Strack Pond is one of the better restoration stories in the New York City parks system — a glacial kettle pond that was filled in and written off for decades, then dug back out and replanted as functioning wetland. Restoration Fridays are the ongoing maintenance that keeps it that way, a morning of hands-on work in Forest Park's woods. If you want to volunteer somewhere where the before-and-after is genuinely visible, this is the one.
What to expect
A small volunteer crew working the pond's edges and adjacent woodland — pulling invasive plants, mulching, tending native plantings — with tools and guidance supplied on arrival. Sessions run a couple of hours in the morning. Forest Park's trails and the pond overlook stay open to the public throughout.
Good to know
- Forest Park's Woodhaven side is reachable by the J to Woodhaven Boulevard or the Q11 and Q52 buses
- Free volunteer session — bring yourself, not a ticket
- Closed-toe shoes and long trousers; the work happens in brush and near water
- Bug spray is worth it around a wetland in August
- The pond overlook is a short walk from the parking area and is worth seeing even if you don't volunteer
- Sessions are short and end before midday heat
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Common questions
What is Strack Pond?
A glacial kettle pond in Forest Park, Queens, that was filled in during the 20th century and later excavated and replanted as restored wetland habitat.
Do I need to sign up to volunteer?
Recurring stewardship sessions usually take walk-ups but are easier to join if you contact the organizers in advance so they know to expect you.
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