Science Barge Celebrates Opening 2019

From Groundwork Hudson Valley: On May 11th, Groundwork Hudson Valley’s Science Barge opened with a larger-than-life celebration to commemorate the eleventh anniversary of the Science Barge calling the Yonkers waterfront home, as well as the almost $1 million in enhancements completed over the past two years.

The Science Barge is one-of-a-kind. Floating in the beautiful Hudson River, the Science Barge is an environmental education center that runs on energy generated by solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels, and is irrigated solely by collected rainwater and purified river water – thus operating completely “off-the-grid”. The Science Barge produces an abundance of fresh produce, including tomatoes, melons, peppers, eggplant, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero pesticides, and zero runoff.

As if that were not enough, the Science Barge provides unique, hands-on educational programs for Yonkers public school students as well as Westchester children and families. Groundwork Hudson Valley educators teach children and families about renewable energy systems, hydroponic farming, and the effects of climate change.

Educational tours were offered to the public at the 2019 Science Barge Grand Opening every 30 minutes, from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Visitors interacted with exhibits aboard the Barge - part of a cutting-edge education initiative from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in partnership with Columbia University and the Center for the Urban River at Beczak (CURB).

Over the past two years, year, the Science Barge has undergone extensive renovations and enhancements totaling almost $1 million in investments from the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New NY Bridge Project, NOAA, Sound Associates, Jerry Blackstone and Con Edison. In addition to maintenance renovations such as new reinforced steel on the underside of the Barge, the Barge also now touts a sustainable toilet, an aeroponic growing system, and a new gangway.

“DEC is proud to support the Science Barge as part of Governor Cuomo’s environmental justice platform and historic investments in the Environmental Protection Fund,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The enhanced and expanded Science Barge will provide new educational opportunities focusing on urban environmental challenges and is a tremendous learning resource for the Yonkers community.”

The 2019 Science Barge Grand Opening festivities had something for everyone: attendees swayed to live music from The Greenheart band while enjoying delicious bites from a variety of food trucks featuring coal fired pizza and ice cream as well as brownies from La Piñata Bakery; children and adults played with Big Foot, the tortoise, and other live animals from the Greenburgh Nature Center; Fidelis Care provided face painting artists; visitors were able to learn about and play with beneficial bugs; or take a ride on a Lime Bike.

The Grand Opening kicked off at 12:00pm, with a ribbon cutting at 12:30PM by City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano in special recognition of those who have made a major contribution to the innovative educational programming and energy systems on the Science Barge, and the organization honored the retirement of Captain Bob Walters for his many accomplishments as the Director of the Science Barge. Speakers included Senator Gillibrand’s Hudson Valley Regional Director, Lisa Hofflich, Congressman Eliot Engel, NY State Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Westchester County Legislator, MaryJane Shimsky, Yonkers City Councilman Mike Khader, and NY State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Coordinator, Fran Dunwell. Groundwork Hudson Valley Executive Director, Brigitte Griswold shared her excitement about the new and improved Barge renovations. Groundwork Hudson Valley’s Director Of Education, Jennifer Sloan, shared her personal reflections about working with recently retired Captain Bob Walters and, finally, Captain Bob shared fond memories of over 20 years working on the Hudson River and 10 years working as the Science Barge Director.

Other elected officials who attended the event to support the Science Barge opening were Yonkers City Councilman and Majority Leader, Michael Sabatino, Councilman Anthony Merante and John Rubbo along with Councilwoman Shanae Williams.

Each season, the Science Barge educates and delights residents near and far on the importance of our environment and how we can do our part to keep it sustainable,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Thank you to Groundwork Hudson Valley for their continued investment in Yonkers and to our community. We wish them continued success.”

The 2019 Science Barge Opening Day Celebration was sponsored by Domino Sugar, Dagher Engineering, Sound Associates, Con Edison, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Yonkers Tennis Center, Hudson Park Apartments, Lime, The Westchester Bank, Croton Energy Group, Inc., Fidelis Care, John Doherty, Realtor and Paxos Grill and Café. Additional supporters for the event include AKRF, Buzz Creators, Inc., Blue Horizons Construction Corp., LMF Manufacturing, Judy Cohen, Junior League of Bronxville, La Piñata Bakery, Le Moulin Restaurant, Lewis and Kirk Music, M&T Bank, Moran Towing, New NY Bridge Project, NOAA, Nonprofit Westchester, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Rochambeau Wine and Liquor, Thomas J. Feeney Enterprises, Viking Tug & Barge, and Vista Yacht Cruises.

“Domino Sugar supports the work of the Science Barge because our company is committed to providing meaningful learning experiences within the S.T.E.M. curriculum. The Science Barge presents a unique learning environment where science and the environment intersect.” says Matt C. Shue, ASR Group – Domino Plant Manager.

The Science Barge is open for weekday educational programs and field trips for schools, camps, and other groups through the beginning of November. Programs run from one to three hours and cost between $250 and $525. It is currently scheduling educational programs for the summer and fall. The Science Barge is free to the public on weekends from noon to 6 pm through the beginning of November, offering children’s activities, tours of the energy and growing systems, planting, crafts, crabbing, and more!.

The Science Barge is located at 99 Dock Street, Yonkers, NY 10701. For more information on booking a school or community group, call 914-375-2151 or visit groundworkhv.org.