Enviro Earth Club
The Beczak Environmental Educational Center is excited to announce the launch of a vital restoration and expansion project for the unique Beczak Tidal Marsh, located along the Hudson River at 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers. Constructed two decades ago, the marsh has since become a treasured community asset, offering opportunities for residents to engage with local wildlife while serving as a critical educational resource for Westchester County students.
As part of the first phase of the long-term restoration plan, Beczak has organized a communitydriven initiative to remove invasive species from the marsh. Lucy Morano, Beczak board member and Director of Community Gardens for the Yonkers Family YMCA, is leading the project with her Enviro-Earth Club, which consists of local students from Yonkers.
Ms. Morano said:”This project gives our students hands-on experience with real-world environmental
challenges and helps them understand the critical role wetlands play in protecting our shoreline and supporting local wildlife. Restoring the marsh is not just about preserving a natural space, it’s about strengthening our community’s connection to the environment and ensuring that future generations have access to a healthy, thriving ecosystem right here in Yonkers.”
Beczak has also partnered with Sven Hoeger, the former CEO of Creative Habitat Corp and the
original designer of the tidal marsh, to clear the invasive species that have overtaken the area.
Under Hoeger’s guidance, student from the club are receiving hands-on training in identifying
and removing invasive plants that have severely impacted the native marsh grasses planted two
decades ago.
“The removal of invasive species is crucial to restoring the ecological balance of the marsh,” said
Hoeger. “By eradicating these harmful plants, we’re paving the way for the replanting of native
vegetation, which will improve habitat quality for local wildlife.”
This effort marks just the beginning of a comprehensive project aimed at revitalizing the Beczak
Marsh. Additional improvements being considered include:
- Expanding the marsh to the currently barren island west of the tidal creek to protect
against sea level rise, ice, and wave action. - Raising and extending the observation bridge to improve resilience and provide greater
access for visitors. - Improving the safety and accessibility of paths leading to the marsh and upgrading the
protective fencing. - Installing new interpretive signs to enhance the educational experience for visitors and
deepen their understanding of the environment.
