On Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, BCC hosted a “How Things Work” conference for the environmental educational community throughout the NYC area, including middle and high school students, undergraduate students and educators. The conference explored environmental systems around us and examined how these systems protect against climate change. 

A range of organizations were represented as exhibitors, and a slate of guest speakers inspired attendees to consider what can be done to help strengthen climate resilience. Co-sponsors included Bronx Community College,  The Environmental Education Projects Forum (the Forum) of the Environmental Education Advisory Council (EEAC) of New York City, Bronx Economic Development Corporation, and the James Baldwin Outdoor Learning Center (JBOLC)/Krueger Transit Consulting (KCC).

BCC’s Green Action Challenge Grant Project Director Elena Perez, Founding Director of the JBOLC Ray Pultinas, and BCC Biology student Milton Baquedano delivered welcome remarks to kick off the day. In their greetings, they emphasized the importance of getting involved and engaging in climate change initiatives. Baquedano spoke about the opportunities he has had through BCC to be a part of climate change research.  

Students visited tables with exhibits set up in Colston Hall highlighting topics from green roofs to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses and electric school buses and learned about initiatives from The Bronx River Alliance, the NY Botanical Gardens and more.  

An electric school bus demo was a highlight of the day for many. BCC’s very own Patterson Garage and its EV curriculum is serving as a model for other institutions locally, regionally and nationally. 

Conference Exhibitors: 
NYC Parks, Wave Hill, New York Sea Grant, Killer Snails, New York League of Conservation Voters, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Balcones Recycling, New York City Parks (Sustainable Facilities), New York Botanical Garden, Empire Clean Cities, Bronx Community College Chemistry Department, Bronx Community College Automotive Technology Program, NYCBus, South Bronx Unite, NYC Parks Stewardship, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The Brother Sister Sol, and Bronx River Alliance.