CNN On the Science Barge-Hydroponics at Sea

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During heavy rains, a rain garden fills with a few inches of water which then soaks into the soil, going through a natural filtration process before making its way into the groundwater or an adjacent stream. Compared to a patch of lawn, a rain garden allows about 30% more water to soak into the ground. Rain gardens consist of a variety of plants including native flowers, grasses, and trees that are home to local wildlife. They are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any landscape.

The American Eel is a migratory fish that is born in the Sargasso Sea, a region of the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda, that migrates all the way to the Hudson River as tiny “glass eels” each spring and then swims up small Hudson River tributaries to mature. In the first week of the study we have found a dozen glass eels at the mouth of the Saw Mill River, an important Hudson River tributary. We are testing for eels further north in the river in Yonkers to see if they are making it beyond the mouth. The species is in decline over much of its range, making tributaries where they can safely mature very important.

This Yonkers study comes at a perfect time, before the groundbreaking for the Daylighting project, that will reveal and restore sections of the river that run underground. If the study finds that man-made obstacles are making it impossible for the small eels to get up the river, we may be able to engineer changes to accommodate them. To get involved in the study please contact Emily Ederat 914-375-2151.

The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Broadcast Support (OBS) in Washington D.C. invites serious, credible journalists to come to the U.S. to produce TV news reports and documentaries on subjects and themes of need or interest in their country. To that end, the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia and the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. are sponsoring this project, through a grant to TV Amazonica and Amazon Sat.

These timely reports will be taped in the United States to highlight “Successful ‘Green’ Experiences in the U.S.” that can serve as examples to the Amazon region. To that end, the series will examine efforts being made by the U.S. Federal government, State and Municipal governments, businesses, and private citizens to increase energy efficiency, and combat climate change, as well as preserve “green” spaces and natural resources.

The Our Folks Team from Riverside High School have been working since last summer to make needed repairs in the homes of older adults in the community. During these projects, the seniors and the youth get to know each other and socialize, helping to bridge the gap between generations. The Environmental Food Team is another group of older adults in the community who take classes at Phillpse Manor Hall once a week with Groundwork’s Curt Collier where they learn about the history of food and current issues surrounding nutrition and agriculture. Now that The EFT has been introduced to Our Folks students, they are also interested in signing up for Our Folks projects.