Yesterday, the Bronx River Alliance was excited to take a class of students from Ampark Elementary School and their guardians on an educational outing on The Bronx River. Many of the twenty fifth graders had never been on a boat let alone on The Bronx River. After safety training and instructions from Damian Griffin, Chief Educator, and Josue Garcia, Recreation Specialist, everyone was eager to get on the water and learn about the river.
The boats launched from Mitsubishi Riverwalk, directly across from The Bronx Zoo. They paddled under Fordham Road and up into the Botanical Gardens. While the class floated back down stream, Mr. Griffin told the students some of the history of the Bronx River, their home borough, and other inform
ation about the local ecosystem. Back on dry land, one student said, "It was really cool to see the plants and animals from the river. We even saw a hawk." Another added in, "Yeah, it was really fun. We should come back before graduation!"
The Bronx River Alliance regularly hosts students from elementary schools, high schools, and colleges in addition to other organizations. To learn more about the Bronx River Alliance’s Educational Program, contact Damian Griffin at damian.griffin@parks.nyc.gov.
