As we wrap up Earth Month, we focus on the work of Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA), one of our green partners and the stewards of educational programming at Kingsland Wildflowers. We spoke to Willis Elkins, NCA’s Executive Director, to learn about their progress over the last twenty years, their impact on protecting, enhancing, and creating ecosystem services, their work at Kingsland Wildflowers, and what their future has in store for this organization.

ABOUT

NCA has been working to restore, reveal and revitalize Newtown Creek for two decades. They actively work to restore community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek. Since 2002, the Alliance has served as a catalyst for effective community action. Elkins “feels good about where we are and where we have come from.” A graduate of NYU with a degree in psychology and urban planning, Elkins joined NCA in 2013 and has since developed and overseen a number of the key organizational programs relating to water quality monitoring, restoration, access, and public programming. In 2019, NCA became the stewards of environmental programming at Kingsland Wildflowers, taking the reins from the New York City Audubon, a key player in the creation of Kingsland Wildflowers.

KINGSLAND WILDFLOWERS

In addition to NCA who are the primary stewards of the rooftop and educational programming, custodians of our garden meadow include Alive Structures and NOoSPHERE Arts. Each bring something different to the table. Alive Structures continues to provide guidance on maintenance, plantings and end-of-season pruning, among other gardening expertise. NOoSPHERE Arts’ executive director, Sol Kjøk, serves as the Arts Producer and Presenter, intentionally aligning the arts and nature through rooftop performance and community engagement.

NCA’s leadership role centers on growing the space for educational opportunities and linking them to other NCA projects including the new nature walk adjacent to Kingsland Wildflowers, curbside rain gardens throughout the city, and much more.

NCA is also focused on engaging volunteers in rooftop activities including maintenance and care of the space. During the 2020 COVID lock-down our beloved rooftop garden meadow was maintained by the dedicated NCA staff and rooftop partners. With restrictions lifted, volunteers have been welcomed back with open arms! From seed collection and planting, to pruning and preparing the garden for events, volunteers are a critical part of the success of Kingsland Wildflowers.

NCA recently hosted their first volunteer event that included clean-up and plant related activities. On Earth Day, April 22, they began open hours that will run through the end of June. Then, plans will be in full swing for the 6th Annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival – details to follow.

WHAT’S NEXT

Under Elkins’ leadership, NCA’s team is working to expand their organization’s mission and impact across the city.  Through education, volunteerism, advocacy, and collaboration with other organizations like the LaGuardia College environmental science program, River Keeper, Billion Oyster Project, and others, NCA remains focused on restoring the ecology of the Creek, improving ecosystem services, and fostering environmental education.  Learn more about NCA and what you can do to support their mission to restore, reveal and revitalize Newtown Creek.