Local Links

“… 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. …”

"The mission of Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation is to establish sustainability as an integral part of every child’s K-12 learning experience.

"CELF has reached more than 1.5 million students by training more than 16,000 teachers in over 5,000 schools. This is just the beginning of our work to bring systemic change to K-12 education."

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“… [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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“[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.”

"Green Map’s tools, including the Platform, have a clear mission: to help people quickly and easily collaborate to create Green Maps that support community-led action on climate change."

Green Map's vision: "We want people to use our mapping tools to change their world. ..." (see more on greenmap.org)

“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!”

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Often when  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 building an active and healthy world.”

“… 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

NYSOEA is a professional organization that promotes interdisciplinary life-long learning in, for, and about the outdoors and seeks to inspire appreciation of the environment by all people.

Established in 1968, NYSOEA is a New York State non-profit, all volunteer organization supporting outdoor and environmental education, outdoor recreation, and interpretive services. Members make up a broad network of students and professionals working and learning together from classroom teachers and college professors to naturalists and interpreters, from students and youth leaders to parents and outdoor recreation specialists. All of us are dedicated to education and the outdoors.

EEAC has a reciprocal agreement with NYSOEA; EEAC members are eligible for NYSOEA membership rates.

“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.”

“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.”

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.”

"Sprout Up provides free, youth-led environmental education programs to 1st and 2nd grade classrooms in underrepresented public schools. Sprout Up is carried out as a program of Environmental Volunteers."

"We teach children concepts in Environmental Science, Sustainability, and the unique ecosystems that surrounds them. During the earliest stages of their educational development, we encourage kids to think in new ways about the world around them through activities, experiments, and discussions, inspiring them to bring the message of environmental stewardship home to their families and friends. In this way, we cultivate the next generation of passionate caretakers of the Earth and promote sustainability from the youngest members of society up."

"Since 2009, Sprout Up has founded 9 chapters in 7 cities across California and 2 Universities in New York City, training over 2,000 college students to volunteer and bring our 8-week Environmental Education program to over 20,000 elementary school students."

“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 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

"Trout in the classroom connects students with their watershed."

“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.”

“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.”

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.”

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

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/ 

"The Watershed Agricultural Council (also known as “WAC” or “the Council”) works with farm and forest landowners in the New York City Watershed region to protect water quality on behalf of nine million New York residents. The Council uses

• Whole Farms Plans
• Forest Management Plans
• Conservation Easements

to help farmers, forest professionals and private landholders address water pollution concerns on properties located in the Croton and Catskill/Delaware Watersheds.

"Internationally recognized as a successful example of public-private partnership, the Council applies strategic watershed management approaches that benefit the general public through incentivized, on-site practices performed on private lands. This partnership model, referred to as “Payment for EcoServices” or PES, empowers private landowners to be surface-water stewards of New York City’s drinking water. Landowner willingness to participate in WAC’s upstream water quality programs continues to provide New York City residents with over 1.1 billion gallons of clean drinking water each day."

“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.”

“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.”

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