this deadly epidemic continues to impact every community, I’ll never stop fighting to protect New Yorkers and ensure we’re bringing lifesaving resources to communities in need.”

New York State has seen great progress in reducing overdose deaths. Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show predicted overdose deaths in New York fell from more than 6,630 individuals (about 18 people each day) in 2022 to 3,775 individuals (about 10 people each day) in 2025. This represents an approximately 45 percent decrease in the number of drug overdose deaths.

Tonight, landmarks and buildings across the state will be illuminated purple in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, to honor those lost to drug overdose and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done to prevent overdose deaths in New York State and beyond.

Landmarks to be illuminated include the following:

• 1WTC
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse

The gains observed in recent years are an encouraging sign. However, the drug overdose epidemic continues to impact every community across New York State and disparities highlight the continued importance of directing resources and services to high needs areas, ensuring every community benefits from the State’s progress.

Addressing the epidemic and achieving an overdose-free generation includes continued public awareness and a commitment to harm reduction that makes lifesaving overdose reversal medications like naloxone available to the public, increases access to harm reduction resources and supports community-based organizations that work directly in communities impacted by the overdose epidemic. 

The New York State Department of Health and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) work to ensure harm reduction strategies are reaching all communities and all demographics. The State Department of Health has over 1,400 opioid overdose registered programs with over 6,000 sites across New York State that provide opioid overdose prevention training and naloxone at no cost to the participant. Registered programs, including community-based organizations, not for profits, libraries, bookstores and schools, are registered with clinical providers, receive naloxone administration training and report on naloxone distribution and administration. Since August 2022, the State Department of Health has shipped more than 1.4 million naloxone kits to registered programs statewide.

The State Department of Health’s Drug Checking Service offers people who use drugs timely and detailed information on the contents of their drugs, helping them to make more informed decisions. Since May 2023, New York State Drug Checking Programs have tested over 5,000 samples. Currently operating out of 11 programs and 18 unique sites, trained technicians provide participants with point-of-care testing results, offer linkages to other supportive services and restore agency to people who use drugs.

OASAS has established an online portal for any state resident to order fentanyl and xylazine test strips, as well as naloxone, free of charge. To date, OASAS has distributed more than 28 million fentanyl and xylazine test strips and more than 574,000 naloxone kits.

The State has made significant expansions to the availability of medication for addiction treatment (MAT). Since 2021, 27 counties have expanded access to methadone and 14 counties with no prior methadone access now have a methadone program. The state has also established mobile medication units (MMUs), which bring services directly to high-need communities in an effort to eliminate some of the barriers that people face accessing treatment. Currently there are 5 MMUs operational, with an additional 4 in development. New York now offers all Food and Drug Administration-approved forms of MAT in all 58 jails and 41 prisons in the state, reaching more than 16,000 incarcerated individuals.

The State has increased funding to amplify the range of services provided by the State Department of Health’s community-based drug user health hubs. These hubs act as a safety net for the most vulnerable New Yorkers, offering services and information on overdose prevention, hepatitis C treatment, harm reduction services and rapid access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. The Department is continuing to expand its understanding of the drug supply so that it can alert people who use drugs and the wider community of the emergence of new drugs.

The State has also focused its support on communities vulnerable to overdose, including communities of color, locations with a high burden of overdose, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities and young people.

Information on how to locate a harm reduction program, become an opioid overdose prevention program or access buprenorphine through the Buprenorphine Assistance Program (Bupe-AP) can be found on the Office of Drug User Health website. Information on available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today signed legislation into law establishing permanent, year-round outdoor dining on New York City roadways.

Int. 0655, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, amends a previous law that required restaurants participating in the City’s outdoor dining program, Dining Out NYC, to remove roadway dining setups November 30 through March 31, a requirement that did not apply to sidewalk cafes.

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) will promulgate rules in the coming months allowing restaurants to temporarily winterize roadway dining setups.

“Outdoor dining transformed our city once before, and now we are making sure it has a permanent place in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The previous law forced small businessowners to dismantle and rebuild their outdoor dining setups every year, adding unnecessary costs and making it harder for neighborhood restaurants to plan for the future. With the legislation we’re signing today, our favorite restaurants can continue bringing New Yorkers together over good food and great company in every season. I’m grateful to Council Member Restler for championing this legislation and helping ensure that our streets work for the small businesses and communities that make this city what it is.”

“New Yorkers love dining outside, and outdoor seating makes our streets more vibrant while helping support the small businesses we cherish. NYC DOT built a successful permanent outdoor dining program that created cleaner, more accessible and more resilient roadway setups — but the previous law restricting roadway seating to a specific period was a costly hurdle that hurt restaurants’ participation,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We look forward to developing new rules to allow for restaurants to winterize their roadway dining setups in a way that creates a comfortable dining experience while still maintaining the light and airy setups we see on our streets today.”

