In Queens, Forest Park is a public park characterized by woods, trails and large open areas ideal for picnics and sports, along with a carousel, playgrounds and a skate park. The park offers the best of both worlds — the beauty of nature and kid-friendly amenities. A group of environmentalists with the Forest Park Trust works to restore the park’s ecological core, the lungs of the city, one weed at a time.
“I wanted to volunteer because I’m concerned about the environment and Forest Park is my favorite park. I wanted to help restore it and support its health,” says Laura Nuss Caneda, a volunteer with the Forest Park Trust. Her dedication reflects the commitment of many who work to maintain the park’s health and ensure its biodiversity continues for future generations.
The Forest Park Trust, founded in 1998, serves as a major nonprofit partner to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. It organizes restoration volunteer work, particularly focusing on controlling invasive vegetation, planting native species, maintaining trails and keeping the park healthy. “One time, I noticed a little sassafras tree bent over, suffocated by vines. We cut the vines, and it bounced back, and it was really amazing to see that little plant recover,” Nuss Caneda explains. This hands-on work allows volunteers to see the direct impact of their efforts.
“Pulling vines from the roots can be physically taxing. Sometimes we use shovels or tools, like levers, to get the weeds out,” she adds, describing the labor-intensive side of restoration work.
Volunteering at Forest Park has changed Nuss Caneda’s perspective. “Volunteering changed my perception of parks and trees. I now physically see vines that wrap around trees and understand the threat they pose. The forest has made me fall in love with it all over again,” she says. Being part of a team also makes the work rewarding. “It’s inspiring to be around people who have been committed for years and know so much about plant and tree restoration. It’s great to be with people who share the same passion,” she adds.
The volunteers’ efforts help the park serve as a habitat for native species and a vibrant ecosystem for the city. “A healthier forest means more native growth and a better home for wildlife. Animals rely on the trees and nuts here, so keeping the forest native helps all of them thrive,” Nuss Caneda explains.
A typical volunteer day involves hands-on ecological work, from pulling invasive plants and vines to planting new chestnut trees, a species nearly extinct due to a fungal disease. “A typical day involves pulling invasive plants or vines, planting new chestnut trees which were almost extinct due to a fungus, and spreading seeds to help the next generation grow. We also work on unauthorized trails, decompacting soil and putting obstacles in place to prevent further damage,” she says.
Beyond restoring the park, volunteers want the public to understand the impact of everyday actions on nature. “I wish people understood that their behavior in natural areas can really harm the forest. Littering, creating their own trails or trampling saplings can kill plants and hurt the ecosystem,” she adds.
The Trust’s projects place the community at the center, giving locals a chance to actively participate in conservation. Through these efforts, Forest Park remains not only a beautiful recreational area but also a thriving habitat for native species, demonstrating how hands-on community action can preserve urban green spaces for the future.