Riverside Park's uptown reach is wilder and less-tended than its manicured midsection, which makes it exactly where City of Forest Day hands matter — volunteer crews mulching young trees and clearing beds along the Hudson greenway. The morning pairs real impact with river breezes and George Washington Bridge views. Celebrate the urban forest by physically improving a piece of it, then walk the greenway you just helped.
What to expect
A three-hour guided volunteer session — mulching, weeding, watering young trees — along the riverside path; tools, gloves and instruction provided. Expect steady, satisfying work at your own pace.
Good to know
- Access the greenway from Riverside Dr entrances around 145th-148th Sts
- 1 train to 145th St, then walk west into the park
- Free; register via the City of Forest Day or NYC Parks stewardship pages
- Closed shoes and work-ready clothes
- The uptown greenway's bridge views are criminally underrated
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
What happens on City of Forest Day?
Parks across all five boroughs host volunteer forest-care and nature events on one shared day celebrating NYC's urban forest.
Is the work hard?
Moderate — mulching and bed care mostly; leaders scale tasks to whoever shows up.
