The Curriculum and Community Enterprise for Restoration Science Partnership Model
This paper identifies the complex interactions of a multi-member partnership and outlines the synergetic opportunitiesand challenges within the model. At the core of the partnership model is the restoration of the waterways surroundingNew York City through the reestablishment of the oyster into New York Harbor. The overarching goal was to connectmembers of the community to their environment to increase social awareness and responsibility. Stewardship of theharbor through involvement of education, business, and private sectors increased the citizen science involvement of thecommunity. The key to the success of this partnership model is the overlapping of roles and responsibilities as well asa strong “connector” serving to mediate the interactions among the stakeholders and enable the success of thepartnership. The partnerships were dynamic and evolving blurring lines and responsibilities. Serendipitous outcomesenhanced partnership relationships and in turn, the efficacy of the project.