Working Toward a Healthy Bronx River
Trees shine as part of an ongoing 50-year cleanup effort.
Five decades ago, the Bronx River was a place parents warned their children to stay away from. It was a dumping ground for everything from old appliances to industrial waste, and the banks of the river were desolate. But a group of area residents believed the river could be more — a waterway to canoe on, shaded riverside parks for families to enjoy. It was a bold vision that has become a reality, and the Arbor Day Foundation is proud to support this work.
The challenges faced by the Bronx River began as long ago as the early 1800s. Industrialization took hold, and companies were dumping waste into the river. Parts of the river were also channelized, resulting in further loss of shoreline vegetation.
But residents were not deterred, setting to work pulling trash from the river and planting trees along the banks.
This work continues today through many organizations, including the Bronx River Alliance, one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s longtime partners. The Alliance was formed to continue the decades of grassroots work to restore the Bronx River — a mission that extends to the green spaces along the river because of their impact on the overall health of the river.
Creating a forest for people
For the Bronx River Alliance, caring for the urban canopy is critical. That’s why their partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation has been important, helping them plant 1,614 trees in this area since the fall of 2020.
“Working with the Arbor Day Foundation opens up opportunities to grow more green space, to add more canopy, to reduce the urban heat island effect, and to increase our ability to capture stormwater,” said Christian Murphy, the ecology and education manager for the Bronx River Alliance. “These are all things that are threatening the Bronx.”
In addition to the environmental benefits, this work is an investment in South Bronx residents. Trees and healthy green space are a source of pride for neighborhoods; the South Bronx isn’t any different.
“The restoration of these areas is tied directly to how people feel about themselves,” said Alyssa Perez, South Bronx resident and communications and development assistant for the Alliance.
The return of wildlife
Nature is giving its own signals that the area is improving. In 2007, the Bronx River hosted its first beaver pair in two centuries. And in 2023, two dolphins were spotted snacking on fish in the river before heading back out to sea.
“It’s motivation to keep going,” said Murphy.
As efforts to clean up the Bronx River progress, a better future is being planted one tree at a time.
