Central Park Celebrates Spring with special events on March 20, the first day of the season! Start your morning off in the dirt, or settle in by the Meer for catch-and-release fishing .

SCHEDULE

9am — Volunteer Drive
Help prepare the Park for spring! Groups take part in a weeding project in Central Park’s north end. Can’t make it for this project? Stop by any visitor center or information kiosk to learn about other ways to get involved throughout the year. Weather permitting, advance registration required.

10am — Birding Basics: The Ramble
Central Park welcomes more than 270 migrating bird species each year. Prepare for peak migration season with a free tour of the Ramble and learn the basics of bird identification along the way. Advance registration recommended. Walk-ups welcome. First-come, first-served.

11am — Fishing at the Harlem Meer
Stop by the Dana Discovery Center for catch-and-release fishing on the Harlem Meer. Fishing poles, bait, and instructions are provided. Weather permitting, no registration required.

2pm — Stroll to Strawberry Fields — Dogs Welcome!
Bring  furry friends for an exploration of Central Park’s southwest corner. From a planned military parade ground to the site commemorating John Lennon, some of the most-visited spots in the Park have secrets to share with even seasoned Park-goers. Advance registration recommended. Walk-ups welcome. First-come, first-served.

3pm — Chess Strategies and Tips
Free chess talk and open play time at Chess & Checkers House. Chess expert Ed Feldman shares tips and techniques, and then sticks around to answer questions and give advice during open play. No registration required.

All-day events:

• Pop-up readings on Literary Walk
• Learn more about Volunteer opportunities at any visitor center or information kiosk
• Stop by the Dana Discovery Center, Chess & Checkers House, or North Meadow Recreation Center to Pitch in, Pick up, and help keep the Park clean