ANNOUNCEMENTS
Con Edison Supports Natural Spaces Around Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula
New funds will be used to continue Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy’s environmental restoration, coastal cleanups, and workforce development program
This month, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Conservancy (JBRPC) received a grant from Con Edison to protect the environmental health of Jamaica Bay, advance its broader ecological restoration, and develop a workforce for local parklands. We are so grateful for this continuation of Con Edison’s yearslong support, which will bolster efforts to ensure New York City’s largest natural area can be enjoyed by future generations.
These funds will support JBRPC’s Jamaica Bay Wetlands Fellowship, an annual program that trains young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 years old to be the next generation of wetlands managers. Over a six-month period from spring to fall, this skills-building program trains fellows on wetlands maintenance, monitoring, restoration, stakeholder relationships, and nature-based solutions — experience needed to be hired into nature-based roles. The fresh resources will enable JBRPC to expand the Fellowship by extending employment for a small cohort of Fellows through fall plantings and early winter cleanups, and enhance the Fellowship experience through additional skills training and certification, “learning exchange” with other wetlands and natural areas programs the city, and an overnight experiential learning trip to another urban estuary on the East Coast.
Wetlands Fellows remove debris from Hamilton Beach Park in Queens
Wetlands Fellows monitor health of the West Pond Living Shoreline at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on Broad Channel
The grant also subsidizes JBRPC’s community stewardship programming, which includes organizing regular volunteer cleanups within parklands around Jamaica Bay and along the Rockaway peninsula from spring to fall, with an additional emphasis on boardwalk and beach cleanups during the high summer months.
JBRPC Volunteers remove debris from Rockaway Beach and the boardwalk, Summer 2025
JBRPC Volunteers clear debris from Canarsie Pier’s shoreline, Winter 2025
Thanks to previous, years-long support from Con Edison and other funders, JBRPC can already claim significant impact in environmental stewardship and workforce development:
Our environmental restoration and volunteer stewardship initiatives span 10,000 acres of parklands around Jamaica Bay. We clear invasive plant species from natural habitats, repaint park infrastructure, remove graffiti, mulch park landscaping, maintain over 9,000 feet of public trails and collect hundreds of pounds of harmful microplastics — working alongside colleagues at NYC Parks, NY State Parks and the National Park Service.
We are proud to see the growing recognition the Wetlands Fellowship is receiving from our parks agency partners. More than ever, Fellows are being directly integrated into the maintenance and restoration plans for local parks, not as an afterthought, but as a trusted and skilled workforce. Agencies have come to rely on the Fellows for their reliability, work ethic, and positive impact. Agencies are often short-staffed, and to know they view our Fellows as go-to collaborators means the program is meeting a real need for both people and parks.
This grant for JBRPC is part of a larger $15 million of grants Con Edison is awarding to community-based nonprofit organizations across New York City and Westchester County. In this way, Con Edison is supporting clean energy career training, preservation of green spaces and community-led climate adaptation in the New York City region.
Fall Activities in Jamaica Bay and Rockaway
As the leaves start to change color and fall, it's the perfect time to get outside and experience the natural beauty of Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula. Discover over 10,000 acres of public parklands and 18,000 acres of open water and marshlands, a breathtaking landscape waiting to be explored. Whether you're into hiking, biking, birdwatching, or stargazing, there are countless ways to enjoy the Fall season outdoors. Scroll down to learn how you can make the most of Fall in the great outdoors!
Hiking
Take a hike on one of the many trails in Jamaica Bay and Rockaway to see the Fall colors. Here are a few hiking opportunities listed below.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Hike along the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which contains 12,600 acres of diverse habitats, including open waters, salt marshes, freshwater and brackish ponds, upland fields and woodlands, as well as bays and islands. The Refuge’s trails and parking lot are open daily from 6:00 am – 9:00 pm. The Visitor Center is open Friday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Learn more here.
Hiking Trails at NYC Parks
NYC Parks oversees trails that span over 300 miles long in total! They have trails listed for all of the 5 boroughs in New York City, including ones in the Jamaica Bay and Rockaway area. Pick a trail based on preferred difficulty, distance, or scenery or join a group hike with a guide. Here is the full list.
Bird Watching
There are many opportunities to go bird watching! Here are some listed below.
NYC Bird Alliance
Check out NYC Bird Alliance’s bird watching educational programs, outings, and events across the five boroughs here.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Examine birds at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge! The park is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and is a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species.
Fishing
Go fishing along Jamaica Bay and Rockaway!
Broad Channel American Park + Canarsie Pier
Fish for striped bass, bluefish, or sea robin. If you go fishing, make sure you have a fishing license. For all fishing regulations, go here.
Bike Riding
Here are two opportunities to go biking outdoors!
Bike Library at Shirley Chisholm State Park
Enjoy the free bike loan program to explore the park for up to 2 hours! Register on-site on the half hour, from 10:30am - 3:30pm, Thursdays - Sundays (weather permitting). The bike loans are from May 2 to October 27.
For more information, go here.
The Jamaica Bay Greenway
Bike along a planned 28-mile network of pedestrian and bicycle paths connecting communities along the Jamaica Bay waterfront to more than 10,000 acres of city, state and federal parkland.
Image credit: @bkbybike
Cleanups
As the leaves start to fall during Autumn, join us for shoreline cleanups across Jamaica Bay and Rockaway.
November Cleansweeps
Participate in a series of cleanups to remove marine debris from our beautiful shorelines throughout the month of November. Find out more and sign up here.
