How Albany's Radix Center is investing in climate resilience

This story is part of our Youth Climate Reporting Project, which is generously supported by Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley and the Youth Climate Action Fund, a project of Bloomberg Philanthropies. Read more stories from this series.

As the climate continues to change, mitigation efforts to fight the effects of our warming planet are more crucial than ever. This is especially true in disadvantaged communities, where resources, funding, and outside support are often limited.

The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center is one local organization that’s spearheading efforts to protect our natural assets and invest in climate resilience. The center sits on a one-acre plot in the middle of Albany’s South End, a historic neighborhood that’s rich in culture and splendid architecture, but also where nearly 1 in 3 families lives in poverty.

Radix turned what was once a vacant lot into a lush, urban oasis where regenerative tools and technologies are showcased, including gardens, food forests, greenhouses, honeybees, aquaponics, and composting systems. It’s all designed to teach urban residents—especially young people—about sustainability and how to gain greater local access over essential resources.

Recently, Radix has gained attention for two local environmental programs: A project to clean up pollutants in the Hudson River and its urban forestry initiative.

Armed with grants from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Grants Program, among others, Radix has invited groups of local youths to build small artificial “islands” made from plastic tubing intertwined with swamp plants.

With the help of a solar-powered pontoon, the teens haul these artificial islands on the Hudson River, placing them near the heavily industrialized Port of Albany. The idea is that the floating wetlands, through the wonder of beneficial bacteria, will degrade the sewage and storm water pollutants that are harming the health of the river.

“We do a lot of work near Island Creek Park in the South End, trying to cultivate a relationship of reciprocity and love between youth and the river, advocating for better access and demonstrating how affordable and simple methods can be used to remediate environmental contamination,” says Scott Kellogg, who established Radix in 2011, along with his wife, Stacy Pettigrew. “This is less about climate explicitly (although there is certainly a connection), yet is high in both symbolic and educational value.”

Noting that “cities and societies are not sustainable unless there is justice,” Scott says the sustainability movement has mostly benefited wealthy populations. The river regeneration project is one attempt to refocus the attention on underserved communities—and also inspire youths with simple, cost-effective ways to make a difference in the fight against climate change and environmental injustice.

In much the same way, Radix’s urban forestry initiative is inspiring local residents to do something about climate change—in their own front yards.

Trees help with carbon sequestration, provide shade that reduces city temperatures, and prevent soil erosion. By planting more trees in the disadvantaged South End, it also helps to close the so-called “shade wealth gap,” which refers to the lack of tree coverage in predominantly Black and low-income communities. At the same time, planting more trees prompts residents to become more invested in the health and welfare of their neighborhoods while building a stronger connection with nature.

As these urban forests develop, so will the economic and aesthetic value of neighborhoods. The mental health of residents will also improve. Trees help people relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, species diversity will improve because trees provide food, shelter, and nesting material for wildlife.

Recently, Radix staff members and youth employees from local high schools participated in Albany’s “Love Your Block” program to plant trees at Trinity Place.

The tree planting at Trinity Place is one of many projects that are being carried out in Albany, now and into the future. This project builds off Radix’s ongoing Albany Biocultural Diversity Forest Program where to date 175 trees have been planted at no cost to local residents.

Radix will be working with UAlbany’s Institute for Transformational and Ecosystem-based Climate Adaptation (ITECA) to plant even more trees throughout the city. The U.S. Forestry Service has awarded the school a $5 million grant to fund initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Albany’s urban forest and educating future local climate leaders.

Currently, there’s sufficient funding to plant 500 trees in Albany’s disadvantaged communities over the next 5 years. The staff at Radix is collaborating with ITECA as we begin to identify where trees can be planted and thrive.

Before the trees go into the ground, we consider factors such as tree type, soil conditions, planting depth, and pruning. We want to give our trees the best chance at survival, which involves ensuring that they are well-suited to the planting site. We initially began by focusing on communities where canopy coverage is lacking. We’re now conducting outreach efforts to find residents who want to get involved. Schools, libraries, and other environmentally-conscious organizations are encouraged to participate as well.

Our urban forestry efforts take an all-hands-on-deck approach and we’re always happy to work with people who share our vision and passion. It’s no secret that trees take time to grow and develop but our hope is that all communities, regardless of social or economic status, can have beautiful strong trees lining their blocks in the years to come. Trees in urban environments and private backyards can strengthen social cohesion and spur community revitalization.

For our urban forests to be successful, community engagement is crucial. Here at Radix, we offer tree education programs, site tours, and volunteer days. Having folks visit and become acquainted with the tools and processes we carry out goes a long way in inspiring residents to care for trees where they live.

We also meet with government officials and other environmental organizations to discuss the integration of urban forestry into city planning and policy, including zoning laws and green infrastructure. We have worked with the City of Albany’s sustainability department as well as the Department of General Services in efforts to address the city’s tree coverage and will continue coordinating with them.

In my role as the Urban Forest Justice Outreach Coordinator at Radix, I engage in discussions and raise awareness about the importance of urban forestry in creating healthier, more livable cities. Connecting with Albany residents who want to get involved but have concerns helps eliminate barriers to actionable steps and gets them engaged with the changes that are happening.

We all have a part to play in maintaining a thriving environment for future generations. Input and engagement from everyone will produce the most cohesive projects, and help inspire and mobilize a wide cross section of the community to participate in protecting our natural resources.

To get involved, visit the Radix Center’s volunteer page here.

Desmond Volmar, 23, is the Urban Forest Justice Outreach Coordinator at Radix Center. After graduating in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Russell Sage College, he has worked in different areas of sustainability, including climate justice, clean energy research, and urban forestry. Desmond has a strong interest in natural resource conservation efforts and enjoys engaging with those who share similar concerns.