In Yonkers, N.Y., there’s an urban farm that’s probably unlike any urban farm you’ve ever seen before: it sits in the middle of the Hudson River, completely contained on a barge. Designed for sustainability, the Science Barge runs completely on renewable energy.
The barge was originally created by NY Sun Works, an environmental nonprofit based in New York City, as a way to demonstrate techniques for rooftop gardening. After two seasons in the city — and success establishing new rooftop farms, especially at schools — the organization needed to find a more permanent home for the project. Groundwork Hudson Valley brought the barge to its new location in 2008, and now provides tours every weekend.
The Science Barge uses solar, wind and biofuel power, and produces zero carbon emissions. Irrigated by rainwater and purified river water, it has no net water consumption and uses four times less water than comparable field crops. The water used in the greenhouse can also be used and reused because of the growing method.
Through the use of hydroponics, the barge also uses seven times less land than field crops. The fruits and vegetables grown on the barge get nutrients through water rather than soil, which allows the plants to grow smaller root systems and be grown closely together.
The produce grown on the barge — including melons, okra, kale, basil, eggplants and more — is donated to hunger relief agencies and sold at a farmers market.
Photo credits: Groundwork Hudson Valley