Gowanus Canal Conservancy

Gowanus Canal Conservancy works to build an equitable, thriving and resilient urban ecosystem in Gowanus — its waterway, urban forest, parks and open space — through education, stewardship, and advocacy that empower our community.  Since 2006, we have served as the environmental steward for the neighborhood through leading grassroots volunteer projects; educating students on environmental issues; and working with agencies, elected officials, and the community to advocate for, build, and maintain innovative green infrastructure around the Gowanus Canal.

Vision

Through GCC’s work caring and advocating for the environment, we will see a Gowanus neighborhood adapted to the impacts of climate change with a healthy urban forest; accessible, well-maintained public waterfronts, parks and open space; robust green and grey infrastructure to manage flooding, sewage and storm surge; and a clean, biodiverse waterway, with restored salt marsh, coastal plant communities and abundant wildlife.

The people who live, work and learn in the community will have equitable access to neighborhood green space and the waterway, particularly public housing residents, people from historically marginalized communities, and people at disproportionate risk from climate change. They will have access to local green jobs and opportunities and will be empowered to make positive environmental change in the neighborhood and city through stewardship, education and advocacy.

Through our work, the Gowanus community will become a successful model for urban climate resilience and environmental justice across the city.

More Information

For more information about Gowanus Canal Conservancy or any of our programs, visit our website, follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn, and see our most recent annual report. 

Who We Are

Gowanus Canal Conservancy is dedicated to facilitating the development of a resilient, vibrant, open space network centered on the Gowanus Canal. Since 2006, we have served as the environmental steward for the neighborhood through leading grassroots volunteer projects; educating students on environmental issues; and working with agencies, elected officials, and the community to advocate for, build, and maintain innovative green infrastructure around the Gowanus Canal.