From Shell Collector to Shell Steward: Isabella's Journey in Harbor Restoration and Community Engagement

Isabella Torres, Field Station Coordinator, New York Harbor School Alumni Class of 2018
A Billion Oyster Project Staff & Harbor School Alumni Feature 

Isabella Torres, Harbor School Alumni Class of 2018, a self-proclaimed “shell collector,” initially planned to pursue the arts in high school. That changed when she encountered an open laptop displaying photos of scuba-diving students at a high school fair. Learning that these students attended New York Harbor School on Governors Island immediately sparked her interest, and she decided to apply.

Fast–forward six years, and her time at Harbor School has profoundly shaped her educational and professional trajectory, instilling in her a deep-rooted love for the Harbor and a commitment to marine ecosystem restoration in New York City.

While at Harbor School, Isabella developed a hands-on relationship with New York Harbor through her involvement with the Marine Biology Research program, which incorporates problem-based learning strategies to teach students the fundamentals of ecology, biology, and oceanography. On the rowing team and in classes focusing on fieldwork, Isabella “faced the elements” on the Harbor for the first time.

“I was exposed to various species and elements like black mayo, super cold Harbor water, sea squirts, and other organisms like mud crabs and oyster drills. I developed a relationship with New York Harbor and wanted to see it at its best.” 

At the same time, Isabella quickly became aware that most New Yorkers–despite being surrounded by water–rarely interact with it and mistakenly view it as “dirty” or “dangerous.” This starkly contrasted her childhood experiences in Florida, where the water was conducive to community and “cleaner, clearer, and rich in biodiversity.”

After graduating with a degree in Geosciences with a focus on marine geo from Eckerd College in Florida, Isabella felt a pull to return to New York Harbor. She asked herself, “Why can’t New Yorkers have that [clean waterways and community cohesion] as well?”

We are so glad Isabella found her way to us. After accepting a Research Associate Technician internship with us, Isabella continued as a contractor and was hired full-time as a Field Station Coordinator this year.

Coastal community engagement through marine stewardship is at the heart of her work. In her role, Isabella reaches out to community groups–including school groups–and brings them to the waterfront as community scientists. With the support and leadership of our waterfront, education, and community engagement teams, our community scientists monitor oysters and develop field and technical skills. 

Isabella’s work brings her back, full circle, to her realization that New Yorkers are largely disconnected from our urban estuary. 

“When I think about urban waterway restoration, I consider involving the community. There’s something beautiful about the fact that we have so much biodiversity in the Harbor, and we also have lots of biodiversity when it comes to us humans,” says Isabella. “Connecting the two is important. To get the work done, you need an entire village.”

Community members come to our work with varying levels of experience in hands-on marine learning and community coastal stewardship. Isabella observes significant shifts in how people evolve in their knowledge and engagement with New York Harbor as community scientists. She shares, 

“When you provide folks with resources, experiences, and skills––you see how students or community members shift from feeling apprehensive to being excited and asking questions towards the end of the experience.”

Looking forward, Isabella is eager to see her progress as an environmentalist, including the community outreach and engagement skills she’s been developing. She is always excited for the next surprise that the Harbor may bring––from new organisms to increasing urban coastal access.

Learn more about Harbor School and how our education initiatives support the next generation of environmental stewardship. Read our 2024 10th Anniversary Impact Report and how you can support our efforts to raise $1 Million for 1 Billion Oysters by December 31st!