Stargazing
Want to explore the night skies? Go stargazing!
Amateur Astronomers Association
This organization hosts stargazing sessions throughout New York City, including at Floyd Bennett Field. Find out more here.
Image Source: Amateur Astronomers Association
The Summer is not the only time to explore the outdoors. We hope you explore the opportunities above to make the most of this Fall season at Jamaica Bay and Rockaway. For a full list of the events that Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy is hosting in October and November, go here.
The Future of Hangars 3 & 4 at Floyd Bennett Field
Image Credit: LTL Architects
On September 30, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy hosted a breakfast briefing, “The Future of Hangars 3 & 4 at Floyd Bennett Field,” on the gorgeous rooftop of the NYPL Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. With over 150 guests in attendance – partners, supporters, elected representatives, and government agency leaders – the event celebrated a new phase in the reactivation of Hangars 3 and 4 at Floyd Bennett Field, our city’s first municipal airport.
A dynamic lineup of speakers brought the morning to life, sharing personal stories and historical context that highlighted the significance of this landmark project. JBRPC Chair Thomas Secunda emphasized the opportunity to usher in a new era of innovation at Floyd Bennett Field while safeguarding and enhancing Jamaica Bay. Executive Director Terri Carta followed with a detailed look at the adaptive reuse plans, outlining the amenities and programs that will transform the Hangars into vibrant community spaces. State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams added their excitement and support, reflecting on the lasting impact the project will deliver for New Yorkers. Minka Sendich, Acting Superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area and our partner on the project, provided an update on the National Park Service’s role in rehabilitating the building envelope, while also sharing her enthusiasm for park improvements and expanded programming. Author and historian Thomas Campanella offered a captivating account of Floyd Bennett Field’s celebrated aviators at the height of early aviation innovation. United States Senator Charles Schumer, in videotaped remarks, recalled visiting the site as a child growing up in Brooklyn and underscored the milestones achieved in shaping this bold vision. Guiding the event as MC, Katie Honan, Senior Reporter at THE CITY, reflected on her Rockaway roots and connection to Floyd Bennett Field. Together, these voices created a powerful chorus of support, underscoring a shared belief in the transformative potential of this project.
Hangars 3 and 4, nationally-significant Art Deco structures, will be transformed into dynamic destinations that rekindle their history of technological innovation, become a nucleus for nature-based jobs and workforce development, increase community and climate resilience, connect audiences with Jamaica Bay's unparalleled recreational and educational opportunities, and provide a National Park experience to residents and visitors alike in our country's greatest urban center.
Hangar 3 will become a new destination for arts and cultural performances, educational programming, and visitor tours and amenities, including food stalls and a micro-brewery or distillery in the old boiler room. The huge hangar doors will help foster indoor-outdoor connections and dynamic public events, like our Floyd Bennett Field Public Arts Festival, Run the Runways, and other popular happenings. We’ll also help visitors get around the 1,300-acre park by offering an in-park shuttle and a bike library.
Hangar 4 will be fitted out with labs and prototyping equipment to enable scientific research and technological innovation that is focused on the natural environment and advancing nature-based solutions, building resilience in low-lying communities that are extremely vulnerable to storm surge, sea level rise, and flooding – around Jamaica Bay and beyond.
Programmatic offerings were shaped by a decade of listening and active engagement with community members and other stakeholders, ensuring that Hangars 3 and 4 will be a new nucleus for impact across Jamaica Bay and the communities that surround us. More than 14 million people live within an hour’s drive of Floyd Bennett Field – many of whom can access it using public transit or by bike on the surrounding greenways.
This investment will generate more than $41 million in economic activity across New York City and $159 million statewide during construction, while creating hundreds of jobs. Once complete, the Hangars will welcome over 100,000 new visitors each year—including students, workforce trainees, and nature-tech startups—helping to build a new generation of innovators from surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond.
By uniting arts and culture, scientific research, green jobs, and visitor amenities under one roof, Hangars 3 and 4 will enable Floyd Bennett Field to become not only a destination for all New Yorkers, but also a national model for resilience and conservation. Whether by contributing financially, lending expertise, or helping to spread the word, your support will ensure that Hangars 3 and 4 open their doors as dynamic hubs of innovation, resilience, and community for generations to come.
The transformation of Hangars 3 and 4 is a once-in-a-generation, $80 million capital investment in the future of our city, our environment, and our communities. With secured and anticipated funding, we are a third of the way toward this goal, reflecting momentum and a strong belief in the project’s power to deliver lasting benefits for New Yorkers. But additional partners and supporters are needed to make this bold vision take flight.
This is more than a restoration effort—it is a bold reimagining of how public space, environmental leadership, and community investment can drive meaningful change. Together, we can write the next chapter of Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay’s story—one that inspires, protects, and connects us all.
To find the photographs from our breakfast briefing, check out our photo gallery below:
To find a summary about our vision for the project, check out our pamphlet below:
To get more details about the reactivation of Hangars 3 & 4, check out our flipbook below:
September in Review
September was an exciting month for Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. From speaking engagements to environmental stewardship events to educational outreach, our team worked to share our vision to improve public parklands for public enjoyment and ecosystem health with the New York community. Here is a summary of everything we were up to this September!
