Volunteer

Socially Distant Public Volunteer Program

We’re hosting socially distant public volunteer shifts this spring! Volunteers can join us to learn about Gowanus history, geography, and plant communities as they care for native plants in our nursery and maintain local green infrastructure. For your safety, all shifts will be limited in capacity and socially distant, and face masks are required. For groups of 5 and above, and any questions, please email volunteer[@]gowanuscanalconservancy[dot]org.

Join us for a single day or for the entire season! Register here for Wednesday and Saturday shifts.

Learn more about our stewardship opportunities through our email newsletter.

Corporate Volunteer Program

Demonstrate your company’s commitment to community service and environmental stewardship by spending a rewarding half-day volunteering in the Gowanus area. Join us on a short tour of the ecological and industrial history of the Gowanus Canal before pulling on your gloves. To set up your volunteer experience, email: partnerships@gowanuscanalconservancy.org 

For more information, please refer to this Corporate Volunteer Program Pamphlet.

COVID-19 Safety Protocol

If any of the following conditions apply to you, stay home and DO NOT engage in stewardship activities outside the home:

– You are sick.

– You are an older adult and/or have chronic health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system.

If volunteering:

– Do not gather in groups and keep at least six feet between you and others.

– Wear a face covering. People who do not show symptoms may still be able to spread COVID-19. A face covering prevents you from spreading COVID-19 to other people. If you do not have a face covering, we will provide one to you. If you do not wear a face covering, you will not be permitted to join the event.

– Wash your hands often, including at the start and end of your volunteer opportunity. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. (We have hand sanitizer and a handwashing station on-site).

– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.

– Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

– Do not shake hands.

COVID-19 Vaccine Protocol

In keeping with New York City guidance and protocols, we are requiring all volunteers to show proof of vaccination to participate in onsite events. This does not apply to independent volunteer work that GCC does not plan. 

“Proof of vaccination” means one of the following documents demonstrating that an individual has (1) been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; (2) received one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine; or (3) received the first dose of a two- dose COVID-19 vaccine, provided that a worker providing proof of only such first dose provides proof of receiving the second dose of that vaccine within 45 days after receiving the first dose. Proof of vaccination can be verified through:

– A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

– New York City COVID Safe App

– A valid New York State Excelsior Pass/Excelsior Pass Plus

– CLEAR Health Pass

Partners and Sponsors

Council Member Shahana Hanif

Council Member Lincoln Restler

NYC Compost Project hosted by Big Reuse

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Community Forestry Grants Program (Round 15)

NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD)