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.

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

Fall Social for volunteers!

Hike with Dr. Kirk! 3-4 miles

**Saturday, November 7, 2 - 5 pm** **Free expert-led hike in South Mountain Reservation. Hike about 2-3 hours covering 3-4 miles at a modest pace over rocky trails with one long climb from the Rahway River up South Mountain. Focus on ecology and hydrology.** **Led by Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of the Rahway Watershed Association and expert on local watershed issues. Good balance required. Children welcome. No dogs.** **Co-Sponsored by South Mountain Conservancy and the Rahway River Watershed Association.** **Meet at Clipper Pavilion in South Mountain Reservation on Cherry Lane in West Orange (not at McLoone's).** **Steady rain cancels. Advance registration required via [rahwayriver.org/calendar.html](rahwayriver.org/calendar.html) . Email president@rahwayriver.org with questions.** \*\*\* 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/)).**

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!

Central Park Fall Bird Walk - Bluebirds!

This is a paid event! Please pay and time of RSVP. Ty 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

Caven Point, NJ. Wildlife Photowalk

We are going to Caven Point natural reserve, between Port Liberty and Liberty State Park. Please note: There is no public transport available. But for those arriving by car there is parking. Parking is free and so is the entrance to the park. Caven Point is an ecologically unique area; habitat for many species including migrating birds. It features sandy beach, saltwater marshland, and boardwalk trail. it is one of two wetlands in NYC to have survived in its natural state. It is an important site for native birds nesting as it is positioned right on the Hudson River Estuary, serving as a critical late-fall pitstop and overwintering ground. Waterfowl usually spotted in November is the brant, mallard, horned grebe, and peregrine falcon among others. Bring waterproof boots and telephoto lenses.

Central Park Bird Walk - Bluebirds!

Central Park Bird Walk - Paid event $20/person Beginners Welcome! We will be looking for eastern bluebirds that migrate through our area at this time of year. They will be eating berries, brightly colored, orange and red, and it will truly be a fall experience. We will also be looking for Hawks, Eagles, and owls. And other fall migrants. Pay by Venmo @ Deb-Becker-8 PayPal editconsul@aol.com Or in person with cash.

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

Paddle against current: Intermediate volunteer trip

*This trip is open to those who have volunteered in 2026 during our **public kayaking days.*** Let's paddle against the current and see how far we can make it! **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP:** 1. volunteered **AT LEAST** 4 shifts in 2026 during our free kayaking days AND 2. Completed at least 2 trainings in 2026 with our boathouse AND 3. Completed an intermediate time trial AND 4. You completed a 4+ mile round trip in 2026 in which you showed control of your kayak/SUP/OC and found it easy to stay toward the front of the group **COME PREPARED:** * Temperature appropriate clothing - neoprene or drysuit + non cotton layers (you may be able to borrow a drysuit) * Something warm to put on when we land * Water * Sunscreen * Hat * Change of dry clothes for when we return * Anything else you may need to spend 2 hours paddling! **CRAFT:** * Sit on top - Nope! * Sea Kayak - Only if completed a wet exit and show control of your kayak * OC1/OC2 - Ke Aloha ***supporting*** paddlers with a Ke Aloha coach approval (have coach contact host) * SUP - Only if completed a 4+ mile trip with our boathouse * Surfski - Only if completed a 4+ mile trip with our boathouse **TIMELINE:** 8:15 AM Arrive at the boathouse **8:20 AM Safety briefing hard cutoff to arrive. Whoever does not make it by this time will not be able to join** 8:45 AM - Move boats to the beach 9:00 AM - Depart from HCCB paddle south agaisnt the current 10:15 AM - Turn around time 11:00 AM - Arrive at HCCB 11:15 AM Clean and put away equipment 12:15 PM Trip ends *** **[NOAA predicted current at](https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/predictions.html?id=NYH1927_13&begin_date=2026-11-07&date-range=daily&date-timeUnits=am%2Fpm&date-interval=MAX_SLACK&units=english&time-zone=LST_LDT&threshold=leEq&thresholdValue=) Hudson River Entrance** 9:39 AM slack 12:26 PM flood 1.63 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.

