Conservation Volunteering New York

Forest Regeneration Volunteer Workday

Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14-acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park on Bear Lane in the Reservation. On workdays, we focus on removing invasive plants like knotweed, garlic mustard and mugwort. Ages 12 to 15 are welcome with a parent or guardian present. Ages 15 and above require a signature by a parent or guardian on a [liability waiver](https://1drv.ms/b/c/d5fb9d3835660a78/IQCJO4IIj6GnQ6N4RuNC981xAYL2kFajs9_RL8f8V7NkhaM?e=5bd5oi); teenagers cannot just be dropped off. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early so we can hike into the Wildflower Preserve at 9 am sharp. Please dress appropriately! There is some poison ivy on trails and in work areas. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and layer as needed. We supply tools. If you have gloves, bring them or you can borrow a pair from us. Bring your own water. You can download a copy of our [liability waiver](https://1drv.ms/b/c/d5fb9d3835660a78/IQCJO4IIj6GnQ6N4RuNC981xAYL2kFajs9_RL8f8V7NkhaM?e=5bd5oi) to print, sign and bring to the event. We occasionally use photos of events in promotional materials and social media. By attending the event, I consent to photos of me being used in promotional materials or on social media. For information, contact program co-coordinators Rich Rockwell and Tom Pollard at forestregen@[somocon.org](http://somocon.org/) To see what's blooming in the Wildflower Preserve, check out our [Wildflower Preserve](https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/south-mountain-conservancy-wildflower-preserve) project on iNaturalist. We also have [South Mountain Reservation](https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/south-mountain-reservation) project there, that captures observations from the entire reservation. **Meet at the tool sheds at the Dog Park at 12 Bear Lane, Maplewood NJ** **GPS:** 40.739791, -74.289181

SMC Trail Work Volunteer Day

**TRAIL WORK will continue rerouting the Hogenauer Trail** up the slope and away from recently installed property fences. **Meet At:** Dog Park/ Wildflower Preserve, 11 Bear Lane, Maplewood. From there, we will walk to Crater View on Crest drive and then to the Hogenauer trail work site. Trail work is physically challenging but very satisfying as we use hand tools to build and repair trails. Participants must be 15+ years. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants **should wear long pants** due to [ticks](https://www.somocon.org/?page_id=193928&fb) and thron bushes and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves (though backup gloves will be available). Tools, water, and a snack will be provided. (Registration is not required though if you sign up on Meetup, it helps us know how many tools to bring.) Only heavy, steady rain cancels.

The Audubon Mural Project: Amazing Street Art

1 mile of slow walking for 2.25 hours with many stops. We will see ca. 30 murals of North American birds in the neighborhoods of Hamilton Heights and Washington Heights, where John James Audubon lived. Project is designed not only to help us appreciate the birds’ beauty, but also to make us aware of the climate change challenges they face. We also visit Audubon's impressive gravesite in Trinity Church Cemetery. Meeting place: 10AM outside The Chipped Cup, 3610 Broadway (W. 148th-149th). Beverages, food, restrooms are available indoors down the stairs. Nearest subway: #1 to 145th Street. End at Broadway & 164th near 168th stop of #1 & A trains. Steady rain cancels. $5 for non-members of Outdoors Club. Leader: Leigh Hallingby. [lhallingby@gmail.com](mailto:lhallingby@gmail.com) or call/text 551-404-7514. Contact me or check MeetUp to confirm. Signing up should represent your serious intention to attend!

First Mountain Ramble w/ Sharon ~6 miles

**Saturday, August 22, 8:00 - 11:00am** First Mountain Ramble. 5 - 6 miles going at a moderate pace with moderate difficulty. Some ups and downs. **Meet**: Bramhall Terrace, Crest Drive off South Orange Ave. **Leader**: Sharon Salmon 973-715-5554 \*\*\* In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials. **BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.** **Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.** \# Arrival\, Weather\, & Cancellations Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. **Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will *not* be notified.** **Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional).** Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified. These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. **Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.** **To become a current member visit [[https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)]([https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/)).**

Central Park Bird, Butterfly & Bug Walk

Birds, Butterflies and Bugs! Enjoy your summer with a nature walk with naturalist/photographer Debbie Becker in Central Park. We will meet on 66th and 5th Avenue and explore Dene Slope, Hallet Nature Preserve and look for herons on the pond. We hope to see some beautiful butterflies, migrating birds and cool insects! Please register for this event by sending $15/per person: Venmo @Deb-becker-8 or Paypal editconsul@aol.com

Morning Walk in Forest Park (Relaxed)

