Fort Tryon Park Conservancy

Heather Garden Walking Tour
2025-10-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Heather Garden
Join long-time Fort Tryon Park volunteer and garden enthusiast Ronda Brands for a guided stroll through the beautiful Heather Garden. Learn about the history, design, and ever-changing plant life that make this unique space the heart of Fort Tryon Park.
Ronda has dedicated countless hours to caring for the Heather Garden and brings a wealth of knowledge about its native and ornamental plantings. Whether you’re a garden lover, history buff, or simply looking to enjoy the blooms, this tour offers a wonderful opportunity to experience one of New York City’s most stunning green spaces.
Reserve your free spot here!
Free and open to the public.

Broadway Beautification
2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-27 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.
Beautification 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.

Forest Fitness
2025-10-25 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-23 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-21 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-18 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-16 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-14 07:30 - 08:30, 2025-10-11 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-09 07:30 - 08:30 and 6 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.)

Open House NY: Historic Cottage Access
2025-10-19 12:00 - 16:00
As part of Open House New York, the public is invited to step inside the historic cottage at Fort Tryon Park for a rare opportunity to explore one of the park’s original structures.
Built as the gatehouse for the early 20th-century Billings Estate, the cottage now serves as the offices for NYC Parks and the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy. Visitors will learn about the building’s architecture, its connection to the Billings Estate, and its continuing role in the stewardship of the park.
The open house will take place on Sunday, October 19, from 12:00 PM to 4PM and is free and open to the public.

Sunday Stewardship
2025-10-19 10:00 - 13:00
The Fort Tryon Park Conservancy 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.

Unknown NY: Sketch & Book Event with Jesse Richards
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00
Join artist Jesse Richards and the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy for a special sketching and book signing event inspired by Unknown New York. Participants will tour several scenic spots in Fort Tryon Park as Jesse shares insights into the park’s history before guiding sketching sessions at each location.
Books will be available for purchase and signing, though all are welcome to simply join and sketch.
Meeting Time & Place: 1:00 PM at the main entrance to the park, next to the 190th St. A train stop at Margaret Corbin Plaza.
Rain Plan: In case of rain, participants will be notified the morning of the event, and a new date will be scheduled.

Fall Migration Birding Tour
2025-10-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Dongan Lawn
Join local expert birder Alexandra Wang for a Fall Migration Birding Tour at Dongan Lawn on Saturday, October 18 at 10 AM.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, migratory birds pass through Fort Tryon Park, offering a rare chance to see a variety of species in one morning.
During this guided tour, Alexandra will share tips for identifying different birds, explain their migratory patterns, and highlight the habitats within the park that support them. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious about the avian visitors, this tour is perfect for all skill levels.
What to bring: binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and a keen eye for nature! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the park and its fascinating wildlife during the peak of fall migration.

On this Day: Park Opening
2025-10-13
On This Day: Fort Tryon Park Opens – October 13, 1935
On October 13, 1935, Fort Tryon Park was officially opened to the public. The opening ceremony was attended by John D. Rockefeller Jr., where he gave opening remarks.
The park’s design was entrusted to the Olmsted Brothers, the renowned landscape architecture firm led by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park. Their vision transformed the rocky terrain into a scenic retreat featuring rolling lawns, curving pathways, and meticulously planned gardens.
Today, Fort Tryon Park remains a cherished green space in Upper Manhattan, offering visitors panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Heather Garden, and the Cloisters Museum. The park’s rich history and natural beauty continue to provide a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle!

Viva La Tierra: Great Ginkgo Tree Ceremony
2025-10-12 16:00 - 17:30 | cloisters lawn
Celebrate one of Fort Tryon Park’s most iconic treasures! Join us as our Conservancy gardener Craig Peden officially inaugurates the magnificent Great Ginkgo as one of NYC Parks’ celebrated Great Trees. Following the ceremony, enjoy an outdoor concert by Jhoely Garay and her Viva La Tierra ensemble, blending jazz and Latin American rhythms into music that highlights climate awareness and overlooked histories.
Celebrate nature, music, and community beneath the golden autumn canopy of Fort Tryon Park’s Great Ginkgo!

Tree Count the Park!
2025-10-12 13:30 - 15:30 | cloisters lawn
Help us keep Fort Tryon Park’s canopy thriving! On Sunday, October 12 from 1:30–3:30 PM, join the Fort Tryon Park Trust and NYC Parks for a hands-on Tree Census adventure.
After a brief training session, you’ll head out in small groups to explore different areas of the park using an easy-to-use Tree Census app. Together, we’ll count and record the park’s diverse trees, contributing valuable data to support urban forestry and the health of our beloved green space.
Come ready to learn, explore, and make a lasting impact on Fort Tryon Park’s natural future!

