Where Sustainability Grows
The Science Barge is a one-of-a-kind floating resource center. It has been permanently docked in the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, NY since 2008. It is a living classroom, a community space and an urban farm. Each year we grow fresh vegetables and herbs and donate the harvest within our community. The Barge runs entirely on renewable, clean energy from off-grid solar panels and wind turbines. Hydroponic and aquaponic farming systems use on-site filtered river water. Our Sustainability Educators are on hand offering tours for all ages of visitors.
Visit The Science Barge
The Science Barge is open to the general public every weekend between June and October. Visitors can explore for free from 12 PM to 5 PM, with the last tour starting at 4:45 PM. During the week, we welcome school and community groups for educational programs – more info on booking these below. We are an easy 5-minute walk from the Yonkers Metro-North Station on the downtown waterfront.
Educational Programs at The Science Barge
Groundwork Hudson Valley is committed to supporting educators as they inspire the next generation of
environmental leaders. Between June-October, we offer weekday on-site programs covering a range of
environmental topics, from plant anatomy and river ecology to sustainable living and emergency preparedness. We also offer lessons connected to our ongoing projects, showcasing examples like the Science Barge's sustainable energy model and the diverse ecosystem of the Saw Mill River.
We’d love to host your group aboard! View our current programs below. If your preferred timing is during the off-
season (November to May) we offer both virtual and in-classroom options. All programs can be designed with class schedules in mind. Our offerings are great for adults too.
For more information, feel free to contact us at sciencebarge@groundworkhv.org.
Learn aboard or Virtually with our expert-led programs
Explore Our Programs
Take a closer look at our off-the-grid floating farm. The Science Barge is a sustainability education center in downtown Yonkers, operating off the grid using solar, wind power, and rainwater for hydroponic systems while recycling waste. It features a rain harvester, bioremediation area, and a recycled shipping container. Students can explore its sustainable operations and discuss future urban development possibilities.
Explore the plant anatomy and the various uses of plant parts. Students will discover plant anatomy and understand the function of each part. We will also cover what plants need to survive, both hydroponically and in nature. Using examples from our floating farm, we explore the different uses of plants, from sustenance to construction. For advanced students, we also discuss the evolutionary forces that create unique structural adaptations in plants allowing them to survive in almost every climate.
Explore different symbiotic relationships with examples from our garden. Discover the intriguing realm of garden inhabitants and their complex relationships! Come along as we delve into the three primary types of symbiosis and learn to recognize examples of each. Gain insights into how these interactions—whether advantageous or detrimental—impact the garden ecosystem. Every organism has its own unique life narrative, so let’s explore these captivating tales together!
Uncover the mysteries of the Hudson River ecosystem. Discover the rich biodiversity of the Hudson River! In this program, students will explore six fascinating and essential organisms, from the majestic Bald Eagle (often seen right here at the Science Barge!) to the remarkable Blue Crab, one of the world's few swimming crab species. Join us as we dive into the unique ecosystem of the Hudson River and uncover what makes it so special.
Explore the evolution of our atmosphere, the evidence backing it, and its current impacts on all of us. Starting with the Industrial Revolution, we’ll take a look at our ever changing atmosphere. Through the study of natural archives, we’ll discover the evidence scientists collect on these worldwide changes. And finally, we will discuss how our atmosphere effects our lives, from extreme weather to food scarcity. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of each impact and their compounding effects on people and the environment.
Learn more about this thriving engineered ecosystem. At the mouth of the Saw Mill River as it empties into the Hudson, a vibrant park surrounds the uncapped river flowing above-ground for the first time in 90 years. Take a historical walk along the Saw Mill River to discuss the Indigenous people that thrived here before us, the Industrial Revolution in Yonkers, and the vital relationship we have to the River. This urban habitat supports existing species, like the American eel, and the rejuvenation of this important ecosystem.
Learn about the Urban Homestead movement and how to live more sustainably. Learn what it took to be a homesteader in the 1800s, and how to apply the same fundamental principles to your life and home today. This program explores a variety of practices, including energy and water conservation, the use of non-toxic materials, composting and recycling, and more. Discover how these actions can protect your health and help sustain resources and the environment. We’ll focus on sustainable solutions perfect for any home, especially those in urban communities.
Learn about what you can do to prepare for an extreme weather event. Prepare for the storm as we delve into the risks associated with extreme weather events! We aim to help you grasp what these events entail, their causes, and, most importantly, how to get ready for them. Additionally, we will explore best practices for weather preparedness, including the creation of home emergency kits that students can begin assembling. Don’t find yourself anxious and unprepared! Safeguard yourself and your family from the rising threats posed by extreme weather.
During the Science Barge's off-season (November to mid-May), we offer virtual programming. In-person programming at The Science Barge is offered from mid-May to October. For more information on our programs, pricing, and discounts, see below.
Pricing
Entry for the general public on weekends is free. Below pricing is for weekday educational programs.
In-Person Program
Virtual Program
In-person programming is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
1 Hour Group Tour: $300 (*$200)
1.5 Hour (Tour + Short Program): $400 (*$250)
2 Hour (Tour + Long Program): $500 (*$300)
Virtual Program length is designed with class schedules in mind.
40-minute program: $300 (*$200) - Includes choice of one program above
80-minute program: $350 (*$250) - Includes Science Barge Tour AND choice of one other program above
(*Yonkers Public Schools or Title 1 School with documentation of Title 1 status)
With rising costs we have taken the decision to raise our Science Barge fees, for the first time in many years. We're grateful for your support!
CURB Program Discount
We offer a special joint program with the Center for the Urban River at Beczak (CURB)! When you reserve a combined CURB-Science Barge Program, you will receive a $50 discount on both the Science Barge program and the CURB program (this offer does not combine with the YPS or Title 1 discount). PLEASE NOTE: You need to book your CURB program directly with them.
To book a program at the Science Barge, click here.
To pay online, click here.
To pay by check, make it payable to:
Groundwork Hudson Valley
22 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Yonkers, NY 10701