The Science Barge, located at 99 Dock Street on the Yonkers Waterfront NY, is a prototype sustainable urban farm developed by NY Sun Works and acquired by Groundwork Hudson Valley in October, 2008 to be operated as an environmental education center. The Science Barge greenhouse, floating on the Hudson River, grows an abundance of fresh produce including tomatoes, melons, greens, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero pesticides, and zero runoff. All of the energy needed to power the Barge is generated by solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels while the hydroponic greenhouse is irrigated solely by collected rainwater and purified river water, thus operating completely “off the grid.” It is the only fully functioning demonstration of renewable energy supporting sustainable food production in New York. Open to the public Saturdays and Sundays 12-6PM.

  • Question: how does the generator become heated? - Anonymous
  • Answer:

    Most power used on the Science Barge is Solar energy. It is collected, converted and stored in batteries. When solar power starts running low, the windmills fill in the gaps. Biofuels are used to power certain equipment, one of which is likely the generator. If you need more detail about this Bob Walter is the guy to ask. You can email him at bob@groundworkhv.org. :) Thanks for checking out our blog!!!

  • Question: Is the science barge open for school trips and if so, what is the cost per person? How do I go about booking a trip? - Anonymous
  • Answer:

    Thank you for the inquiry. You can find out more about the school programs and their associated costs on the Groundwork Hudson Valley website http://www.groundworkhv.org . The contact page has useful emails and phone numbers to speak with someone directly. The person in charge of School programs is Gwen Hill. Hope this helps!!! -Anna

Can cities become self reliant in food? Study suggests 'yes'

The study, “Can cities become self-reliant in food?,” conducted by Parwinder Grewal, professor of entomology and director of the Center for Urban Environment and Economic Development at Ohio State University, suggests that a city such as Cleveland, OH, could produce most of the food its citizens need.

Introducing local Tai Chi master Domingo Colon

he’ll be overseeing a free Tai Chi on the River session in front of the Science barge on Sun 9/18. River… Sky… Grass… Tai Chi… Ahhh

One Woman’s Budget-Conscious Approach to Slow Food Value Meals : Slow Food USA

SlowFoodUSA.org, Groundwork Hudson Valley and the Science Barge all agree that locally grown organic food is the healthiest to eat and most beneficial to communities at large.

Bring your kids and nieces and nephews along for a tour of the Science Barge this weekend. Why wait for another day? Just do it… do it. 

Bring your kids and nieces and nephews along for a tour of the Science Barge this weekend. Why wait for another day? Just do it… do it. 

Do you think it’s true?

Do you think it’s true?

(via caproic-deactivated20111217)

Source: antoniodrake

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What the Riverfest of Yonkers has in store for us all tomorrow. Plan on stopping by the barge to show love to the floating sculptures and the artists who made them. More details about the day here. Any time between noon to dusk. 

Yes, YOU!  and all volunteers available this Saturday to help manage the Floating Sculpture Competition which is part of Riverfest celebrations all along the Hudson that day. Please come out if you can. We can use all hands on deck to help set up the floating sculptures, provide tours, sell merchandise, manage contact sheet… the list goes on. We are counting on you to come help make the day a HUGE success!!! Email your availability to bob@groundworkhv.org. Thanks in advance!!

Yes, YOU!  and all volunteers available this Saturday to help manage the Floating Sculpture Competition which is part of Riverfest celebrations all along the Hudson that day. Please come out if you can. We can use all hands on deck to help set up the floating sculptures, provide tours, sell merchandise, manage contact sheet… the list goes on. We are counting on you to come help make the day a HUGE success!!! Email your availability to bob@groundworkhv.org. Thanks in advance!!

CRAB BLITZ!!! August 7 2011. 19 Teams competing for Biggest Catch. 30 Crabs caught in two hours. Biggest Crab: 6” shell width.