Conservation Volunteering New York

Coney Beach Volleyball

**A friendly game of Co-Ed beach volleyball. All levels are welcome and we encourage any donation via Zelle to continue this group going. Please arrive 15 min early to help us set up. We will bring the field outline and volleyball. We encourage you to invite friends.**

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 work on rerouting the Hogenauer Trail away from backyard fences. We will meet at the Dog Park (11 Bear Lane) and walk down Crest Drive to the trailhead at Crater View. 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 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.)

Wildlife Walk at Jamaica Bay with the Earthlings.NYC Turtle Team

**SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVP here: [https://prpr.fyi/JBWR614](https://prpr.fyi/JBWR614)** **(meetup limits the RSVPs here to 10 people)** **🌿 Earthlings.NYC Field Trip: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 🌿** **A Turtle Team Diamondback Terrapin Viewing! Join us on Sunday, June 14th (11:00 am-3:00 PM) for an adventure to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge!** **We’ll meet at 11:00 AM at Earthlings.NYC and travel together by subway to the West Pond Trail, where we’ll explore and search for diamondback terrapins in their native habitat—right here in our own backyard. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature, learn, and share the experience with fellow Earthlings!** **West Pond Trail:** **[https://www.backpacker.com/trips/new-york-city-west-pond-trail/](https://www.backpacker.com/trips/new-york-city-west-pond-trail/)** **Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge :** **[https://www.nyctourism.com/places/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge/](https://www.nyctourism.com/places/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge/)** **[https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge.htm)**

National Trails Day Hike w/ Sharon ~6 miles

**LED BY SOUTH MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY** **Essex County South Mountain Reservation - Tulip Springs Area Hike** Time: 8am-11am Meet at: Essex County South Mountain Reservation, Tulip Springs Parking Lot, Cherry Lane Distance: 5+ miles, Intermediate level. Suitable for ages 16 and up. From Tulip Springs the Lenape trail takes us to Oakdale then to the walkway around the Waterfront, where we pick up the Zoo Loop. We will continue on Zoo loop, passing the Turtle Back Zoo and Codey Arena on Northfield Ave. After visiting turtle back rock, we head back to Tulip Springs on the lower turtle back trail. Meet at: Tulip Springs, large parking area next to pavilion **Leader**: Sharon Salmon 973-715-5554 (cell) \*\*\* 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/)).**

Clean Up Morning at Ecology Village in Gateway National Recreation Area

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015MAb2AM/act00020241)** Join us as we partner with Park Rangers at **Gateway National Recreation Area** to prepare the Ecology Village campsites for a season of urban camping! Folks new to camping will appreciate your efforts all summer long! **Ecology Village** campsites are located on historic Floyd Bennet Field on Jamaica Bay. It is a unique grassy campground within the five boroughs of New York City! The campsites are predominantly used by youth groups and hikers just learning to enjoy overnight stays in the outdoors. This is a great chance to view AMC's extensive Gear Library at Gateway, which hosts a wide range of equipment for groups to borrow at no cost. Equipment includes tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, rain jackets, fleece jackets, hiking boots, and more. It's also a good opportunity to preview the campsites and available gear if you are thinking of hosting an urban camping trip! Our work may involve clearing overgrowth, repairing equipment, painting or staining fixtures, and replacing signage. All tools will be provided, although you may want to bring your own work gloves and bug spray. Please wear long sleeves and long pants, Ticks and poison ivy are in the area. Bring water and a snack. This event is accessible by public transportation. Take the 5 Subway to the end of the line at Flatbush Ave-Brooklyn College. Transfer around the corner to the Q35 headed towards Rockaway Park. Disembark in front of the Ryan Visitor Center. We will all meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot at 9:45am and will wait until 10:00am. Please register for this event in advance by clicking **[HERE](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015MAb2AM/act00020241)**

