When we first relocated to Brooklyn, I wanted to immediately get involved in the community and volunteering. A search turned up something about revitalization of the Gowanus Canal. I had no idea what was involved – but sent out a message to the leader of the Gowanus Dredgers, Owen Foote. He responded enthusiastically with more information and invited me out to take a canoe ride on the canal.

I was quite excited – and expected to see something like the C&O Canal (remember, I am a Washingtonian). So, my daughter and I walked over to the canoe launch site based Bond Street – and came upon a canal badly in need of a cleaning. As luck would have it, Owen and one of his guides met us, offered us life jackets, and helped us into canoes. We paddled down the Gowanus Canal – under the bridges and out into Gowanus Bay.

Owen explained the history of the Canal, how it became a dumping ground for waste, and how wildlife is just starting to return. At first, I felt the sewage and flotsam around me were beyond repair – but then, I saw birds, crabs, jellyfish, and other creatures. That anything could live in the polluted waters surprised me. I saw hope.

So for a period, our family participated in the clean-up and “getting the word out” effort. Then, I got pregnant and realized that even though I was still interested in helping out, being pregnant and around potentially toxic waste wasn’t a great option… So, we haven’t been to the Canal for a bit. Yet, we pass it constantly – and I cannot help but the think about its potential.

The Army Corps of Engineers came in to do a feasibility study and assess the viability of dredging in ecosystem restoration. And other studies have pointed out other options and problems with restoring the Canal… but I cannot seem to think that this is in the community’s best interest. Here’s why:

1) The water flows from the Canal into Gowanus Bay and beyond. A polluted Canal has larger repercussions for our waterways.
2) Gowanus as an area needs revitalization – and people living there need assurance that the area is safe for their children.
3) Brooklyn would economically benefit from clean access to the water. Small shops and camps could open on the canal – giving families another place to go.

My words really cannot do this justice. If you haven’t been to the Gowanus Canal before – contact the Dredgers and take a ride in one of their canoes… or participate in one of their activities!