Fort Tryon Park Conservancy

Pop-Up Mud Kitchen at Dongan Lawn
2024-10-20 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us on Dongan Lawn at Fort Tryon Park for a fun and interactive sensory experience with outdoor play and creativity! 🌿✨ Perfect for ages 0-5! FREE event, rain or shine—just wear something comfy for outdoor fun! 🌧️☀️
🍃 MUD KITCHENS: These outdoor kitchens are packed with benefits! From boosting fine motor skills and language development to fostering a healthy immune system and love for nature 🌱👶
📆: Sunday October 20th
🕙: 11AM-12PM
📍: Dongan Lawn, Fort Tryon Park

Heather Garden Walking Tour
2024-10-20 11:00 - 12:00
Join us on Sunday, October 20th at 11 AM for the return of the beloved Heather Garden Tour in Fort Tryon Park, hosted by the knowledgeable Leslie Day!
The tour begins at the southern entrance to the Heather Garden.
The Heather Garden is the crown jewel of Fort Tryon Park, spanning 3 acres of stunning beauty. Boasting one of the largest heath and heather collections on the East Coast, the garden showcases a 600-linear-foot perennial border and over 650 varieties of plants, including trees, shrubs, and bulbs! It is New York City’s largest public garden with unrestricted access. Walk among the lush greenery, flanked by historic stone walls and remnants of Cornelius G.K. Billings’ early 1900s estate.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River while discovering over 30 varieties of heaths and heathers, whose blooms and vibrant foliage bring year-round color to this extraordinary space. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the tranquil and diverse beauty of the Heather Garden in its autumn glory!

Sunday Stewardship 2024
2024-10-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-15 10:00 - 13:00
The Fort Tryon Park Trust hosts volunteer opportunities for you, your friends, and family to dig in the dirt! Join us to help protect Fort Tryon Park’s ecology and beauty! Meet the NYC Parks’ horticulture staff at the Heather Garden’s Margaret Corbin Circle entrance to sign in at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Activities will include removing debris and weeds and preparing the site for plantings. Tools and gloves will be provided, but wear long pants, sturdy shoes, a face mask as needed, and bring a filled water bottle,
Groups of 5+ RSVP by emailing info@FortTryonParkTrust.org a week in advance so we can provide sufficient equipment and tools on hand.
Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Stewardship Days along the southwest area of Fort Tryon Park take place on the 3rd Sunday of each month from March to November.

Forest Fitness
2024-10-19 08:30 - 09:30, 2024-10-17 07:30 - 08:30, 2024-10-15 07:30 - 08:30, 2024-10-12 08:30 - 09:30, 2024-10-10 07:30 - 08:30, 2024-10-08 07:30 - 08:30, 2024-10-05 08:30 - 09:30, 2024-10-03 07:30 - 08:30 and 8 more dates
Join us for a free, year-round “Fitness at the Fort” exercise program on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays!
This fitness class incorporates climbing multiple staircases, stretches and strengthening exercises, notable tree identification, and forest bathing. Led by instructor, Nancy Bruning, BA, MPH, PAPHS.
Classes are structured so that all levels of fitness will be accommodated; however, all classes involve relatively brisk walking and some stairs because of the layout of the park itself. Classes vary according to the season, path conditions, and the weather, but always meet at the Heather Garden entrance.
Tuesday and Thursday classes end at various points near the starting point, including the volleyball courts. Saturday class ends at the Anne Loftus Playground, using the various pieces of equipment, and offers optional after-class group walk to the Greenmarket on Isham Street. All classes end with closing with stretches.
(Note: Fitness Walking does not meet if it is raining or if the actual temperature or wind chill is below 20 degrees F.)

Broadway Beautification Days 2024
2024-10-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-14 10:00 - 13:00
Join the Fort Tryon Park Trust and NYC Parks for some spring cleaning in Fort Tryon Park! Help beautify the park along the Broadway Promenade. Meet at the Broadway Greeting Garden at the Arden Street/Broadway entrance. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and get ready to improve the park’s ecology by removing debris and helping site preparations. Tools and gloves will be provided but please bring a filled water bottle.
Groups of 5+ must RSVP by emailing info@FortTryonParkTrust.org 2 weeks in advance.
Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Stewardship Days along the eastern expanse of the park take place on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month from March to November. The Fort Tryon Park Trust supports these volunteer opportunities by underwriting tools, horticultural supplies, and NYC Parks staffing to oversee projects.