Rockaway Refresh
On September 2, we concluded our Summer series of Rockaway Refresh Sessions! These weekly clean-ups were created to mobilize volunteers to pick up litter from the beach. Through over 12 sessions this Summer, we collected a total of 1,286 pounds of trash from the shorelines of Rockaway Beach. We also partnered with Narisara Vanichanan to lead yoga during the start of some of our Rockaway Refresh sessions. The goal of this was to integrate self-care and rest alongside stewardship! On September 2 alone, volunteers picked up 482 pounds of trash, to end our season on a high note!
National Park Friends Alliance’s Fall Meeting
Our Executive Director, Terri Carta, traveled to St. Louis to represent Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy at the National Park Friends Alliance’s Fall Meeting. She spoke on a panel about “Fostering the Next Generation of Park Stewards” with Amy Sovocool, Jennifer Layman, Karissa DeCarlo and moderator Jeff Mow. During this visit, she learned more about our country's Westward Expansion from the Gateway Arch museum exhibits, alongside sharing the vital work of Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy with the wider national park community.
Wetlands Fellows Visit Chincoteague Bay Field Station
Our Wetlands Fellows got the opportunity to visit Chincoteague Bay Field Station as part of an educational exchange. The goal of this trip was to educate them on the role of a rural estuary in environmental stewardship. They discovered over 15 unique species, and all species were safely returned to the water.
Achilles Adaptive Cycling
In partnership with Achilles International, we hosted an adaptive cycling event at Floyd Bennett Field, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to ride tandem bikes and handcycles in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants explored the park’s vast, traffic-free spaces and natural beauty at their own pace, using cycles customized to their needs. For many, the experience offered a sense of freedom and independence while fostering a deeper connection to nature. The event also included a visit to Hangar B, where participants, among them veterans, toured historic aircraft and met volunteers from the Historic Airplane Restoration Program (HARP). Cycling through the hangar, and even into one of the planes enriched their experience and strengthened their connection to the site. For veterans, especially, engaging with the park’s aviation history created a meaningful link to their own service, building camaraderie and leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
Global Citizen Cleanup
In partnership with Global Citizen, Goodera, and the Black Surfers Association East Coast Chapter, we hosted a cleanup at Canarsie Pier. At this event, we mobilized hundreds of volunteers to collect 1,178 pounds of litter from the shoreline. All the volunteers who attended were given complimentary tickets to the Global Citizen Festival. 100+ volunteers attended this event, including NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
In honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day yesterday, volunteers gathered at Dubos Point Wildlife Sanctuary for a cleanup. We partnered with the Queens Link for this cleanup! At this event, 35 volunteers attended and we collected 42 bags of litter. The amount of litter our volunteers collected that day amounted to 285 pounds.
“Ecological Living Networks” Panel
Terri Carta, our Executive Director, spoke on Yale University’s Ecosystems + Architecture and UN Environment Programme’s panel on “Ecological Living Networks as a New Framework to Accelerate Deployment of Radically Innovative Climate Technologies” at the Transforming Built Ecologies event at SHoP Architects.
Transatlantic Climate Breakfast
Elizabeth Stoehr, our Deputy Director, spoke at the “Transatlantic Climate Breakfast in NYC,” hosted by Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC, POCACITO, and the German-American Nature-Based Solutions Exchange. This panel discussed how nature-based solutions are reshaping transatlantic climate cooperation.
West Pond Living Shoreline Walking Tour
In partnership with Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung DC, Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay, POCACITO, and the German-American Nature-Based Solutions Exchange, we hosted a West Pond Living Shoreline Walking Tour. Participants received a guided tour of the West Pond Living Shoreline to learn more about the nature restoration and living shoreline work taking place on Jamaica Bay, followed by a late-afternoon reception on the roof of Rockaway Hotel.
JFKIAT Volunteer Day
We partnered with the JFK International Air Terminal for the 3rd year in a row for a volunteer event at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Pollinator Garden. Volunteers got the chance to clear invasive plants to make way for healthy native plants. The goal of this event was to foster healthy ecosystems for pollinators, including the Monarch Butterfly species.
Jamaica Bay Boat Tour
We partnered with Kingsborough Community College, POCACITO, and the German-American Nature-Based Solutions Exchange to host a Jamaica Bay Boat Tour! During this boat tour, participants got the opportunity to explore Jamaica Bay from the deck of a hybrid boat, R/V CUNY I, owned and operated by Kingsborough Community College.
Park Pals Pop Up: Pollinators of Marine Park
On Saturday, September 27, we hosted our first-ever Park Pals event at Marine Park! This special pop-up welcomed young children and their caregivers for a morning of discovery and play centered on pollinators and their coastal habitats. In partnership with the Marine Park Alliance, families gathered at the Carro Center to enjoy hands-on science activities, sensory play, and a storytime read-aloud before heading out on a guided walk to observe native pollinators like monarch butterflies and bumblebees, along with the plants that support them. The program sparked curiosity and joy, helping early learners connect with the wonders of urban wildlife and inspiring families to care for the natural world around them.
Pollinator Festival
We hosted our first-ever Pollinator Festival in partnership with the Garden by the Bay and Ms. Butterfly. At our festival, attendees celebrated the vital role of pollinators with a scavenger hunt, art mural, nature games, and garden explorations. People also learned how they can help protect bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators. Additionally, Ms. Butterfly did a live butterfly release at the event.
The Future of Hangars 3 & 4 at Floyd Bennett Field
We hosted a breakfast to discuss the futures of Hangars 3 & 4 at the NYPL Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. Check out this article for more details about the event!
