Conservation Volunteering New York

SMC Trail Work Volunteer Day

**TRAIL WORK will continue rerouting the Hogenauer Trail** (we are making progress!) 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. (Note: While we normally meet the first Sudnay of each month, this volunteer day was shifted after the Labor Day weekend.) 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.

You're Invited! AMC Open House - New Members Welcome!

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000012vhZ2AQ/act00019525)** **Curious about AMC? Come on in!** Join us for a welcoming, community-centered Open House where you can learn more about the Appalachian Mountain Club and how we connect people to the outdoors. Whether you’re a lifelong hiker, a weekend wanderer, or just beginning your outdoor journey, there’s a place for you here. For 150 years, AMC has been fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. At our Open House, you’ll discover how we bring that mission to life through recreation, conservation, education, and advocacy across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. **What to Expect** * Meet AMC staff, volunteers, and members * Learn about local trips, programs, and volunteer opportunities * Explore how our conservation work protects the landscapes we all love * Get the inside scoop on lodging, outdoor experiences, and ways to get involved * Ask questions and find your next adventure **Why Attend?** Because the outdoors is for all of us. And the more we come together, the more we can do to protect it. You don’t need experience. You don’t need gear. You just need the desire to step outside and connect. So bring a friend, your curiosity, and your love for the outdoors. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are new to the AMC, a long-time member, or just curious about us. We can’t wait to welcome you! **Where to Meet** We'll see you at our partner [Rivian](https://rivian.com/)'s showroom at 461 West 14th Street in Manhattan at 6:00 pm for refreshments, games, information, and more!

CONCRETE TO TRAILS: Hogencamp Mountain

[Please Registered Here](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001IXUn/act00023715) **Start Location** George Washington Bridge Bus Station, New York, NY, US (40.848956, -73.938864) **\*Meeting Info**: Please arrive **by 7:45 AM.** We will depart at 8:00 AM We will meet in front of the entrance on Fort Washington Avenue at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Hike leader Mari Ishihara mishihara@outdoors.org **End Location** Same as start location **Trade sidewalks for dirt paths—no car needed!** **Concrete to Trails** bus trips make it easy to hike, explore, and meet fellow outdoor lovers just beyond the city. Join us for a hike to **Hogencamp Mountain in Harriman State Park!** **5\.3miles hike \| 720 ft elevation gain \| Moderately challenging** Hogencamp Mountain, at 1,353 feet, is a scenic and historically fascinating area of Harriman State Park. The hike features broad areas of exposed bedrock, large glacial boulders, and beautiful views from the rocky summit. This is a moderately **challenging hike with rocky and uneven terrain including some steeper sections.** **\*Important**: There are **no public restrooms** at the trailhead or along the route. Please plan accordingly. We follow Leave no trace “Pack In, Pack Out “ principles, and participants are encouraged to bring a small Ziplock bag for carrying out used toilet paper, if needed. Come explore the trails of Harriman State Park and enjoy a great day outdoors with AMC! **Trip info:** * Activity rating: Moderate * Distance: 5.3 miles * Vertical gain: 720 feet * Terrain: Uneven, rocky, dirt, hilly * **Bathrooms: No** * Breaks: Reasonably spaced & mid-way **What to Bring:** * Sturdy hiking footwear * Weather appropriate clothing * 2+ liters of water * Lunch and/or snacks * Sun & Bug protection * Trekking Pole (optional) **Registration Details:** * Registration on the AMC website (activites.outdoors.org) is required for each participant. * [Become an Appalachian Mountain Club Member](https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SRCH-BD-Membership&utm_content=646623979096&utm_term=amc%20membership&campaign=701Ht0000021JlHIAU&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19637476529&gbraid=0AAAAADsKo9dnAqa1VJqH3LyYNhdACYyP0&gclid=CjwKCAjw1tLOBhAMEiwAiPkRHjOmW2vC430Svt3FwgGO8z7PBAbPlNSkkAgZ0OM4Md0NcputTWw5qhoC6uQQAvD_BwE&_gl=1*1xcg48k*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NzU1NzAzNTMuQ2p3S0NBancxdExPQmhBTUVpd0FpUGtSSGpPbVcydkM0MzBTdnQzRndnR084ejdQQkFiUGxOU2trQWdaME9NNE1kME5jcHV0VFd3NXFob0M2dVFRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTU1MjExMjMwLjE3NzIyMDE1Mjg.*_ga*MTkxMjY5NzIyMS4xNzQ0ODIyNzcx*_ga_NDC0EQDH7W*czE3NzU1NjUwNTkkbzIzNSRnMSR0MTc3NTU3MDM1MyRqNjAkbDAkaDA.) **Cost:** * $10 Appalachian Mountain Club members / $40 non-members **Refund Policy:** * For this trip, a refund is possible if you cancel online **one week before the trip** and your space can be filled. 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. *[Join the Appalachian Mountain Club](https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SRCH-BD-Membership&utm_content=646623979096&utm_term=amc%20membership&campaign=701Ht0000021JlHIAU&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19637476529&gbraid=0AAAAADsKo9dnAqa1VJqH3LyYNhdACYyP0&gclid=CjwKCAjw1tLOBhAMEiwAiPkRHjOmW2vC430Svt3FwgGO8z7PBAbPlNSkkAgZ0OM4Md0NcputTWw5qhoC6uQQAvD_BwE&_gl=1*1xcg48k*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NzU1NzAzNTMuQ2p3S0NBancxdExPQmhBTUVpd0FpUGtSSGpPbVcydkM0MzBTdnQzRndnR084ejdQQkFiUGxOU2trQWdaME9NNE1kME5jcHV0VFd3NXFob0M2dVFRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTU1MjExMjMwLjE3NzIyMDE1Mjg.*_ga*MTkxMjY5NzIyMS4xNzQ0ODIyNzcx*_ga_NDC0EQDH7W*czE3NzU1NjUwNTkkbzIzNSRnMSR0MTc3NTU3MDM1MyRqNjAkbDAkaDA.)* *to get your discount today! Your membership supports hundreds of free or low-cost outdoor experiences, thousands of miles of trails, hundreds of thousands of acres of protected wilderness, outdoor leadership education, access to nature for everyone, and your local volunteer leaders.5* **DIFFICULTY RATING** 4 - Moderate DIFFICULTY RATING DEFINITION Fitness level and/or past experience to sustain the activity at a moderate pace is required. Expect to be active up to 4-6 hours per day. Reasonable breaks in the action. OFFERED BY AMC Staff Activities STATUS Pending Review TRIP LEADERS Mari Ishihara COSTS 10.00 USD - Member 40.00 USD - Non Member

