Late last month, our “Ecology Ambassadors” participants presented their work to members of the Department of Development/Sustainability. Their presentations included Citizen Science and how it benefits the community; Oyster Gardening, including its importance and New Rochelle Oyster data;  and Living Shorelines- what they are and why they are more beneficial than a retaining seawall. 

The Ecology Ambassadors Learn & Earn program introduced New Rochelle youth to the intricacies of the waterfront in our community through shoreline exploration. Students spent their summer weeks along the waters of Long Island Sound, surveying and evaluating flora and fauna; surveying geophysical and environmental conditions of waterfront parks; designing and engineering possible solutions to mitigate environmental concerns; and establishing systems for sustainability and conservation. This program was in partnership with the Booker T. Washington Vocational Institute and the City of New Rochelle Department of Development/Sustainability.