Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 10, 2000

Release #313-00

 
Contact: Sunny Mindel/Julie Caudell (212) 788-2958




MAYOR GIULIANI, PARKS COMMISSIONER STERN OFFICIALLY OPEN THE
SALT MARSH NATURE CENTER

Announce New Partnership Between Parks Department and the
National Geographic Society


Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, Brooklyn City Councilman Herb Berman and Terry Garcia, Executive Vice President Mission Programs of the National Geographic Society today officially opened the Salt Marsh Nature Center. They also announced a new partnership between the City and the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society presented the Mayor with a check for $200,000 to support the Urban Park Rangers' children's programs, including funding for the creation of "Explorer" and "Junior Ranger" programs at the Salt Marsh Nature Center. The Mayor also announced that the City has received a grant of $315,000 from New York State Secretary of State Alexander F. Treadwell, which will be employed to promote awareness and stewardship of coastal resources, revitalize this critical waterfront habitat, and improve public access to the area.

"I am honored to accept on behalf of the people of New York these generous grants from the National Geographic Society and State of New York," said Mayor Giuliani. "These funds will enable Commissioner Stern and the New York City Parks Department to continue to expand learning opportunities for all New Yorkers, particularly the children of New York, in the areas of environmental awareness and conservation. I hope that the unique lessons visitors to the Salt Marsh Nature Center learn will be carried with them for years to come."

The $4 million Salt Marsh Center, funded by Councilman Berman, features orientation, exhibit, classroom, office, and meeting space, as well as an on-site caretaker's apartment. Overlooks were added to nature trails throughout the salt marsh in order to provide places to observe the diverse wildlife along Gerritsen Creek. The project also called for stabilization of the shoreline, reconstruction of the park perimeter with new trees, shrubs, and meadow plantings, and the supplementation of salt marsh areas with indigenous plantings to filter pollutants and attract wildlife.

The Urban Park Rangers manage the Salt Marsh Nature Center as an environmental resource for the local community by providing free educational, recreational and cultural activities. Visitors to the nature center will be able to learn about and explore the salt marsh wetland through nature walks, arts and crafts, hands-on science activities, canoeing, birding, fishing, and habitat restoration projects.

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