Film Fest Postcard Pick Up!

AMC Family Day at the Bronx Zoo

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001Iy8P2AS/act00023850)** Come join us for a morning at the Bronx Zoo led by AMC and the Zoo Education Staff! Explore zoo exhibits, learn about wildlife conservation and meet an animal ambassador up close! Registration is FREE. Includes education programs and limited admission to zoo exhibits. Space is limited to this special event, so please register early! [HERE](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001Iy8P2AS/act00023850)

Central Park Fall Bird Walk

Beginners welcome! Friendly group! Paid event! Join naturalist Debbie Becker on a two-hour fall Bird Walk. Admire the changing leaves and ripening berries as nature changes seasons. The walk includes plants and mushrooms but focuses mainly on bird and hawk identification. The Fall migration is a spectacular event! Have fun birding and meeting others who love nature. RSVP $20 by Venmo @Deb-becker-8 or PayPal editconsul@aol.com

Fall Social for volunteers!

Central Park Fall Bird Walk - Bluebirds!

Beginners welcome! Friendly group! Paid event! Join naturalist Debbie Becker on a two-hour fall Bird Walk. Admire the changing leaves and ripening berries as nature changes seasons. The walk includes plants and mushrooms but focuses mainly on bird and hawk identification. The Fall migration is a spectacular event! Have fun birding and meeting others who love nature. RSVP $20 by Venmo @Deb-becker-8 or PayPal editconsul@aol.com

Biking Fall Colors Jim Thorpe/Lehigh River - ByoB or Rent, 20-30miles

After-Hours Conservation Lab Tour @ The New York Historical

Tickets: $71.63 (advance registration required) Click the link below to officially register for this experience: [https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/2002570684826](https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/2002570684826) How does New York City's oldest museum preserve centuries-old artifacts when the ravages of time begin to take their toll? From painstaking treatments of historic artworks to specialized techniques for handling delicate textiles, the world of museum conservation is where art, science, and history collide. Now's your chance to go behind the scenes of a state-of-the-art conservation lab to see firsthand how conservators safeguard the past for generations to come. Join [New York Adventure Club](https://nyadventureclub.com/ "https://nyadventureclub.com") for an exclusive after-hours visit inside the Conservation Lab at The New York Historical, New York City's oldest museum and home to a vast collection of objects, artworks, and archival materials spanning centuries of American history. Led by the museum's Director of Conservation, our intimate special-access experience **limited to 12 guests** will include: * **A behind-the-scenes look inside the museum's brand new Conservation Lab** and the specialized spaces where conservators examine, treat, document, and care for collection materials * **Conservation treatments in progress** on museum and library collection items, with examples ranging from historic artworks to rare archival materials * **Archival preservation techniques** used to safeguard and protect library materials for long-term storage * **A demonstration of how historic textiles are safely handled** and the special considerations involved in caring for delicate materials * **Technical studies and documentation of artworks** to see how conservators investigate an object's materials, construction, and condition See you there! \*All belongings, including purses and coats, must be left in coat check \*\*An accessible entrance can be found on the 77th Street side of the museum \*\*\*This experience does not includes access to the museum galleries Disclaimer By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our [terms of service](https://about.nyadventureclub.com/terms "https://about.nyadventureclub.com/terms"). Categories: In-Person, Museums & Galleries

