Discussions and reflections on safe green and blue spaces, and their importance for minority communities through the eyes of our staff — synthesized by Billion Oyster Project crew member, Natalia Cano. 

JUST FOUR MONTHS after the installation of 20 million oysters, seeded to hundreds of gabions and reef balls, off Hudson River Park’s Gansevoort Peninsula, this reef ball — teeming with oysters — came into view!

At Billion Oyster Project, we are working to restore ecosystems, build connections with the natural world, and prove that change is possible with your help and your hope.

The Citizens Water Quality Testing Program (CWQT) was started by the New York City Water Trail Association, in collaboration with Billion Oyster Project, and Hudson River Park's River Project. The program operates with support from Two Trees Management. Other partners this year include the Sarah Lawrence Center for the Urban River, SUNY Maritime's Marine Environmental Science program, the Bronx River Alliance, Queens College, Newtown Creek Alliance, the Interstate Environmental Commission, and the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership. Check back every Friday (May through October) for a NY Harbor water quality update from Billion Oyster Project staff and CWQT program volunteers.

Here at the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, the Marine Affairs and Political Advocacy Program — the most recent addition to the school’s seven total Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses — received its state certification last October.

This summer, in partnership with the Double Discovery Center, we took twelve students to waterfront locations across the five boroughs to experience various parts of the Billion Oyster Project restoration process and what it takes to promote a healthy harbor.

For the third year in a row, Billion Oyster Project is proud to be an 11th Hour Racing grantee in the organization’s “Environmental Restoration” category.

This spring, we are excited to introduce you to four members of Billion Oyster Project’s 40-person crew. These individuals represent our Community Engagement, Education, Restoration, and Operations teams. More importantly, the unique stories of Steven Villegas, Shinara Sunderlal, Charlotte Boesch, and Marc Melendez, show that whether you grew up in New York City or India — studied at university or learned through hands-on experience, you can make a difference in your local environment and the lives of people around you.