Hudson Valley On The Water: The Science Barge On The River

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Science Barge will celebrate its triumphant return on July 17.

The public is invited from noon to 4 p.m. but filming for an HBO series on the Yonkers waterfront might make navigating the area a bit trickier than expected. Yonkers police are asking those visiting the Science Barge for their reopening on Saturday to use the 8 Buena Vista Avenue parking garage and walk down Main Street to Alexander Street. Those arriving by train are asked to exit the train station onto Alexander Street.

The Science Barge is a floating environmental education center on the Hudson River that has been on the Yonkers waterfront since 2008. The interactive learning space is billed as a living example of urban sustainability. It runs entirely off-the-grid and is fueled by solar panels, wind turbines and biodiesel.

The environmental education center features two greenhouses which grow fresh produce, including tomatoes, peppers, okra, lettuce, kale, and cilantro, according to the environmentalists from Groundwork Hudson Valley who run the one-of-kind floating facility.

Visitors have a chance to experience how sustainability works in an urban environment. Examples of how sustainability efforts can prevent pollution, clean water, produce power, and help feed a community are on display in practical, hands-on lessons.

Visitors can normally only see this special place by booking a one-hour time slot. Pre-scheduled, timed registration is required.

The hour includes a 30-minute tour of the Science Barge and its growing/energy systems, as well as 30 minutes of “self discovery” on the Barge, looking at displays, asking questions about plants or systems, or simply enjoying the best view of Hudson River in town.

About Groundwork Hudson Valley:

Groundwork Hudson Valley creates sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods through community-based partnerships that promote equity, youth leadership and economic opportunity. For almost twenty years, Groundwork has made neighborhoods more livable and sustainable through an array of on-the-ground environmental projects that directly involve local residents. We restore rivers and build trails, parks, and playgrounds. We engage community members in all of our work – with a particular focus on educating and employing young people. For more information, contact Groundwork Hudson Valley at 914-375-2151 or visit their website at groundworkhv.org.