The Bronx River Alliance is a multi-faceted environmental organization that works closely with a variety of partners and communities to achieve a crucial goal: to protect, improve, and restore the Bronx River. The Alliance actively collaborates with NYC Parks, numerous non-profit community organizations, local businesses, and government representatives at all levels. In this article, we’ll delve into the specific programs, initiatives, and events that define the work of the Bronx River Alliance. More on bronx.name.
A Key Goal: Restoring the River
The Bronx is New York City’s only freshwater river. While it was once an important source of drinking water, its condition today is at times close to an ecological disaster. Excessive stormwater runoff, invasive plant and animal species, and pollution from trash and waste are just a few of the pressing problems that the Bronx River Alliance addresses.
Through a scientific approach, thoughtful planning, and community engagement, the organization’s members strive to make the river fishable and swimmable, in line with the goals of the Clean Water Act. To achieve this, the Alliance implements ecological restoration projects—such as protecting natural habitats, cleaning the water, and stabilizing riverbanks—and promotes public programs for healthy, outdoor recreation.
You can read more about the Bronx River and its environmental issues by following this link.
Educational Initiatives and Collaborations
The Bronx River Alliance encourages all Bronx students and teachers to step out of the traditional classroom when exploring topics related to the ecology of waterways, river flora and fauna, and other issues relevant to the Alliance’s work.
The Bronx River is a unique living laboratory with rich natural resources. The Alliance has launched an educational program that serves as a bridge, connecting active, curious young people with new career opportunities and participation in environmental initiatives, as well as providing a chance to engage in science and environmental policy.
The program uses modern, interactive STEAM curricula, holds trainings and lectures for teachers, collaborates with major scientific projects, and provides access to equipment for studying the Bronx River.
Recently, the River House was built—an eco-friendly building with classrooms, a boathouse, and a comfortable space for hosting various events. As part of the educational program’s strategic planning, about 35 employees from partner organizations, teachers, and school administrators were involved. Their main goal is to use the River House as effectively as possible to support local schools and community organizations.
The Bronx River Alliance program uses a four-pronged approach to achieve its goals:
- supporting educators through workshops, educational materials, and a dedicated network for teachers;
- hands-on learning with the river as an open-air laboratory, including tours, canoeing, and research;
- collaborative scientific and community projects that involve creating protocols and programs for other organizations and collecting data for collaboration with policymakers;
- fostering environmental leadership and raising ecological awareness by connecting young people with natural resources.
Children usually participate enthusiastically in all the Bronx River Alliance projects. The water, fresh air, open space, physical activity, and social interaction make it much more fun than sitting in stuffy, cramped classrooms studying boring theory.
The Bronx River Foodway: A Fun and Delicious Project
Another area of the Bronx River Alliance’s work is the Foodway. As the name suggests, it’s a program that connects the river with people who grow food and medicinal plants.
The Bronx River Foodway is one of the few “edible forests” in New York City. Located in Concrete Plant Park in the South Bronx, it is a pilot project of the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation aimed at rebuilding community connections and repurposing urban land.
This “edible forest” was established in 2017. Here you can find a variety of edible plants and medicinal herbs: echinacea, mint, mushrooms, nuts, chestnuts, and native berries, fruits, and vegetables.
You can walk the Foodway on your own and explore all the plants, or you can participate in volunteer events and contribute to the development of this exciting initiative.
The Bronx River Foodway team is made up of community members, organizers, and advocates who are involved in the planning and development of the “edible forest.” It is a permanent community and technical advisory body that provides a platform for discussing the design, implementation, and priorities of the Foodway. The program often announces various events: educational and practical workshops, planting master classes, harvest walks, and more.
The Bronx River Greenway: For Nature Walk Lovers
The Bronx River Alliance also pays close attention not only to the river itself but also to the development of its banks, which until recently were in terrible shape. Dirt and scattered trash, overgrown bushes and tall grass, an unpleasant smell, impassable terrain, and abandoned sites of former concrete and gas plants.
As part of the Greenway program, a number of activities were carried out to bring the shoreline and surrounding area to a proper state. As a result, a green corridor was created, stretching from Westchester County to the Bronx. The Greenway features a multi-use path for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists that connects communities along the Bronx River in the north, south, east, and west directions.
Today, about 20 miles of the green trail have been developed. The Bronx River Alliance is working to complete the project to create a full 23-mile greenway, which, in addition to the linear path, includes large recreational areas such as Shoelace and Bronx parks.
Outreach Programs: Everyone Can Help
One of the key goals of the Bronx River Alliance’s work is to get as many people as possible involved in its programs and projects. The Alliance’s organizers are confident that the more environmentally conscious the residents of the Bronx become, the faster and more significantly life in the borough will improve in all areas.
Outreach programs help connect the community with the river through a variety of volunteer activities. These include:
- tree planting;
- water quality monitoring;
- area maintenance;
- removal of invasive plant species;
- shoreline cleanup.
On social media and the Bronx River Alliance website, you can join the “Friends of the Bronx River” group to stay up-to-date on all the latest news, upcoming events, and cleanups.
Outreach programs also allow you to plan an event on the river or get a school or organization involved in activities. Private tours for individuals are also available.
From May to October is the busiest season. Most programs and projects are implemented during this time. This is also when a favorite activity for both children and adults takes place: canoe trips along all eight miles of the Bronx River. After this journey, many people truly fall in love with this incredible natural environment and become part of the strong, friendly Bronx River Alliance community.
For information on other environmental initiatives in the Bronx, follow this link.