local links

This is a collection of local links with some relation to environmental education in and around New York City. To submit a link for our consideration, contact us with your organization name, a short paragraph description, web address, and your contact information.

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Historical Archive of Past Local Links


Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC)

“The Alley Pond Environmental Center For A Living – Learning Experience In Environmental Education In New York City. …[Their] nature trails traverse ponds, salt marshes, forests and meadows where visitors will see shore birds, migrating flocks, and a variety of small animals. Or, visitors can attend one of APEC’s many nature oriented programs for children and adults. APEC is dedicated to establishing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment and to preserving nature in an urban setting.”

alleypond.com

American Museum of Natural History

“… [Its] mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.”

amnh.org


Black Rock Forest

“Black Rock Forest Consortium is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with a mission of advancing scientific understanding of the natural world through research, education, and conservation programs.
“Black Rock Forest is a living laboratory for field-based research and education, encompassing native terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that are increasingly rare in the region.”

blackrockforest.org

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ)

“The Bronx Council for Environmental Quality seeks to establish — as an Inherent Human Right — a sound, forward-looking environmental policy regarding an aesthetic, unpolluted, environment protecting a natural and historic heritage.”

bceq.org

Bronx River Alliance

“The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river and works in harmonious partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor so that it can be a healthy ecological, recreational, educational and economic resource for the communities through which the river flows.”

bronxriver.org

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

“Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has worked for over 30 years to bring Brooklyn Bridge Park to life. We started out as grassroots advocates, bringing together residents, government, and local supporters to transform an abandoned waterfront into the park you see today. Now an essential supporter, the Conservancy works in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park to ensure the Park reaches its full potential as a dynamic and vibrant public space for all of Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond. The Conservancy produces diverse and innovative programming for Park visitors and cultivates volunteer and philanthropic support of this special place on the Brooklyn Waterfront. …
“… The Conservancy’s Environmental Education program served over 20,000 visitors through Open Hours at the Ed Center and school programs in Brooklyn Bridge Park.”

brooklynbridgepark.org


Central Park Conservancy

“… Healthy cities need parks, and parks need management. As the world leader in urban park management, the Conservancy is uniquely positioned to teach what we have learned to park users and managers in order to develop respect and responsibility for urban parks, both locally and globally. …”

centralparknyc.org

City Parks Foundation

“City Parks Foundation makes parks vibrant centers of community through sports, arts, community building, and environmental education programs for New Yorkers across all five boroughs.”

cityparksfoundation.org

CityScience

“CityScience raises the quality of STEM education and supports environmental stewardship by using the natural and built environments of cities as laboratories for active learning.”

cityscience.org

Cornell Cooperative Extension

“Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.”

cce.cornell.edu

CountyOffice.Org

“County Office is your quick reference guide for accurate, up-to-date information about all government offices and public records sources in your local area.”

countyoffice.org


Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

“Three stories up in the air, the power of an idea and fresh food is growing! The Eagle Street Rooftop Farm is an internationally acclaimed greenroof and commercially operated vegetable farm atop a three story warehouse in Brooklyn, New York.
“On the shoreline of the East River and with a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm is a 6,000 square foot green roof organic vegetable farm located atop a warehouse rooftop owned by Broadway Stages in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.”

rooftopfarms.org

Earth and Peace Education International

“… [globalepe.org is] a meeting place in cyberspace organized by Earth and Peace Education International (EPE). Founded in 1992, EPE’s educational activities aim to promote our global community’s transition towards a culture whose institutions and norms are based on ecological sustainability, nonviolence, social justice, intergenerational equity and participatory decision-making. You are invited to join the global network of educators and citizen-learners who seek to achieve these goals.”

globalepe.org

EnvironmentalScience.org

“Environmental science is the study of the effects of natural and unnatural processes, and of interactions of the physical components of the planet on the environment.
“EnvironmentalScience.org is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about starting your career as an Environmental Scientist.”

environmentalscience.org

EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Education

Environmental Education (EE)
“This website [epa.gov/education] provides information about EPA activities and programs that support environmental education, including professional development, youth and educator recognition, and grants. Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or problems. In doing so, it provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action.”

