THE PROJECT

Organic cotton clothing company Loomstate is teaming up with innovative landscaping firm, Open Source Landscape and local environmental education and service organization, Lower East Side Ecology Center to heal NYC’s waterways. On June 4th – 6th, from 10:00am to 5:00 pm, the group is going to transform a water-logged and Sandy-destroyed street tree bed into a climate change-adapted, bio-swale rain garden.

THE BACKGROUND

The inspiration behind the project sprung from a brainstorming session with the environmental gurus at LES Ecology Center and Loomstate. They set out to solve the problem of how to prevent millions of gallons of raw sewage from being discharged into the East and Hudson rivers each year due to NYC’s antiquated combined sewage overflow system. The answer was to organize a citizen effort to build dynamic permeable surfaces called bio-swales and lead watershed tours to educate the public on the city’s water issues. Simone Frazier of Open Source Landscape and participant on the tour was inspired to help, and led the effort to transform the 70 foot tree bed in Catherine Slip, NYC into a beautiful water management garden. The effort has paid off and this June the group along with volunteers will be constructing a larger bio-swale with the help of funding from Hugo Barreca President of the Double R Foundation and with support from Citizens Committee.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Each day will be split into two volunteer shifts, which could include lifting, shoveling, planting, and getting your hands dirty.  Between the shifts there will be an hour break for lunch. Click to register for specific days and shifts.

WHAT TO BRING

Please wear sneakers or work boots and clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty. Bring work gloves if you have (extra will be provided on-site), apply sunscreen, and bring any water/food you will require.  Food and drink will not be provided, but there are bodegas nearby.