Overview:

How can we support environmentally marginalized communities to engage deeply and actively with the Hudson and Wallkill rivers in a time of ever increasing ecological urgency? How can we work with these communities so that they can gain meaningful access to the river and develop their own ecological voice and vision?

The Future Water Commons project provides arts and science-based environmental education for marginalized communities from Kingston and New Paltz (environmental justice areas with limited access due to exclusionary infrastructure, environmental racism, and pollution). They will explore environmental issues on the river itself, using a floating classroom, and with partner institutions on land. The goal is to foster direct experience with the river and generate visions for sustainable ecological futures. This project builds on the DEC-funded water access infrastructure upgrades in both Kingston and New Paltz and has been generously supported by the following: New York State Council of the Arts Support grant in partnership with Midtown Kingston Arts District, a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant in partnership with the Unison Art Center, Awesome Foundation On the Water grant, and by the State University of New York at New Paltz School of Fine and Performing Arts.

The Future Water Commons is a collaboration between SUNY New Paltz and the communities of Kingston and New Paltz to equip and utilize a universally accessible, custom built pontoon boat that will serve as a floating classroom and community space. This project creates field opportunities for environmental stewardship and builds education capacity and excellence by providing assistance to the State University of New York New Paltz to enhance opportunities for students to expand on their interests in science and public policy research about the Hudson River watershed. By collectively exploring shared dependencies on this watershed for ecological sustenance, and deep belonging, communities will connect to the complex realities of history, stewardship, and water and climate science. These newly developed ties between people, place and ecology will give communities a new sense of belonging, understanding, and agency to be stewards, advocates, and powerful agents of their own and the river’s ecological change and resilience. Working collaboratively with the Wallkill Watershed Alliance, and art education programs including the Midtown Kingston Arts District Youth Workforce, we will develop a series of river-based events for the summers of 2026. The workshops will promote direct ecological engagement. Student participants and their families will be invited to share ecological histories and collectively develop visions for new vibrant futures with the Hudson River watershed. The workshops will culminate in exhibitions in Kingston and New Paltz.