Getting outside, made easier
We’re spreading the word about our city’s amazing biodiversity and the ways in which New Yorkers can hike and explore forests and wetlands across the five boroughs.
Throughout the year, the Natural Areas Conservancy organizes lectures, tours, and volunteer projects to improve our city’s abundant nature and helps residents experience New York City’s wild side.
Improving trails citywide
Through long-term management and on-the-ground maintenance projects, we’re enhancing New York City’s vast network of trails. Our staff formalizes nature trails to improve access, wayfinding, and navigation for New Yorkers. But we depend on corporate support to make that happen. Learn how you can contribute to our city’s trails through partnership and volunteer opportunities.
Support Our Work
Super Steward Pathkeepers
Super Steward Pathkeepers are advanced, independent volunteers who receive the training, tools, and resources they need to protect and care for an adopted trail in the parks system.
With the support and work of the Pathkeepers, nature trails are properly stewarded and managed, and the overall health of our diverse natural areas is improved across the city.
Get Involved
Tales from the trails
"Where applicable, our trails team uses locally sourced materials such as rock or rot resistant trees such as Black Locust as part of our larger sustainable trail building efforts. We’ve recently expanded our use of upcycling existing resources to put to use materials that would otherwise go to waste."
Read Blog Post(this link opens in new window)
Our partners
We frequently team up with the NYC Parks Stewardship team to organize trail maintenance with our volunteers. And we host many of our events in tandem with local park conservancies like the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Forest Park Trust, and Friends of Pelham Bay Park.
City nonprofits such as the New York City Mountain Bike Association and various nature clubs are also regular collaborators.
Trail Design Guidelines
The Natural Areas Conservancy’s Trail Design Guidelines were developed to guide and support the work of New York City trail practitioners. This resource includes in-depth information on trail structures and construction best practices.
Download Guidelines(this link opens in new window)Upcoming events
We invite you to explore NYC’s 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Through guided nature tours, lectures, discussion panels, and volunteer opportunities, you can take a step closer to natural areas.
Related Understories
Support New York City nature by giving today
Your contribution will support our efforts to formalize NYC’s 300 miles of trails.
Give Today