The Living Roof

For those of us living in and around New York City, discovering unique spaces that combine natural beauty with innovative urban design is always a treat. Staten Island, often celebrated for its vibrant neighborhoods and iconic ferry ride, is home to one such remarkable spot: The Living Roof. Situated atop the St. George Ferry Terminal, this isn't just any garden; it's an active urban farm and a testament to sustainable practices in a bustling metropolitan area. For locals, The Living Roof offers a fresh perspective on urban green spaces, providing stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline while serving a vital role in community food production and environmental sustainability. It’s a wonderful spot to visit after a ferry ride, offering a peaceful retreat and a unique educational experience right on our doorstep.

The Living Roof is a pioneering initiative that transforms underutilized rooftop space into a productive and environmentally beneficial area. While some public feedback might touch on the architectural design of the terminal itself or specific activity restrictions, the focus of The Living Roof is firmly on its role as a green infrastructure project and a community resource. It represents a forward-thinking approach to urban living, where green technology meets social good. This unique garden demonstrates how even in the densest urban environments, we can create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, contributing to a healthier environment and a more connected community. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, someone interested in sustainable agriculture, or simply looking for an unparalleled view of the city, The Living Roof is a must-see destination on Staten Island.

The Living Roof is conveniently located at 1 Ferry Terminal Viaduct, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA. This places it directly atop the iconic St. George Ferry Terminal, making its accessibility one of its most significant advantages for New Yorkers. For residents from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or other boroughs, a trip to The Living Roof begins with the famously free Staten Island Ferry. The ferry ride itself is an attraction, offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Once you arrive at the St. George Terminal, The Living Roof is easily accessible from within the terminal building, often described as just across from the River Dock Cafe terrace. This seamless connection to a major public transportation hub makes it incredibly convenient for locals to visit without the need for a car. The St. George Terminal also serves as a hub for local Staten Island buses and the Staten Island Railway, further enhancing its accessibility for borough residents. For those driving, parking options around the St. George area may be available, but public transportation, particularly the ferry, is by far the most recommended and scenic way to arrive.

The Living Roof, as an urban farm and green space, offers a unique set of services and benefits primarily focused on environmental sustainability, education, and community support. These include:

• Urban Food Production: The primary service is the cultivation of edible produce. The Living Roof is designed for the production of vegetables and herbs, which are then distributed to local non-profit organizations.
• Community Food Distribution: The harvested food makes its way from the rooftop farm to the tables of those in need, collaborating with local non-profit organizations to address food insecurity on Staten Island.
• Environmental Benefits: As a green roof, it provides significant environmental services by absorbing stormwater runoff, thereby reducing the burden on the city's drainage system and helping to prevent neighborhood flooding.
• Air Quality Improvement: The vegetation on the roof contributes to improving local air quality.
• Biodiversity Promotion: The green roof supports local flora and fauna, including birds and insects, enhancing urban biodiversity.
• Educational Opportunities: The Living Roof acts as a showcase for urban rooftop agriculture. Students from various programs, including St. John's University, assist in planting, cultivating, and harvesting produce, learning about health issues on Staten Island and the impact of fresh food.
• Public Viewing Area: While an active farm, there is a public viewing area from the waterfront plaza atop the terminal building, allowing visitors to observe the green roof.
• Demonstration of Green Infrastructure: It serves as a living example and demonstration of green infrastructure technologies and their benefits for urban environments.

These services underscore its role as a vital community and environmental asset.

The Living Roof boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling destination and a point of pride for New Yorkers:

