Trolley Museum, Sound School Team Up On Urban Waters RESTART​ Workshop

EAST HAVEN/BRANFORD, CT —The Shore Line Trolley Museum is partnering with the Sound School in New Haven for an innovative educational initiative, the Urban Waters RESTART workshop.

This workshop, held in conjunction with the Environmental Justice Program and the Future Farmers of America, aims to engage students in hands-on learning about water quality and environmental stewardship.

The City Point-based Sound School is a magnet school specializing in aquaculture, maritime studies, and environmental science. With a focus on hands-on learning and environmental stewardship, the school empowers students to become leaders in sustainability and conservation.

The Environmental Justice Program at Sound School seeks to address environmental inequalities and empower communities to advocate for environmental justice. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, EJP works to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

The Future Farmers of America is a dynamic youth organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and related industries. Through hands-on learning and leadership development, FFA equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Scheduled to take place in the month of May at the Shore Line Trolley Museum, the workshop
will feature participation from various area schools, including Cold Springs, the Hamden
Collaborative, Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy, and JS Martinez Magnet Academy.

The workshop is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of urban
water ecosystems and their importance. Each workshop focuses on different aspects and the
impact of water quality. Students will have hands-on experience at the collection and analysis
of water quality, collection and analysis of water quality, algae pressing, and physically
exploring the marsh ecosystem.

"This workshop represents a unique opportunity for students to engage with their local
environment and learn about the importance of preserving urban water ecosystems," Sound School science teacher Chuck Mulligan said. "We are proud to partner with the Sound
School, EJP, and FFA to empower the next generation of environmental stewards."

Mulligan is hoping that folks will donate classroom basics to help support the Urban Waters RESTART program at the school in City Point through DonorsChoose, a teacher classroom funding site.

According to Shore Line Trolley Museum executive director John Proto, the museum has an "incredibly unique perspective of the Farm River ecosystem and is an ideal place for this type of educational opportunity."

"There’s no question that the behavior of our waterways affect our environment in many ways. The museum’s right of way offers a front row seat to observe these changing behaviors, and opening our grounds to these types of educational opportunities is the responsible thing to do in an effort to preserve our fragile ecosystems.”

About the Shore Line Trolley Museum

The Shore Line Trolley Museum, located in East Haven, CT, is dedicated to preserving and
showcasing the history of urban transportation, including trolleys and streetcars. Through
educational programs and exhibits, the museum aims to inspire curiosity and appreciation for
the role of public transportation in shaping communities.