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!

Two wonderful members of the HarborLAB community who served as board members for a decade retired from their positions with the close of 2022. The board unanimously elected Erik Baard as Chair and reelected him as Executive Director. We will likely expand the board back to seven members in 2024 after considering candidates with particular strengths in public finance, fundraising and DEI in education and youth development.

Scott Sternbach.

Longstanding Chair Scott Sternbach is retiring from CUNY, for which he directs the photography program at LaGuardia Community College. He now spends his time mostly in the mountains of upstate New York and working on his film and photography projects, which take him to both of Earth’s poles. Scott’s students have been a boon to HarborLAB, thanks to his inspiration. Scott was a joyful presence and great help at the Clearwater Festival and City of Water Day. We especially enjoyed documenting the Newtown Creek and Arthur Kill with his students.

Lisa Belfast

Lisa has for decades worked with children in New York City. She has moved away from the northeast region. It was through her directorship over after school and summer programs at Hour Children that we HarborLAB volunteers and students had the great fortune to work with Lisa, and befriend her. Some of our fondest memories are of partnering with Lisa to bring kids to Jamaica Bay and the Neversink Reservoir.

Thank you, Scott and Lisa, for being such forces for good within HarborLAB and beyond!