In 2021, NCA partnered with Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Bronx River Alliance and the HOPE Program to form the RAIN Coalition: Raingarden Action in Neighborhoods (read the July 21 press release here). Comprised of three NYC-based watershed organizations and one workforce development organization, we seek to build green job opportunities and address the climate crisis through maintenance of Right-of-Way Rain Garden maintenance.
Together, we are united in exploring a new model of rain garden stewardship that is rooted in local neighborhoods and watersheds, connected to robust community education and volunteerism, and grounded in a workforce development effort to offer training and jobs to residents in affected communities.
Since 2011, NYC has implemented thousands of rain gardens in an effort to comply with the mandates of the Clean Water Act; however, public education and stewardship of these rain gardens is lacking.
Green Infrastructure offers a way to minimize local flooding, reduce sewage overflows into our local waterways, create pollinator habitat, and bring cooling, air quality improvements and beauty to local neighborhoods. Green infrastructure also offers a tremendous opportunity for NYC to link adaptation to climate change with workforce development in environmental justice communities.
As part of our work in the coalition, NCA manages 15 Rain Gardens in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Sunnyside, Queens on a weekly basis in alignment with NYC DEP’s Rain Garden Maintenance Manual. To learn more about this work or volunteer to get involved, please reach out to us: info @ newtowncreekalliance.org
The coalition is funded by the NYC Green Relief and Recovery Fund and The New York Community Trust.
