From our July Newsletter, by Keisha Benjamin, Development Sr. Associate
Solar One is highlighting the many ways New Yorkers are learning, participating, and investing in a more sustainable future. We’re sharing the experience of exploring the native plants and water ecology at Stuyvesant Cove Park alongside the East River, appreciating a mix of recreational events with hands-on environmental education, and expanding access to clean energy and public green space by growing a community committed to climate action.
IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER
- New Water Ecology activities and field trips at the Environmental Education Center
- Green workforce job openings at Solar One to help train the next generation of clean energy professionals, more info in this newsletter
- Here Comes Solar’s newest rooftop solar partnership and a look at our summer internship program success
- Highlights from Powering the Possibilities and the launch of the Solar One Membership Program
- An invitation to join us at Possibilities in Motion, Solar One’s annual gala on September 30, with tickets and sponsorship opportunities now available
CONNECTING PEOPLE, PLANTS & WATER AT STUY COVE PARK
This summer, Solar One joined organizations across New York City in celebrating City of Water Day, a citywide event highlighting our shared waterways. At Stuyvesant Cove Park, community members enjoyed a day of free, hands-on activities, including catch-and-release fishing, East River water quality testing, cyanotype printing using seaweed harvested from the East River, and water-inspired arts and crafts. The event invited visitors of all ages to connect with the East River while learning about the importance of healthy urban waterways.
We’re excited to build on that momentum with our upcoming Water Ecology Field Trips. Students will explore the health of the East River through hands-on investigations of water quality and urban ecology.
To further enrich these experiences, we’ve established a new water quality laboratory at our Environmental Education Center, where Enterococcus bacteria testing will become part of our educational programming. Students will examine real-world results and data to learn how scientists monitor water quality and protect the health of New York City’s waterways. Explore and book our current field trip offerings here. Stay tuned for our new Water Ecology offerings!
NOW HIRING: GPRO WORKFORCE TRAINING INSTRUCTOR
Solar One is a valued GPRO delivery partner seeking an Independent Contractor to deliver its workforce development courses focused on energy efficiency, renewables, construction and the building trades. Training is delivered in hands-on, interactive formats in our classrooms and hands-on training lab, as well as offsite at partner locations throughout New York City and parts of New Jersey. Learn more and apply.
EXPANDING SOLAR ACCESS WITH NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
Here Comes Solar kicked-off a solar campaign with the Pratt Center’s EnergyFit program to bring rooftop solar to households that have electrified their homes and completed energy efficiency measures. Rooftop solar will help lower electricity costs and maintain affordability.
Additionally, Solar One was joined by five interns this summer from NYU, Pace University, and two high school students. We greatly appreciated their contributions to our community solar campaign, Barrio Solar program, and general outreach!
POWERING THE POSSIBILITIES WITH THE SOLAR ONE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Thank you to our community and neighbors who joined our recent event at Stuyvesant Cove Park, “Powering the Possibilities,” on July 3rd. With the Sail 250 tall ships parade as our backdrop, we got to explore how sustainable living can come to life for every New Yorker to enjoy.
From solar car racing and environmental education, to community solar sign ups and dancing at NYC’s first native plant park. The event was a moment for community action and learning thanks to our NYC supporters and partners: NYC Ferry, Ninedot Energy, Vivid Seats, and Dram Shop Brooklyn.
With the support of our donors we are now launching the new Solar One Membership Program to help sustain one of New York City’s most impactful environmental education programs and bring more community events to NYC’s first waterfront native plant park. By joining today, your membership supports Solar One’s work to advance clean energy accessibility, climate education, green workforce development, the stewardship of green spaces, and opportunities to join networking and public events that encourage action towards a healthier, more resilient city.
As a Solar One member, you can enjoy exclusive experiences, discounted events, early access to programs, exclusive park guides and STEM activity kits, and opportunities to engage more deeply with the people, projects, and ideas shaping a greener New York City. Throughout the year, members will receive invitations to networking events, expert-led discussions, park volunteer leader training, sustainability workshops, and unique experiences with community partners and local climate leaders, all while supporting Solar One’s mission to build a more resilient and equitable future. Sign up here!
SAVE THE DATE FOR SOLAR ONE’S GALA: POSSIBILITIES IN MOTION
On September 30, 2026, Solar One will host its annual fall fundraiser, Possibilities in Motion: An Evening to Celebrate Progress, Together. Join us in this elevated experience designed to bring our supporters, partners, and community leaders for storytelling, connecting, and investing in what comes next in the future of sustainability.
Building on the momentum of our July 3 community activation and our shared commitment to “Powering the Possibilities,” the gala will spotlight the people and programs powering Solar One’s impact across K–12 environmental education, green workforce development, and renewable energy access. We invite our community of changemakers to reflect, collaborate, and mobilize for the future of sustainability by sponsoring “Possibilities in Motion.” Click here for more information on sponsorship, tickets and benefits.
YOUR PERFECT OCCASION STARTS AT THE BRANT
While our Environmental Education Center operates as a beacon for classroom learning and community enrichment, it’s also serves as The Brant Event Space. Offering a memorable place to host your next special moment with stunning views of the East River and the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts in New York City.
Learn more and start planning your event
UPCOMING EVENTS WITH SOLAR ONE & FRIENDS
Summer on the Hudson: Art in the Park
Monday, August 10, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/10/summer-on-the-hudson-art-in-the-park
Stargazing on the High Line
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 @ 8:15 PM–10:00 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/11/stargazing-on-the-high-line
Wetland Wednesdays: Volunteer Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/12/wetland-wednesdays-volunteer-restoration-at-van-cortlandt-park
Team RIVER Volunteers
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 @ 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/12/team-river-volunteers
Foragers in the Foodway
Saturday, August 15, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/15/foragers-in-the-foodway
Plant Discussion & Listening
Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 6:30 PM–8:00 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/20/plant-discussion-listening
Coastal Ecology: Oysters Monitoring and Stewardship
Friday, August 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM–11:30 AM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/21/coastal-ecology-oysters-monitoring-and-stewardship
Art in the Garden: Vegetable Printmaking
Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 10:30 AM–1:30 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/22/art-in-the-garden-vegetable-printmaking1
Willo: Feel the Music
Saturday, August 22, 2026 @ 2:30 PM–5:00 PM
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/08/22/willo-feel-the-music
About Solar One
Solar One is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to design and deliver innovative education, training, and technical assistance that fosters sustainability and resiliency in diverse urban environments. Solar One facilitates learning that changes the way people think about energy, sustainability, and resilience by engaging diverse program participants across NYC boroughs. Programs help individuals and communities explore new ways of living and working that are more adaptive to a climate-change impacted world. Learn more at solar1.org.
Solar One Media Contact
Daphne Aquije, daphne@solar1.org
