The Sciencebarge – NYC

Continuing on the list of things to do, MAKE and learn about in NYC for Makers, I visited the Sciencebarge in NYC, here’s a bit about it and my photos!

The Science Barge is a prototype, sustainable urban farm and environmental education center. It is the only fully functioning demonstration of renewable energy supporting sustainable food production in New York City. The Science Barge grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce with zero net carbon emissions, zero chemical pesticides, and zero runoff.

The Science Barge Education Program focuses on sustainable food production and renewable energy resources.  Following an introductory discussion on food systems and the concept of urban farming, students are led through an inquiry-based tour of the Science Barge, focusing on three main topics – food, water, and power.  Topics on the tour include renewable energy, Hudson River ecology, reverse osmosis purification systems, pollination, integrative pest management, plant life cycles, hydroponics, greenhouse climate controls, aquaponics, vermiculture composting, oyster gardening, and constructed wetlands.

From May to October 2007, the Science Barge hosted over 3,000 schoolchildren from all five New York boroughs as well as surrounding counties as part of our environmental education program. In addition, over 6,000 adult visitors visited the facility along with press from around the world.

The Science Barge is currently open to the public and located at Pier 84, Hudson River Park (West 44th Street & 12th Avenue). Guided tours of the Science Barge run six days a week at the following times:

Public Tour Schedule:
Tuesday: 4.00pm
Wednesday: 4.00pm
Thursday: 4.00pm
Friday: 4.00pm
Saturday: 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm
Sunday: 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm

Public tours are free and operate on a first come, first serve basis. The tour duration is approximately 45 minutes.

Editor’s note: This is part of the “mobile post” series which will appear on MAKE – sponsored by Windows Mobile. Only the links and voice that appear in the mobile post box (below) are part of the campaign on MAKE – pt.