The State Department of Environmental Conservation has designated the Ridgewood Reservoir a protected wetland.

For years, members of the community and the non profit NYC H2O have been fighting for that designation.

The former reservoir, located behind the Jackie Robinson Parkway is popular for bird watching and other outdoor activities.

It is now home to 100 different species of wildlife, some endangered.

“Anthything that anyone wants to do here, Parks Department, needs to be reviewed by the State DEC to make sure that it is sensitive and appropriate for a wetland environment" said Johnathan Turer, the Director of Programs and Projects at NYC H2O.

The city decommissioned the reservoir in 2004 after 100 years of use.

The area now gets it's water from reservoirs upstate.