Did you know many community groups who support parks are also making a difference around environmental issues? Whether it’s organizing educational programs or advocating for green infrastructure, there are various ways park groups can take action. Come to this workshop to brainstorm ideas and hear from experienced community leaders and city officials who are tackling climate change, air pollution, water quality, and more; one park at a time.

Topics:

• An overview of the biggest environmental challenges facing NYC
• How NYC Parks is responding to these new realities
• The role park groups can play in creating large & small scale solutions
• Examples of green programming from experienced park groups

Featured speakers:

Alexandra Hiniker, Program Director, Mayor’s Office for International Affairs

Alexandra Hiniker is responsible for highlighting the connections between local and global sustainability efforts using OneNYC and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has 15 years of international development, policy, and advocacy experience working in 18 countries around the world. Alexandra earned a B.A. from the University of Chicago, an M.A. from Uniwersytet Jagiellonski in Krakow, Poland, and is currently pursuing an M.S. in urban policy and leadership at Hunter College.

Cait LaMorte, Development Director, Gowanus Canal Conservancy

The Gowanus Canal Conservancy is a nonprofit that empowers environmental stewards and design advocates around the rapidly changing Gowanus Canal. In her role at the conservancy, Cait LaMorte is responsible for building individual and institutional giving programs, expanding special events, and leading communication efforts. She holds a master’s of public administration from NYU Wagner, and previously worked for the Central Park Conservancy and the New York Restoration Project.

Tanasia Swift, Community Reefs Regional Manager, Billion Oyster Project

As a Brooklyn resident and a graduate of the New York Harbor School, Tanasia Swift is very familiar with New York City’s waterways and the surrounding community. At the Billion Oyster Project, Tanasia manages community connections, plans field events, recruits and engages school groups, and trains community partners at each community reef site.

Sarah Aucoin, Chief of Education & Wildlife, NYC Parks

Sarah Grimké Aucoin’s tenure in Parks spans nearly twenty years in the areas of environmental education, outdoor adventure, active conservation, and wildlife management. As director of the Urban Park Rangers, Sarah worked on efforts to protect the endangered piping plover in Rockaway Park, reintroduce the bald eagle in Inwood Hill Park, and develop climate change education with Columbia University.

Nichole Henderson, Senior Stewardship Manager, NYC Parks

Nichole Henderson manages volunteer initiatives engaging stewards in the long-term care of New York City’s natural areas and urban forest. Nichole has been with NYC Parks for over six years and has a B.A. in environmental studies from the University of Vermont.

Jessica McKay, Sustainability Project Development Coordinator, NYC Parks

Jessica McKay obtained her master’s degree in conservation biology, and has worked at the Central Park Zoo and in the ornithology (bird) department at the American Museum of Natural History on various aspects of biological conservation. In her current position, she is involved in everything from organizing energy efficiency and sustainability trainings to developing and coordinating renewable energy projects.

Ted Enoch, Catalyst Director, Partnerships for Parks

Ted Enoch supports historically underserved communities in activating and realizing the potential of their green and blue spaces across NYC. Ted has a long history of working in collaboration to help communities face and shift complex social and environmental justice issues. His 25+ years of community building work spans across the National Coalition Building Institute, Spiral Q- a social justice and arts organization in Philadelphia, and an alternative-to-incarceration program in Washington DC.

For more information or questions, please email relzinga@cityparksfoundation.org