Christodora’s out of school time program for New York City youth

The New Youth Conservationists program’s primary focus is the study and restoration of the Bronx River over its mile long stretch through the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG).  The New Youth Conservationists ( NYC ) program meets on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 - 4 year-round, free of charge to students, and  serves some 70 students each weekend. In June 2008 NYC students were the proud recipients of the 2008 Congressman Jose E. Serrano Award for Youth Leadership “for their leadership and initiative in the restoration of the Bronx River”. 

This past year students planted over 1,000 trees, removed 700 lbs of trash, cleared 300 stalks of devils walking stick, and removed countless yards of Japanese Knotweed all from the Bronx River.  They also studied the river’s function as part of a larger watershed, its history, and its water chemistry. NYC students chose to do a Combined Sewer Overflow study (CSO), researching the issue, printing up a flyer, and heading to the streets to help publicize the problem to the local Bronx community. Appreciating the impact that their work had, NYC students are eager to do additional community education outreach initiatives, as well as expand their restoration efforts to other sites in the Bronx where they can involve the community at large in this work as well.

Students who remain engaged in the NYC program, and participate with regularity, can join field trips that supplement their NYC studies. These trips include visits to the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, the Queens Hall of Science, a birding trip in Central Park, a 3-day camping trip at a Park in Westchester, and more. High school students also receive valuable community service hours for their participation with NYC.

Join us!
Students who are interested in joining the New Youth Conservationists Program should contact us at info@christodora.org or call 212-371-5225.

Quotes:

The NYC program allows us a place to grow, have fun, and give back to the community with dignity and integrity. We have learned a lot about ecology, invasive plants, dissection, water quality and the importance of conservation, preservation and restoration, which we apply to our work on the Bronx River….NYC Rockz!