Volunteers Help with Stewardship Projects and Attend Educational Demonstrations to Celebrate New York Wildlife

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 2 invites volunteers to join in  'Wildlife Day' on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at St. Francis Woodlands in Staten Island and Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens. 

Wildlife Day provides a perfect opportunity to participate in wildlife conservation service projects and educational workshops across the state, celebrating New York's diverse wildlife and habitats. The event, hosted in partnership with Parks and Trails New York, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, is part of the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days Campaign - an effort to encourage year-round stewardship and highlight the State’s outdoor recreation assets by offering a series of themed stewardship days throughout the year.  

Volunteer registration is currently open for Wildlife Day. New Yorkers are encouraged to join their community in a cleanup, enhancement, or educational event near them.   

DEC Region 2 is hosting the following volunteer and educational opportunities for the public to participate in: 

Francis Woodlands

Date: Oct. 4, 2025 

Time: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: We will be meeting at the Kiosk in the southern parking lot, located at 23 Cliffwood Ave, Staten Island, NY 10304. 

Contact: Ian Cleary, ian.cleary@dec.ny.gov 

Project: Join us for a morning of giving back to the forest that gives so much to us. We’ll roll up our sleeves for some stewardship work, then enjoy a guided hike along the accessible boardwalk to learn how New York City’s urban forests keep our air clean, our streets cool, and our wildlife thriving. All are welcome - no experience necessary. Come for some or come for all and leave with a deeper connection to the city’s wild spaces. 

What to bring: Close-toed shoes, water bottles, and appropriate clothing to work outside and hike. 

Additional information: The educational hike will take place along the accessible boardwalk and will take 45 min - 1 hour to complete. 

Appropriate for ages 13 and up. Register at Parks & Trails NY 

Gantry Plaza State Park, Pier 4 – in partnership with State Parks 

Date: Oct. 4, 2025 

Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

Location: Gantry Plaza State Park, Pier 4, Long Island City, NY 11101 

Contact: Email fwfish2@dec.ny.gov for more event information and weather-related updates 

Programming: Join DEC and State Parks for a free fishing clinic and stewardship event for Wildlife Day at Gantry Plaza State Park, Pier 4. During this special event, participants can join in a 2-part program. Learn how to fish with the DEC and help the State Parks community science program survey for eels and assess water quality of the East River (State Parks programming begins at 2 p.m.). During the fishing clinic, all gear and bait will be provided, and no fishing license is required to participate. There is no registration required for this FREE event, but it is first come, first served as space is limited. 

All ages welcome. Registration not required for this event.