Outdoor Promise hosts the Health and Environmental Justice Section at City of Newburgh Love Our City Fest

This year, the Love Our City Fest had a special section dedicated to making Newburgh a better place to live. The Health and Environmental Justice Section was organized by Outdoor Promise and showcased several groups working on various projects in the City of Newburgh. The section was sponsored by the generous support of Molina Health Care

A group of leaders from Newburgh Health and Environmental Justice organizations
Newburgh Health and Environmental Justice Section
Ronald Zorrilla and Kathryn McKenzie standing next to the Health and Environmental Justice poster at the City of Newburgh Love Our City Event
Ronald Zorrilla and Kathryn McKenzie at the Love Our City Event

The Environmental Justice Fellows are actively involved in tree care, educational programs, and consistent community engagement, all aimed at sparking meaningful conversations and raising awareness.

Four Environmental Justice Fellows standing behind their table setup at Love Our City Fest
Environmental Justice fellows Tyrese, Emily, Eileen, and Enrique are educating our community!

The Newburgh Parks Conservancy talked about their efforts to plant more trees in our city. This isn’t just about beauty; it’s about creating healthy spaces where people can relax and breathe clean air.

Carol Lawrence and Kathy Lawrence from the Greater Newburgh Parks Conservancy sitting next to eachother
Carol Lawrence and Kathy Lawrence from the Greater Newburgh Parks Conservancy

Who doesn’t enjoy a good park? The Newburgh Wants A Park Campaign aims to increase accessible green spaces in our city. These parks offer a place for relaxation, play, and community gatherings.

Sanctuary Healing Garden Steward, Betty Bastidas and her youth apprentices painting with community members on tables.
Sanctuary Healing Garden Steward Betty Bastidas and her youth apprentices painting with community members.

The efforts of the PFAS Health Study team and the Newburgh Clean Water Project underscored the importance of water safety. Both groups diligently ensure the city’s water remains uncontaminated and safe for all residents.

Dr. Erin Bell and her son standing at the PFAS Health Study Table
Dr. Erin Bell and her son teach the Newburgh community about the ongoing PFAS Health Study.
Bill Fetter standing behind a table representing the Newburgh Clean Water Project and the Quassaick Creek Watershed Alliance informing residents of the upcoming Restoration Advisory Board meeting
Bill Fetter, representing the Newburgh Clean Water Project and the Quassaick Creek Watershed Alliance, informed residents of the upcoming Restoration Advisory Board meeting.

The Newburgh Urban Food & Farming Initiative shared its vision for local farming. Their goal is to make fresh and healthy food more available to everyone in the community.

Former council member Genie Abrams and Kathryn Mckenzie at the NUFFI table
Former council member Genie Abrams and Kathryn Mckenzie at the NUFFI table

Riverkeeper is deeply invested in the health of our waterways. They are highlighting projects to enhance Quassaick Creek and have plans to remove another dam on the creek, further rejuvenating its natural flow and benefiting the ecosystem.

Madeline Feaster and Matthew Best from Riverkeeper Habitat Restoration Team at their table
Madeline Feaster and Matthew Best from the Riverkeeper Habitat Restoration Team

Scenic Hudson took the opportunity to discuss their trail projects, all designed to forge stronger connections between the people of Newburgh and the beautiful nature surrounding them.

Kathryn McKenzie and Duane Martinez from the Scenic Hudson River Cities Program

Each of these groups is doing its part to improve our community. When we come together, we can make a real difference for the City of Newburgh.

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