epa.gov/education

Explorable Places

“The world is an incredible, awe-inspiring place. For decades, people have been finding the best of that and making it accessible. As families and educators, it is our duty to help children discover these things.
“Explorable Places helps parents and teachers find great learning experiences outside the classroom. Search our list of places by subject, activity, age or price to find just what you are looking for.”

explorableplaces.com


Gateway National Recreation Area

“Gateway is a large diverse urban park with 27,000 acres spanning Sandy Hook in N.J. and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in N.Y. It offers green spaces, beaches, wildlife and outdoor recreation, all alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. It is the 4th most visited National Park Service unit with more than 9.2 million annual visitors.
“Connecting Students to Nature and History—Every year, thousands of students and their teachers from New York and New Jersey experience the wonders of Gateway National Recreation Area – you can be one of them! Use this website to plan your Field Trip, explore Youth Camping at Gateway, learn about Professional Development opportunities, and discover additional Resources for teachers.”

nps.gov/gate
nps.gov (National Park Service)

Go Green Brooklyn

“[Go Green Brooklyn’s] mission is to increase participation in environmental programs and make Greenpoint a better place to live. We aim to make Go Green Brooklyn the go-to destination for local environmental news, events and opportunities demonstrating how easy it is [to] get involved within your community and make an impact.”

gogreenbk.org

Green Map

“Maps and Projects that Engage and Activate Communities”
“Green Maps guide everyone to a more hopeful, vibrant, healthy, beautiful, sustainable world.”
“Change perspectives in your community! Join hundreds of local Green Mapmakers in 65 countries who are already producing powerful maps and projects using our award-winning icons, tools and mapping platform!”

greenmap.org

Growing Chefs

“Food Education From Field To Fork”

“Growing Chefs was founded in 2005 as a way to connect people to food, from the soil to the kitchen. By offering educational programming in farming, gardening, and with simple recipes using seasonal ingredients, Growing Chefs stays true to its simple philosophy: broccoli is not boring!”

growingchefs.org

Old link: https://growingchefs.blogspot.com (until 2/25/2008)
“Food Education From Field To Fork! Recipes, Adventures, Plants Worth Knowing.”

GrowNYC

“[GrowNYC’s] mission is to improve New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

“GrowNYC was originally created in 1970 as the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC). Born out of the spirit of the first Earth Day, CENYC was initially a policy-based organization, writing comprehensive reports about quality of life issues like air quality, traffic, and noise. Our city has changed a lot since then and so have we. As the largest and most established environmental organization in NYC, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in helping New York City transform over the past five decades. Today 3 million New Yorkers each year participate in our programs.”

grownyc.org

Old link cenyc.org redirects to above link.

Guide to Nature’s Classroom for Students

“Sometimes it can be hard for students to get outdoors and learn about nature, especially if they live in a big city or they simply don’t have access to parks and recreation areas. … Most students learn in science and biology how to identify certain types of insects, leaves or birds. When they do not have access to nature that provides these living things for exploration, they can turn to their computers for help in learning how to identify different kinds of species.”

greycampus.com/guide-to-nature-classroom-for-students


Horticultural Society of New York (The Hort)

“The mission of the Horticultural Society of New York (The Hort) is to sustain the vital connection between people and plants. Our social service and public programs educate and inspire, growing a broad community that values horticulture for the many benefits it brings to our environment, our neighborhoods, and our lives.”

thehort.org

Hudson River Park Trust

“Hudson River Park Trust is a partnership between New York State and City charged with the design, construction and operation of the four-mile Hudson River Park.
“Hudson River Park is the largest open space project to undergo construction in Manhattan since the completion of Central Park. [It’s] the longest riverfront park in the United States, has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots along Manhattan’s West side into a beloved, urban recreational paradise. Attracting 17 million visits each year, the Park offers a myriad of recreational and educational activities for local residents and visitors alike, and plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River environment itself.”

