Jamaica Bay and the Rockaways

NYC PARKS, NYC DEP, AND NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF HOOK CREEK PARK WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECT IN QUEENS

$700,000 project replenished sand, installed temporary guards, and added native plants to restore bird breeding habitats in southeast Queens

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue today joined representatives from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, National Audubon Society, representatives from the Office of the Queens Borough President and Community Board 13, Eastern Queens Alliance President Barbara Brown, wetland restoration staff, and members of the community to celebrate the completion of wetland restoration work at Hook Creek Park, and to help plant the last of the native plants being added to the marsh.

“Our wetlands are of vital importance to our city, and their protection and restoration is a crucial part of our efforts to make our city resilient in the face of climate change,” said Parks Commissioner Donoghue. “I'd like to thank our partners at the New York State Department of State, our very own New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and Audubon New York for their support for this project. Through this important work, the wetlands in Hook Creek Park have been thoughtfully restored to preserve the saltmarsh for the benefit of southeast Queens for decades to come.”

“Protecting and expanding the salt marshes and wetlands that surround New York City are critical to our efforts to protect the five boroughs from rising sea levels as well as improving the health of our waterways,” said NYC Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Thanks to our partners at NYC Parks for doing terrific work to utilize marshes and wetlands at many of their properties and to include robust public engagement so that all New Yorkers can join in these important efforts.”

"Audubon was thrilled to support the revitalization of habitat at Hook Creek Park. Because healthy salt marshes can protect our communities from storm impacts, improve air and water quality, and reduce flooding, it is essential that we build resilience across key coastal areas,” said Phoebe Clark, Audubon New York Senior Manager Coastal Resilience. “Keeping Idlewild healthy is also vital for wildlife, like the rapidly-declining Saltmarsh Sparrow. This bird will benefit from the restoration as it struggles to keep up with sea level rise, and our hope is that Hook Creek Park will become a valuable nesting habitat.”

Hook Creek Park has been restored to preserve saltmarsh from sea level rise and provide new habitat for breeding birds. Hook Creek Park was identified as one of the critical sites for restoration in order to preserve saltmarshes.

The first phase of the restoration consisted of a first-ever pilot project, using equipment to shoot sand from the hard non-marsh surface into the wetlands. The second phase of the project added native plants to the marsh to restore breeding bird habitat in the saltmarsh.

“As climate change continues to leave it’s damaging and deadly mark on Queens, efforts like restoring our wetlands to guard against sea level rise and protect animal species who call them home have never been more critical,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Hook Creek Park is a key piece of our borough’s natural infrastructure and I commend all our state, city and community partners for their dedication in preserving and protecting this beautiful and vital space.”

“Community members in my district know how important resiliency is for the health and wealth of our neighborhoods,” said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “Projects like the restoration of Hook Creek Park’s wetlands help preserve natural habitats and help ensure long-term community sustainability. I thank my colleagues in government, National Audubon Society, Community Board 13, Eastern Queens Alliance President Barbara Brown, community members and advocates for their work to complete this project.”

The Hook Creek Wetlands Restoration project was made possible with $500k from the NYS DOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, $125k from NYC DEP, and $100k from Audubon New York.

Over the last 30 years, NYC Parks has worked with partners to restore over 175 acres of salt marsh citywide that were filled to support development. A citywide ecological assessment, completed in partnership with the Natural Areas Conservancy, identified marshes in Jamaica Bay as the most vulnerable to sea-level rise; the marshes within Idlewild Park Preserve, including Hook Creek, were the highest priority due to their vulnerability and important breeding habitat for rare birds. Completion of this project celebrates critical achievements in ensuring NYC's salt marshes are sustained for future generations.

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