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001Byeb2AC/act00022120)** *Urban Walk: Morning Walk in Forest* *AMC Staff: Mari Ishihara (mishihara@outdoors.org)* **Date: Saturday - August 2, 2026** **Start: 9:00 AM \| Entrance at Park Lane & 80th Road \(Overpass Entrance\)\, New York City\. Restroom is near the playground by the entrance\.** ***Please meet the hiking guide Mari (she/her), at the park entarnce. She will be wearing a gray backpack and light gray hat.*** **End: 12:00 PM \| \(Same as starting location\)** Join us for a refreshing morning walk through Forest Park, a beautiful 500-acre park in Queens known for its scenic woodland trails and peaceful natural setting. We’ll walk approximately 3 miles on mostly flat or gently rising terrain at a relaxed pace of 2 mph or slower, enjoying the quiet beauty of the forest as the day begins. Starting your morning in nature is a wonderful way to care for both your body and mind. While city walks and gym workouts are great ways to stay active, spending time surrounded by trees offers a different experience—one that encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. This walk is an opportunity to enjoy gentle exercise, fresh morning air, and good company while discovering one of New York City’s hidden woodland gems. We will discuss all things Appalachian Mountain Club as well as relevant activity related topics such as Leave No Trace. The route may be modified at the guide's discretion should it be necessary. Please be prepared to be outside in the Earth's elements for three hours and dress according for the activity and anticipated weather. Please bring water, food, sun hat, sun screen, insect repellent, sturdy footwear, as well as any other items you need to be safe and comfortable. If you have a medical condition that the trip guide needs to know about please email [mishihara@outdoors.org](mailto:mishihara@outdoors.org) prior to our time together. Accessible by public transportation. Take the E or F train to the Kew Gardens Station and walk 10 minutes to the park entrance. Register by Clicking **[HERE](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001Byeb2AC/act00022120)** *AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic*

Volunteers - Help with our public program! - Free Kayaking for everyone!

**If you want to kayak/paddle board without volunteering just show up between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM!** Our full schedule and details can be found [HERE](https://sites.google.com/hobokencoveboathouse.org/hccb/free-paddle-days) *** This meetup is for volunteers to run our public program. This program exists only because of you! We can always use the help. No experience is necessary to volunteer. We'll show you the ropes on the spot :) Let us know if you would like to assist with **desk/beach/patrol** (Desk and patrol requires previous training)**.** The lead will do their best to give you your prefer choice but it'll depend on experience and where help is needed. Overall Lead: Maddie Andrea: Desk Primary Danielle Behrend: Desk Mitul Shetty: Beach Primary anaghasridhar2014: Beach Ash: Beach Naomi Morton: Beach Harshal K: Cove Primary Anthony Townsend: Cove

Volunteer SUP training - All Levels

UGANDA – 9 Days Murchison Falls, Big 5, Chimps & Gorillas Trekking

Check your bucket list with this amazing Safari which is tailored to give you a feel of five of Uganda’s Wild Parks, with this you are assured of viewing a number of animals which include the Zebras of Lake Mburo, The chance to see the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi, Chimpanzees, Zebras and Antelope herds in Lake Mburo, the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Ishasha Sector and a day in between to relax and enjoy the wildlife. Highlights Visited Places: * Kampala * MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK * KIBALE NATIONAL PARK * QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK * BWINDI NATIONAL PARK * LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK Travel Experience: Wildlife watching (viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, elephants, and many more) Bird watching Game drives Gorilla trek Chimpanzees Local cuisine Boat ride Waterfalls Walking/Hike Tour Start Kampala Tour End Entebbe Flights • Arrival: Day01 before 4pm (Flexible) • Return: Day09 anytime after 7pm Airport: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) Itinerary Day01 Kampala City Day02 Murchison Falls NP Day03 Murchison Falls NP Day04 Kibale National Park Day05 Queen Elizabeth national park Day06 Queen Elizabeth NP Day07 Bwindi National park Day08 gorilla trekking - Lake Mburo NP Day09 Lake Mburo NP - Entebbe Airport Cost: $3690 (Double Occupancy) $4190 (Single Supplement) Inclusions Price Includes * Park fees (For non-residents) * Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident) * Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident) * All activities (Unless labeled as optional) * All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) * A professional driver/guide * All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) * All Taxes/VAT * Roundtrip airport transfer * Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) * Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section) Price Excludes * International flights (From/to home) * Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day) * Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) * Travel Insurance ———————————————— For detailed itinerary and to reserve your seat follow the link below: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/uganda-9-days-murchison-falls-big-5-chimps-gorillas-trekking/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/uganda-9-days-murchison-falls-big-5-chimps-gorillas-trekking/) Questions? Text / Call - 2023787696 - Himanshu - Organizer

