Marking a milestone in youth-led environmental education and shoreline access in New Rochelle, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 9:30 am at Five Islands Park, the New Rochelle Youth Bureau’s  Eco-Ambassadors, in partnership with the Energy Justice Law & Policy Center, had its  First Official Wade-In event. 

With the recent adoption  of a New Rochelle City Code amendment authorizing city-supervised water entry for educational and scientific programs, the Eco-Ambassadors now have the opportunity to study the Long Island Sound up close: collect water samples, observe biodiversity, and develop a deeper connection to the marine ecosystems at Five Islands Park. 

The Eco-Ambassadors is a New Rochelle Youth Bureau Summer Youth Employment Program for youth ages 14-17. The Eco-Ambassadors engage in a six-week marine science learning and exploration program. It is supported by the Long Island Community Impact Fund through Restore America’s Estuaries and is expanding to offer various events throughout the year. The Eco-Ambassador program leaders are veteran New Rochelle High School science teachers Jonathan LaRosa and Carmen Glenn.  As part of the summer program, the youth work in small groups to conduct independent field investigations on topics such as oyster reef and salt marsh restoration, invasive crab populations, and water quality testing.  There are also guest speakers and marine science field trips to explore careers in this field. The grant funding makes it possible to hire three recent NRHS graduates as summer interns to give them valuable early career experience as they pursue an environmental career.

Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert’s leadership was instrumental in making this change in the City Code possible. Additionally, the support of the New Rochelle City Council, City Manager Wilfredo Melendez, and the Parks and Recreation Department/Youth Bureau helped open the New Rochelle shoreline as a living classroom for our community.

As Eco-Ambassador interns graduate and prepare to embark on their college journeys, the community is  incredibly proud of all they’ve contributed to environmental justice in New Rochelle. From leading water quality testing to educating the public on coastal stewardship, these young leaders have shown up with purpose, curiosity, and heart.

Community members have set a goal to provide each intern with a $500 scholarship to help cover books and college expenses as they enter their freshman year. .

Please consider donating here to the Eco-Ambassador Scholarship Fund.  Donations will uplift the next generation of climate justice leaders.

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