Environment DEC
From the November 2004 issue
DEC Helps Students Learn About Hudson River
Early in October, DEC teamed up with environmental education centers and local high school and middle school students and teachers to research and monitor the Hudson River. Student research assisted DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program in creating "A Day in the Life of the Hudson River" and helped students learn about the important progress achieved at the Hudson River Estuary.
The activities included
learning about the numerous
species of fish that live
in the Hudson River
Commissioner Crotty said, "This program provides students with first-hand experience involving the river's rich aquatic life and allows them to share their findings and excitement with other classes all along the Hudson. The program also fosters an increased appreciation for this unique and fragile natural resource."
Information Exchange
A group of youngsters learns
why New York City's
Hudson River Harbor water
is salty
Students from schools all along the Hudson Estuary collected scientific information from their specific areas on the river. Teams of students and environmental educators investigated the variety and number of fish near their sites, the types of aquatic plants present, the temperature, pH, and salinity of the water, and concentrations of dissolved oxygen. Participants forwarded their data to the Estuary Program within 24 hours of collection. Estuary staff then compiled the observations and returned them to participants for their use. Students were able to study how distribution of fish species varies with salinity and observe how, at any given time, tidal phenomena may differ from place to place along the estuary.
Hudson River Estuary
The Hudson River Estuary Program was created in 1987 and is a unique regional partnership designed to protect, conserve, restore, and enhance the estuary. The Hudson's productivity and diversity of natural resources sustain a wide array of present and future human benefits. It is a valuable fishery, a water supply, a boater's playground, a landscape of inspiring beauty, a shipping route, and more. It is managed by a cooperative effort that coordinates public input with the expertise of professionals throughout DEC and other partnering local, state and federal agencies.
Compiled Data
The compiled data from the participating groups is available by calling Wendy Rosenbach at (845)256-3018, or by calling the Hudson River Estuary Program at (845)256-3016. This event, sponsored by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, is in its second year. In 2003, nearly 400 students participated at 13 sites. This fall, sampling teams covered 17 sites.