Volunteer sea kayak rescue training - INTERMEDIATE

**\*\*\*Weather and water quality dependent: event is subject to be changed or moved depending on conditions leading up to training\*\*\*** Our program is run entirely by volunteers, so please be kind and understanding! We take time out of our own schedules to do this. Please sign up for up to one training per week. Let others have fun! The host will move you to "Not going" if you sign up for more than one training per week. When you sign up, you'll be placed on a waitlist until the host makes sure you meet the qualifications. **Rescue Training** Join us for rescue practice! If you don't feel comfortable swimming in the Hudson, please don't RSVP. **Bring a towel AND change of clothes**. Only RSVP if you can stay until the finish time. You should have completed the Novice training and have basic control of a sea kayak. We will go over wet exits (good day to do your first one), and different ways to rescue those who have capsized. You will swim, then be rescued or practice self rescue. **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP** 1. Attended at least one sea kayak training in 2026 AND 2. volunteered AT LEAST 3 shifts in 2026 during our public embayments AND 3. You can prepare all your equipment in 10 - 15 minutes with little or no assistance. You have basic control of a sea kayak. **COME PREPARED** * Appropriate quick drying clothing. Expect to be submerged (neoprene recommended) * Change of clothes * Towel * Water in a reusable bottle **TIMELINE** * 6:00 PM - Meet at HCCB. Prepare equipment * 6:10 PM - Hard cutoff to arrive. If you do not make it by this time you will not be able to join * 6:30 PM - Safety briefing, move boats to beach * 6:45 PM - Practice in the cove * 8:15 PM - Return to boathouse * 8:30 PM - Clean and put away equipment * 9:30 PM - Training ends **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** HCCB is completely volunteer run. Our guides generously take time out of their busy schedules to run trips and trainings. If you RSVP yes, please consider this a **commitment to attend**. If you cancel at the last minute or no-show, you take a spot away from someone else or prevent a trip/training from happening. We understand that life happens, so if you must cancel close to the start of a trip or training, please change your RSVP to “Not Going” and message the host(s) or comment in the chat. Here are our guidelines about cancelations and no-shows: * For a trip, please cancel **prior to 8:00 PM the day before** the trip. * For a training, please cancel **at least 6 hours** before the training. * If you do not cancel before the cancelation cutoff time, you will be marked as a no-show. * Hosts reserve the right to deprioritize you on waitlists after the second no-show of the year.

Kayak technique for intermediate volunteers

Learn or hone sea kayak skills. We may practice in the cove and/or take a short trip on the river. Be ready to swim! Possible activities (dependent on conditions/attendees): * Fine-tune forward/reverse paddle * High/low bracing * Turning (bracing turns, edging, sweep, bow/stern rudder) * Draw strokes * Assisted or self rescues * Open to requests! **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP** 1. *AT LEAST* 3 shifts in 2026 & 2. *At least* 2 trainings in 2026 & 3. *At least* 1 novice trip in which you stayed *toward* the front & 4. Demonstrate comfort with: **✔** Launching/landing independently **✔** Being rescued **✔** Sweep stroke **✔** Stern rudder **✔** Reverse paddling **COME PREPARED** * Appropriate quick drying clothing. You will get wet. Your feet and legs will be submerged * Change of clothes * Enthusiasm, patience, and questions * Water in a reusable bottle **TIMELINE** * 6:15 PM - Meet at HCCB. Prepare equipment. Safety briefing * 6:30 PM - Move boats to beach * 6:45 PM - Practice in the cove or take a little trip * 8:30 PM - Return to boathouse * 8:45 PM - Clean and put away equipment * 9:15 PM - Training ends HCCB is completely volunteer run. Our guides generously take time out of their busy schedules to run trips and trainings. If you RSVP yes, please consider this a **commitment to attend**. If you cancel at the last minute or no-show, you take a spot away from someone else or prevent a trip/training from happening. We understand that life happens, so if you must cancel close to the start of a trip or training, please change your RSVP to “Not Going” and message the host(s) or comment in the chat. Here are our guidelines about cancelations and no-shows: * For a trip, please cancel **prior to 8:00 PM the day before** the trip. * For a training, please cancel **at least 6 hours** before the training. * If you do not cancel before the cancelation cutoff time, you will be marked as a no-show. * Hosts reserve the right to deprioritize you on waitlists after the second no-show of the year. **\-\-\-** *Sunset 8:42 PM* HRE 2026-08-6 6:12 PM slack - 2026-08-6 9:49 PM ebb -1.93

Volunteer kayak training - ALL LEVELS

Join us for all levels kayak training session. You can just paddle on your own, or receive some instruction from basic to advance strokes. Our program is run entirely by volunteers, so please be kind and understanding! We take time out of our own schedules to do this. If you RSVP yes, please consider this a commitment to attend. If you cancel within 12 hours or are a no-show, the host keeps the right to temporarily or permanently ban you from all their meetups. Please sign up for up to one training per week, unless you are the trainer. Let others have fun! The host will move you to "Not going" if you sign up for more than one training per week. We'll check that folks have signed the annual waiver. Please sign ahead of time and keep the email confirmation, click [here.](https://app.waiversign.com/e/5c01c8bb33b77b2595e6fdfa/doc/695a606c38aa3d0012b5747c?event=none) Please be on time and come prepared with the following: * Quick drying clothes * Close toe water shoes * Change of clothes * Towel * Sunscreen, hat * Water in a reusable bottle PREREQUISITES TO RSVP * You volunteered with us at least two shifts in 2026, or you volunteered for the first time this past Saturday for City of Water Day * If you have volunteered for one shift, you may attend, space permitting. *Priority for this training will be for people who volunteered for City of Water Day * TIMELINE * 6:15 PM - Meet at HCCB. Prepare equipment. * 6:30 PM - Move boats to beach * 6:35 PM - Practice in the cove. Depending on the group maybe take a little trip * 8:00 PM - Return to boathouse * 8:15 PM - Clean and put away equipment * 8:45 PM -Training ends