WATER Initiative
New York, NY — 2025
The Water Initiative Launches to Restore New Jersey’s & New York’s Waterways and Revitalize a Historic Global Port.
The American Heritage Society today announced the launch of The Water Initiative, a bold environmental restoration and community development program dedicated to restoring the health of New York’s waterways through innovative, nature-based solutions. New York City is a global capital built on water — its history, commerce, and cultural identity are tied to one of the world’s most storied harbors. Yet, the waterways that once supported thriving ecosystems and booming maritime activity are now under increasing environmental stress. The Water Initiative aims to reverse this trend by rebuilding living reef systems that can clean the water, stabilize riverbeds, and revive aquatic life at scale.
The initiative will establish the first urban indoor bivalve hatchery, where oysters, mussels, and clams will be cultivated and later deployed into rivers and lakes across the region. These bivalves act as natural water filters, each capable of cleaning gallons of water daily. Once in place, these living reefs will form the foundation for long-term ecological resilience.
“A city born from water must now rise to protect it,” said Aysaac Allen, Founder of the American Heritage Society. “This is about more than restoration — it’s about securing the future of one of the world’s greatest ports and inspiring a global model for urban river renewal.” The Water Initiative also includes a hands-on youth education program, teaching students how to grow bivalves in hatcheries, monitor water quality, and participate directly in river restoration. By combining environmental science, technology, and civic engagement, the initiative empowers communities to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future. Partnerships with local governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, and United Nations affiliates are already in development, positioning the initiative to become a model for cities worldwide seeking to address climate and water quality challenges.
About the American Heritage Society
The American Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historical, cultural, and environmental legacy of our communities. Through education, restoration, and public engagement, we actively preserve our heritage, ensuring it remains a legacy we can proudly entrust to future generations.
Media Contact:
Jean M. Stefoneti Senior VP | American Heritage Society FRIENDSOFTHEHUDSON@GMAIL.COM | WWW..WATER2030.ORG