Vault Hill is the wooded ridge above the Van Cortlandt parade ground where the family burial vault sits and where, the story goes, city records were hidden from the British during the Revolution. It's also under sustained pressure from porcelainberry and mile-a-minute vine, which is what the weekly restoration crew exists to fight. If you want honest outdoor work in one of the largest and least-crowded parks in the city, this recurring Friday session is the easiest way in.
What to expect
Meet the stewardship crew at the designated park entrance, sign in and take loppers, gloves and hand tools from the cache. The morning is spent cutting and pulling invasive vines off native saplings in a defined area, with staff identifying what to remove first. Expect hills, uneven footing, insects and a real sweat.
Good to know
- 1 train to 242nd St-Van Cortlandt Park puts you at the park's southwest entrance
- Long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe boots — poison ivy and thorny vines are everywhere
- Tools and gloves are provided; bring your own water and bug spray
- Terrain is hilly woodland, so it isn't suited to limited mobility
- Sessions can be cancelled for storms or heat advisories
- Signed parental waiver needed for anyone under 18
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Common questions
Is this a one-off or recurring?
It's a recurring Friday restoration session, so if you can't make one there's generally another the following week.
What tools do I need to bring?
None. Loppers, gloves and hand tools are supplied by the stewardship crew.
How hard is the work?
Moderately physical — cutting, pulling and hauling vines on sloped ground for several hours.
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