From Floodwaters to Future Planning: Lessons from Historical Streams, Ponds, and Flooding Events in Southeast Queens

Building on the themes explored in Before New York: A Traveling Pop-Up Exhibition, this presentation and classroom-style workshop is a collaboration between New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG), NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM), and Queens Public Library to showcase a link between the historical ecology, resiliency planning, and recovery. Using Southeast Queens as a case study, the presentation will begin with a historical overview by NYBG on streams, ponds, wetlands, and other landscape features, outlining post-colonization development and urbanization, and how historical changes continue to influence flooding today. NYBG will feature historical maps, Blue Zones research, and an in-depth tour of the Blue Zone Explorer and Layers of the Past. Following this section, NYCEM will then present on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, give an overview on the Flooding Hazard Profile, Risk Tools, and community resources. Participants will learn how to explore the history of their own neighborhoods while understanding local flood hazards and available preparedness and recovery resources – including connecting to community engagement initiatives at NYCEM. By connecting long-term landscape changes with modern climate change impacts, participants will gain a deeper understanding of why flooding may occur, why certain neighborhoods experience repeated impacts, how historical ecology provides important context for current climate risks. The presentation is designed for a general audience, including homeowners, tenants, families, students, and residents interested in learning more about their communities. Following the presentation, attendees will participate in a moderated Q&A and have the opportunity to explore mapping tools in a guided computer lab setting using library laptops and tablets. A companion resource document containing links to maps, websites, and educational resources will allow participants to continue exploring after the event.