The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park (FVCP) was founded in 1992 in response to dramatic cuts in the City's Parks and Recreation budget that created a growing need for community stewardship and private sector funding. FVCP works to provide ongoing high-quality education and stewardship programs along with identifying community needs and working with residents to improve park conditions.

The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park have grown to become Van Cortlandt Parks' primary free educational organization-- developing educational and stewardship programs for over 4,300 children and adults each year. During 2011, FVCP have had several accomplishments:
• Secured funding to hire the New York- New Jersey Trails Conference to install 52 stone steps and 2 stone water diversions on the John Muir Trail.
• Recruited more than 2,000 volunteers to help us complete forest and trail restoration projects and work in our Compost/Garden Site.
• Continued our free educational programs for over 1,300 NYC students.
• Continued working with volunteers at our 400 square foot garden allowing us to donate hundreds of pounds of vegetables to local food pantries.