About 10 years ago I visited and wrote about the Science Barge anchored on the Hudson River in Yonkers NY. When I was invited to revisit the Barge I said yes. On a warm sunny day in early July, I took a Metro North train from Grand Central Station and arrived in Yonkers in about ½ hour. The 5-minute walk brought me to the Hudson River and The Science Barge. It is a self-powered, off-the-grid sustainable floating environmental education center and urban farm that moved to the Yonkers waterfront in the fall of 2008 after being acquired by the non-profit, Groundwork Hudson Valley. They create sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods through community-based partnerships that promote equity, youth leadership and economic opportunity. Truth be told it looked almost the same as I remember from 10 years ago. However it's been greatly enhanced and there was so much to see. The greenhouse grows fresh produce including tomatoes, melons, popcorn, peppers, eggplant and lettuce with no carbon emissions, no pesticides, and zero runoff. Solar panels, wind turbines, and bio-fuels supply all the energy needed to power the Barge. The fruits, vegetables and herbs grown via hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic methods in the greenhouse are irrigated by collecting rainwater and purified river water and is the only example of renewable energy supporting food production in New York.
The Science Barge is open for weekday educational programs and field trips for school groups grades 1-12, camps, university-level students, as well as teacher training from mid-April through early November. There are two full time sustainability educators with many volunteers assisting. While I was there they were preparing for a school group later in the afternoon. There are 1-hour, 90 minute, 2 hour and 3 hour group tours that can also include a 30 minute on board activity and a bring your own lunch program.
My hosts walked me up the street through the daylighted Van der Donck Park along the Saw Mill River that empties into the Hudson River nearby. I remembered 10 years ago watching the Koi fish swim along the river. They are still there. Well worth the trip.
For more information- www.groundworkhv.org