Community Climate Corps - Nonprofit Staten Island

Building Resilience for Staten Island’s Future.

Your Community. Your Climate. Your Action.

Join neighbors, advocates, and leaders in shaping a safer, greener Staten Island.

About the CCC

The Community Climate Corps (CCC), a program of Nonprofit Staten Island, is your partner in building a stronger, more climate-resilient Staten Island

Through education, outreach, and action, we equip and empower residents, organizations, and local leaders to address climate challenges and prepare our borough for future risks.

Whether it’s increasing awareness about climate impacts, strengthening disaster response networks, or supporting environmental justice, CCC works to protect Staten Island’s people, neighborhoods, and natural environment.

On The Staten Island Bluebelts

By: Anne Walsh

As the earth’s temperature continues to climb, severe storms are occurring with greater frequency and intensity and carry with them the potential for major flooding.

According to ready.gov, floods are the most common disaster in the United States. Staten Island is particularly vulnerable for many reasons, including rising sea levels, low-lying areas (especially the east and south shores), and inadequate infrastructure.

To prevent and/or mitigate this problem, the DEP has implemented an innovative stormwater management system called the Bluebelts. Bluebelts are “green” infrastructures that combine man-made and natural elements designed to capture, store, and filter rainwater. They preserve and improve streams, ponds, and wetlands. In addition, they provide open green spaces for communities to enjoy, a friendly habitat for wildlife, and improved water quality.

The Bluebelt Program is ongoing with new areas currently under development. One of the most recent projects is the Mid-Island Bluebelt- New Creek on Hylan Boulevard. There is a walkway alongside the pond surrounded by lush native plants and shrubs that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The pond is home to waterbirds and aquatic animals.

While heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges pose a significant threat of flooding, the Bluebelt Program has proven to be a cost-effective approach to stormwater management that reduces flooding, improves water quality, and enriches the natural ecology of the land.

For more information, visit nyc.gov.

Why Get Involved?

Learn & Act — Access training, resources, and events that help you take climate action in your community.
Build Connections — Collaborate with neighbors, advocates, and local leaders.
Make a Difference — Contribute your time, skills, and ideas to projects that matter.

Get Connected!

Join our listserv to get the latest updates on training opportunities, upcoming events, and helpful resources to prepare you and your community for the future.

Submitting this form will add you to the CCC Newsletter. Our Program Manager will follow up if you’ve expressed interest in volunteering.

Meet Our Ambassadors

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Please note: Clicking on one of the flyers will take you directly to the Ambassador biography.

Want to become an ambassador?

Climate Resilience Ambassadors
Ambassadors help advance climate justice and resilience across Staten Island by supporting environmental education, mitigation, and preparedness as part of NPSI’s Community Climate Corps (CCC).

Please note that Year 1 applications are now closed, and members have been selected. Recruitment for Year 2 will begin in January 2026.

Other ways to get involved?

The CCC offers many ways to get involved—stay informed by joining our listserv or connect with Rob Grosso at rob@nonprofitstatenisland.org for collaboration opportunities.

Volunteer: Join us at community projects, resource distributions, or outreach events.
Lead or host a session: Collaborate with the CCC to bring climate education and resilience workshops to your community network.
Outreach in the community: Invite the CCC to table events or join us at one of ours.
Pitch a project: Have an idea for how we can connect with your community? Email rob@nonprofitstatenisland.org and share your idea!