At Outdoor Promise, we believe that clean water is a right for everyone. That’s why we launched the Newburgh’s Water: Flowing Through Time initiative, a project funded by the Department of Environmental Conservation – Environmental Justice Community Impact Grant Program. This initiative is designed to help the people of Newburgh understand and take action on the water challenges we face, especially in communities exposed to multiple environmental harms.
Why This Matters
Newburgh’s waterways, like Quassaick Creek, are vital to the health of our community. But over the years, pollution and neglect have put these water sources—and the people who depend on them—at risk. This project is here to change that by bringing the community together to learn, engage, and take action to improve our water quality.
Many of Newburgh’s residents, particularly in underserved areas, are exposed to multiple environmental risks. Through Newburgh’s Water: Flowing Through Time, we aim to shine a light on these risks, provide solutions, and create a safer, healthier future for everyone.
What We’re Doing
We’re not just talking about water issues—we’re empowering the community to take real action. Our initiative focuses on:
- Educational Workshops
We host interactive workshops that help community members understand how water pollution affects our health and environment. From the history of Newburgh’s waterways to practical solutions for conservation, our workshops give you the knowledge and tools to make a difference. - Community Clean-Up Events
Getting our hands dirty for a cleaner future! We organize community clean-up events around local waterways like Quassaick Creek. These events bring residents together to actively reduce pollution and improve the quality of the water that runs through our city. - Water Quality Testing
We give you the opportunity to be part of the solution by participating in hands-on water quality testing. By working together, we can track the health of our waterways and identify pollution hotspots. With this data, we’ll be better equipped to push for the changes needed to protect our water. - Plastic Reduction Awareness
As part of our effort to safeguard Newburgh’s water, we’re advocating for a significant reduction in bottled water use. By promoting tap water and more sustainable practices, we can lessen the environmental burden caused by single-use plastics, one of the biggest pollutants in our waterways.
How You Can Get Involved
This initiative is about you—our community. We need your help to make it successful. Here’s how you can be part of the solution:
- Attend a Workshop: Learn how water pollution affects you and your family, and discover practical steps to improve local water quality.
- Join a Clean-Up Event: Get hands-on in cleaning up Newburgh’s rivers and creeks. It’s a fun, meaningful way to give back to your community.
- Test Water Quality: Participate in our water testing activities and contribute to ongoing research on the health of our local waterways.
Why Quassaick Creek?
Quassaick Creek is a critical waterway in Newburgh, providing a snapshot of the broader environmental challenges we face. It’s been a source of life for the community for generations, but today, it’s also a reminder of the environmental dangers that too many residents live with daily. By focusing on Quassaick Creek, we’re addressing pollution at its source and making strides toward a cleaner, safer future for all of Newburgh.
Join Us
Water is life, and every effort counts. Whether you join us for a workshop, participate in a clean-up, or simply spread the word, your involvement helps shape the future of Newburgh’s water.
Get involved today—together, we can protect our waterways and our community’s health.