• Innovative Urban Agriculture: This 7,000-square-foot (and potentially larger, depending on the specific "Living Roof" being referenced, as there are other significant green roofs on Staten Island, like the Nicotra Group's 40,000 sq ft farm) space is a prime example of urban agriculture, showcasing how fresh produce can be grown sustainably in a dense city environment.
• Stunning Manhattan Skyline Views: One of its most captivating features is the unparalleled, panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline. This makes it an ideal spot for tourists and locals alike to capture iconic photographs and simply appreciate the grandeur of New York City from a unique vantage point on Staten Island.
• Environmental Sustainability Champion: As a substantial green roof, it plays a critical role in managing stormwater runoff, absorbing millions of gallons of rainwater annually. This helps mitigate neighborhood flooding and reduces pollution in the New York Harbor, aligning with the city's broader green infrastructure initiatives.
• Community-Focused Food Production: The produce grown here is not for commercial sale but is dedicated to supporting local non-profits that distribute food to those in need, making it a garden with a direct social impact.
• Educational Hub: The Living Roof serves as an outdoor classroom, particularly for students involved in urban agriculture and environmental studies. It provides hands-on experience in cultivation and raises awareness about sustainable food systems.
• Unique Location: Its placement directly on top of the St. George Ferry Terminal ensures high visibility and ease of access for the tens of thousands of commuters and tourists who pass through daily, effectively turning a transportation hub into a green landmark.
• Quiet Respite: Despite being in a busy location, the green space offers a surprisingly quiet and serene environment, providing a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

As a public green space and urban farm, The Living Roof does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its primary value to locals comes in the form of free access to a unique public amenity and its contributions to the community and environment. However, there are "offers" in terms of free experiences and community involvement opportunities:

• Free Public Access: The ability to visit and enjoy the scenic views from The Living Roof is entirely free, making it an accessible attraction for everyone, particularly after a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
• Educational Workshops/Volunteer Opportunities: While specific schedules can vary, institutions and organizations associated with the project (like St. John's University for the 7,000 sq ft version, or Brooklyn Grange for the larger Nicotra Grown farm) may offer free or low-cost workshops on urban gardening, sustainability, or opportunities to volunteer in the garden. For example, some programs might have Saturday morning sessions for student volunteers.
• Community Events: Occasionally, the space might host special community events related to Earth Week, harvest festivals, or environmental awareness, which are typically free and open to the public.
• Scenic Views: The ongoing "special offer" is the constant availability of breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty – all at no charge.

To stay informed about any potential public events, workshops, or volunteer opportunities at The Living Roof, it is advisable for interested locals to check the websites or social media channels of organizations involved in its operation, such as St. John's University (if that is the specific "Living Roof" at the Ferry Terminal) or any local Staten Island environmental and community groups that partner with it. These resources will provide the most up-to-date information on how to engage with this unique urban garden.

The Living Roof is located at:

1 Ferry Terminal Viaduct, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA

For general inquiries related to The Living Roof, particularly concerning its operations, educational programs, or community involvement, the provided phone number is a direct point of contact:

Phone: (347) 915-4114

Mobile Phone: +1 347-915-4114

It's important to note that while this is a direct line, depending on the specific organization managing the garden at any given time (e.g., St. John's University or a specific non-profit partner), you might also find more detailed information or alternative contacts on their respective websites. For general inquiries about the Staten Island Ferry Terminal itself, the official NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) website for the Staten Island Ferry would be the appropriate resource.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in or visiting Staten Island, The Living Roof at the St. George Ferry Terminal is remarkably suitable for numerous reasons. Firstly, its sheer accessibility, courtesy of the free Staten Island Ferry, makes it an effortless escape from the urban grind. It’s a convenient and cost-free way to immerse oneself in a unique green space that simultaneously offers one of the city's most iconic vistas – the stunning Manhattan skyline. This blend of natural beauty and urban panorama is a rare treat and a perfect backdrop for a peaceful moment or memorable photos.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, The Living Roof serves a profound purpose within our community. As an active urban farm, it directly contributes to local food security by providing fresh produce to non-profits. This commitment to social good resonates deeply within New York's community-conscious ethos. For environmentally-minded locals, it stands as a shining example of green infrastructure, demonstrating tangible benefits like stormwater absorption and improved air quality. It's a living laboratory, offering invaluable educational opportunities, particularly for students, in the vital field of sustainable urban agriculture. Being able to witness and potentially participate in such an innovative project right in our own borough fosters a sense of pride and connection to the city's sustainability efforts.

While some external feedback might touch on the surrounding terminal's architecture or specific recreational restrictions, the inherent value of The Living Roof as a place of beauty, education, and environmental stewardship remains undeniable. It’s a testament to how even the most bustling urban centers can embrace green initiatives for the betterment of all residents. For a unique blend of scenic beauty, environmental awareness, and community contribution, The Living Roof is a hidden gem that every New Yorker should experience.

The Living Roof

1 Ferry Terminal Viaduct, Staten Island, NY 10301, USA