Meet Our 2025 Wetlands Fellows
The Jamaica Bay Wetlands Fellowship is an annual program run by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy to train young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 years old on how to be the next generation of wetland managers. This capacity-building program works to train fellows on wetlands maintenance, monitoring, restoration, stakeholder relationships, and nature-based solutions — with the goal of preparing youth for the workforce.
Meet the 2025 Wetlands Fellows below.
Añes Yamin
Añes is a 24-year-old graduate from New School who was born in Mexico. Being a Wetlands Fellow taught Añes how to take precautionary measures in outdoor stewardship work, including always wearing sunscreen. Her favorite thing about the fellowship is being able to connect with the other Wetlands Fellows and the overall JBRPC team. A fun fact about her is that she loves to pull mugwort.
Blair Chase
Blair is a recent graduate from Amherst College who studied Philosophy and Psychology. He spends his free time playing or coaching volleyball. In the future, he aspires to become an attorney. The fellowship taught him how vital it is to ensure regular maintenance and stewardship of parklands, even at relatively low-need locations. His favorite thing about the program is the friendships he has made with coworkers throughout this experience, along with the exposure to new parks he had never been to. A fun fact about him is that he loves to juggle.
Brendan Routledge
Brendan is currently studying Computer Science, and states that what drew him to this fellowship is his love for the intersection between natural science and computer science. Combining ecology and technology is his ideal response to the growing demands and concerns of the industry and environment. This fellowship opportunity allowed him to explore this intersection. He believes that this experience was invaluable to his interests and career development, teaching him that grassroots local workforce development programs should be more valued and supported.
Chiara Roman
Chiara Roman loves cooking, baking, and basketball. Her favorite thing about the fellowship was the opportunity to explore the intricacies behind garbage cleanup and stewardship. She learned about different native and invasive plants through this experience, giving her a deeper understanding of biodiversity.
Danielle Roesch
Danielle Roesch saw this fellowship as an educational opportunity to learn more about stewardship. One of her favorite things to do is an ocean cold plunge. Her favorite aspect of being a Wetlands Fellow was the ability to work outside everyday. This experience gave her an appreciation for local parks and an awareness of the natural areas that are accessible and available in New York City.
Devin Johnson
Devin describes himself as a machete planted firmly in the ground, grown from a seed of love. He sees himself as a long, rough and sharp remover of obstacles, forged by fire and the hands that came before him. By grace and faith, he seeks to clear a path into the winding woods on this path of life, aiming for the trail he leaves behind to be an easier journey for those who walk it. A fun fact about him is that he is working on a night life film and digital archival work. He is also a bedroom DJ. His favorite thing about being a Wetlands Fellow is the opportunity to be connected with different community members and organizations, exposing him to the diverse recreational opportunities available to his right in his metaphorical backyard. This experience taught him the power of large scale, cross-community mobilization, as well as giving him insight to the logistics of how much of an undertaking it can be.
Fadwa Yousef
Fadwa Yousef is an early career ecologist specializing in urban and coastal ecology. Their work includes an award winning thesis on the floristic quality of the Marine Park Preserve. They also have previous experience as a field monitor for NYC Parks' decennial Forest Ecological Assessment. They hope to continue to contribute to coastal resiliency projects, particularly through nature-based solutions. A fun fact about them is that their favorite video game is Disco Elysium. Their favorite thing about being a Wetlands Fellow is stewarding Jamaica Bay and visiting natural areas that they otherwise wouldn't know about. Being in the field has familiarized them with ongoing projects throughout the New York City waterfront.
Kaylie Wong
Kaylie Wong is 23 and living in Richmond Hill, Queens. She majored in psychology and her main passion is marine biology and wildlife. She is also a very creative person and does crafts/art in her free time. A fun fact about her is that she collects trinkets such as bones, rocks, and seashells. Her favorite thing about being a Wetlands Fellow is being able to explore Jamaica Bay and experience life outside of the city — as well as learn about how much nature and wildlife New York City truly has. This experience has taught her how to identify plants, understand how prevalent they are throughout the city, and assess how to take care of the world.
Lynx Zacarias-Castillo
Lynx Zacarias-Castillo is a queer, first-generation Mexican American with a love for the planet they were born in. They have a natural curiosity and care about the world around them, which makes them love working and connecting with the outdoors. They hope to do similar conservation work in Mexico someday. A fun thing about them is that they used to have pet mice. Their favorite thing about being a Wetlands Fellow is the friends they made along the way. This experience taught them about native and invasive species identification.
Markus Arthur
Markus Arthur was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He always had a love for biology and environmentalism. He comes from a background in audio engineering. This fellowship has allowed him to reignite his passion for environmental restoration, motivating his pursuit in a degree and career for environmental studies and biology. A fun fact about him is that he plays the cello and bass. His favorite thing about being a fellow is the ability to work in the field and experience the many green spaces of Jamaica Bay in which he wouldn’t normally venture to. This experience taught him the impact the wetlands have on maintaining New York City’s ecosystem.
Matthew Wojcik
Matthew Wojcik is pursuing a master degree in Earth and Environmental Studies at Brooklyn College. He unites what he learned from academia and the field to further his goals of conservation. All in all, he believes the fellowship aligned perfectly with what he is studying, along with providing helpful data for projects. A fun fact about Wojcik is he loves mugwort, sandwort, spiderwort, and spurwort. His favorite thing about the fellowship was the horticultural knowledge he accumulated thus far. This experience taught him how to differentiate between different types of plants, as well as how to be an effective environmental steward.
