Transforming the lives of New Yorkers with nature and outdoor adventure, and empowering underserved young people and their communities.
We help people connect with their natural environment and community, improve their well-being and experience what they achieve when they work together.We also provide underserved young adults with jobs, training, mentorship and career development.
Every New Yorker thriving in an active and resilient community, and a healthy and sustainable environment.
They provide reduced stress, improved academic performance, personal and leadership development, positive self-esteem, lifelong resourcefulness and grit, better social and emotional skills, increased cooperation and conflict resolution.They are also a powerful tool for sparking interest in STEM and sustainability careers.
Wild City offers nature, outdoor adventure and STEM programs free of charge for underserved young people and families who would otherwise miss out.
By partnering with youth groups, schools, government, foundations, businesses and passionate volunteers, we’re able to significantly scale our impact.
We’ll work closely with schools, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Police Athletic Leagues, Explorer groups and the City’s foster care system to provide experiences for their young people and families.
Our budget for programs will come from individual donations, grants, in-kind donations, several paid programs that help us pay for our free programs, and a community of passionate volunteers.
We’re making it easier than ever for New Yorkers to explore the wild side of their city. It’s time NYC is recognized for it’s amazing wild side.
See upcoming free and low-cost outdoor and nature programs near you.
Adventure Programs
The va’a, or Polynesian outrigger canoe, is a highly seaworthy vessel in use for over 5000 years. Outrigger canoeing encompasses a rich culture emphasizing Aloha (love, peace, compassion and kindness), Ohana (community), teamwork and sharing, and thus a perfect choice for Wild City NY’s mission. We’ll paddle in Jamaica Bay, a protected bay with wildlife preserves and islands to explore, and beyond when weather and crew ability permit.
Walk the coasts and parks of Jamaica Bay with free binoculars and explore and learn about an abundance of wildlife including ospreys, eagles, hawks, songbirds, shorebirds, seabirds, seals, horseshoe crabs, terrapins, fish, opossums and other wildlife, as well as varied trees, plants and shrubs.
Hike and run with big sky views, coastal wetlands and fresh ocean air.
Come explore the big open views of the Brooklyn Greenway bike path running around Brooklyn and Jamaica Bay, and other locations.
Camp under the stars with free loaner camping gear. Learn how to be comfortable, safe and have a great time.
Hands-on Learning and Skills
Come join us for classes on Native Wildlife, How to Get Started Exploring the Outdoors, Bicycling, Gardening, Composting, Birdwatching, First Aid and CPR, Renewable Energy & Sustainability, and Monitoring and Preventing Pollution.
Experience and learn about growing food and herbs, native planting, planting for wildlife including pollinators and composting.
Equipped with microscopes and slide kits, astronomy telescopes, and displays on local plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, marine life and mammals. We're planning classes on Native Wildlife, Our Microscopic World, Drawing Nature, Planting for Wildlife, Building a Birdhouse and Native Bee Shelter and other classes.
Monitor, record and share air pollution and water quality data to safeguard your community and local ecosystem.
Learn about renewable energy and sustainability with our working solar, wind and hydro energy generators, and displays on best sustainable practices.
By partnering with community groups, foundations, businesses and passionate volunteers, we bring the health and life benefits of outdoor recreation and nature to underserved communities and all New Yorkers.
Transform lives with the power of nature, outdoor adventure, teamwork and community.
We’ll be offering outdoor adventure, nature and STEM programs completely free of charge for students and families who otherwise would miss out. Our budget for these programs will come from individual donations, foundation grants, in-kind donations, several paid programs that help us pay for our free programs, and a community of members and volunteers who share their expertise and time.We deeply value and appreciate supporters of all kinds, who share what they can, help us spread the word, and advocate for educational opportunity and our environment.
When you give, you’re a member of our community, with a direct impact on the lives of New Yorkers, including children, young adults and their families. We will work to be as resourceful and efficient as possible so that you know your donation will have a considerable and meaningful impact.
Our outdoor recreation and nature, environmental and sustainability programs would not be possible without the support of generous corporate donors and local businesses.If you’re interested in having a big impact on youth and families from underserved communities, there are multiple ways to support our mission. Please contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
We welcome and sincerely appreciate your kind donation to grow our programming and community.
Volunteering with us is fun, deeply rewarding and a great way to meet like-minded friends passionate about nature, outdoor recreation, education, protecting our environment and building community.We welcome all volunteer help, from regular volunteers to one-time efforts. Every bit helps. We have three primary volunteer roles:
HQ Volunteers - assist with vital planning, fundraising, partner outreach, securing equipment and special events. Remote volunteer positions are available for many of these functions.
Trip Leaders and Class Instructor Volunteers - lead or assist with our outdoor programs and classes.
Center Volunteers - help design and run our Garden, Composting Corner, Nature Center, Citizen Science Environmental Lab, Sustainability & Renewable Energy Hut.
**Interested in joining our community of volunteers? **
Please contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
We welcome and sincerely appreciate your pro bono and in-kind donation.
Don't miss out! Sign up below to be notified when classes and trips open up.
Let's discover our Wild City together.🙞 Which programs are you most interested in? 🙝
🙞 Are there any other activities you’d like to see? 🙝We'd love to hear from you.
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You should receive an email from us shortly.Please reply and let us know how you heard about us and which programs most interest you.Your feedback has direct impact on our programs and development. Thank you.
Hello fellow New Yorker,It’s great to hear from you. Your feedback has a direct impact on our programs and development.We’ll be in touch shortly (usually within 48 hours).In the meantime, so our reply doesn’t land in your spam folder, please whitelist our domain "mywildcity.org" with your email provider.You can find out how to do this here.Thank you for keeping NYC Wild.Best,
