Water Monitoring with New Dorp High School

New Dorp High School Students at Freshkills Park

Freshkills Park is home to 360 acres of tidal and freshwater wetlands– highly productive ecosystems that provide essential habitat, protect waterfronts, while sequestering carbon and recycling nutrients. The mixing of fresh water and salt water creates a brackish ecosystem, which supports highly specialized species, providing nursery habitat for larval fish and other endemic species. The distinctive and specialized features of Freshkills Parks’ wetlands create a unique learning experience for students, exposing them to unfamiliar ecosystems. For more information on the wetland flora and fauna at Freshkills, click here.

New Dorp High School participated in the water quality habitat assessment program at Freshkills Park in Spring 2025, with 24 students taking part in the environmental fieldwork initiative. Located in Staten Island and falling under Council District 51, New Dorp was one of four Title 1 schools involved in the 2025 round of assessments, which engaged over 280 students from a diverse set of schools across multiple boroughs. During their visit, New Dorp students focused on assessing water quality, conducting hands-on testing and analysis to better understand the health of the park’s aquatic ecosystem. They conducted water quality testing by measuring turbidity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen to assess the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

This project allowed students to connect classroom learning to real-world science, using field tools and critical thinking to assess environmental health. Their experience not only deepened understanding of local ecosystems but also promoted youth involvement in community science. To learn more about the water quality of Freshkills Park, click here.