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 are an all-volunteer organization. We are 100% powered by the energy, ideas, and skills of people like you — and we have roles for any skill levels and all ages.
Do you love canoeing, the Gowanus neighborhood, or just generally care about supporting the environment and revitalization of New York Harbor? You’re a great fit.
Sign up for open volunteer opportunities here.
To stay informed about upcoming volunteer opportunities:
What you’ll do as a vollunteer
- Volunteers run our free walk-up paddling programs from May through October. If it’s your first time, an experienced volunteer will show you the ropes. We need people to check in participants, help people get in and out of boats, and — if you have paddling experience — join our on-water support crew. Sign up
- Contribute to community science projects and education efforts. Voluunteers conduct bioblitz surveys, help monitor our vertical mussel habitat, teach kids about the wildlife that lives in the canal, and share learning about water quality and environmental restoration efforts on the canal. Come to a monthly meeting.
- Provide on-water and shoreside support for guided tours. Our most popular volunteer opportunity — open to those who have volunteered for walk-up paddling or are active members of the club. We especially need experienced paddlers and individuals with a current CPR certification. Email us
- Our members host art, music, and community events in our boathouse and on the shoreline. Volunteers help set up, break down, run check-in, tidy up the boathouse, and perform other tasks depending on the event or activity. We match volunteers with team leaders as activities are planned, so introduce yourself on the Google Group.
- 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. See what’s coming up
- Join as a Steward members. Getting involved as a member is a great way to access volunteer opportunities, build on-water skills, and connect with the community. Join as a member
- Reach out if you have ideas for other ways to be involved. Volunteers generate all of the ideas for our programs, send our newsletters, and manage our finances. Email us