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THE LAST OF ITS KIND: HEALING NEW YORK'S WETLANDS In Northern Manhattan, nestled in Harlem River, lies Sherman Creek Park, a special place that has been transformed from a neglected illegal dump into a thriving community hub, beloved by the neighborhood.
New York Restoration Project (NYRP) believes that access to nature is a fundamental right. Founded in 1995 by award-winning actress and singer Bette Midler, NYRP has planted trees, renovated gardens, restored parks, and transformed open spaces for communities throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Creating community spaces requires a deep understanding of the diverse communities that make up New
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York City, including unique perspectives that promote inclusivity, synergy, and collaboration. Today, NYRP operates and cares for 52 community gardens throughout the city and 80 acres of city parkland, including one of the last remaining ecosystems of its kind in all of Manhattan. For a small park, Sherman Creek has a very diverse landscape that includes a forest and
a farm. Communities that use this area are underserved and do not have easy access to to green spaces. This area has become a refuge, an essential part of the fabric of NYC. However, the park’s shoreline suffers from erosion, which has only intensified due to increased storm surge and sea-level rise— both driven by climate change. Erosion is a creeping problem, but one that can cause catastrophic damage to a park’s infrastructure.