A Toast to Fort Tryon Park
2024-09-29 18:00 - 21:00
The Fort Tryon Park Trust conservancy welcomes back our fundraiser the TOAST on Sunday, September 29, from 6PM-9PM in the Heather Garden and The Bonnefont, our newest partner in the park!
We welcome all park lovers and supporters to enjoy this beloved festive evening in Fort Tryon Park and help increase the support for this one-of-a-kind, triple-landmarked historic park that offers so much opportunity for wellness of self, families, and community! Come for the sunset and choose your adventure either in the Heather Garden or also at The Bonnefont as proceeds of this fundraiser help the Trust underwrite horticulture staff and supplies; free nature, cultural and fitness programming, and targeted capital improvements.
TICKETS
Honorees:

Dr. Colleen Koch – Group Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, New York Presbyterian Hospital
Dr. Koch oversees NYP Allen Hospital, NYP/Columbia, and NYP Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, focusing on patient care, safety, and community engagement. Before joining NYP in 2024, she was Dean of the University of Florida College of Medicine and held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic.
Dr. Koch has a deep connection to Fort Tryon Park and is passionate about the importance of green spaces for community health!

Detective (ret.) Haydee Pabey – Community Affairs, 34th Precinct
We are proud to honor Detective Haydee Pabey, a 25-year veteran of the NYPD who has dedicated her career to serving the community. Det. Pabey responded heroically to the 9/11 attacks and has spent 19 years as the Community Affairs Officer for the 34th Precinct, working to strengthen relationships between police and the diverse community of Washington Heights and Inwood. Her commitment to fostering trust and cooperation has made a lasting impact on the safety and unity of our neighborhoods. She is a devoted wife, mother, and a true leader in our community.

Nancy Bruning – Founding Board Member, Fort Tryon Park Trust & Forest Fitness
Nancy Bruning is a native New Yorker who fell in love with Fort Tryon Park after moving to northern Manhattan. With a background in urban public health and a master’s degree in the field, she has been instrumental in launching free outdoor exercise programs in Fort Tryon Park, including yoga, tai chi, and Forest Fitness. Nancy is also the author of “101 Things to Do on a Park Bench” and the creator of Green Gym Day, promoting fitness in public spaces. As a dedicated board member of the Fort Tryon Park Trust, she continues to lead fitness programs and champion community health initiatives year-round.
Artists:

Washington Heights Chamber String Quartet
✨ Mark Chien – Concertmaster
✨ Ashley Windle – Assistant Concertmaster
✨ Hannah Burnett – Guest Principal Viola
✨ Valeriya Sholokhova – Principal Cello
The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra’s String Quartet will perform during the Heather Garden Wine Stroll. Hailed as “consistently fresh” by the New York Times and featured in TimeOut NY & Gothamist’s “Best Things to Do in NYC!” Don’t miss out!

Francis Hsueh
Local favorite visual artist will exhibit his Fort Tryon Park art collection. 15% of all sales at the Toast will benefit the park.
Francis is a New York artist who brings the urban landscape to life through his evocative paintings. His art captures the soul of the city, finding beauty in everyday moments – whether it’s light cutting across a building facade or fog wrapping around familiar landmarks. Fort Tryon Park and the neighborhoods around it have been endless sources of inspiration for Francis, and his deep connection to Washington Heights shines through in every piece.

Ted Nash
Kristen Lee Sergeant
Ted Nash Trio featuring vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant will perform at the Bonnefont. They both live in the Heights and Ted is a Grammy award-winner!
Hailed by Billboard for blending freedom with substance, Ted Nash is a leading jazz composer of the 21st century, known for his bold, intellectual approach. A co-founder of the Jazz Composers Collective and member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, his Grammy-winning album Presidential Suite sets iconic political speeches to music with creativity and social awareness.
Kristen Lee Sergeant is a singer, lyricist, and composer who brings dramatic musical experiences to life!
Her performances, deeply rooted in jazz and theater, take audiences on a journey through theme, story, and song. BroadwayWorld describes her shows as “the musical equivalent of a Martha Graham dance concert.” 🎭
Having graced the stages of Dizzy’s Club, Joe’s Pub, and Birdland Theater, Kristen’s artistry shines on four albums that can be found wherever music is streamed.

Sponsors:
We thank these wonderful sponsors.
Lead Sponsor
New York Presbyterian

Conservationist Sponsor
Carter Ledyard & Milburn
Con Edison

Supporter Sponsor
iHeart Radio
Nobles Crawford
State Senator Robert Jackson

Advocate Sponsors

Brown Harris Stevens Louis Pulice Team
The Louis Pulice Team, Real Estate Agent , Brown Harris Stevens (bhsusa.com)

Jeff & Marjory Bauml
Jeff & Jennifer Hoppa
Jana La Sorte

Interested to sponsor and/or advertise?
You can gain visibility and recognition for your vital support of Fort Tyron Park, public green space and community!
Please email development@forttryonparktrust.org to inquire about sponsorship of the Toast and advertising opportunities.
We look forward to coordinating with you and appreciate your investment in our work and park!

