I remember a time about 9 yrs ago when the words "Gowanus Canal" would strike fear in to the heart of all shopping carts, kittens and dead bodies. My landlord joked about 7 yrs ago saying that he was going to buy some buildings down along the canal renovate them and market them as "water front" property. We laughed and laughed.

Well who knew they would dredge it repair the tunnel and turbines that move the water and now people are interested in using the canal as a recreational area.

The Gowanus Dredgers are a volunteer organization who provide tours and education about the canal.