Governors Island Tidal Planter Pilot

New climate technology brings the ecosystem benefits of a salt marsh to New York’s urban shoreline.

In partnership with the Trust for Governors Island as part of the Water Abundance Challenge grant program, Biohabitats and Just EcoCities piloted a Tidal Planter prototype. This wetland-in-a-box uses the natural cleaning power of a salt marsh to remove pollutants from New York Harbor and has the potential to bring this ecosystem to walkways and promenades throughout the city.

Biohabitats designed the Tidal Planter system, which included determining the most effective pump rate and correct tide cycles and choosing the best materials for the planter. Biohabitats and Just EcoCities demonstrated a model of the modular wetland system during the Trust for Governors Island Climate Piloting Summer Kickoff, where attendees used the model to explore the Tidal Planter’s function and trace the water’s path.

The in-progress full-size version was exhibited later at the Climate Tech Showcase alongside the other innovative climate solutions being tested on the Island. After the project team completed the construction and installation of the pilot in a large, repurposed roll-off container, students from Governors Island Harbor School were given a closer look during the installation of soil media and marsh plants. Water from New York Harbor is pumped into the completed tidal planter on Governors Island and filtered through the constructed marsh before being returned to the waterway.

This new climate technology will contribute to a future where functional, modular salt marshes provide a positive ecological impact along urban shorelines and sidewalks.

TAGS

• Construction
• Design
• Ecomimicry