hudsonriverpark.org


Institute for Humane Education

“Institute for Humane Education (IHE) educates people to create a world in which all humans, animals, and nature can thrive.”
To achieve this mission, IHE offers the following: Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Humane Education, Center for Solutionary† Change, and High Impact Outreach.
†”Solutionary: a person who is able to identify inhumane and unsustainable systems and then develop solutions that are healthy and just for people, animals, and the environment.”

humaneeducation.org


James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center

“James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center (JBOLC) strives for inquiry and project-based solutions at the juncture of food, environmental and social justice.
“Our organization utilizes existing and planned school resources, grounds and gardens on the DeWitt Clinton High School Campus in the Bronx (NYC) to develop programs in outdoor environmental education for sustainable living and food preparation/service.
“Our goal is to build a healthier community by integrating, educating and serving students and community members, especially low income and marginalized people, in collaboration with numerous partner organizations with common interests.”

jamesbaldwinoutdoorlearningcenter.org


Leave It Better

“Often when we we hear about the environment, we hear about the massive problems—oil spills, contaminated air, toxic runoff in waters. These types of stories are important because they bring about awareness of vital problems. But if we only hear the problems, we become apathetic and despondent. We stop believing that we can have a positive impact.
“As we look around us, we realize that there are a lot [of] inspiring people taking direct action to heal our environment. As humans, let’s see ourselves as being able to play a positive role in the planet’s ecology.
“Our role is to shine a bright light on those growing and buidling an active and healthy world.”

leaveitbetter.com


National Parks of New York Harbor

“… There Are 11 National Park Sites Around The New York Harbor. These 11 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today. From the birth of American democracy to the evolution of commerce, harbor defense, ecology and immigration, the breadth of themes commemorated through the National Parks of New York Harbor reflect the richness and diversity of our heritage.”

nps.gov/npnh
nps.gov (National Park Service)

Nature’s Turn

“Nature’s Turn focuses awareness on earth and sky in urban, suburban & rural environments. Through guided walks, hands-on science and arts workshops, gardening and writing, we arouse the sense of wonder—the wellspring of interdisciplinary learning. Students of all ages are encouraged to experience personal contact with the living world and interact with the architecture of built environments. Earth stewardship and sustainable living are integral to our teaching. Our programs promote hands-on, inquiry-based, creative science learning, with the goal of nurturing the whole person—mind, body, emotion. Nature’s Turn offers indoor versions of most outdoor programs, bringing the enlightenment of direct contact with nature to all audiences.”

naturesturn.org

New York Academy of Science

“For 200 years—since 1817—the Academy has brought together extraordinary people working at the frontiers of discovery. Among the oldest scientific organizations in the United States, it has become not only an enduring cultural institution in New York, but also one of the most significant organizations in the global scientific community.”

nyas.org

New York Botanical Garden

“The New York Botanical Garden is an iconic living museum, a major educational institution, and a renowned plant research and conservation organization. Founded in 1891 and now a National Historic Landmark, it is one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world and the largest in any city in the United States, distinguished by the beauty of its diverse landscape and extensive collections and gardens, as well as by the scope and excellence of its multidisciplinary exhibitions and programs.”

nybg.org

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

DEP’s mission is “to enrich the environment and protect public health for all New Yorkers by providing high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution.”

nyc.gov/dep

New York Museum of Water

“The Museum is an outreach educational institute. We collect and bring to life the literatures on topics treating the relationship of humans and water in our environments in a historical perspective. We reach out to our visitors, to tell the comprehensive, accessible and engaging untold story of humans and water.”

nymw.org

New York Restoration Project

“Nature is a fundamental right of every New Yorker. NYRP partners with local communities, public agencies, and the private sector to acquire, create, maintain, and program public open spaces. Our sustained partnership with communities promotes strong social ties and collective action.”

nyrp.org

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

“[The DEC] was created on July 1, 1970 to combine in a single agency all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment.”
DEC’s mission is “to conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being.”
“DEC’s goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.”

