Groundwork Hudson Valley and Hudson River Museum Launch Initiative to Combat Extreme Heat in Southwest Yonkers
YONKERS, NY, February 11, 2025—Groundwork Hudson Valley (GWHV) and the Hudson River Museum (HRM) are thrilled to announce the launch of a collaborative three-year initiative, “Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat,” funded by Con Edison. This project addresses extreme heat challenges in Southwest Yonkers through community-driven solutions and innovative environmental strategies.
The initiative aligns with the Yonkers Climate Action Plan and expands on GWHV’s Climate Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, which promotes climate justice through research, advocacy, mitigation projects, and workforce development.
“Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat” will engage grassroots groups of five to seven members each, consisting of local residents, shopkeepers, educators, and environmentalists. These teams will assess heat island effects and propose solutions in priority areas such as Nodine Hill, the South Broadway retail corridor, and Downtown Yonkers.
“Addressing extreme heat is essential for building a climate-resilient Yonkers,” said Oded Holzinger, Executive Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley. “This partnership combines community insight with technical expertise to create practical, impactful solutions.”
“We are committed to amplifying community voices,” added Masha Turchinsky, Director and CEO of the Hudson River Museum. “Through exhibitions, outreach, and collaboration, we aim to highlight creative solutions to local environmental challenges, ensuring they resonate with a broad audience.”
“Con Edison is proud to support this climate justice initiative,” said Senior Vice President Jennifer Hensley. “Together, we are promoting climate equity and improving the quality of life for all Yonkers residents, particularly in historically underserved communities.”
Key components of the initiative:
- Community Engagement: Organizing and empowering local groups to identify heat risks and propose solutions.
- Public Awareness: In September 2025, the HRM will present an exhibition in conjunction with Groundwork Hudson Valley showcasing community-driven projects and raising awareness about extreme heat mitigation. The public will be invited to contribute their ideas and provide feedback on initial concepts and renderings.
- Shade Installations: Demonstrating shade structures in two-three key community locations.
- Education Programs: Implementing a climate resilience curriculum in Yonkers public schools, reaching thousands of students.
This comprehensive approach aims to foster sustainable, community-led responses to extreme heat, promoting climate resilience and social equity across Southwest Yonkers.
To learn more visit groundworkhv.org and hrm.org.
Press contacts:
Jeana Wunderlich
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Hudson River Museum
jwunderlich@hrm.org
Candida Rodriguez
Director of Community Engagement and Communications
Groundwork Hudson Valley
candida@groundworkhv.org
Image: Yvonne Thomas (American, b. France, 1913–2009). Central Rhythm, 1967. Acrylic on canvas. Collection of the Hudson River Museum (INV.0122). © Yvonne Thomas.
###
About Groundwork Hudson Valley
Groundwork Hudson Valley is an environmental justice non-profit working with communities to improve climate resilience and adaptation, promote sustainability education, and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. For more information visit groundworkhv.org.
About The Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum is a preeminent cultural institution in Westchester County and the New York metropolitan area. HRM is situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers, New York, with a mission to engage, inspire, and connect diverse communities through the power of the arts, sciences, and history. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), an honor awarded to only 3% of museums nationwide. For more information visit hrm.org.
