Our annual Spring Cutback wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our horticulture volunteers and gardeners, who help trim back more than 110,000 plants along our 1.5-mile-long park. Meet High Line volunteer Alfredo Taylor-White, who is participating in Spring Cutback for the third year in a row. This year, he helped lead our Spring Cutback volunteer training as well.

What first drew you to volunteer at the High Line?

It’s a departure from the conventional idea of park.

How would you describe the experience of participating in Spring Cutback to a friend?

It’s like the High Line’s New Year’s celebration. Not quite a harvest, but a jump start to a new season of growth.

What’s it like working with new volunteers?

I see myself in new volunteers, especially their energy and curiosity about how and why the process works. I feel like a teacher with new students.

Describe the Cutback process in one word.

Renewal.

What’s it like seeing the park transform during Cutback?

I feel that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you get while getting your home ready for guests. In this case the guests are not only park visitors, but the ever-changing burst of seasonal colors and textures.

What does the High Line mean to you?

It’s the green New York City oasis that hovers over the concrete jungle. It invites me to relax. I view the city from its unique angle while its flora prompts seasonal changes.

Why do you think the High Line is important to the New York community?

Green spaces are important in an urban setting. Just like a life-giving river, the High Line has brought life along its path.

JOIN US!
If you would like to join our volunteer team, please visit our Volunteer page to learn more and submit an application. Volunteers play a critical role at the High Line, connect with people who share similar values, and get exposed to new opportunities and skills.

Our volunteer program is active year-round. If you have any questions, please contact us at volunteers@thehighline.org.

SUPPORT

TD Bank is the Presenting Green Sponsor of the High Line.

REI is a Supporting Sponsor of the High Line Volunteer Program.

The Volunteer Program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Council, under the leadership of Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.