On July 17, Groundwork Hudson Valley will celebrate the re-opening of the Science Barge, which is the only fully functioning demonstration of renewable energy supporting sustainable food production in New York.
The Science Barge is a floating environmental education center on the Hudson River that has been in Yonkers since 2008. The Science Barge grows an abundance of fresh produce including tomatoes, melons, peppers, eggplant, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero pesticides, and zero runoff.
All of the energy needed to power the Barge is generated by solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels while the hydroponic greenhouse is irrigated solely by collected rainwater and purified river water, thus operating completely “off the grid.” The Science Barge engages in organic growing process which eschew the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The end result is a self-sustaining farm with zero net water consumption, zero greenhouse emissions, and no harmful runoff.
The Science Barge was originally developed by NY Sun Works, an environmental nonprofit who conceived of the barge as a mobile way to demonstrate a prototype for rooftop farming technology. The barge’s inaugural tour of New York City took place between May and October of 2007, during which time it hosted around 9,000 curious visitors. In 2008 the barge was purchased by Groundwork Hudson Valley for a grand total of $2 and moved to its permanent home in Yonkers where it continues to educate school groups, volunteers, and the general public on sustainable growing practices. Produce grown on the Science Barge is donated to a local church.
The greenhouse grows fresh produce including tomatoes, melons, popcorn, peppers, eggplant and lettuce .
The Science Barge is a public education destination and hosts school groups from the tri-state area during the week, and the general public on weekends.
The Science Barge is open for weekday educational programs and field trips for school groups grades 1-12, camps, university-level students, as well as teacher training. There are two full-time sustainability educators with many volunteers assisting. There are tours ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours with onboard activities as well as a lunch program.
For more information on how to plan your visit to the Science Barge, visit, groundworkhv.org, or call 914-375-2151.
