Vallone participates in Coastal Classroom

Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. recently traded in his suit and dress shoes for a pair of waders as he continued his support of the Coastal Classrooms program by participating in one of the classes at Hallets Cove in Astoria.
The program, which Vallone provides funding for, is run by the City Parks Foundation and focuses on river ecology, water quality, urban waterfront restoration and preservation. Vallone secured $5,000 for the Parks Foundation in this year’s budget, allowing the program to continue into its second year.
“This class imparts a love of nature that could lead these students to find a passion for any number of scientific or environmental pursuits. That’s very difficult to duplicate in a classroom,” Vallone said. “The memories from this class could last a lifetime. Most likely, these students won’t feel the same way about their next math class.”
Coastal Classroom provides young people as well as community members of all ages with opportunities to experience the Long Island Sound watershed, which includes the East River, and to explore the history and future preservation challenges for our water resources.
The Park Foundation runs the program in all five boroughs, and registration is open to the public. Anyone can register for a class by calling 212-360-2746 and asking for more information.
“I always wanted to be a marine biologist, and this class let me see what it would be like,” Vallone said. “I encourage children and their parents both to try out this wonderful program. I think I was having more fun than the kids.”