Alpine: Elite Volunteer Trip - 30 miles

**Elite Level Volunteer Trip - Alpine - 30 miles** Our longest trip north! We will paddle and watch the beautiful palisades with hopefully lots of fall foliage**🍂** We may also stop and check out a cute tiny waterfall. You must be able to paddle at least 4 knots per hour for the 6+ hours. Please understand that this will be a **fast paced marathon** and you must keep up. **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP:** Make sure you pass all the requirements below before RSVPing * Volunteered a minimum of 4 embayment shifts in 2026 * You have experienced and show complete control of your craft in 1-2 ft waves, and 10+ knots of wind * Make sure you read the "craft prerequisites" **CRAFT PREREQUISITES** You have **experienced** conditions and demonstrated the following skills on the craft you chose: * You have completed an elite trip in 2025 or 2026 OR have completed an advanced trip in the craft of your choice in 2026 * You can land and take off without any assistance * You can and will carry ALL your own stuff (looking at you SUPers) * You are very very fast and have lots of stamina to keep up a fast pace for 3+ hours each way. * You can comfortably paddle for 8 hours * If you plan to take an OC you must be a *2026 supporting paddler* and have a Ke Aloha coach contact the host with approval **COME PREPARED:** * Make sure you have proper clothing to temperature of air and water and other conditions * Sunscreen * Water in a reusable bottle. Lots of water * Snacks * FOOD! There is no place to buy food there!!! *Plan accordingly* * Anything else need to spend 8 hours on the water * At least two waterproof all around white lights **TIMELINE:** * 4:30 AM - meet at the boathouse, get equipment ready * **4:45 AM - Hard cut off to arrive. Please do not be upset, but if you are not at the boathouse at this time you will not join the trip** * 5:00 AM - safety briefing * 5:15 AM - move boats to beach * 5:30 AM - depart * 9:00 AM - arrive at Alpine We'll have 90 minutes to relax and eat. * 10:30 AM - meet back at the beach, prepare equipment, and safety briefing * 10:45 AM - depart * 2:30 PM - arrive at boathouse * 3:00 PM - clean and put away equipment * 3:30 PM - trip ends \-\-\- **Pier 92** 2026-10-24 7:32 AM flood 2.23 2026-10-24 10:26 AM slack - 2026-10-24 2:00 PM ebb -3.21 **Riverdale** 2026-10-24 8:00 AM flood 1.67 2026-10-24 10:50 AM slack - 2026-10-24 2:40 PM ebb -2.23

Guided Mindful Walking in Nature - Prospect Park Edition

**Though the body we move in nature, with our mind/consciousness we are part of nature.** **MINDFULNESS - the practice of maintaining a nonjudgemental state of heighted or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.** **MINDFUL WALKING - a practice that enhances mental clarity and reduces stress by fostering a deep connection with the present moment (the here and now) through awareness of each individual step and the Sight, Sound and Smell of the surrounding environment.** **Please read the below information carefully and take the time to view the myriads of videos available that explain the concept of Mindful Walking.** **Let me begin by thanking you for accompanying me on a work in progress to develop a methodology for teaching and leading a Mindful Walking workshop, my goal is to guide/lead the novice through an unfamiliar or complex procedure in a step-by-step process so that they can attain a basic level of skill and knowledge in the practice of Mindful Walking. Upon entering "Brooklyn's Jewel" the stunningly beautiful Prospect Park, we will commerce with a breathing and exercise session followed by several training practice walks that will introduce the attendees to the techniques of Mindful Walking.** **For the remainder of our Prospect Park adventure, we will alternate long bouts of conversation flowing walking sessions with shorter bouts of silent guided Mindful Walking sessions. The route that we will follow will include specific areas of the park of such stunning scenic beauty (in every season of the year) that will inspire and uplift all who attend.** **Because of the workshop nature of this event, I will limit the number of attendees to ten (10) people. My future vision for this method of training is to present many workshops for first-timers, mixed with separate events for those adepts with the Mindful Walking concept. Furthermore, I will expand the range of this event to scenic natural locations (including waterside venues) around the Greater New York area.** **We will exit Prospect Park by the Grand Army Plaza entrance. The nearest Subway Station will be the Grand Army Plaza Station of the #2 and #3 Trains.** **Will be walking at a moderate (not slow) pace. The walk will last three and a half hours and will cover about 5 miles. There will be ample restrooms stops and a thirty-minute lunch break.** **Heavy rain/snow or other forms of extreme weather will cancel the walk. Please check this site for updates.** **LEADER: Bob Lazzaro email: rlazzaro4@aol.com.** **I will use a voice amplification device to foster better understanding and clarity between myself and attendees.**