After decades of mending the maladies of its heavily polluted stream, the Bronx River’s dedicated riverine communities can enjoy the summer pleasures of clean water, brisk air, lush banks and winding greenways.
The Bronx River Alliance, a nonprofit environmental organization created in 2001 to rescue, protect and open public access to the Bronx River, has a lot to do with it. The agency, which works in cooperation with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, operates to promote education, participation and a wide programming of community- and family-oriented activities that take place both on the river and along its shores.
“I have a passion for introducing people to new things,” said Michelle Williams, community outreach manager for the Bronx River Alliance. “I feel that as beautiful as the Bronx River is, if you are a family living in the Bronx, then you should be on the river!”
Once known to be an open sewer, the river has been restored to its health, and once again home to “turtles and toddlers, the great blue heron, and fathers and daughters with fishing poles,” according to the Alliance, becoming a symbol of Bronxites’ commitment and dedication to their borough.
“I am the Bronx River,” a short promotional video recently released by the organization, functions both as a reminder of how bad things can get, and a testimonial to the power of the human spirit. The determination and joint action of many residents have reclaimed the beauty of a waterway whose soothing comfort is much needed in a borough still afflicted by some of the highest asthma and obesity rates in the country.
“The Bronx River runs through the heart of the Bronx,” said Williams. “Local families will have opportunities for fun, fitness, education and to stay in touch with nature that most urban families won’t have.”
Two summer activities she recommends are the Bronx River ramble and the community paddle. The ramble falls on the first Saturday of the month and consists of a two-hour guided nature walk that takes participants on an ecological and historical exploration of a different river community each time. Led by either volunteer historians or trained staff, the walk is approximately two miles long and free of charge, like many of the Alliance’s activities.
“We thought of creating the ramble because we have established so many greenways along the river,” said Williams, who attributes the program to motivating people to exercise in nature, and helping residents learn about the history of their neighborhood.
A recent ramble in Hunts Point included walking in the footsteps of Sarah Titus (tender of the Westchester Bridge over the Bronx River), Revoltionary War hero General Marquis de Lafayette and George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends.
The community paddle, a canoeing trip along the river, also guided and free of charge, is a must-try for families this summer, according to Williams. Canoeing excursions vary each month to maximize the involvement of all the Bronx communities along the river’s banks. The next canoeing trip will be held at the end of the month.
“To canoe in your [neighborhood], it’s such a value,” said Williams, who was introduced to the sport when she joined the Alliance. “It gives people an experience they may otherwise not have and our recreational team is really knowledgeable. They can teach participants a new skill.”
The Bronx River Alliance’s community paddle is open to all, unlike the Flotilla, the traditional seasonal opening where only experienced paddlers can participate.
Children get firsthand experience with nature and awareness of their role within it. Luis Matta and Chasity Marie Cozzolino, 12- and 6-years-old, respectively, often participate in events run by the Alliance, and have become fond of the river simply by playing with it.
“It’s fun,” said Chasity, who also participated in the narration of the video. “Kids can help the river by volunteering time to clean it up.”
Luis, who enjoys canoeing and fishing, contributes his time to keep the river healthy.
“Bronx children can help remove garbage and other stuff that can harm the fish and turtles,” he said.
Bronx River Alliance’s Bronx River ramble [Location to be decided, (718) 430-4658], Aug 7 and first Saturday of each month. Community paddle [Location to be decided, (718) 430-4658] Saturday, Aug. 28. For info, visit www.bronxriver.org.