Heather Garden Monthly Tour
2024-09-28 11:00 - 12:00
Join us on Saturday, September 28, at 11 AM for the return of the beloved Heather Garden Tour in Fort Tryon Park, hosted by the knowledgeable Madeline Byrne!
The tour begins at the southern entrance to the Heather Garden.
The Heather Garden is the crown jewel of Fort Tryon Park, spanning 3 acres of stunning beauty. Boasting one of the largest heath and heather collections on the East Coast, the garden showcases a 600-linear-foot perennial border and over 650 varieties of plants, including trees, shrubs, and bulbs! It is New York City’s largest public garden with unrestricted access. Walk among the lush greenery, flanked by historic stone walls and remnants of Cornelius G.K. Billings’ early 1900s estate.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River while discovering over 30 varieties of heaths and heathers, whose blooms and vibrant foliage bring year-round color to this extraordinary space. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the tranquil and diverse beauty of the Heather Garden in its autumn glory!

CANCELLED - Walk-Thru with Fort Tryon Park Gardeners
2024-09-27 13:30 - 14:30 | Heather Garden
**UPDATE**
The gardeners are focused on the revival of the heather garden walk this Saturday and our Toast fundraiser in the garden this Sunday so please pardon or need to delay the next Walk with the Gardeners. Thank you!

Come have fun on your lunch hour with our amazing gardeners John, Craig, and Asher! Get ready to ask those questions you’ve been pondering about plants, trees, and bees!
Every last Friday of the month – meet at Heather Garden entrance.

Celebrating National Dance Day with Uptown Dance Collective
2024-09-21 15:00 - 16:00
🎉🩰 Celebrate National Dance Day with us at Fort Tryon Park! 🌳✨
Join us on September 21 at 3PM at Abby’s Lawn for a unique dance experience like no other! We’re thrilled to present “Reshaped Memory,” an evocative excerpt from Uptown Dance Collective’s site-specific event, and “Alterations and Repairs.”
Immerse yourself in an afternoon where dance, music, and poetry intertwine beautifully within the park’s scenic landscape. We’ll gather on Abby’s Lawn at 3PM, then take a short stroll to the performance site to witness an enchanting solo by Maxine Steinman. 🌿💃
The performance features a collaboration of artistic talents:

Choreography by Maxine Steinman
Poetry by Paul Rabinowitz
Music by multi-instrumentalist John Ehlis

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a truly memorable celebration of dance and artistic expression. Click the Eventbrite link for free tickets and join us for an afternoon of inspiration and creativity!
📸 Photos by Chris Drukker
Let’s come together to celebrate National Dance Day in the heart of nature. See you there! 🌟💫
#NationalDanceDay #FortTryonPark #UptownDanceCollective #DanceInThePark #AlterationsAndRepairs #FreeEvent #ArtInNature #forttryonparktrust #forttryonpark #nycvisit #nycfree #nycpublicart #nycdance

Summer Blossoms Jazz & Poetry Event
2024-09-15 15:00 - 17:00
Enjoy the combination of jazz and poetry at this event curated by Jazz Wahi. Bring your blankets & chairs & picnic treats and join us earlier for the closing of the Appearances sculptures exhibition!
Location: Billings Lawn
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Time: 3PM-5PM

"Appearances" Sculpture Exhibition Closing Event
2024-09-15 13:30 - 15:00
Come join artist and curator MJ Dickson as she gives us a closing tour of the exhibition!
Meeting Place: Billings Lawn
Time: 1:30PM
We will finish with refreshments back on the Billings Lawn right before the Summer Blossoms Jazz & Poetry event kicks off as part of our send off for the sculptures!

Free Zumba Class
2024-09-14 09:00 - 10:00
Join certified Zumba instructors twice a week for fun, exhilarating exercise in the fresh air. All
are welcome—bring comfortable clothes and a full water bottle.
Pre-register on Eventbrite to fill out a required waiver: Free Zumba in Fort Tryon Park 2024 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Canceled if heavy rain occurs. For accessibility information,
contact the Fort Tryon Park Trust.

Únase a los instructores certificados de Zumba para divertirse y hacer ejercicio al aire libre.
Todos son bienvenidos: traigan ropa cómoda y una botella de agua llena. Regístrese previamente en Eventbrite para completar una exención: Free Zumba in Fort Tryon Park 2024 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Se cancelará si llueve mucho. Para más información, contacte el Fort Tryon Park Trust.