Molly Eccles
Molly Eccles believes that being a part of JBRPC has not only strengthened her faith, but has also taught her how to better care for the beautiful world that the Lord has given us to enjoy, study, and protect. She cites Psalm 24:1-2 as her inspiration. She states that being a steward of Jamaica bay has been an absolute blessing, as she has learned how to engage with the lands, parks, and people. A fun fact about her is that she drove to France on a family road trip. Her favorite thing about the fellowship was learning to recognize the flora and fauna (whether it be native or invasive) within Jamaica Bay and other parks she visited. This experience taught her how to respect the nature that surrounds her, as well as how to care for it.
Ryver-Jordan Lindsay
Ryver-Jordan Lindsay is an aspiring naturalist who is concerned about climate change. A fun fact about her is that she is also an avid art and cat lover who is double jointed in her shoulders. Her favorite thing about being a fellow is the ability to explore the natural areas around Jamaica Bay and contribute to continuing efforts at ecological restoration. Through this experience, she learned more about invasive and endemic species in her local area and the work that goes into maintaining our natural areas
Sebastian Jaramillo
Sebastian Jaramillo calls himself a “pretty chill guy,” and is currently living in Brooklyn, but originally from Queens. He is a tattoo artist, screen printer, and a proud grunt of the JBRPC. A fun fact about him is that he can pull mad mugwort. His favorite thing about the fellowship was witnessing the beauty of natural areas and having the opportunity to contribute to their well being. This experience taught him that everybody needs to worry about conservation.
We also wanted to take a moment to give a shoutout to the staff members of JBRPC who have helped make this fellowship possible. Meet JBRPC’s Stewardship Programs Manager and Workforce Development Supervisor below!
Anil Pasram
Anil Pasram serves as the Stewardship Programs Manager and Director of the Wetlands Fellowship Program at the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy. He has mentored three passionate cohorts of young adults dedicated to restoring coastal ecosystems and public parklands. He believes that it is truly an honor to continue guiding this work and collaborating with a diverse network of educators, agencies, and community members who share JBRPC’s vision for a healthier ecosystem, as well as a thriving and equitable future along the shores of Jamaica Bay. Pasram believes that the most rewarding thing in the work he does is being able to give young adults a paid opportunity to explore their passion in the natural areas, while stewarding new and unfamiliar sites across Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway.
Michael Reyes Martinez
Michael Reyes Martinez serves as the Workforce Development Supervisor for the Jamaica Bay Fellowship Program, leading youth in hands-on environmental projects in Jamaica Bay, Queens. With the fellows, he works on cleaning beaches, maintaining park trails, and attending conferences to deepen fellows’ understanding of environmental stewardship. He trains them in tool use, safety, and workplace organization, while fostering teamwork and responsibility. He believes this experience empowers fellows to protect natural resources and develop valuable life skills. Martinez has been working with JBRPC over the past 6 years. His favorite thing about working with the fellows is being able to pass on his skills to them and meet wonderful people who are enthusiastic about the environment and natural areas in Jamaica Bay.
For more information about the Wetlands Fellowship, check out the Wetlands Fellowship Page on our website. To learn more about the impact of this fellowship, check out JBRPC’s 2024 Wetlands Fellowship Report and 2023 Wetlands Fellowship Report.
If you have any questions about the Wetlands Fellowship, email Anil Pasram at anil@jbrpc.org.
The 2025 Jamaica Bay Festival Brought Exciting Community Events
Our Jamaica Bay Festival 2025 was a huge success! We wanted to take a moment to thank our partners, friends and neighbors for participating in our 8th annual Jamaica Bay Festival. Taking place on the City of Water Day, this festival aimed to bring together members of the community to celebrate the 10,000 acres of parklands surrounding Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens.
Thousands of community members participated in 32 events that highlighted stewardship, nature and wildlife, recreational activities, arts, and culture. The festival was a perfect opportunity to showcase the efforts of JBRPC and our many partners in maintaining New York City's largest tidal estuary as a clean, safe, and accessible environment. It worked to highlight the unparalleled opportunities and the natural beauty of this urban tidal estuary. Participants enjoyed free kayaking, fishing, surfing, hiking, bird watching, art, nature and more. Check out some highlights from the day on our Instagram, @jbrpc.
Community Kayaking
Live Music Performances
Mural Painting
Some of our events included a coastal clean up at Vernam Barbadoes with the NYC Parks Stewardship Team, an event to turn a lot into a botanical garden with the Eastern Queens Alliance, Vinyasa Yoga with Outdoor Movement, Kayak Parade with the Black Surfing Association, solar viewing with telescopes with the Amateur Astronomers Association, horseback riding with the NYC Parks Mounted Unit, and friendship bracelet making with Open Plans.
Our festival was made possible through the support of our sponsors and funders: the Waterfront Alliance, New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program, the Hudson River Foundation, Con Edison, and NYC Ferry (official transportation partner).
Check out Some Press Features of the Jamaica Bay Festival:
“Celebrating the Jamaica Bay Festival in Canarsie” | Canarsie Courier
“Annual Jamaica Bay Festival Starts Off Summer Strong” | The Wave
“This Weekend, New York City Will Have Tons of Free Watersports” | MSN
Did you enjoy the festival and want to explore more activities around stewardship, nature and wildlife, and recreational activities? Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy hosts events all year long. Listed below are some events to look forward to. For a full list of our events, check out our events page on our website.
