Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that more than $12.6 million in grants will be distributed to 11 projects aimed at enhancing environmental education centers in communities across New York State that face significant pollution and climate-related challenges. The funding is targeted at environmental justice and disadvantaged communities, supporting the construction of new facilities and improvements to existing ones.
Governor Hochul stated, “We remain committed to providing the resources necessary for improving the environmental, public health and economic challenges affecting disadvantaged communities across New York State. This new funding will directly support local efforts to create or expand environmental education centers that engage New Yorkers on local programs to improve quality of life, enhance air quality and help build a cleaner, greener future.”
The Community Environmental Education Center grant program is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). According to state officials, this marks the largest single round of funding awarded by DEC’s OEJ for an environmental justice grant opportunity. The announcement comes as federal support for similar programs has been reduced.
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the DEC, said, “Environmental education starts on the local level, and DEC is proud to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s support for New York’s community-based organizations working to improve awareness of our natural world, the threats it faces, and how to take action that drives environmental justice. The over $12.6 million awarded through DEC’s Environmental Education Centers grant program will help promote exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning that will enrich the lives of visitors and foster the next generation of conservationists. We are excited to see what unique offerings these organizations will provide to New Yorkers.”
Among those receiving funding are:
– Mott Haven Port Morris Community Land Trust ($2.5 million) for building the HEArts Center in the South Bronx.
– Outstanding Renewal Enterprises Inc./Lower East Side Ecology Center ($1.97 million) for constructing a one-acre center in East River Park.
– Kites Nest Inc. ($1.6 million) for developing a riverfront campus in Columbia County.
– Evergreen Cemetery Preservation Foundation ($1.54 million) for a gathering space focused on science and environment in Kings County.
– Southampton Township Wildfowl Association ($1.2 million) for expanding Quogue Wildlife Refuge Nature Center in Suffolk County.
– Chenango Greenway Conservancy ($1.1 million) for establishing West Hill Nature Center with repurposed farm buildings.
– Radix Ecological Sustainability Center ($859,039) for expanding greenhouse programs in Albany County.
– Energy Justice Law and Policy Center ($694,595) for creating a facility at Five Islands Park in Westchester County focused on climate resilience.
– Schoharie River Center ($475,000) for converting a park building into a net-zero STEM learning facility in Schenectady County.
– Media Alliance Inc. ($470,000) for transforming The Sustainable Land Arts Studio into an educational resource in Schenectady County.
– Limeledge Botanical Garden and Arboretum ($272,982) for trail expansion and barn restorations in Onondaga County.
The grants are funded through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which was increased to $425 million under the 2025–26 state budget as part of broader efforts supporting land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species management, recreational access enhancement, water quality improvement initiatives—many focusing on disadvantaged communities.
These projects also align with Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative designed to encourage children and families throughout New York State to spend less time on electronic devices by participating more actively in outdoor recreation and social activities.
Further information about grant opportunities from DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice can be found on their official website.
