Volunteering with the LES Ecology Center at East River Park

Earlier this month, CTA volunteered with the LES Ecology Center again, but this time in the recently redeveloped East River Park. The LES Ecology Center is a non-profit organization that promotes urban sustainability through community-based programs, focusing on e-waste recycling, composting, environmental education, and stewardship of public open spaces. It was a success as we filled over 15 extra large bags with weeds and invasive species using shovels and our hands. We learned about the park’s diverse plantings that are designed to protect against future climate change threats such as heat, droughts, and flooding. 

The East River Park is part of the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, which is the nation's largest urban climate adaptation project, according to the NYC Department of Design and Construction. On top of the many benefits our city’s parks provide, this resiliency project helps protect the East side of Manhattan from floods and acts as coastal protection. The FEMA-certified flood protection infrastructure is designed to protect from 100-year floods. Construction began in 2020 and will be officially complete in 2026. It has various elevated community amenities including a track, barbequing area, tennis courts, a nature exploration area, baseball and softball fields, soccer, football, and basketball fields and courts. There is also a variety of seating options, a bike path, and a new pedestrian bridge. The project is an example of how critical infrastructure, nature, and community space can all co-exist while improving the lives of residents. 

Not only did we appreciate the opportunity to help out our local parks and native species, but we also enjoyed getting out of the office and connecting with nature. We hope to continue our work with the LES Ecology Center and helping NYC’s parks next year.