Education For All Ages

We believe people cannot care for nature if they do not understand nature.  Yet, for the residents of the nation's largest city, understanding nature takes some effort.  Our environmental education program is rooted in the notion that experiential learning is the best way to learn about nature.  The District works with schools, institutions of higher education, and community organizations to better prepare future stewards of the City's natural resources.

NYC Envirothon

The Envirothon is an outdoor environmental science competition for high school students, grades 9 Through 12. Winning teams, each representing a single high school, progress from the borough level to state and national levels. NYC Envirothon is organized by the NYC Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with schools, community organizations and city and state agencies.

The Envirothon began in Pennsylvania in 1979. New York State held its first Envirothon in 1990 and New York City held its first Envirothon in 1996. The State Envirothon is sponsored by the NYS Conservation Districts Employees Association.

NYC Outdoors Expo

NYC Outdoors Environmental Education Expo is an annual event showcasing organizations that offer environmental education programs to schools in New York City.

The event is organized by a partnership among the District, the Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban Environmental Education at NYU, and The River Project.

The event has featured live raptors, reptiles, and estuarine fishes in the past as well as make-your-own solar ovens and worm composting bins.

Admission to the event is free.  For this year's event, check the "What's New" section in early fall.

Technical Assistance

The District can assist teachers and community groups with field trips, classroom demonstrations or presentations upon request.

For water quality students can test the salinity with a hydrometer, pH with a pH strip, and dissolved oxygen with a chemical test kit.  For soil quality students can test for Potassium, Phosphorus, Nitrogen and pH with chemical test kits.  These tests can be conducted outdoors or in classroom.

The District can also demonstrate the water quality problems associated with Combined Sewer Overflows using a Sewer in a Suitcase model.

Please use the Contact Form on our Contact Us pafe to request assistance.