Some Events to Look Forward To:
JAMAICA BAY-ROCKAWAY PARKS CONSERVANCY HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL “JAMAICA BAY FESTIVAL” ON CITY OF WATER DAY
Festival Connects Thousands of New Yorkers with Waterfront Recreation and Educational Activities in NYC’s Largest Natural Area
Today, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) announced the lineup for its 8th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival on City of Water Day, taking place on Saturday, July 12. This free, family-friendly festival spans the 10,000 acres of parklands surrounding Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens, highlighting the beauty, biodiversity, and community spirit of New York City’s largest tidal estuary.
This year, JBRPC is partnering with over 30 local community groups to host a full day of free public events from morning to evening. Participants can enjoy kayaking, birding, shoreline cleanups, yoga, guided nature walks, live music, and more. The festival aims to increase awareness of Jamaica Bay as a vital, ecological, recreational, and cultural resource - and connect New Yorkers of all ages with their local waterfront.
The full schedule of over 30 events is organized into four themes—Active Recreation, Nature & Wildlife, Stewardship, and Arts & Culture—and is available via an interactive map at JamaicaBayFestival.com
Active Recreation:
Enjoy water-based and land-based activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, biking, yoga, and guided fitness classes. These experiences encourage healthy, outdoor fun while deepening appreciation for our local parklands.
Nature & Wildlife:
Join expert-led walks, living shoreline tours, and even solar viewing with astronomers. These programs highlight Jamaica Bay’s remarkable habitats and native wildlife, from shorebirds to saltmarsh grasses.
Stewardship:
Get hands-on with volunteer cleanups and habitat restoration efforts—including a shoreline cleanup at the North Channel Bridge. Participants can help preserve and protect the very spaces we gather to celebrate.
Arts & Culture:
Enjoy live music performances, a local art exhibit, and see historic aircraft up-close—activities that celebrate the stories, people, and history that make Jamaica Bay so special.
“The Jamaica Bay Festival provides a powerful platform to celebrate our shoreline, highlight community partnerships, and engage New Yorkers in the care and stewardship of their local environment,” said Terri Carta, Executive Director of JBRPC. “Jamaica Bay is one of the most ecologically productive and culturally rich parts of New York City, and we’re thrilled to invite neighbors and visitors to experience all it has to offer.”
Returning partners shared their excitement about this year’s event:
“The Jamaica Bay Festival has become an integral part of the Rockaway community and the Garden by the Bay is honored to be a part of such an amazing partnership that brings community members from near and far together to enjoy and celebrate this beautiful estuary called Jamaica Bay. Whether it be birding, kayaking, rowing or simply picnicking along the Bay, the Jamaica Bay Festival has something for everyone,” Jackie Rogers, President of The Garden by the Bay and Edgemere Alliance.
“Marine Park Alliance is thrilled to partner with JBRPC, HEP, NYC Bird Alliance, and many other partners in celebrating Jamaica Bay Festival on City of Water Day 2025! We are keeping the “marine” in Marine Park by welcoming visitors to our fabulous shoreline with an Intro to Birding walk focused on the water birds of Marine Park. NYC is a city defined by its shorelines and City of Water Day is an important occasion to educate New Yorkers about the vitality of our coastlines and waterways,” Scott Middleton, Executive Director of the Marine Park Alliance.
The Jamaica Bay Festival is made possible through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and local businesses across Brooklyn and Queens. The Festival is generously supported, in part, by the Hudson River Foundation, New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program, Waterfront Alliance, and ConEdison. NYC Ferry is the official transportation sponsor of the Jamaica Bay Festival. Use the NYC Ferry App for up-to-date routes and schedules.
The Festival is one of several JBRPC public engagement and stewardship initiatives that receive public funding through the offices of NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, Minority Leader Joann Ariola, and Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, NY Senator Roxanne Persaud, and NY Assembly Members Stacey Pheffer Amato and Jaime R. Williams.
Full Schedule of Events:
“Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay: A State of the Bay Event” Explored Natured-Based Solutions and Resilience in New York City’s Largest Natural Area
Community and agency leaders, researchers, technologists, students, and environmental stewards convened to celebrate progress and strategize continued protection and restoration of Jamaica Bay
Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) and the Science and Resilience Institute of Jamaica Bay (SRIJB) convened over 225 environmental stewards, government agency leaders, researchers, technologists and community members for Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay: A State of the Bay Event at the Rockaway Hotel, on Thursday, June 12th. The afternoon’s program focused on harnessing nature-based solutions for coastal resilience in New York City — connecting a diverse audience with this shared goal — through networking and dialogue.
“Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay: A State of the Bay Event” took place at The Rockaway Hotel’s rooftop, with panoramic views of the natural spaces attendees are working to protect.
Thought-provoking panel discussions and presentations spotlighted cutting-edge strategies, celebrated local achievements, and explored bold, collaborative solutions for building a resilient and thriving urban estuary:
Inventive founders from the nature-technology companies, Natrx and Pliant Energy Systems demonstrated how technology and the environment can complement each other — offering nature-based solutions for shoreline stabilization, and marine robots that can survey sensitive underwater ecosystems with novel fins instead of potentially destructive propellers.
Representatives from the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, the National Park Service, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers detailed the success of projects restoring natural areas and parklands — providing the benefits of flood control, water quality improvements, carbon sequestration and increased access to nature for residents and visitors.
Stewards and researchers from Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and New York Sea Grant presented their work to restore marshlands and monitor flooding. These initiatives are uniquely linked, as each acre of salt marsh in Jamaica Bay is capable of holding 1.5 million gallons of water — the equivalent of two olympic-sized swimming pools.
