The Hudson River Estuary Program Biodiversity And Wildlife Habitat Project

The Hudson River Valley is a
biodiversity "hotspot" in
New York. Though the Hudson
Valley makes up only 13.5% of
the state's area, it is home
to nearly 85% of the state's
bird, mammal, reptile, and
amphibian species.

From the blue crabs in tidal shallows to bobcats on forested peaks, the landscape surrounding the Hudson River Estuary boasts remarkable diversity and splendor. Biological diversity, or "biodiversity", is the wide array of plants, animals and habitats found in the Hudson Valley and the world. The Hudson River Estuary Biodiversity Project works with landowners, conservation organizations, researchers, businesses and communities to identify and conserve the unique plants, animals, and habitats of the Hudson Valley.

Today, much of the Hudson Valley (about 75%) is forested. Only 150 years ago the Hudson Valley was almost entirely cleared for agriculture. Since then a number of native species have returned to the Valley along with the forests, such as bobcat, fisher, and raven, while remaining agricultural lands shelter turtles and grassland birds. However, native wildlife populations face a number of challenges. Unplanned growth can threaten sensitive and rare habitats and degrade healthy examples of more common habitats. The introduction of non-native plants and animals, or the overabundance of some animals (such as deer), upsets the balance of nature and lowers biodiversity. Some important habitats are hard to see and are unknowingly destroyed. Examples of these include small, intermittent streams and woodland pools that are critical breeding habitats for frogs, salamanders, and dragonflies.

Communities can find a healthy balance between economic growth and wildlife conservation by identifying important natural areas and directing development toward less sensitive areas. They can also take steps to lessen the impacts of development on important habitats. Ultimately, thinking about conservation before or as development occurs is cost-effective in the long run, and protects the quality of life we enjoy in the Hudson Valley for future generations.

Where the Wild Things Are (in the Hudson Valley)

This beautiful orchid is a
protected native plant of
New York State. Rare plants and
animals in the Hudson Valley
are monitored by Estuary Program
partners so that actions can be
taken to prevent their loss.

The first step to conserving biodiversity is learning where the wild things are. The Estuary Program has worked with a number of partners to develop useful information, such as maps and conservation guidelines for the plants, animals, and habitats found in the region. Below are brief descriptions of databases that are readily available. The Biodiversity Project has a special initiative to help communities use these and other sources of information. Please visit the Hudson River Estuary Biodiversity Outreach and Technical Assistance Program to find help with using natural resources information.

New York State Atlases

The NYS Amphibian and Reptile Atlas and the NYS Breeding Bird Atlas conducted by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), will tell you what breeding bird, or amphibian and reptile species are found in the Hudson Valley and where. Information for both atlases was collected by volunteers who reported to DEC biologists.

New York Natural Heritage Program

The NY Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) tracks the locations and the status of rare plants, animals, and habitats, and exemplary examples of common habitats in the Hudson Valley. NYNHP data is accessible to DEC biologists and used in state environmental reviews. Conservation project managers, local officials, planners, and landowners may request database reports specific to a project site, a planning area, or a parcel.

Additional Information

There are many other sources of biological information, including local, state, and federal government agencies, universities, institutes, museums, nature clubs, land trusts, and conservation organizations. For more information contact the Hudson River Estuary Biodiversity Outreach and Technical Assistance Program.

Funding For Habitat Conservation Projects

Bald eagles have returned to
the Hudson River estuary.
Hudson River nests have produced
as many as 60 bald eagles in
the last eight years, after
having produced none in the
previous 100 years

The Hudson River Estuary Program offers a competitive grants program in five categories:

Community Education and Interpretation
Open Space Planning, Inventory, and Acquisition
Community-based Habitat Conservation and River Stewardship
Watershed and Tributary Conservation
River Access: fishing, swimming and boating

Each of these categories has its own scoring criteria and geographic requirements. In the education and interpretation category highest priority is given to projects that foster direct interaction with the Hudson River environment and its animals, plants, and habitats, especially in the field; or that form partnerships to creatively build on existing, highly regarded interpretive resources; or that promote educational opportunities to reach either very large or underserved audiences; or that provide facilities and access improvements that directly support these priorities. To date, over $2 million has been distributed to support such education projects. The staff of the estuary program are available to work with applicants to help guide them toward a successful application.