THUE - Juneteenth Celebration

Little Island - Novice Volunteer Trip

Looking for a day full of both kayaking and being with fellow volunteers supporting our public program? This trip has been scheduled for those volunteering for the 3:00 PM embayment shift, so you can get a morning paddle in before volunteering. Little Island is a no landing trip. We will paddle a short distance each way, perhaps 2 miles, to Little Island, a NYC park suspended over the Hudson on concrete pillars. We'll paddle under the park, into the "concrete jungle", before heading home **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP**: 1. Promise to volunteer with our public programming in 2026. Note, if the trip is full, preference will be given to those on the afternoon embayment shift. AND 2. Completed either 1 training in 2025/2026 with the craft you will be taking or completed a new volunteer session. AND 3. Completed a wet exit in 2025/2026 and show control of your kayak/SUP **Craft**: * Sit on Top - allowed, but limited by the embayment * Sea Kayak - only if completed a wet exit in 2026 and show control of your kayak. NOTE - if you have done a training but not a wet exit yet, we can do one before the trip. Message me please to discuss. * SUP - only if completed 2+ mile round trip or with SUP trainer approval * OC1/OC2 and Surfski can't maneuver under Little Island **Come prepared:** * Change of clothes * Water in a reusable bottle * Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen * Anything else you may need to spend 3 hours on the water! **Timeline:** Start readying: 09:30 AM Briefing (cutoff): 10:00 AM Move boats to water: 10:15 AM Depart HCCB: 10:30 AM Arrive destination: 11:20 AM Explore under little island Return briefing: 11:55 AM Depart: 12:00 PM Arrive HCCB: 12:50 PM End of trip: 01:20 PM Eat lunch Embayment 03:00 PM Slack is 11:32 AM. Beforehand, the river is ebbing, with a peak ebb at 07:34 AM of -2.2 knots. After, the river is flooding, with a peak flood at 01:52 PM of 0.9 knots. Sunrise is at 05:28 AM. Sunrise is at 08:26 PM. \-\-\-\- HCCB is completely volunteer run. Our guides generously take time out of their busy schedules to run trips and trainings. 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.

Central Park Bird Walk

Bird walk with an experienced naturalist and bird guide. $20 per person for 2- hour walk.To register please send $20 via Venmo to @Deb-becker-8 or $21 via Paypal to editconsul@aol.com See hawks, eagles, ducks and spring birds. Location will be posted by 10am on the day of the walk. We always meet at a major entrance to Central Park off 5th Avenue.

Backpackers Book Club: Night of the Grizzlies

This month we’re reading Night of the Grizzlies by Jack Olsen, a nonfiction account of a tragic night in Glacier National Park that explores the intersection of people, wilderness, and unpredictable danger. The book looks at what happens when human expectations meet a place that doesn’t follow human rules. **Note:** Location for discussion is TBD. This book can be a bit harder to find in print, so most people may need to use an ebook or audiobook version. --- *Night of the Grizzlies* by Jack Olsen **1. The Illusion of Safety** * What responsibility do visitors have versus park authorities? * Can wilderness ever really be “managed”? **2. Confidence in the Outdoors** * Why do humans tend to become more comfortable around risk over time? * How might familiarity with nature shift how people judge danger? * Where do you see overconfidence show up in outdoor settings? **3. The Attraction of Danger** * Is risk part of what makes wilderness meaningful or memorable? * Do stories like this change how you think about nature?

Novice Volunteer Trip - Downtown Boathouse - 5.5mile round trip

Let's cross to Manhattan and visit our friends at Downtown Boathouse! Once the RSVP opens, you will be placed on a waitlist until the host reviews your volunteer status to make sure you completed the qualifications below. **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP**: 1. Attended at least one training in 2025 or 2026 AND 2. Volunteered at least once at a 2025 embayment or at the Hudson River Cup in 2025 OR 3. You attended an "intro" session with us and/or volunteered at 1 or more shifts in 2026 **Craft**: * Sit on Top - if you are prepared to paddle hard * Sea Kayak - only if completed a wet exit in 2026 and show control of your kayak * OC1/OC2 - Ke Aloha *supporting* paddlers with a Ke Aloha coach approval * SUP - only if completed 3+ mile round trip **Come prepared**: * Temperature appropriate clothing * Change of clothes in a dry bag * Water in a reusable bottle * Sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen * Snack or currency to purchase food You must have sun protection and plenty of drinking water to participate in this trip. **Timeline:** 9:30 - arrive at HBCC 9:45 - safety briefing/cutoff 10:15 - begin to launch boats 10:30 - depart HBCC. Pit stop at little island 12:00 - arrive at DTBH Hour and 15 to relax 13:15 - prepare boats to depart 13:30 - Depart for HBCC 14:45 - arrive at HBCC, clean-up 15:30 - trip ends Sunset 8:25 PM [Hudson River Entrance Current Predictions](https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/predictions.html?id=NYH1927_13&begin_date=2026-06-07&date-range=daily&date-timeUnits=am%2Fpm&date-interval=MAX_SLACK&units=english&time-zone=LST_LDT&threshold=leEq&thresholdValue=) 2026-06-7 8:21 AM ebb -2.14 2026-06-7 12:11 PM slack - 2026-06-7 2:35 PM flood 1.04 \-\-\-\- 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.

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

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000016fj32AA/act00020515)** **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** Meet us in Community Room 1 at the Capital One Cafe Columbus Circle! Come for information sharing, and community starting at 5:30pm.