NYC Sustainability Trip 2023

In May of 2023, SSC took an incredible field trip to NYC to  see examples of sustainability efforts in an urban context.  We were graciously given a tour of the incredible efforts transformative efforts taken by the Jacob Javits Center to re envision the way a massive corporate entity can do business in a city.  From their expansive green roof where they raise fruits (yes, trees with roots are growing up there), vegetables, and honey bees to inguinitative approach to bird strikes (now a model AND NEW BUILDING CODE for the entire city) it was an incredibly eye opening event.  

For more information see https://javitscenter.com/sustainability/ 

Students then proceeded to tour the Highline project, a collaborative effort that transformed the city while also connecting it.  Millions of visitors and locals use the highline as a way to safely walk through a large area of the city while being surrounded by blooming wildflowers, art exhibits, and areas for reflection.  You could almost feel the city's frenetic energy rebounding off as we meandered at a slower pace thoroughly enjoying our time.  This was an excellent example of reusing an existing structure (the old railroad) to create a modern, beautiful, and much needed ammentiy.  It was like a breath of fresh air.    

For more information see https://www.thehighline.org/ 

We then made our way to Little Island to check out another way that nature can exist in the built urban environment.  The structure, which almost seems to float above water, gives vistors a way to connect with nature in a place where nature can be hard to find (unless you know where to look).  Scientists are finding that time in a natural environment lowers cortisol  (the stress hormone) levels, decreases anxiety, and increases focus.  In fact, the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku (translating roughly to 'forest bathing' ) has been shown to have many health benefits.  The practice, unlike a hike, emphasizes just being in nature without a destination.  

For more information on Little Island see  https://littleisland.org/ 

For more information on the benefits of Shinrin Yoku see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19568835/#:~:text=The%20term%20Shinrin%2Dyoku%20was,the%20atmosphere%20of%20the%20forest.