Woodlands Youth Crew

The Woodlands Youth Crew is a group community service program that provides the opportunity for middle and high school-aged groups to participate in the restoration and maintenance of two of Central Park's woodlands:

The Ramble
A 38-acre "wild garden" (in Olmsted's words) with rocky outcrops, secluded glades, and meandering pathways.

The North Woods
A 95-acre forest designed in the image of the Adirondack forest with crystal streams, tumbling cascades, and the remnants of fortifications from the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

Led by environmental educators, each session begins with a brief history of Central Park and the Conservancy, and a lesson in forest ecology and invasive species. After a tool safety demonstration, students spend the remainder of the time doing some hands-on ecological restoration. Projects include invasive species removal, native species planting and the maintenance of trails and pathways. Students should dress to get dirty and wear only boots or sneakers (no open-toed shoes or slip-ons). Gloves and tools are provided but each student is encouraged to bring a bottle of water.

Registration required at least two weeks in advance and each group is limited to two sessions per school year.

Spring Sessions: April - June, registration beginning in December

Fall Sessions: September - October, registration beginning in June

• Days: Tuesday and Thursday
• Time: One two-hour session available per day
• Grades: 7 – 12
• Size: 5 – 15 students with at least one adult chaperone

For more information or to register a group, please call 212-360-1439 or e-mail .

Woodlands Youth Education Programs: ROOTS, Saturday ROOTS, and Woodlands Youth Crew are sponsored by The Heckscher Foundation for Children.