MKC + Paddle against current: Intermediate volunteer trip

*This trip is open to those who have volunteered in 2026 during our **public kayaking days.*** Once the RSVP opens, you will be placed on a waitlist until the host reviews your volunteer status and to make sure you completed the qualifications below. *** **MKC Intermediate volunteer trip: 4 miles total PLUS an extra paddle north against current** Let's paddle across the Hudson to visit our friends at MKC! After we launch from Pier 84, let's work off whatever we ate by heading north against building ebb, then float home. **PREREQUISITES TO RSVP:** 1. volunteered **AT LEAST** 4 shifts in 2026 during our free kayaking days AND 2. Completed at least 2 trainings in 2026 with our boathouse AND 3. Completed an intermediate time trial AND 4. You completed a 4+ mile round trip in 2026 in which you showed control of your kayak/SUP/OC and found it easy to stay toward the front of the group **COME PREPARED:** * Temperature appropriate clothing - neoprene or drysuit + non cotton layers (you may be able to borrow a drysuit) * Something warm to put on when we land * Water * Food if you plan to picnic or cash/credit to buy food there. * Sunscreen * Hat * Change of dry clothes for when we return * Anything else you may need to spend 2+ hours paddling! **CRAFT:** * Sit on top - Nope! * Sea Kayak - Only if completed a wet exit and show control of your kayak * OC1/OC2 - Ke Aloha ***supporting*** paddlers with a Ke Aloha coach approval (have coach contact host) * SUP - Only if completed a 4+ mile trip with our boathouse * Surfski - Only if completed a 4+ mile trip with our boathouse **TIMELINE:** 7:00 AM Arrive at the boathouse **7:15 AM Safety briefing hard cutoff to arrive. Whoever does not make it by this time will not be able to join** 7:45 AM Move boats to the beach 8:00 AM Depart from HCCB 9:00 AM Arrive at MKC 9:15 AM Land and stash boats 90 minutes to eat and relax 10:45 AM Meet at boats, prepare gear, return safety briefing 11:00 AM Depart from MKC & head north against current 11:45 AM Turn around, head south 12:45 PM Arrive at HCCB 1:15 PM Clean and put away equipment 1:45 PM Trip ends *** **[NOAA predicted current at Pier 92](https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaacurrents/predictions.html?id=NYH1927_13&begin_date=2026-11-07&date-range=daily&date-timeUnits=am%2Fpm&date-interval=MAX_SLACK&units=english&time-zone=LST_LDT&threshold=leEq&thresholdValue=)** 2026-11-07 6:50 AM flood 1.69 2026-11-07 9:55 AM slack - 2026-11-07 1:19 PM ebb -2.58 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.

URBAN WALK: From Farm to Can - The Battery Urban Garden & Canstruction Exhibit

**[>> REGISTER HERE <<](https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001MSrV2AW/act00024706)** **From Farm to Can - The Battery Park Urban Garden to the Canstruction Art Exhibit at the World Financial Center** New to the Appalachian Mountain Club? Looking to connect with other folks who love getting outdoors? Come meet new AMC friends on a walk around the beautiful downtown area on the southern tip of Manhattan. The Battery, formerly known as Battery Park, is a 25-acre park and is the home of historic Fort Clinton, the magical SeaGlass Carousel, and a robust urban farm. We'll meet at the SeaGlass Carousel and explore the park, including the farm, which is still producing! We'll then walk about a mile to Brookfield Place in 3 World Financial Center. There we'll explore the modern art exhibit, [Canstruction](https://www.bfplny.com/events/Canstruction/), where artists create sculptures entirely from cans! Please register for the [Free Tour at 11:00 AM](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tours-of-canstruction-2026-tickets-2003433011067?aff=oddtdtcreator), which we will join. Wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks. If you are new to the AMC, this is a great starter event! New and existing members, as well as prospective members, are welcome!! This is a great event for kids, since it's bound to be spectacularly surprising. **Meet:** 9:30 AM at the SeaGlass Carousel in The Battery. The nearest trains are the 4/5 at Bowling Green station and the 1/R/W at Whitehall St-South Ferry station. **Links**: Canstruction Exhibit - [https://www.bfplny.com/events/Canstruction/](https://www.bfplny.com/events/Canstruction/) Canstruction Free Tour Registration - [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tours-of-canstruction-2026-tickets-2003433011067?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tours-of-canstruction-2026-tickets-2003433011067?aff=oddtdtcreator) 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.  ***[Become an AMC Member](https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member/?chapter=NY&campaign=7012J000001R5F0QAK)*** *and enjoy benefits such as discounts to events & lodging. You will also support 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, conservation advocacy and your local volunteer leader*