About the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct

Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct, Inc., also known as FOCA, or the “Friends”, is a private, not-for profit organisation of volunteers formed to protect and preserve the old Croton Aqueduct.  The Friends work to raise public awareness of the Aqueduct and trail and to secure the resources that will enable this historic greenway to remain unspoiled in perpetuity.

Mission
The Friends strive to act as a public voice for the Aqueduct as well as a source of information for those interested in its past and future.

Newsletter
We publish a newsletter several times a year that includes items of historical interest, news of Aqueduct-related activities, and current events potentially affecting the Aqueduct and trail.

Other Activities    
We sponsor talks, lead guided walks of the trail and lead tours of the weir in Ossining and publicize upcoming events.  We published an award-winning map and guide to the trail, now being updated, and working with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to post directional signs on the trail that will guide users through the more puzzling sections and crossings A major long-term goal is to restore the Overseer’s House on the trail in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Tours of the Weir and Tunnel:
The Friends and the Historic Site Manager of Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, periodically conduct tours of the Aqueduct weir at Ann Street in Ossining, New York. These popular tours are advertised in advance so you can reserve a place.  Participants enter a short segment of the tunnel itself as part of the tour.

WEIRS , sometimes called waste weirs, are large, masonry structures found along the trail at major stream crossings.  Metal gates controlled by great valves within could be lowered to spill off (“waste”) or divert the normal flow of water out of the tunnel to permit maintenance downstream.

Membership     See Membership Form
Starts at $20.00 and includes a our color map, newsletters and other member updates.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Assist with mailing, office tasks, marketing and publicity and special events - help out at the Friends’ table at village fairs, designing letterhead, organising an art show
Help with education initiatives
Writing a grant application
Donate photocopying and printing services
Carpenters, plumbers, handymen:  contribute your skills to the restoration of the Overseer’s House
Contribute items to the newsletter