80% of New Yorkers live on islands but less than 20% recreate on our waterways and as a result, New Yorkers have been disconnected from the environment. The Gowanus Dredgers programs are changing that by offering free canoeing and kayaking in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and at our learn to kayak winter pool programs. After more than a dacade, our volunteer-run organization is noted for changing the perception towards recreational use of NY harbor and we are building a new environmental awareness among a younger, active, healthy generation with the hope of inspiring them to correct pollution problems of the past.