Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to host 'friend-raiser' in Manhattan with Christian Cooper and Lily Taylor

Stephanie Ehrlich, executive director of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, described a "friend-raiser" event in Manhattan intended to attract new visitors to Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx. Ehrlich said the event will feature author and birder Christian Cooper and actress-author Lily Taylor, who will read from their books and discuss birding and nature.

Ehrlich gave logistics for the event: it will be held at PT Knitwear, 180 Orchard Street in Manhattan, on Tuesday, Sept. 15; doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. She said a $10 ticket helps the Alliance cover event costs. "We're getting out of The Bronx," Ehrlich said, explaining the Alliance's strategy of meeting audiences where they live in order to invite them to visit the park.

Ehrlich highlighted Van Cortlandt Park’s birding programs, including walks for elementary students led by Cooper, and framed the event as an opportunity to connect people to nature and to the park’s broader calendar of programs.