Join the Student Conservation Association for our June ConSERVE NYC event at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx! We will be celebrating SCA’s 57th Anniversary this month by improving trails at New York City’s largest park.
At over 2,700 acres, Pelham Bay is more than three times the size of Central Park and encompasses Orchard Beach, Hunter Island, and the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. The park also offers dozens of miles of trails, sweeping views over Long Island Sound, and critical salt marsh habitat for hundreds of species.
This month, SCA is joining up with the Natural Areas Volunteers and the Appalachian Mountain Club, whose members serve as year-round stewards of the park’s Siwanoy Trail. Volunteers will work to remove invasive Japanese knotweed and Mile-a-Minute vine, which is choking young trees and other native species.
WHEN: Saturday, June 28th, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
WHERE: Orchard Beach, Park Drive, Bronx, NY 10464. Come to the main Orchard Beach Pavilion, then follow SCA signage south along the Promenade to our meeting location at the head of the Siwanoy Trail.
If you are driving to the site, SCA will provide free passes for the main visitor parking lot. If you are traveling via public transit, free shuttle vans will be running from the Pelham Bay Park stop on the 6 train. (Details will be emailed depending on which transportation option you select on your registration.)
WHAT: Removing invasive Japanese knotweed and Mile-a-Minute vine along the Siwanoy Trail. Then spending a relaxing afternoon on the beach!
BRING WITH YOU: As we will be working in high vegetation along the trail, long pants and closed-toe shoes are a must and long sleeves are also highly recommended. If you would like to enjoy the public beach after lunch, bring along swimsuits and sandals. (Changing areas and showers are available at the beach.)
PROVIDED: SCA will provide breakfast and lunch for volunteers as well as work gloves, reusable water bottles, and all project supplies.
REGISTRATION: Please sign up at http://conserveNYCjune.eventbrite.com to complete the online volunteer waiver.
Schedule:
9:00 am: Meet shuttle vans at Pelham Bay Park stop on the 6 train (if coming by shuttle)
9:30 am: All volunteers arrive at Orchard Beach for registration
10:00 am: Welcome and kick-off
10:30 am – 1:30 pm: PROJECT WORK
1:30 pm: Lunch and closing
2:00pm – onward: Free time to explore the park or enjoy the beach!
2:00 pm: Shuttle vans will be returning to the 6 train directly after lunch. However, convenient public bus service is also available from Orchard Beach throughout the day for volunteers who wish to spend more time at the park in the afternoon.
Questions:
Contact Ann Pedtke, SCA Outreach Coordinator, at [email protected] or 724-678-9401.