AIANY Urban ecology Earth Day Tour

Classic Harbor Line: AIANY Urban Ecology Earth Day Tour

Don’t miss the first annual AIANY Urban Ecology Earth Day Tour – a collaboration between AIANY and Classic Harbor Line, April 22, 2019 at 1:45 PM aboard the yacht Manhattan!

This unique 2.75 hour circumnavigation of the island of Manhattan will explore green infrastructure designed to both restore the health and productivity of the region’s marine ecology and to create resilient edges to mitigate storm surge and sea level rise. The tour will be hosted by Arthur Platt AIA and a waterfront expert. Guests will hear accounts of the abundant marine life documented by 17th century explorers and learn how subsequent settlement patterns and resource use led to the estuary’s decline. Today’s ecological goals, including efforts to rebuild native oyster habitat and create sanctuaries for migratory fish and waterfowl, embody a renewed commitment to restoring native ecology along our shared urban shoreline.

Come join us on this special full circumnavigation of Manhattan to celebrate Earth Day and experience a comfortable tour through the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers from the climate-controlled and enclosed back-deck observatory or wander to the outer decks for fresh air and sunlight with a complimentary beverage and locally sourced hors d’oeuvres in hand.

Key points about this tour:

• 2.75 hour cruise
• $96 for Adults & $78 for Students ages 14 and older
• Offered aboard Manhattan or Manhattan II (1920s inspired yachts)
• Fully Circumnavigates the Island of Manhattan.
• Hosted & narrated by a member of the American Institute of Architects
• In honor of Earth Day, a special locally-sourced menu has been prepared by our executive chef!
• Includes a complimentary beer, wine or champagne, and a locally sourced specialty cocktail will be available for purchase
• Indoor climate-controlled seating and outdoor seating available

Highlights, topics and themes of the AIANY tour include:

• The Past, Present and Future of New York Harbor’s estuary
• How the region’s historic ecological wealth and diversity inform today’s waterfront
• The region’s geological and topographical formation and efforts to tame, control, or enhance it.
• How NYC is addressing sea level rise and frequent storm events through resilient planning
• The health and challenges facing NYC aquatic species: Oysters, Striped Bass, Shad, Sturgeon, and myriad waterfowl
• Multi-pronged efforts to improve health through lowering carbon emissions, water pollution and reducing solid waste volume.

‘Earth Day’ Hors d’ oeuvres to be served:

Spring strudel stuffed with a blend of exotic mushrooms, asparagus, roasted onions, goat cheese.  Mushrooms from The Farmroom in Brooklyn, Asparagus, Onions, Cheese from Hudson Valley Farms

A Selection of Spreads made with Locally Sourced Root Vegetables and NYS Cheeses.  Made with a selection of Beets, Squash, and Cheeses Sourced from the Hudson Valley

A selection of Tomato, Olive and Rosemary Focaccia. Made fresh in Brooklyn by Settepani Bakery

Earth Day Specialty Cocktail:

Due North Bees Knees – A Blend of Fair Trade Brooklyn Rum from Red Hook’s Van Brun, Brooklyn Rooftop Apiary Honey, and Fresh Rosemary

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