The District believes stormwater (or rain water) is a resource, not a waste. We promote practices, which infiltrates stormwater into the ground (restoring the natural hydrology of the watershed) or use it to irrigate vegetation. These practices are called green infrastructure (GI). To advance these ideas, we install green infrastructure projects on private properties in New York City, build coalitions and partnerships, and offer professional development opportunities. For questions regarding our water quality programs, please contact Shino at shino@nycswcd.net.
Green Infrastructure Planning
District is partnered with McGolrick Park Neighborhood Alliance, NYC Audubon and Evergreen Exchange on a project to develop a community-driven green plan. Learn more on the project page. Backyard GI Installations We have built stormwater capture planters and rain gardens in backyards of residential buildings in the South Bronx, Central Harlem, Crown Heights, and Upper West Side. These projects not only reduce the amount of stormwater entering our sewer system but also create vegetated spaces in neighborhoods where there is a shortage of greenery. These projects are implemented through partnerships with non-profit organizations such as Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association and Community Assisted Tenant Controlled Housing. For more information on our projects, read our GI Report 2014. |
Coalitions and Partnerships
Partnerships and coalitions are important part of our work. Through collaboration, we have been able to accomplish a great deal with limited resources. The District currently holds leadership positions in: Storm Water Infrastructure Matters (SWIM) Coalition, a grassroots coalition of organizations with a shared vision for sustainable stormwater management; Lower Hudson Coalition of Conservation Districts, addressing water quality issues at the watershed scale; NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program, one of 28 National Estuary Programs working to protect and improve the quality of our estuary for all its inhabitants. |
Professional Development
Because green infrastructure is a relatively new field in water resources management, sharing of ideas and projects is an important part of the work. The District hosts bus tours of GI projects for professionals and students working in the GI field. We have hosted tours in NYC as well as Philadelphia and Villanova, PA. For future tours, check our "What's New" page. The District also hosts DEC endorsed four-hour workshops on erosion and sediment control. The workshop is a MS4 permit requirement. |