July 31, 2025

Nearly Three Acres of Tidal Wetland Restored; Healthier Wetland Will Help to Improve the Health of Jamaica Bay

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Parks, and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the completion of a $7 million project that restored nearly three acres of wetland in Four Sparrow Marsh, located in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. DDC managed the project, parts of which were located in NYC Parks area, for DEP, which funded the improvement project.

“Jamaica Bay is one of New York City’s most important natural areas, and restoring wetlands like Four Sparrow Marsh is key to protecting the health of the entire ecosystem,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “These efforts strengthen the Bay’s resilience, protect wildlife, support biodiversity, and ensure that the Mill Basin community can enjoy the environmental and recreational benefits of this unique landscape.”

“Restoring and preserving our wetland ecosystems is another way DDC works to improve the City’s environment,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “The $7 million Four Sparrow Marsh project will prevent the declination of the wetland and will protect the wildlife that inhabits that area. This project is so important for the Mill Basin, Brooklyn community and we thank our partners at DEP and NYC Parks for working with us on this much-needed restoration.”

“Our salt marshes are critical ecosystems that do so much for our city—from protecting our coastline in the face of extreme weather, to offering vital habitats for non-human New Yorkers like salt marsh sparrows and diamondback terrapins,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “We’re proud to have collaborated with our partners across city government on this work at Four Sparrow Marsh, building on our past projects and complementing ongoing restoration efforts on the east side of the marsh. By caring for our natural areas, we are investing in a more livable and more resilient city for generations to come.”

The project entailed restoration and rehabilitation of three acres of tidal wetland in Four Sparrow Marsh to improve natural wetland conditions and functions. Crews removed over 9,000 tons of non-hazardous soil, and clean sand and loamy soil were fine-graded to fill the wetland. The tidal, transition and upland areas were then planted using salvaged native marsh hummoks, as well as new native plants and seeds. Additionally, 50 trees, 255 shrubs, and nearly 40,000 herbaceous plant plugs and quarts were planted, including Spartina alterniflora, Prunus maritima, Myrica pennsylvanica, Spartina patens, Distichlis spicata, and other species.

A section of the project area is Four Sparrow Marsh Park, part of NYC Parks, and is one of three nature preserves on the southern tip of Brooklyn that are home to undisturbed wildlife. The park's distance from residential areas allowed its natural habitat to flourish and is home to many birds, including bobolinks, snipe, and little blue herons. Four Sparrow Marsh also contains a diversity of plant-life in its mudflats, marshes, and meadows.

The restoration project, undertaken as an agreement with New York State to replace regulated wetland loss, aims to improve the ecosystem health of Mill Basin, a tributary of Jamaica Bay.

DDC worked with Galvin Bros., Inc./Madhue Contracting, Inc., Hazen and Sawyer/AKRF and JWP-YOR (JV) for this project.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction

The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $34 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X.

About the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation

NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. Parks maintains 1000 acres of freshwater wetlands, 1500 acres of salt marsh, and about 60 miles of streams. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 666,000 street trees, and five million more in parks. We are New York City's principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.