Groundwork Hudson Valley’s Science Barge opened May 11 with a larger-than-life celebration to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the Science Barge calling the Yonkers waterfront home, as well as almost $1 million in enhancements completed over the past two years.
The grand opening kicked off with a ribbon cutting and by recognizing 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.
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; and visitors were able to learn about and play with beneficial bugs – or take a ride on a Lime Bike.
Speakers included U.S. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand’s Hudson Valley Regional Director Lisa Hofflich, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky, Yonkers City Council President Mike Khader, and 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 Walters and, finally, Walters shared fond memories of more than 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, Councilmen 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.”
Among the many sponsors of the Science Barge is Domino Sugar.
“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,” said Matt Shue, ASR Group-Domino plant manager. “The Science Barge presents a unique learning environment where science and the environment intersect.”
The Science Barge is located at 99 Dock St., Yonkers. For information about booking a school or community group, call 914-375-2151 or visit groundworkhv.org.
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.
Over the past two years, year, the Science Barge has undergone extensive renovations and enhancements totaling almost $1 million in investments from the 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, it also now touts a sustainable toilet, an aeroponic growing system, and a new gangway.
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 p.m. through the beginning of November, offering children’s activities, tours of the energy and growing systems, planting, crafts, crabbing and more!
