Photo by NYC Audubon.
Paddle through Hell Gate, clean and seed a normally forbidden island, and visit a gorgeous park in the South Bronx for lunch! By special permission by the Natural Resources Group of NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, HarborLAB tends to this precious Harbor Heron Refuge each year. We gather plastics, seed native plants (our earlier years’ seaside goldenrod is thriving!) and document life on the island.
To join, please complete this form by September 26 at 11PM:
https://forms.gle/aBANu7XZ27XfkoE57
Please understand that public seats are limited (8) and the trip requires strict adherence to instructions from HarborLAB for safety and NYC Parks’ for wildlife conservation.
This event is free. Age minimum is 14, with significant paddling experience and an accompanying parent or guardian.
The shareable promotional page for our crew is:
https://www.facebook.com/events/397480847835149/
This trip is FREE. Tax deductible donations to HarborLAB are gratefully received here:
https://harborlab.org/donateorsponsor/
Waivers should be printed and completed before arrival. Waivers are here:
https://harborlab.org/waivers/
Please understand that seats are limited (8 in public fleet seats) and the trip is challenging in terms of duration and varying conditions. Participation must be approved by HarborLAB.
Because we can’t safely access the water at Vernon Blvd due to sail squatters damaging and stealing infrastructure like our dock and ladder, we’ll tow boats to and from the 2nd Street public launch.
Schedule and Float Plan
8am; Gather at HarborLAB (53-21 Vernon Blvd)
Safety talk, waivers, ready and lower boats.
830am; All boats in the water. Tow some boats to 2nd Street.
845am: Launch some paddlers from 2nd Street.
Hug Queens coast. Alert for ferries. Stay about 30′ from shore through Hell Gate, single file. Regather after Astoria power plant point.
945am: Land at South Brother Island, SE beach.
Clean beach and load boats. Seedball.
1045am: Launch for Barretto Point Park. Stay close together and beware of higher wind profile from garbage bags.
1115am: Land at Barretto Point Park. Tabulate and carry to curb.
1pm: Launch from Barretto Point Park.
3pm: Land at 2nd Street and HarborLAB. Pack away.
4pm: Done!
Please note that if we run later than 4pm our Jewish friends might have to leave in order to observe Rosh Hashanah at sunset. Let’s extend this courtesy cheerfully.
Su 29 Low 3:15 AM -0.8 6:51 AM Rise 7:38 AM 0
29 High 9:13 AM 6.1 6:42 PM Set 7:41 PM
29 Low 3:39 PM -0.7
29 High 9:31 PM 5.9
What to bring and wear:
Common sense sun protection for (hat, UV broadband sunglasses, eco-friendly sunblock), sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet (not flip flops), dry change of clothing, quick drying paddling clothing, full reusable water bottle (you can refill in Brooklyn, but there’s no water at HarborLAB), snacks with no plastic packaging if possible (oranges are great, or nuts in a reusable bag).
Safety:
Don’t do what you feel unsafe doing. For example, our shoreline is very rough but entering and exiting the boats at 2nd Street is safer and easier.
Stay close together. Do not stray.
Listen to instructions and directions immediately and precisely. There might be safety concerns about which you’re unaware.
If you don’t feel well, are in pain, or have a condition that could affect you or the group, please inform the trip leader or a volunteer escort immediately.
Stay hydrated. Drink before you feel thirsty.
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