About this project

Using the historical hydrology of New York City, the Urban Conservation team at the New York Botanical Garden has identified the approximately 21% of the city that is most vulnerable to flooding. We call these areas Blue Zones: places that were wet before the city was built, are wet today, and will be wet again as climate change intensifies.

This analysis brings together over 500 years of flood data — from the ponds, streams, and salt marshes of 17th century New York, through today's 311 service calls, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Resiliency maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency's floodplains, to modeled projections of future storms and sea level rise. Where all three overlap, you'll find a Blue Zone.

Blue Zones areas where urban planners, government agencies, and communities need to prioritize directing resources, rethinking infrastructure, and asking harder questions about who bears the cost of flooding and why. Through the Map Explorer, NYC residents can identify vulnerable areas throughout the city and learn more about how historical ecology can help inform a more resilient city.

This project is maintained by the Urban Conservation team at the New York Botanical Garden. If you have any questions about the project or data, please reach out.

Terms and Conditions

Usage of the Welikia Map Explorer is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the NYBG Terms and Conditions of Use.