Saving the environment may be closer to home than you think. Such is the case if you live in South Brooklyn, or if you simply wish to experience one of New York City’s most historical waterways from a unique DIY perspective. From March to October, the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club offers free canoe rental for self-guided tours of the Gowanus Canal, which was once an oyster-rich hub of Brooklyn’s maritime and commercial activity in the 19th century. Travel back in time as you paddle toward the open bay along the canal’s notoriously murky waters, passing landmark bridges, ancient cargo containers, native wetland birds and plants. Every time you sign up to rent a canoe, the Dredgers are one signature closer to funding a major project to clean up the estuary and restore the waterway to its original splendor. http://www.trazzler.com/users/tuatara