What’s Happening at the Newtown Creek Alliance

Since 2002, the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) has served as a catalyst for effective community action. Their efforts have made a positive and enduring impact on the health and quality of life of Creek-side communities. Even during the pandemic, NCA’s passion and commitment to restore water quality, habitat, access and the vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek has remained strong and more determined than ever. As the steward of the educational programs at Kingsland Wildflowers, they have also been working tirelessly to advance awareness and content for programing and volunteer opportunities they offer to the public. And they are growing their team to help make it all happen!

NCA recently welcomed Tess Wenstrup and James Tschikov to the organization. Tess will serve as NCA’s new Environmental Educator. She has a youth development background in outdoor, environmental, and art education, and previously worked at institutions such as NYRP and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. James will take the role of Communications Coordinator. He is an aspiring urban planner studying at Pratt GCPE with a background in marketing and business development in the tech industry. Join us in saying congratulations to Tess and James and be sure to welcome them to the NCA team when you see them on our rooftop garden at Kingsland Wildflowers or around the Creek.

If you are interested in helping to improve the habitat and beauty of our community, we encourage you to learn more about NCA and get involved. NCA offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including Stewardship Saturday’s, becoming an NYC Civic Corp Member or advocate to create public access at the Vernon Blvd. shoreline.

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, we have just this thing! Join NCA on Saturday, June 19 from 10 am to 1 pm at Kingsland Wildflowers to learn how green roofs operate, function, and perform. And if you love plants and the insects and birds they support as much as we do, you can become a volunteer and help care for the green roof meadows at Kingsland Wildflowers! For more information and to register click here.

Busy this weekend? How about June 23rd from 4 to 7 pm? Do you love gardening? Help NCA with the ongoing expansion of the Paidge Avenue Pollinator Pathway. These native plants will provide attractive habitat for the local ecosystems and provide opportunities for the community to come together to celebrate, support, and learn about urban ecology. You can sign up here! And there are more volunteer opportunities for you to choose from; NCA has something for everyone Take a look at the various events available and become a part of the solution to help protect and enhance the habitat and beauty of our community.

We encourage you to help support NCA with your time and/or a financial donation. Be sure to follow NCA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Flicker for up-to-date information about issues, volunteer events and other opportunities.