The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced grant awards from the Coney Island Creek Environmental Benefit Project Fund (CICF). DEC established the fund to support projects in the Coney Island Creek community from enforcement actions involving illicit sewage discharges into the Coney Island Creek watershed.

“These grants will fund several projects that will benefit the Coney Island Creek community,” said Regional Director Steve Zahn. “Investments like these will help show our continued commitment to addressing environmental challenges faced in this community.”

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will administer the grants, which were awarded to:

• City Parks Foundation for their Coastal Classroom Program at Coney Island Creek - $30,000. The project will engage students and community members in lessons about coastal ecology and environmental stewardship activities at Kaiser Park, which borders Coney Island Creek.

• Wildlife Conservation Society’s Urban Naturalist Initiative - $99,940. The project will teach high school students to conduct ecological research, present about biodiversity in Coney Island Creek, design an Aquarium exhibit about sources of pollution, and engage residents in cleanup and planning for public access to the Coney Island Creek.

• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for the Expansion of the Coney Island Creek Shorekeepers - $60,000. The project will deliver education, technical training, and stewardship activities focused on recruiting environmental volunteers in the Coney Island Creek Watershed.

• National Audubon Society, Inc. For the Birds! Environmental Education Program - $76,560. The project will deliver hands-on environmental education programing about native birds and their habitats to students, create a native plant garden, and conduct bird walks and environmental education for students, families and community members around Coney Island Creek.

Projects are expected to commence within six months of award notification and must be completed within 18 months.