The Gantry Plaza State Park and Manhattan Circumnavigation paddles to benefit students affiliated with the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at SUNY ESF have been postponed to August 12 due to forecasts for violent storms overnight July 15-16.

We regret that this event has been canceled for weather and water quality concerns owing to Combined Sewer Overflows. More here: https://www.riverkeeper.org/campaigns/stop-polluters/sewage-contamination/cso/

Float your Pride at Gantry Plaza State Park on June 24 from 12pm to 3pm!

No registration needed to participate. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Ages 4 and up to paddle and 14 and up to paddle in a boat without an adult.

If you’d like to volunteer, please register here:
https://forms.gle/BQHPvCwaWmWob6sa8

A few pointers:
1. Expect to get wet! Wear fast-drying nylons and such, or just walk the damp off along the sunny, breezy shore.
2. No experience? No problem! Let our dock hands know and we’ll give you a primer or perhaps even pair you with a partner.
3. Prepare for a hot day in the sun, paddling and waiting on line. Bring water in a reusable bottle and a snack that doesn’t add to the plastic waste in our public waters.
4. Be patient! Our volunteers are donating their time and energy for your enjoyment.
5. Stay toward the center of the designated paddling area and don’t stray out into the current or too close to piers and rocks.

Some Green LGBTQ+ organizations you might love to know!
Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society
Knickerbocker Sailing Association
VentureOUT
Queer EcoJustice
Out for Sustainability
Queer Nature
ESF SAGA

Huge thanks to the more than 20 volunteers and students who participated in HarborLAB’s cleanup of the LIC waterfront on Saturday, May 6. The event was part of the regional “Sweep” annually organized by Riverkeeper. The effort ranged from the Hunters Point South Park public kayak launch (the construction of which was first proposed by HarborLAB volunteers in 2003) to the shore near the dock operated by HarborLAB sponsor NYC Ferry/Hornblower.

“Folks really got into the shoreline, grabbing everything from plastic bottles to a volleyball! Also a small car seat, tons of needles, and lots of chip bags,” recounted HarborLAB Volunteer Co-Manager Laura Picallo. “It was a great community vibe,” she added, giving a special shout out to Penn State alumni.

Jamilah Grizzle was HarborLAB’s site leader for the day. “The work everyone put in was incredible. Really great work on an even better day!,” she said.

We hope you join us for future cleanups and paddles!