Reviving Battery Marcy: A Historic Site’s Transformation for Wildlife and Community Art

For decades, Battery Marcy has stood as a poignant reminder of our islands military heritage. Built in the early 20th century, it played a crucial role in coastal defense during World War I and World War II, safeguarding the eastern seaboard from potential threats. Today, though abandoned, it has become an unofficial community space and a habitat for local wildlife, including barn swallows and various island flora.

A Vision for Renewal

Nate Chaves at Nature Day

Nate Chaves, a longtime Fishers Island resident and mixed media artist specializing in marine debris and found objects, has embarked on a transformative journey with Battery Marcy. As a child, Nate often explored the remnants of burns and drills within the bunker, envisioning its former glory. However, last summer, he was disheartened by its neglected state, marred by trash, glass, remnants of parties, and hateful graffiti.

Nate Chaves’s enduring connection to Fishers Island is not only evident in his creative practice, but also in his longstanding support for the island’s conservation efforts. Collaborating closely with Michele Klimczak over the years, they have dedicated themselves to clearing debris from Fishers Island shores, with Michele generously donating collected materials to Nate’s sculpture practice. Notably, mylar balloons gathered by Michele now adorn Battery Marcy, serving as a testament to their shared commitment to environmental artistry.

Nate Chaves and Zachary Lewis

Inspired to give the historic site a new lease on life, Nate joined forces with Zachary Lewis, a fabricator and urban designer from Austin, Texas. Together, they envisioned Battery Marcy as a vibrant community arts space. With approval from the Ferry District in early spring 2024, they launched a comprehensive effort to clean and rejuvenate the bunker.

The Cleanup Effort

The Battery Marcy Project is a collaborative effort involving local and off-island artists and members of the Fishers Island community. The primary objective is to restore the battery to a cleaner and safer environment conducive to gatherings, supporting plant and animal life, and nurturing creative endeavors.

The transformation initiative began with the removal of hazardous debris such as oil drums, car parts, and rusty metal from the abandoned rooms and gun turrets. In total, the cleanup effort resulted in the removal of:

• 5 tires
• 1 grill
• Over 30 car parts, ranging from bumpers to steering wheel covers
• 4 contractor bags filled with cans and bottles
• Truck beds filled with wood and metal scraps
• Countless other fragments of garbage

Anticipation is high for the return of wildlife that inhabit the bunker, particularly the swallows, expected to flourish this summer. The project aims to maintain the natural adaptations of the space, with trees blossoming in the gun turrets and swallows darting from fireplaces.

Creating a Community Arts Space

Following the extensive cleanup, attention turned to the transformation of the two exterior gun turrets and four accessible rooms into spaces where our artist collaborators could create cohesive sculptures. Additionally, efforts were made to restore the deteriorating concrete stairs leading to the top lookout.

As visitors explore Battery Marcy, they are encouraged to discover the surprises around each corner. Thoughtfully crafted boundaries within the space guide visitors toward installations and gathering spots. These boundaries incorporate reclaimed driftwood, buoys, and nets- materials chosen to provoke discussion about industries impacting the environment and generating waste in our waterways.

Central to Battery Marcy are the installation works of Jodie Canfield and Josie Cook, housed in the two main rooms. Their pieces explore the natural elements and storied history of the space, offering a poignant reflection on its evolution over time. As nature continues its reclamation of the area, the bunker’s walls will evolve into canvases for both growth and artistic expression.

If you’re interested in learning more about Nate’s work and others’ contributions, as well as an upcoming grand opening for the Battery Marcy Project, visit here