KEEPING ONE OF NEW YORK’S MOST FAMOUS LANDMARKS BEAUTIFUL

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Wei Qiang Liu. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Wei Qiang Liu isn’t originally from New York, but the Hong Kong native has found a home in Central Park. Since moving to the city, Wei has found comfort visiting New York’s beloved 843-acre park with his wife. While strolling in the park with her, he was inspired to jump in as a volunteer. Since June of 2025, Wei has volunteered with the Central Park Conservancy, an organization whose mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from the pace and pressures of city life, enhancing the enjoyment and well-being of all. In just the last year, Wei has contributed over 100 hours as a Landscape Management Volunteer, as well as participating in various additional horticultural projects. From removing weeds and invasive plants to putting down new bulbs before the start of spring, Wei puts forth a positive attitude with every single shift he volunteers for. English isn’t Wei’s first language, which can be particularly intimidating.

However, Wei is always eager to learn from the other volunteers and improve his skills, and says he’s learning so much as he goes. In fact, Wei praises all the great people he’s met while volunteering, and mentions that they’re all much more qualified than he is, referring to them as his role models.

For an organization that greatly relies on its 4500 volunteers to keep Central Park shining for its 42 million annual visitors, the Conservancy makes it clear that Wei is a standout whose genuine enthusiasm is a shining beacon of example. Combining a dedicated work ethic with a true appreciation for the park, Wei is a powerful testament to the true spirit of service. His decision to put himself out there and participate in service is something anyone can do if they find that same spark of willingness.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

Both my wife Anna and I were so curious while walking in the park. There are so many volunteers here and there, working so dedicatedly to improve the space. We really appreciate their hard work and the warm-hearted volunteers. They inspired us with their actions. It’s a pleasure and honor to be part of them. I started last June, and now I realize, compared with other volunteers, like those who have volunteered for over 30 years, I am just a baby.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the Central Park Conservancy.

My volunteer role is horticulture, gardening, removing weeds in the summer, planting tulips at the beginning of the winter, removing leaves in the fall and cleaning ice and snow in the playground and sidewalks in the winter. I may not know all the English names of the plants and tools we use, but I’m just following instructions and putting all my heart into it. If I cannot make it one day, I will make it up another day. As committed as I am, I position myself as a follower, a facilitator, a co-worker and mostly a learner. I really enjoy my role.

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization?

I truly wish I could someday celebrate my 30th volunteer anniversary with the Central Park Conservancy like Fern, with whom I had a long chat the other day. We were working at the same time to remove lesser celandine, an invasive plant, and she’s almost my mom’s age. She’s optimistic, positive, healthy, friendly and full of sympathy.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

There’s so much that is rewarding. You’re a change maker. The visitors’ satisfaction and learning new things. Every time I work, I explore new parts of the park. The Conservancy’s volunteer Christmas party and annual receptions are great and have awesome food!

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

I’m still learning! But I’ve learned the names of all sorts of weeds and tools. Also, I’ve learned a lot through the atmosphere and chemistry of volunteering by wishing each other good. The volunteers’ words and their behavior and their ways of thinking and their hearts.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Volunteering is sharing your love with the world, for people you may know, and then people you may not know. It’s being a role model for your kids and for the next generation. You’re sharing what you have and what you want to be. It is a mental and physical practice and experience that connects us more closely to the natural earth mother in the city.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

The Central Park Conservancy has a great volunteering system. I have enrolled in the Weekly Landscape Management Volunteering Program, and there is also the flexible program, corporate program and school program. Over the weekend, there are family programs where children volunteer with their parents, and teen programs to let youth practice independence, curiosity, raise awareness of social responsibility and do hands-on work. Central Park is a perfect platform that fits all kinds of people.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

It’s all about give and take, and by volunteering, we are giving. We are helping other people live a better life. Being an individual success while facilitating others’ success is amazing. If we can be part of other people’s success, that is a wonderful thing.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Wei? Find local volunteer opportunities.