The idea behind this art and science experiment is to explore the possible beneficial applications of floating gardens to provide wildlife habitat, filtration and oxygenation of the Gowanus Canal waters. Most importantly, this project will draw attention to environmental issues related to water quality in the Canal. The gardens will be designed to be highly visible from the street so that passing pedestrians will stop and reflect on the gardens. This may be magnified with the presence of an on-site telescope. 

The gardens will be designed by members of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy's volunteer committee, constructed by volunteers, and made largely from recycled and renewable materials. The gardens explore a variety of habitat types such as vegetative gardens with salt-tolerant plants, shellfish cages and colonization substrates, fish habitat, bird perch and nesting platforms, trash collecting skimmers and micro algae pads. We hope that these small islands will be able to help filter the nutrient-heavy, sewage infused Canal water. While we do not expect this small garden initiative to have a significant impact on the overall water quality, we hope this experiment will help to evaluate the feasibility of a larger, more effective floating garden project. This project was launched in its pilot form during the summer of 2011. We are seeking to refine existing concepts, explore new options, and further develop this exciting project.