Events run from April 19-23
The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today announced its weeklong lineup of public programming celebrating of Earth Day 2021 and its theme of “Restore Our Earth.” Events include virtual, in-person, and hybrid sessions ranging from composting practices in Battery Park City, a dance performance and talk on dance advocacy, earth-friendly projects for children, and more.
“Earth Day is a special time in Battery Park City, and as we emerge from a challenging year we do so while reinforcing our commitment to creating a more sustainable future,” said BPCA President and Chief Executive Officer B.J. Jones. “I invite everyone to celebrate Earth Day this year, and to participate in these fun and educational programs and embracing the urgency of restoring our earth.
“The pandemic is a wake-up call reminding us that we need to better understand the relationship between our own lives and the natural world,” BPCA Board Member and Resiliency Working Group Chair Catherine McVay Hughes. “Climate change is not moving as fast as COVID-19 but its impact will be just as profound. On Earth Day 2021 we will reflect on the part that every community, including BPC and Lower Manhattan, must play if we are going to limit the damage and become more resilient in the face of the coming changes.”
“Earth Day reminds us of our obligations to work as a community and take action to minimize climate change on this precious planet we call home,” said Robert Okpala, Partner, Buro Happold. “As we move beyond this challenging year, these community events remind us that we are also on a journey at Battery Park City to create a sustainable legacy together.”
BPCA’s Earth Day 2021 celebration includes:
Earth Week Challenges: April 19-23
Follow BPCA on Instagram to participate in a series of Earth Week Challenges that raise awareness about sustainable practices, healthy lifestyles, reducing plastic use and energy savings, recycling education, and more. With a new challenge each day, see how many you can complete by the end of the week!
Monday, April 19
COMPOSTING IN BATTERY PARK CITY
Digital Event
Tune in to the BPCA YouTube Channel to learn about the Do’s and Don’ts of composting in Battery Park City. BPCA’s composting program runs year-round at its 75 Battery Place facility, producing compost from holiday trees as well as raw, fresh, or frozen vegetables, and fruit provided by Battery Park City residents. As a result of these efforts, BPCA diverted more than 41,000 pounds of waste from the landfill in 2020 alone.
Parks users can also participate in BPCA’s Dog Waste Compost pilot program at any of Battery Park City’s three dog runs. First launched during Climate Week 2019, to date this program has helped divert more than 2,000 pounds of waste from the landfill. Composting rather than disposing of this waste in its raw form helps minimize the amount of methane gas released, while also reducing the number of plastic bags typically used to pick up pet waste.
Tuesday, April 20
6:30-7:30PM
TUESDAY TALK – ARTICHOKE DANCE COMPANY
Live @ Belvedere Plaza
In celebration of Earth Day BPCA presents Artichoke Dance Company. This innovative and captivating dance troupe creates performances that connect to civic engagement, education, and environmental activism. They will perform a few pieces from their repertoire, with director Lynn Neumann discussing their ecologically-focused work. Limited, socially-distanced seating will be available via free RSVP.
Please remember:
– Masks are required when visiting Battery Park City’s parks and public spaces.
– Visitors must maintain six feet of physical distance between households.
Wednesday, April 21
BPCA PRESENTS: Earth Week Story Time with Doug Van Horn
Digital Event
Tune in to the BPCA YouTube Channel for an Earth Day Story Time reading for little ones by Doug Van Horn, BPCA’s Associate Director of Parks Programming, Education & Nature.
GIRL SCOUTS: MEET THE EXPERTS
In conjunction with the Lower Manhattan Girl Scout Council, on Wednesday afternoon BPCA will host a Compost and Sustainability Tour virtual video screening for local troops, followed by a remote Q&A session with BPCA’s experts.
“Our girls are thrilled to partner with BPCA for Earth Day,” said Jacky Goldman, Girl Scout Troop 3403/3503 Leader. “We believe it is important to inspire the future female leaders in our community to protect our planet. Learning about composting and sustainability projects from a BPCA expert will empower our girls to make environmentally friendly choices.”
Thursday, April 22 – Earth Day
BPCA PRESENTS: Children’s Art – Earth Day Craft
Digital Event
Families are invited to make a fun Earth Day craft project with Marieke. This earth-friendly activity and more are available on the BPCA YouTube Channel.
LET’S TALK COMPOST!
Live @ Oculus Plaza
Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of food sent to the landfill and help the Earth! Hosted in conjunction with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, visit Oculus Plaza at the World Trade Center campus from 10AM–noon to learn about compost and ways you can do it – with or without a yard! Attendees will also hear about vermiculture (composting with worms)! Drop in and ask questions, or come for one of our 15-minute “Compost 101” talks scheduled for 10:15AM, 10:45AM, and 11:30AM. To learn more about the World Trade Center’s sustainability initiatives: Read Here.
“Sustainability is a core value of the Port Authority and we are proud to partner with the Battery Park City Authority on this important event to celebrate Earth Week,” said Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director, Rick Cotton. “Every action both large and small, such as learning how each of us can compost our food waste, are important ecological strides we should take towards a more sustainable future.”
Friday, April 23
BPC WILDLIFE OBSERVATION SURVEY
Hybrid Event
Volunteer with BPCA virtually by taking part in the socially-distanced BPC Wildlife Observation Survey. Analyzing the data collected from park visitors and staff helps BPCA create a better habitat for native insects and migratory birds that call Battery Park City home, and all you need is a smart phone or tablet to participate in this ongoing survey that can be completed any time you visit. To date, survey respondents have helped BPCA positively identify 72 diverse species of birds, insects, and mammals across the neighborhood!
Please remember:
– Masks are required when visiting Battery Park City’s parks and public spaces.
– Visitors must maintain six feet of physical distance between households.
Ongoing Programming & Initiatives
Keep It Wild!
Keep It Wild! is BPCA’s new public awareness campaign encouraging the public to responsibly observe wildlife in Battery Park City’s 36 acres of parks and public spaces. Through posters in park kiosks, postcards distributed by Authority staff and BPC Ambassadors, and a video on BPCA’s YouTube Channel, Keep It Wild! helps celebrate Battery Park City as home to world-class public spaces that foster social cohesion, advance wellness and promote connectivity to nature.
BPC Sustainability Tour
Charged with developing and maintaining a well-balanced community on Manhattan’s Lower West Side, BPCA has a robust environmental legacy. Today, sustainability initiatives permeate the organization’s operations – including in its maintenance, horticulture, programming, capital planning, finance and administrative functions. Join us for a fun and informative virtual tour of this work happening across Battery Park City!
BPC Sustainability Plan
The Battery Park City Sustainability Plan is a comprehensive pathway to achieve progressive sustainability targets over the next decade. Developed in consultation with a broad range of residential, local, and governmental stakeholders, the Plan provides the framework for developing and implementing a carbon neutral Battery Park City by 2050, in keeping with the mandate set forth in the New York State’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read more.
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