Highland Park is one of the city's most underrated landscapes — a glacial ridge with skyline views and the rewilded Ridgewood Reservoir basin below — and its Friday restoration crew is the reason its green spaces keep improving. The weekly format builds a genuine regular community; drop-ins get folded right in. Work a morning, then walk the reservoir loop you just helped protect.
What to expect
A two-hour guided work session — invasive pulling, mulching, clearing — with tools and gloves provided. Afterward, the reservoir boardwalk loop is right there.
Good to know
- The BBQ-area meeting point is near the park's Vermont Pl side — signup confirms details
- J train to Cypress Hills or Norwood Ave, then a short uphill walk
- Free; register through NYC Parks Stewardship
- Dress for dirt: closed shoes, long sleeves
- The Ridgewood Reservoir loop after is the payoff — bring time for it
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Common questions
Is this every week?
Restoration Fridays runs as a recurring series through the season — this is one session; the stewardship calendar lists the rest.
What if I've never done this?
First-timers are the norm — leaders teach each task and supply everything.
