Resolve this Paradox

February 19, 2011 7:35 AM

Resolve this paradox! I'd like to combine the following: volunteering, nature&fresh air, and the New York City environs. Suggestions?

I'm feeling oppressed by the the relentless concrete and abysmal air quality in NYC.
I'd also like to volunteer. In nature.

How can I combine the desire to both experience the beauty of nature and to volunteer? Planting succotash on Staten Island? Tagging falcons in the Cloisters? Performing amateur tree surgery in Prospect Park? Bonus points for Brooklyn area suggestions.

posted by enzymatic to sports, hobbies, & recreation (10 answers total)

Here's the NYC Parks Department volunteer page.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:39 AM on February 19, 2011

NYC Dept. of Parks & Rec. has a calendar that includes volunteer opportunities.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:40 AM on February 19, 2011

New York Cares has a category of Environment projects- you might sign up to be a volunteer, you can pick and choose events that will appeal to you.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:42 AM on February 19, 2011

Baboons, baby-snatchers, bagpipers and bald-headed budgerigars, Admiral Haddock! You've jinxed us!

Congrats on your promotion, by the way.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:43 AM on February 19, 2011

Added Value runs the community farm by Ikea in Red Hook and a farm on Governers Island, and says that they welcome volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays.
posted by EmilyFlew at 7:51 AM on February 19, 2011 [1 favorite]

I've volunteered with Friends of Van Courtlandt park doing some tree planting and brush clearing. It was a lot of fun and there was always an interesting mix of people.
posted by sciencegeek at 8:14 AM on February 19, 2011 [1 favorite]

Dog walker services.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:33 AM on February 19, 2011

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
posted by Iris Gambol at 11:01 AM on February 19, 2011

I'd look and see if there are any community garden/urban farming projects going on in your area... and if there aren't, there are probably organizations around that could help you get something going in your neighborhood.
posted by naturalog at 4:59 PM on February 19, 2011

Volunteer at the central park zoo, or with the central park conservatory.
posted by lab.beetle at 7:54 PM on February 19, 2011