Leaders from Natural Areas Conservancy, Billion Oyster Project, City University of New York, and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy spoke about efforts to improve workforce development for the current and future jobs in environmental stewardship, renewable energy and parks management — discussing how to ensure young people from all backgrounds have awareness of, and pipeline into careers in this growing field.
The Conservancy also honored the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers with the inaugural Jamaica Bay Champion Award — recognizing their early leadership to raise awareness on marsh loss and their unwavering advocacy that has resulted in vast improvements to water quality, wildlife and public use of parklands.
The Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, Dan Mundy Sr. and Dan Mundy Jr., accept the Jamaica Bay Champion Award
Details on the program and diverse set of 17 speakers across public agencies, private technology companies, community advocacy, academia and non-profit organizations are available at JBRPC.org/stateofthebay. Recordings of the panel discussions and presentations are available on JBRPC’s YouTube channel.
Pliant Energy Systems demonstrate their amphibious robot with a unique undulating propulsion system
“Jamaica Bay’s ecological health and recreational use have soared in recent years,” said Terri Carta, JBRPC’s executive director, pointing out that Jamaica Bay parklands comprise 44 square miles, or twice the size of Manhattan, of beaches, coastal parks, vast tidal wetlands, and open water. “Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay was conceived around the ideas of celebration and inspiration, recognizing collective efforts and excitement for trying new things that are making a real difference, and re-centering the bay as a critical and vulnerable estuary.”
“Jamaica Bay and the surrounding land provides so many important benefits to people and for wildlife, and that’s why so many of us work collectively to understand and steward this important ecological and cultural place,” said Brett Branco, SRIJB’s executive director. “Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay is an opportunity to celebrate our recent successes and renew our commitments to collaborate for the common good.”
Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay coincides with the 20-year anniversary of city legislation that called for a Jamaica Bay Watershed Protection Plan to outline management strategies and actions for improved water quality, to restore natural ecology, and foster community and social resilience. The event also kicked off a year of smaller State of the Bay convenings and research colloquia leading up to a decadal update in 2026.
Innovation and Action in Jamaica Bay: A State of the Bay Event was presented by Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and the Science & Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay, with support from NYC Ferry, The Rockaway Hotel, and Souleil Wines.
About Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC)
Jamaica Bay is New York City’s largest and most ecologically productive open space — an unparalleled oasis of nature covering 44 square miles of open water, tidal wetlands, and coastal parklands altogether twice the size of Manhattan — that directly serves more than 1 million New Yorkers who live in adjacent neighborhoods and more than 3 million who live within its catchment area in southeastern Brooklyn and Queens. As a unique public-private partnership that works across city, state and federal agencies, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy was established in 2013 to bring together diverse community stakeholders, elected officials, academic researchers and others toward a common goal: improving public parklands for enjoyment and ecosystem health. Learn more at JBRPC.org.
About Science & Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay (SRIJB)
The Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay (SRIJB) is an institute of the City University of New York (CUNY) created in partnership with New York City and the National Park Service. Founded in 2013, the SRIJB advances the theory and practice of resilience in the Jamaica Bay watershed and New York City through interdisciplinary research, education, training and engagement of stakeholders. The SRIJB has over a decade of experience working collaboratively with agencies, researchers and stakeholders to preserve and protect the health of Jamaica Bay and the communities that surround it.
New Mural Unveiled at Rockaway’s Beach 59th Street Playground
Renowned artist Sonia Louise Davis, WNBA star Breanna Stewart, and local community members collaborated on mural for the beachside community space
The Beach 59th Street Playground in Arverne unveiled a new mural celebrating the Rockaway community, a collaboration between visual artist Sonia Louise Davis and WNBA star Breanna Stewart. The mural, painted on the back of the park’s handball court, was completed after months of community input.
The mural celebrates the connection between sport, recreational play, and community through art, reinforcing the Beach 59th Street Playground as a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Sonia’s design incorporates abstract forms inspired by sports playbooks from Breanna Stewart and drawings from local youth at Waterside Children's Studio School and P.S. 42 Q, ensuring that the mural represents the community’s vision.
WOAH (Work of Art Holdings) and Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) facilitated the development and installation of the mural. Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground and Sol De Vida ensured that the local community was represented in the mural creation process. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) facilitated the mural’s approval and installation.
The new mural complements the playground’s new inclusive redesign, featuring ADA-accessible ramps, braille panels, and redesigned play equipment. This remarkable transformation was achieved through years of community advocacy led by Florence Ferguson, the leader of the Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground (FOB59THST) group.
The unveiling of the mural included a meet and greet with Sonia Louise Davis, community games, chalking for local youth, raffle prizes and music — welcoming residents to enjoy the new element of the space, while engaging them aesthetically and educationally.
"It is an honor to have this beautiful mural that speaks a language beyond words, electrifying hearts, inspiring minds and reflecting the unity, strength and creativity of our community," said Florence Ferguson, president of Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground Association. “We are so very thankful for the gifted hands of artist Sonia Louise Davis, and the generous sponsorship of WOAH in collaboration with JBRPC, Sol De Vida and NYC Parks for making this extraordinary gift to the Beach 59th Street Playground possible."
“We are elated by this newest addition to communal spaces along Rockaway’s boardwalk, and honored that we could play a part in bringing it into existence,” said Terri Carta, JBRPC’s executive director. “Local parks provide a social and emotional outlet, while exposing visitors to nature and inspiring curiosity. The mural is precisely the kind of addition that brings more people to the park, and makes them want to come back.”
