Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that more than $12.6 million in grants will be allocated to 11 projects aimed at improving environmental education in communities across New York State that are most affected by pollution and climate change. The funding is intended for the construction and enhancement of educational centers within environmental justice and disadvantaged communities.
“We remain committed to providing the resources necessary for improving the environmental, public health and economic challenges affecting disadvantaged communities across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This new funding will directly support local efforts to create or expand environmental education centers that engage New Yorkers on local programs to improve quality of life, enhance air quality and help build a cleaner, greener future.”
The grant program is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). According to state officials, this represents the largest amount ever awarded by DEC’s OEJ for a single environmental justice grant opportunity. This comes at a time when federal support for such programs has been reduced.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated, “Environmental education starts on the local level, and DEC is proud to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s support for New York’s community-based organizations working to improve awareness of our natural world, the threats it faces, and how to take action that drives environmental justice. The over $12.6 million awarded through DEC’s Environmental Education Centers grant program will help promote exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning that will enrich the lives of visitors and foster the next generation of conservationists. We are excited to see what unique offerings these organizations will provide to New Yorkers.”
Among the recipients are:
– Mott Haven Port Morris Community Land Trust ($2.5 million) for constructing the HEArts Center in South Bronx.
– Outstanding Renewal Enterprises Inc. ($1.97 million) for building an Environmental Education Center in East River Park.
– Kites Nest, Inc. ($1.6 million) supporting transformation of riverfront property into a community campus in Columbia County.
– Evergreen Cemetery Preservation Foundation ($1.54 million) for creating a gathering space focused on science and environment in Kings County.
– Southampton Township Wildfowl Association ($1.2 million) expanding Quogue Wildlife Refuge Nature Center in Suffolk County.
– Chenango Greenway Conservancy ($1.1 million) purchasing land for West Hill Nature Center in Chenango County.
– Radix Ecological Sustainability Center ($859,039) expanding greenhouse and garden programs in Albany County.
– Energy Justice Law and Policy Center ($694,595) building a facility at Five Islands Park focused on climate resilience in Westchester County.
– Schoharie River Center ($475,000) converting a park building into a net-zero STEM learning center in Schenectady County.
– Media Alliance Inc. ($470,000) transforming a carriage house into an arts-focused sustainability studio also in Schenectady County.
– Limeledge Botanical Garden and Arboretum ($272,982) expanding trails and restoring barns as part of its education center project in Onondaga County.
Funding comes from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which was increased to $425 million under the 2025–26 state budget—its highest level yet—to further support initiatives targeting disadvantaged communities along with other statewide conservation efforts such as land acquisition and water quality improvement.
These projects align with Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative designed to encourage families across New York State to spend more time outdoors away from screens.
More information about opportunities offered by DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice can be found on their official website.