New Paltz has a long tradition of leading revolutions. The next may be environmental. As part of the 250th anniversary of American independence and Revolutionary New Paltz, we invite neighbors and friends to a free, hands-on workshop exploring an innovative solution for cleaning polluted waterways: Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs).
FTWs are small, buoyant structures made from natural, sustainable materials and planted with native species like sedges and willow. These floating gardens remove excess nutrients, heavy metals, and pollutants from water—helping combat harmful algal blooms—while restoring habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.
The workshop will be held at the historic DeJoux House on Springtown Road and led by FICTILIS Studio as part of the Wallkill Futures exhibit at Unison Arts. Participants will help design, build, and install low-cost FTW prototypes using locally sourced materials. These will be launched in the pond and monitored over six months to track water quality improvements.
Attendees will learn design principles, materials, planting, and water testing—gaining the tools to build their own FTWs and contribute to a grassroots water restoration movement.
Admission: Please register in advance. This workshop is free, but if you want to support our ongoing research, or if you come away feeling you learned something valuable, please consider donating to FICTILIS, a fiscally-sponsored project of the nonprofit Fractured Atlas: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/fictilis-public-projects-and-curated-exhibitions].
Capacity: 20 people
Supplies: Please bring sturdy shoes and gloves.
Accessibility: This event will take place in the grounds of DeJoux House and is not easily wheelchair accessible. The event will include physically making prototype floating islands and will require close work (glasses), gloves, sturdy shoes/waterproof boots etc. It will take place outside so dress appropriately for weather.
Parking: Driveway of 374 Springtown Road, New Paltz, NY and 377 Springtown Road, New Paltz, NY (opposite driveway).
Weather: This event was orginally scheduled for May 9th, due to the rain it is rescheduled to May 16th.
Website: https://www.fictilis.com/about-2025/