“Small businesses deserve a city government that treats them as partners, not one that leaves them navigating a maze of regulations,” said Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya. “SBS is proud to have championed these reforms as part of Mayor Mamdani’s Open for Small Business initiative, and we are grateful to Small Business Committee Chair Thomas-Henry and Council Member Restler for their leadership in expanding the outdoor dining program. Intro. 0655 activates our public realm, ensures vibrancy on our streets and strengthens small businesses’ ability to serve their neighborhoods and build community.”  

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Sat. Sept. 5th FREE Family Fun Day & Back To School Giveaway is BACK

 

Friends,

Even though summer is winding down, it doesn't mean that the fun has to end!

Join me, and Team JZ, for a FREE Family Fun Day and Back-To-School Giveaway. There will be FREE games, fun for all ages, and FREE backpacks for your child*!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Saturday, September 5, 2026 

WHERE: Kossuth Playground - 111 E. Mosholu Parkway N. Bronx, NY 10467

TIME: 12pm - 4pm 

Looking forward to spending an afternoon together as we close out another incredible Bronx summer.

In Gratitude, 

John Zaccaro, Jr

*Children must be between the ages of 4 and 12 and accompanied by an adult.

Senator Julia Salazar - Tomorrow: Free Guidance for Tenants

 

Fast Buses: Mayor Mamdani Breaks Ground on 116th Street Overhaul to get 65,000 Riders Moving

 

New bus lanes, protected bike lanes and pedestrian safety upgrades will transform a critical Manhattan crosstown corridor 

Rendering of the future design of East 116th Street and Madison Avenue. Credit: NYC DOT

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced that construction has begun on a major redesign of 116th Street in Manhattan, including 2.5 miles of new bus lanes and street upgrades that will speed commutes for more than 65,000 daily bus riders across 10 routes while improving safety for everyone traveling along the corridor.

In some sections of 116th Street, buses currently travel at less than 4 mph — slow enough that New Yorkers can walk nearly as fast as they can ride the bus. The redesign will change that. The project will add offset and curbside bus lanes, dedicated traffic signals known as queue jumps that give buses a green light before other vehicles at intersections, protected bike lanes, 35,000 square feet of new pedestrian space and critical street safety infrastructure.

“When your bus is moving slower than you can walk, something isn’t working,” said Mayor Mamdani. “New Yorkers should spend less time in traffic and more time with their families and enjoying the city. This redesign brings together bus lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian space and proven safety improvements because our streets have to work for the millions of New Yorkers who use them every day — however they get around.”

“When buses are fast, it means getting to work on time, making it to an important doctor’s appointment and simply more time with family and friends. Faster bus service matters and we are delivering on Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to fast buses here on 116th Street,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Buses on this corridor are often stuck in traffic with current speeds almost as low as walking. We look forward to speeding up buses and delivering life-saving pedestrian and cycling improvements that will make this critical crosstown connector and surrounding area safer for everyone.”

“With every street redesign, we’re showing New Yorkers that the City and MTA are serious about better bus service,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Dedicated bus lanes and transit signal priority are proven solutions that are going to make a huge difference for the 65,000 riders who travel on 116th Street every day.”

  

116th Street redesign project area. Credit: NYC DOT

The redesign will benefit riders of the M116, one of Manhattan’s slowest bus routes, as well as the M3, M7, M102, BxM1, BxM6, BxM7, BxM8, BxM9 and BxM11.

116th Street is also a critical connection to the 2, 3, 6, B and C subway lines, as well as the future 2nd Avenue Subway Q train.

Protected bike lanes will be installed on Pleasant Avenue between East 120th and East 116th streets, creating new connections to existing bike lanes serving Randall’s Island and the Harlem River waterfront.

NYC DOT will also improve safety along the corridor by installing three new midblock crosswalks, new traffic signals, pedestrian median islands, a speed hump, on-street bike parking, updated parking regulations to support curb access for drivers and deliveries and hardened daylighting.

A NYC DOT Art mural will also be installed at the intersection of East 120th Street and Pleasant Avenue.

Construction is expected to continue through fall 2026. Drivers are encouraged to use alternative routes, take mass transit or allow additional travel time.

116th Street is one of 50 priority corridors identified for faster bus service in Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Hochul’s Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service, a comprehensive City and State plan to make buses up to six minutes faster on more than 175 routes across the city.

Since January, the Mamdani administration has advanced major projects to speed up buses across the five boroughs, including on Fordham Road, 161st Street and Tremont Avenue in the Bronx; 34th Street, 116th Street, Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan; Marcy Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, Utica Avenue, Church Avenue and Linden Boulevard in Brooklyn; Victory Boulevard on Staten Island; and Broadway in Queens.