“With great pride, Sol De Vida is honored to have supported the launch of the Beach 59th street mural. With our mission to ensure a home for the expression, curation, and education of the arts on the Far Rockaway peninsula, this mural will inspire youth with abstract artistry leading to limitless ideas,” said Helen Montero, co-founder of Sol De Vida. “We are thankful to have worked with mural artist Sonia Moise, Friends of Beach 59th, NYC Parks, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and Work of Art Holdings.”
“Working with Sonia Louise Davis and WNBA All-Star Breanna Stewart on this project has been a true honor,” said Michi Jigarjian, CEO and Founder of WOAH (Work of Art Holdings). “This mural is more than a work of art—it’s a tribute to the spirit of Rockaway. It celebrates the intersection of creativity and movement, and the deep belief that art and sport can move people, build connections, and lasting pride in the places we call home.”
About Art in the Parks
For nearly 60 years, NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program has brought contemporary public artworks to the city’s parks, making New York City one of the world’s largest open-air galleries. The agency has consistently fostered the creation and installation of temporary public art in parks throughout the five boroughs. Since 1967, NYC Parks has collaborated with arts organizations and artists to produce more than 3,000 public artworks by 1,500 notable and emerging artists in more than 200 parks. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/parks/art.
About Friends of Beach 59th Street Playground
In 2012, Ferguson, alongside Leonard Yarde, Trishia Bermudez, Deborah Short, Belinda Edwards, and Alicia Mazyck, formed The Friends of Beach 59th Street Playground Association as a public charity and community advocacy group that works with local elected officials and parks representatives to improve the playground’s offerings and ensure its safety. A newly renovated playground opened in 2023, following $5 million in investment from the Borough of Queens and New York City Council. Get involved: @friends_of_beach_59th_playgrnd
About Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Jamaica Bay is New York City’s largest and most ecologically productive open space — an unparalleled oasis of nature covering 44 square miles of open water, tidal wetlands, and coastal parklands altogether twice the size of Manhattan — that directly serves more than 1 million New Yorkers who live in adjacent neighborhoods and more than 3 million who live within its catchment area in southeastern Brooklyn and Queens. As a unique public-private partnership that works across city, state and federal agencies, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) was established in 2013 to bring together diverse community stakeholders, elected officials, academic researchers and others toward a common goal: improving public parklands for enjoyment and ecosystem health. Learn more at JBRPC.org.
About Sol De Vida
Founded in 2023 by Brandon Jeffries and Helen Montero-Hernandez, Sol De Vida is a Rockaway-based platform for local artists of all mediums to share their work, secure grants and network with fellow creators through various programs and events. Learn more at soldevidanyc.org.
About Work of Art Holdings (WOAH)
WOAH (Work of Art Holdings) is a female-founded global art and culture firm based in New York, driven by a vision to elevate the integration of art, business, and social responsibility. Founded by Michi Jigarjian, WOAH is committed to investing in art and culture-focused ventures, developing innovative business models, and offering strategic consulting services prioritizing cultural and social impact. Joined by Isolde Brielmaier, PhD, as Chief Strategy Officer, WOAH brings over two decades of expertise in cultural engagement across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Learn more at woah.world.
Run the Runways: Floyd Bennett Field’s Birthday Bash! Brings Community to Historic Airfield
Run the Runways: Floyd Bennett Field’s Birthday Bash! was a huge success! Thank you to all our partners, friends and neighbors for participating in our 2 mile fun-run (or walk) and afternoon of family activities. Over 250 people turned up to support Floyd Bennett Field with a day of full of movement, community, shared history—and a preview of the park’s bright future.
Following the morning run across the runways, the afternoon included picnicking, a daytime DJ dance party, lawn games, photo opportunities (including with a surprise historic aviator!), and arts and crafts – including a giant group birthday card for Floyd Bennett Field and the opportunity for young aviators to make their own wings for ‘flight’ across the Hangar Lawn.
Run the Runways also provided a deeper look into the rich history and exciting future of Floyd Bennett Field. Free Circuit shuttles took participants from activities on Hangar Lawn to a scavenger hunt at Hangar B, which houses a beautifully curated aircraft collection covering 70 years of aviation history, with a focus on the glamorous era of early aviation when records were set and broken from Floyd Bennett Field. Volunteers from the Historic Aircraft Restoration Project (H.A.R.P.) were on hand to offer tours and answer questions.
Hangars 3 & 4, where a rehabilitation and adaptive reuse project is underway, had its doors open for a sneak-peek of things to come – new spaces being constructed for community programming and events, food and beverage service and other visitor amenities, and a workforce development and tech accelerator focused on nature-based solutions. The renderings below, from LTL Architects show what Hangars 3 & 4 will look like after completion.
Now, as we advance design development for this ambitious project, JBRPC seeks more detailed community feedback about Hangar 3 program offerings in particular. Hearing from all of you will help us better understand what local communities would like to see, do, and experience in these spaces -- including food and beverage preferences, program and event offerings, and visitor amenities -- so we can continue to shape programs and partnerships that reflect those priorities, both in the buildings and the surrounding park areas. Please take the brief survey below to make your voice heard.
Thank you again to our partners, the National Park Service, National Parks Conservation Association, Rockaway Track Club, Circuit, Runway Green and Millennium Development for making this wonderful day possible. Some of our favorite moments were captured in the gallery below. We hope to see you out at Floyd Bennett Field another time this summer!
