Join Us
Membership
Join today to get early access to events, invitations to members-only paddles and programming — and become eligible for personal use of the Dredgers fleet of canoes. Membership is good for one year. Our goal is to make on-water access attainable for all. In the case of financial hardships, please contact us to discuss volunteer-for-membership options.
We also accept donations of any amount. You can make a gift in support of our work here.
The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club is a not-for-profit organization and is recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
$35 Mummichog Supporter
You’ll get on our members email list, and be the first to know about ticketed paddles or special member activities. You’ll receive a discount on ticketed guided tours.
$75 Bunker (Menhaden) Supporter
All of the benefits above, plus a complimentary Dredgers tee-shirt. (Pick up from our 2nd St. Boathouse, based on availability of on-hand stock.)
$125 Steward Volunteer
All of the above benefits, plus you’re eligible for equipment access for personal use May 1 – October 31. Steward members who complete a Volunteer Training & Steward Member Orientation and volunteer at a public event are eligible for equipment use from 19th St.
$ +500 Benefactor
All of the benefits above, plus includes *guided tour for 8.
Please call or e-mail us to schedule.
*Due to active Dredging, which we support, the EPA has suspended the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club's use of 2nd st. dock. At this time, all canoeing departs from the 19th St. launch site unless otherwise specified.
Volunteer
Volunteer Today!
The Dredgers need enthusiastic volunteers at all skill levels and all ages who love canoeing, the Gowanus neighborhood, or just generally care about supporting the environment and revitalization of New York Harbor. We are an all-volunteer organization, and we welcome participants at all skill levels.
Our programs are free due to our volunteers dedicating their time to the program, and it’s a great way to become active in the local community. To stay informed about upcoming volunteer opportunities, join our mailing list — or just drop by any of our events.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- We regularly need volunteers to help run our free walk-up paddling programs from May through October, and to support other on-water events. Paddling experience is helpful but not required for all roles. Join us for a volunteer orientation to learn more.
- Many of the events in our boathouse and on the shoreline need volunteers to help set up, break down, run check-in, and other tasks depending on the event or activity. We match volunteers with team leaders as activities are planned.
- All of our facilities are run and managed by volunteers. We regularly run work days to clean, build, and organize our space. It’s a great way to get involved as a new member and meet others in the community.
- Volunteers generate all of the ideas for our programs, send our newsletters, and manage our finances. Reach out if you have ideas for other ways to be involved.
Volunteer Training & Steward Member Orientation
This free, 90-minute session is hosted at the Gowanus Dredgers Bunker Launch location. Space is unlimited and no extra preparation is required. We have monthly sessions scheduled throughout the summer with more planned throughout the year. Email us to find out when we’re running our next session and we’ll get you ready to help folks paddle!
We require all Steward Members to complete this safety session and site orientation before they may access equipment independently at the 19th Street location. Once they have completed this orientation, Steward Members will receive key access to the 19th St. location.