On this Day: Park Dedication
2025-10-12
On This Day: Fort Tryon Park Dedicated – October 12, 1935
On October 12, 1935, Fort Tryon Park was officially dedicated to the public in a ceremony attended by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. and New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. Rockefeller, who had gifted the land to the city in 1931, played a pivotal role in the park’s creation, funding its development and commissioning the Olmsted Brothers to design the landscape.
The dedication marked the transformation of a once-private estate into a public haven, offering New Yorkers access to beautifully designed gardens, rolling lawns, and scenic vistas overlooking the Hudson River. In his dedication speech, Rockefeller emphasized the importance of preserving such spaces for public enjoyment and the enrichment of urban life.
Today, Fort Tryon Park remains a cherished green space in Upper Manhattan, providing visitors with a tranquil retreat and a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Broadway Beautification
2025-10-11 10:00 - 13:00
Join the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy 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 john.kelly@parks.nyc.gov 2 weeks in advance.
Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Beautification 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 Conservancy supports these volunteer opportunities by underwriting tools, horticultural supplies, and NYC Parks staffing to oversee projects.

World Mental Health Day
2025-10-10
Celebrate World Mental Health Day at Fort Tryon Park! 🌿🧘‍♀️
On World Mental Health Day, take a moment to recharge and reconnect with nature at Fort Tryon Park. The beauty and tranquility of the park offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re walking along the peaceful trails, practicing mindfulness by the Hudson River, or simply enjoying the calming sounds of nature, the park is a sanctuary for mental well-being.
Remember, taking time for yourself in green spaces is an important way to nurture your mental health. Let’s celebrate the healing power of nature together!

National Walk Your Dog Week
2025-10-06
Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week at Fort Tryon Park! 🐾🌳
Fort Tryon Park is the perfect place to celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week with your furry friend! With its scenic trails, breathtaking views, and spacious paths, the park is ideal for long, relaxing strolls with your dog. Don’t forget to visit Sir William’s Dog Run, the largest dog run in Manhattan, where your pup can stretch their legs, socialize, and enjoy some off-leash fun.
Take this opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, explore the park together, and make new memories with your four-legged companion. Let’s show some love for our pets and our park!

90th Birthday Gala
2025-09-29 19:00 - 21:30 | The Hudson Restaurant, 348 Dyckman Street
Fort Tryon Park Turns 90!
TICKETS ON SALE
Fort Tryon Park Trust, soon to be the Fort Tryon Park Conservancy, is celebrating 90 years of Fort Tryon Park on Monday, September 29 at The Hudson, the beautiful riverfront restaurant on Dyckman Street that looks out on the park.
We invite our passionate park community and friends to this festive evening with very special honorees, music and dancing and much more.
SPONSORSHIPS
Your contributions are vital to support this triple-landmarked historic park that is the uptown backyard for Washington Heights and Inwood and that has played such a special role in people’s life moments. We will celebrate nature, history, and our community. Please see sponsor sheet below if you are interested to become a partner in this special tribute evening.

Special Guest
Brian Lehrer of WNYC FM

Honorees
Ronda Brands – Landscape Award

Richard Dattner – Civic Architecture Award

Carmen De La Rosa – Public Service Award

Martin G. Englisher – Inaugural Dr. Ruth Community Award

MUSICAL GUEST
Latin Grammy Winner Ella Bric

PROGRAM
6:00-7:00PM Sponsor/Honoree Reception
7:00-9:30PM Gala

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

DRESS CODE
Festive

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION
Email development@forttryonparktrust.org for more information

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

We thank our Host Committee!
Jeff Bauml
Adrian Benepe
Nancy Bruning
Richard Dattner
Nobles Crawford
Marty Englisher
Nicholas Esposito
Niall Henry
Nancy Kissinger
Dr. Colleen Koch
Jana La Sorte
Helen Morik
Joseph Pierson
Anne Marie Santoro
Alina Suriel
Dr. Miriam Westheimer

Heather Garden Walking Tour
2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Heather Garden
Saturday September 27th at 11AM | Meet at Margaret Corbin Circle Heather Garden Entrance
Join long-time Fort Tryon Park volunteer and garden enthusiast Madeline Byrne for a guided stroll through the beautiful Heather Garden. Learn about the history, design, and ever-changing plant life that make this unique space the heart of Fort Tryon Park.
Madeline has dedicated countless hours to caring for the Heather Garden and brings a wealth of knowledge about its native and ornamental plantings. Whether you’re a garden lover, history buff, or simply looking to enjoy the blooms, this tour offers a wonderful opportunity to experience one of New York City’s most stunning green spaces.
