Salt Marsh Alliance

07/26/2026

On City of Water Day the SMA had a very busy day! First we had our regular trail/garden maintenance with our SMA volunteers and help from the Marine Park Alliance.
And then.. Thomas J. Campanella, author of Brooklyn: The Once and Future City, entralled over 60 people with his history of Marine Park. Even the park staff was taking notes.
It was a very good day - and we are still not finished. Next Saturday we again work on trails and gardens and we have a program that we hope educates and inspires
Saturday, August 1 1:30
All That Skitters
How does the Fiddler Crab survive in the salt marsh tides? What other crabs live in the marsh? What happens in the winter? Where do Horseshoe Crabs fit in? Explore the complexities and threats to the fragile salt marsh with Mike Feller, retired Chief Naturalist of the NYC Parks Department.
The SMA works to foster stewardship of the Forever Wild areas of Marine Park Join Us!

07/17/2026

The Salt Marsh Alliance is planning a weeding/clean-up/path clearance workday in the planted triangle area by the Nature Center on Saturday, July 18 from 9:30am-11:30/12. So much has been accomplished and so much more needs to be done! (Check it out, it is amazing). I think we will be lucky with the weather.
If you are interested, just show up at the garage by the Nature Center ready to work and get dirty.
And, I am sure you know that volunteers met regularly (during the season, weather permitting) on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am - just show up by the garage and we will take it from there.
And don't forget our upcoming programs and photography competition! https://saltmarshalliance.org/

07/07/2026

The 4th of July festivities may be winding down, but the SMA continues to present programs that promote stewardship of Brooklyn's largest park. Hope to see you! We have more programs in the works.
And don't forget our Photography Competition (it is 2026 info)
https://saltmarshalliance.org/2025/02/10/salt-marsh-alliance-nature-photography-competition-2025/

All Programs are Free and presented at the Salt Marsh Nature Center (3301 Avenue U)

Saturday, July 25 1:30
Celebrate Marine Park’s History
On City of Water Day, find out about the remarkable transformations that created the park we love today. Thomas J. Campanella, Historian-in-Residence of the NYC Parks Department, author of “Brooklyn: The Once and Future City”, will be talking about the history of Marine Park.

Saturday, August 1 1:30
All That Skitters
How does the Fiddler Crab survive in the salt marsh tides? What other crabs live in the marsh? What happens in the winter? Where do Horseshoe Crabs fit in? Explore the complexities and threats to the fragile salt marsh with Mike Feller, retired Chief Naturalist of the NYC Parks Department.

Sunday, September 13 1:30
Stingers!
Why do we see, and swat, so many stinging insects in the fall? What vital roles do bees and wasps, and other stinging insects, play in the environment? How can we protect our native insect populations and ourselves? Learn why and how with Jared Kirschner, Education Manager and Junior Entomologist from the Long Island Aquarium.

Check out our website for more information https://saltmarshalliance.org/
or call (347) 701-8674

05/26/2026

There are many ways to help maintain Marine Park. The NYC Parks Department has a Super Steward volunteer program that does projects all over the city and allows you to work independently. Here is the website https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/advanced-stewardship
Here is an upcoming event in Marine Park on Thursday, June 18 from 10-12 meeting at Avenue U and E 36!
https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/stewardship/19739
Have fun - get dirty!

Description: Volunteer with the Stewardship team to protect the forested areas in Marine Park! Volunteers will contribute to ongoing restoration work and learn the importance of species diversity to ecosystem health. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that....

05/23/2026

Spring is still being fickle. But the Salt Marsh Alliance programs are reliably terrific. And - I guess I can say that this damp weather may be a good introduction to our June 6 presentation?
Saturday, June 6 1:30
Mushrooms of Marine Park
Learn about the role of mushrooms and fungi in the complex web of ecosystems found in the salt marsh with Andrew Cannon of the New York Mycological Society. Who knows what may be growing in your favorite park?

And check out our other programs on our webpage! https://saltmarshalliance.org/events/

04/25/2026

Spring is still being unpredictable! But the SMA's program schedule continues. We have a number of wonderful presentations that we hope foster stewardship of Brooklyn's largest park. Join us!
All Programs are Free and presented at the Salt Marsh Nature Center (3301 Avenue U)
Saturday, May 2 1:30
The Value of Street Trees
How do the trees on your neighborhood block help protect you and Marine Park? How do street trees support the natural environment? Learn about tips and techniques for taking care of the trees that keep your neighborhood healthy and beautiful. Find out about the NYC Parks Department Care Captain Program and other ways you can help your local parks.
Saturday, June 6 1:30
Mushrooms of Marine Park
What role do mushrooms and fungi play in the complex web of ecosystems found in the salt marsh? What exactly are mushrooms and fungi? Discover more with Andrew Cannon of the New York Mycological Society and find out what could be growing near our salt marsh
Check out our 2026 Photography Competition
We will also be offering more opportunities to work in the recently planted triangle area - it takes alot of work to give those over 15 native species an advantage over mugwort! And we ultimately want to expand our planting.
Check our webpage for more information and updates!

04/18/2026

04/12/2026

Yesterday was lovely, if a bit breezy. We still had about 20 folks come out to help with planting the triangle area with a variety of native species. We were even able to get the hoses out to water! So come out and see the beginnings of a grasslands/wildflower meadow - seeing the transformation will be amazing. We hope to plan other clean-up days to help maintain and expand - so keep checking back.
While you are waiting - the SMA is offering inspiring program.
April 19 2:00 Celebrate the Earth!
Spring renewal inspires music and dance as we come out of winter’s darkness. Performances by the Brooklyn Dance Center reflect the beauty of the salt marsh and other natural environments. Join us for this Earth Day celebration. Bring your own chair or blanket.
Saturday, May 2 1:30 The Value of Street Trees
How do the trees on your neighborhood block help protect you and Marine Park? How do street trees support the natural environment? Learn about tips and techniques for taking care of the trees that keep your neighborhood healthy and beautiful. Find out about the NYC Parks Department Care Captain Program and other ways you can help your local parks.
Saturday, June 6 1:30 Mushrooms of Marine Park
What role do mushrooms and fungi play in the complex web of ecosystems found in the salt marsh? What exactly are mushrooms and fungi? Discover more with Andrew Cannon of the New York Mycological Society and find out what could be growing near our salt marsh.
Saturday, July 25 1:30 Celebrate Marine Park’s History
On City of Water Day, find out about the remarkable transformations that created the park we love today. Thomas J. Campanella, Historian-in-Residence of the NYC Parks Department, author of “Brooklyn: The Once and Future City”, will be talking about the history of Marine Park.
Saturday, August 1 1:30 All That Skitters
How does the Fiddler Crab survive in the salt marsh tides? What other crabs live in the marsh? What happens in the winter? Where do Horseshoe Crabs fit in? Explore the complexities and threats to the fragile salt marsh with Mike Feller, retired Chief Naturalist of the NYC Parks Department.
Find out more at https://saltmarshalliance.org/ Call 347-701-8674 For More Marine Park events: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/marine-park/events

9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.Location: Marine ParkCategory: Education, Nature, Volunteer, Earth Day & Arbor Day, City Nature ChallengeFree!