dec.ny.gov

New York Sun Works

“NY Sun Works is a non-profit organization that builds innovative science labs in urban schools. Through our Greenhouse Project Initiative we use hydroponic farming technology to educate students and teachers about the science of sustainability.”

nysunworks.org

NYU Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban Environmental Education and Sustainability

“The Wallerstein Collaborative For Urban Environmental Education was established in 2000 in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University to promote environmental literacy and sustainability by working with educators in K-12 classroom settings, graduate students, and faculty in colleges and universities.”

steinhardt.nyu.edu/wallerstein


Prospect Park Audubon Center

“Prospect Park Alliance offers free public programming that allows park visitors of all ages to explore the diversity of nature in Prospect Park at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. This first urban-area Audubon Center in the nation is the result of a partnership forged in 2000 between the Prospect Park Alliance and Audubon New York, the state office for National Audubon Society.”

prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/places-to-go/audubon-center


Riverside Park Conservancy

Riverside Park Conservancy, since 2012.
Riverside Park Fund, 1986-2012.
“Riverside Park Conservancy is the non-profit support organization for Riverside Park. Community groups with specific interests have found a common voice in the Conservancy; …
“The mission of the Riverside Park Conservancy is to restore, maintain, and improve Riverside Park in partnership with the City of New York [Parks Department] for the enjoyment and benefit of all New Yorkers. We support the preservation of the park’s historic landscape, structures, and monuments, engage the community in active stewardship of the park, and provide a wide range of public programs.
“From 59th Street to 181st Street, from riverfront to city-side we work to enhance this Olmsted gem for present and future generations. Whatever it needs, Riverside Park Conservancy is by its side. Think of us as its gardener. Its advocate. Its sustainability manager. Its art curator. Its historian. Its visionary. And its guardian.”

riversideparknyc.org


Solar One

“Solar One is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to design and deliver innovative education, training, and technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resiliency in diverse urban environments.
“Solar One is New York City’s Green Energy Education Center. Originally founded in 2004 to manage Stuyvesant Cove Park and a small environmental education center, Solar One quickly grew into an award-winning organization with a thriving array of programs promoting urban sustainability and education. Solar One’s programs reach all five boroughs.”

solar1.org

Sprout Up NYC

Sprout Up NYC’s mission is “to motivate and inspire young children to become passionate caretakers of the earth. In doing so, we hope to inspire a love of learning and of the natural world in our students, all at no cost to schools.”

facebook.com/SproutUpNYC

Stuyvesant Cove Park Association

‘The Stuyvesant Cove Park Association, Inc. (SCPA) was established [with] a mission “to support the development of a park along the East River and to attract people to the waterfront for education and entertainment”‘
“Stuyvesant Cove Park, stretching from 18th to 23rd Streets along the East River, was dedicated in June 2003 with financing from state, city and federal sources.
“The SCPA is committed to bringing people of all ages to the park and presents free programming open to all during the summer season. The SCPA has also provided financial support to Solar One, the organization contracted to manage and maintain the park.”

stuyvesantcove.org

Sustainable Summer

“Sustainable Summer is an environmental leadership program for high school students. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders through transformative summer experiences.”

sustainablesummer.org


Teacher Environmental Education Preparation (TEEP)

“The Teacher Environmental Education Preparation (TEEP) program was established in the fall of 1999 as a partnership between GrowNYC, Environmental Education Advisory Council (EEAC) , and the Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban Environmental Education at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. TEEP is a network of university faculty and environmental professionals working together to bring about increased opportunities for environmental education in pre-service teacher education.”

See TEEP under EEAC’s EEPF – Environmental Education Projects Forum — “The Forum”.

