NCA Educational Programs Promote a Healthy Local Ecosystem

Since 2002, the Newtown Creek Alliance (NCA) has been working to restore, reveal, and revitalize Newtown Creek. They have catalyzed effective community action on community health, water quality, habitat, access, and vibrant commerce along Newtown Creek.

One way the NCA strives to achieve these goals is by providing engaging, local-ecologically centered educational experiences for all ages. Through their multi-modal, hands-on activities and workshops, they bring the Creek into the classroom and the classroom out to the Creek.

If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about the history and ecology of Newtown Creek and its surrounding watershed, the NCA offers four programs in two educational spaces, Kingsland Wildflowers at Broadway Stages and Queens Landing.

●       Kingsland Wildflowers Exploration

Participants can explore a wide variety of aspects that affect our urban ecology through activities such as plant walks, plant structures, pollination, insect identification, soil explorations, seed collecting, and flora and fauna identification. This 90-minute program on the Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roofs is typically designed for 30 K-5 students but can be adapted to older groups as well.

●       Urban Waterways and Green Infrastructure Tour

The tour will start at the unique green infrastructure Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof and proceed along the Newtown Creek Nature Walk next door, all the while learning about Newtown Creek and the importance of preserving and cultivating its ecosystem. This 90-120-minute program is best for up to 30 students in 4th grade and up as it includes a good amount of walking.

●       Marine Ecology Investigation

This 90-minute interactive program explores the variables involved in a healthy marine ecosystem. It takes place at the Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center and the shoreline of the Newtown Creek and East River in Hunters Point South Park. As it is a more in-depth experience, it is better suited for smaller groups.

●       Climate Change Adaptations Tour

The 120-minute tour begins and ends at the brand new Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center. From there, the group will set off on a walk through Hunters Point South Park, discussing how history, climate change, and the water cycle have influenced the park's design. Since there is a good amount of walking, the tour is best for ages 4th grade and up.

Broadway Stages loves living and working on the banks of Newtown Creek. Moreover, we are honored to partner with the Newtown Creek Alliance and all its hard-working staff and volunteers. They share our firm commitment to environmental initiatives and being a responsible neighbor. We encourage you to follow them on Instagram and Facebook and to keep an eye on their events calendar for future opportunities to learn and participate!