The Brook is Coming

The Brook Restoration project includes planning a wetland system in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx with native plantings to support fauna, similar to the natural brook that ran through the park in the late 1800’s. Rainwater harvesting from adjacent buildings will be divert 1,000,000 gallons of water a year from the combined-sewer to an above ground cistern for irrigation, and below-grade cisterns used to maintain water levels in the wetland. A comprehensive ecosystem assessment will be used to determine native plantings and diverse species habitat. Community involvement and stewardship will ensure the success of the project over the long-term.


Our South Bronx community needs and wants more green and aquatic open space to provide a more natural landscape. The Friends of Brook Park with the wider local community has had many discussions, meetings, and design sessions, as well as made presentations to solicit input and involvement in a grass-roots vision for the redesign of the asphalt portion of the park, and an exhibition at the local Mott Haven branch of the New York Public Library. This has been facilitated through a planning and design grant with the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation. The project will improve our community with this environmental resource unique to the area, and further link upland communities with the surrounding waterways.

Brook Restoration Informational Handout. Click on the image for a larger version!

The study phase of this exciting effort is funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) South Bronx Waterfront Partnership funded by Congressman José E. Serrano and managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). We welcome your support and ideas as to how to obtain the resources necessary to implement.

Our Restorations Project Manager Aaron Petersohn is guiding this unique effort and our partnership with The Gaia Institute and others. Email us.