The Open Space Institute protects land for clean water, climate protection, places to play, and healthy communities. Among our hallmarks in achieving these goals is forging strong partnerships and fostering grassroots organizations. Since 1974, OSI’s Citizen Action program has been sponsoring environmentally-focused community organizations, helping them grow and succeed.
Based in Long Island City, one of OSI’s current Citizen Action groups is HarborLAB—a group with an emphasis on “learning adventure boating.” The group promotes environmental stewardship by providing free, water-based programming for children, underprivileged youth, and underrepresented community members.
HarborLAB’s main offering is canoeing and kayaking excursions that provide participants with a first-hand experience on the water. While exploring New York City’s waterways, HarborLAB’s programs teach groups about ecosystems, water sources, and how to conduct water testing and collect scientific data that can be shared on the web with other participants.