Teatown

“Teatown is a nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center in the Lower Hudson Valley, with 15 miles of hiking trails, a two-acre island refuge for over 230 species of native wildflowers, year-round programming, wildlife exhibits, and natural science day camps in the summer and school breaks.”

teatown.org

Terrapin Environmental Solutions

“Terrapin Environmental Solutions provides hands on, environmental education programs for K-12 students and action-oriented professional development for teachers.  Because we focus on student-driven discovery, we improve students’ cognitive development, self-esteem, social connections, nature connectedness, and overall competence. We empower teachers to achieve greater classroom success by showing them how to include outdoor, environmental education in their teaching.”

terrapinenvironmental.com

Trees New York

“Trees New York’s mission is to plant, preserve and protect New York City’s urban forest through education and community participation.
“Trees New York was founded in 1976 as a volunteer response to New York City’s devastating cutbacks in forestry and tree-related community services. Trees New York has 40 years of experience in community tree planting, stewardship and education projects. Since its founding, Trees New York ([as of 2019]) has trained over 12,500 Citizen Pruners and 8,000 youth in tree care and stewardship. Since 2005, Trees New York has planted over 6,300 trees in underserved communities throughout New York City.”

treesny.org

Trout in the Classroom

“Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program in which students in grades K-12 …raise trout from eggs to fry.monitor tank water quality.engage in stream habitat study.learn to appreciate water resources.begin to foster a conservation ethic.grow to understand ecosystems.“Most programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed.
“During the year each teacher tailors the program to fit his or her curricular needs. Therefore, each program is unique. TIC has interdisciplinary applications in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts, and physical education.”

troutintheclassroom.org

Trust for Public Land

“At the Trust for Public Land, we don’t just save land—we save land for people to enjoy, from neighborhood parks to national parks. We depend on the ongoing support of individuals to make sure our work carries on well into the future.
“Our mission is to create parks and protect land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. Every park, playground, and public space we create is an open invitation to explore, wonder, discover, and play.”

tpl.org


Urban Park Rangers

NYC Parks — Urban Park Rangers
“Since 1979, the Rangers have helped New Yorkers and visitors of all ages to discover and explore NYC’s natural world through environmental education, outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and active conservation.”

nycgovparks.org/programs/rangers


Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

“The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance preserves, supports, and promotes the recreational, ecological, and historical value of Van Cortlandt Park.”

vancortlandt.org

Press Release: A New Day for Van Cortlandt Park
May 21, 2019
Merger of Friends of Van Cortlandt Park and Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy to create single park stewardship organization: the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
https://vancortlandt.org/2019/05/21/press-release-a-new-day-for-van-cortlandt-park/


Previously: Friends of Van Cortlandt Park

The Friends webpage no longer exists. Error page under vancortlandt.org (Van Cortlandt Park Alliance).

“The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park (FVCP), an independent community based organization, actively promotes the conservation and improvement of Van Cortlandt Park, the third largest park in NYC, through environmental education and restoration and enhancement of the Park, its forests and trails.”

Old link: https://vancortlandt.org/friends/


Wave Hill

“A public garden & cultural center”
“Since its founding in 1965, Wave Hill has evolved as a unique urban oasis, world-class garden and vital resource. Located in the northwest Bronx overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades and owned by the City of New York, Wave Hill is a must-see for garden enthusiasts and anyone seeking a serene, beautiful place to relax. Wave Hill House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to the mid-19th century. Through our thoughtfully stewarded landscape, curated gardens and innovative arts, nature and environmental education programs, Wave Hill fosters meaningful connections between people and nature, providing truly unique experiences that inspire, ignite learning and promote an improved quality of life.”

wavehill.org

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

“WCS’s goal is to conserve the world’s largest wild places in 16 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world’s biodiversity.
“This is outlined in our 2020 strategy, which positions WCS to maintain its historic focus on the protection of species while developing an ambitious plan to engage with a rapidly changing world.
“The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff—combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise—WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.”

wcs.org


YouthCaN

“Students sharing their interests and projects around protecting the environment in their communities and collaborating with students in other areas doing the same.
“YouthCaN is a growing network of youth clubs, classes and community groups who share an interest in studying and protecting the environment.”

comminit.com/content/youthcan

Link updated: 4/24/2023
Previous link: iearn.org/cc/space-2/group-18

Historical Archive of Past Local Links

Friends of Van Cortlandt Park

See Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, on its merger and creation of a new entity.

eeac events

partner news