The heart and spirit of the Westchester County parks system

Every year, thousands of civic-minded individuals, organizations and groups volunteer their time and efforts to contribute making their county parks more enjoyable for the benefit of all Westchester residents.

Each spring thousands of civic-minded individuals, groups and organizations participate in a county-wide clean-up at all parks, trailways, nature centers and golf courses. Local businesses often participate by providing food, raffle prizes or other services for volunteers. For more information call (914) 864-7054.

Since its establishment in the early 1920's the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation has relied on the help of community-spirited volunteers who enjoy being a key element in the stewardship of what has come to be one of the most outstanding park systems in the country.

Volunteers in the Parks

Commonly known as VIPs, Volunteers in the Parks orient visitors to the parks, lead field trips through the nature preserves for local elementary schools, take photographs, help children learn to swim, lead tours of historic sites and help maintain our parks. Our volunteers range in age, speak many different languages and come from all walks of life with a variety of skills, abilities, experiences and interests. But they all have one thing in common: a desire to be involved in protecting and preserving the park system for future generations. Westchester County volunteers enjoy a rewarding learning and work experience and have countless opportunities to develop their interests and utilize their skills.

Westchester County Parks span nearly 18,000 acres with 50 parks including pools, beaches, picnic areas, nature  preserves, recreation trails and golf courses, Muscoot Farm, the county's early 20th century working farm, Playland, Westchester's premier family amusement complex, and the extraordinary Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial. The parks are located in nearly every Westchester municipality, from Yonkers to North Salem and from the Hudson River shore to Long Island Sound. If you live in Westchester, there is a county park practically in your back yard.

Tour Guides

Volunteers have a unique opportunity to learn and then share their knowledge about Westchester's past with visitors at Muscoot Farm. Volunteers can also participate in tours and museum preparation tasks at the newest county park, Merestead.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

• Administrative assistance
• Adopt-a-Park program
• Park ambassadors
• Trail maintenance
• Special event assistants
• Gardening
• Historic interpretation and preservation
• Conducting surveys and evaluations
• Photography
• Computer programming
• Join or support the Vine Cutters group, part of the Bronx River Conservancy.