ROCKAWAY WATERFRONT ALLIANCE INC

Supports community-led efforts to establish a community-owned and operated native plant nursery and dune preserve to enhance shoreline protection and local stewardship.

Engages program alumni as mentors for current youth participants and creates pathways for them to return as staff, such as in the Dune Squad. Supports alumni leadership by appointing them to the Board of Directors.

Collaborates with Cornell University and community stakeholders to develop and update the Rockaway/Nassau County Bayside Plan, including hosting public presentations of final planning documents prior to release. Led community-directed planning that transformed a former illegal dumping site into a 28-acre Waterfront Park and repurposed abandoned infrastructure into public spaces.

Operates RISE Farm Share, a mixed-income Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that distributes weekly shares of certified organic, locally grown vegetables and seasonal fruit to members during the growing season. The program is supported by community volunteer efforts.

Operates a native plant nursery and educational garden at Beach 44th Street to support coastal restoration, providing plants for dune restoration projects and serving as an educational resource for community and school programs.

Leads dune restoration efforts as part of the Greater Rockaway Coastal Resilience Plan, including planting native coastal species, removing invasive plants, and growing native plants in a nursery at Beach 44th Street. Organizes community stewardship events such as cleanups and plantings to build natural shoreline buffers.

Delivers hands-on environmental education through classroom lessons, field trips, and workshops for students in grades K–12, including the "Living Classroom" program. Topics include seed saving, plant adaptations, coastal ecosystems, climate change, marine debris, bird identification, and Guyanese fishing traditions. Served over 2,000 students in 2018 through partnerships with NYC Public Schools.

Manages a 7,000 square foot restored firehouse in Far Rockaway as a community programming hub called the RISE Center, providing space for workshops, private meetings, art exhibitions, corporate events, and public programs to support cultural and environmental health in the Rockaways.

Runs paid summer internship programs for high school students, including Shore Corps and Environmentor, focused on environmental conservation, urban planning, food justice, and marine science. Programs include training in water safety, CPR, kayaking, surfing, and biking, along with community service and stipends up to $1,200. Over 250 local youth have been employed through these initiatives.

Provides a six-week summer science research program for high school students, offering mentorship from scientists at local universities to conduct authentic research on the Rockaway shoreline. Includes training in water safety, CPR, and outdoor activities, with participants earning a stipend and community service hours.