By Lisa Kava
Riverside Park Conservancy will be hosting Leaf Lift, an annual fall cleanup event, this Saturday, November 19th from 10am – 1pm, at two different locations in Riverside Park. Volunteers are needed and must register in advance for both locations: one by Dinosaur Playground ( at 99th Street), the other in Sakura Park (at 122nd Street.)
Leaf Lift is a great way to get involved in a neighborhood community project, while clearing leaves that have fallen on pathways in Riverside Park. According to a press release from the Conservancy many of these leaves clog storm drains by the end of the fall season. After the leaves are cleared, they will be composted and turned into mulch to be used throughout Riverside Park.
“We’re looking forward to a successful Saturday of volunteerism,” Merritt Birnbaum, President and CEO of Riverside Park Conservancy said in the press release. “Not only will we make our paths and walkways easier to use, but we’ll also be giving back to the earth by composting all of the collected leaves.” The Conservancy hopes that families and children will join the cleanup effort.
If you would like to volunteer for Leaf Lift, click on the link of your preferred location (Dinosaur Playground or Sakura Park.) The links will lead you to an Eventbrite sheet where you can reserve a spot.
Unfortunately, with the current situation regarding drug use in public spaces and the number of syringes found in city parks, playgrounds , streets and public transportation, I consider it irresponsible to expose children to such a risk, for the mere fact of wanting to generate community awareness. and solidarity.