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Hudson River Estuary Events

Hudson River Estuary Program

The Hudson River Estuary Program leads a unique regional partnership to conserve the natural resources for which the Hudson is legendary, promote full public use and enjoyment of the river and clean up the pollution that affects our ability to use and enjoy it. Educational materials, presentations, training, maps, planning guidance and other resources related to the Hudson River estuary and the surrounding areas are available from the Hudson River Estuary Program page.

Hudson River Estuary Program Events
Time Event Location
Wednesday
February 8 7:30pm
Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Join Laura Heady of the Hudson River Estuary Program for a free lecture on the importance of forest and wetlands in the Hudson Valley, and the "Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings" volunteer project. Learn how you can get involved by witnessing spring migrations of salamanders, frogs, and toads; helping amphibians survive their overland travel; and conserving important habitats in your community.
Katonah Memorial House, 71 Bedford Road, Katonah. For event details, contact Bedford Audubon Society at 914-232-1999
Friday
February 17
7:00pm
2011 Impacts to the Waters of the Hudson River Valley, and What We Can Do To Improve It
This talk will address some of the effects of several large events that occurred in the Hudson Valley this year, including Irene and Lee, and will cover some ways of managing polluted runoff from developed areas using green infrastructure.
Beacon Sloop Club house, next to the Beacon train station. For more information see: http://www.beaconsloop.org/
Monday
February 27
7:00pm
Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Join Laura Heady of the Hudson River Estuary Program for a free lecture on the importance of forest and wetlands in the Hudson Valley, and the "Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings" volunteer project. Learn how you can get involved by witnessing spring migrations of salamanders, frogs, and toads; helping amphibians survive their overland travel; and conserving important habitats in your community.
Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension Office; 24 Martin Road; Voorheesville, New York For event details, contact mhlc@mohawkhudson.org or call 518-436-6346
Tuesday February 28 6:30pm Why Did the Salamander Cross the Road?
Join Laura Heady of the Hudson River Estuary Program for a free lecture on the importance of forest and wetlands in the Hudson Valley, and the "Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings" volunteer project. Learn how you can get involved by witnessing spring migrations of salamanders, frogs, and toads; helping amphibians survive their overland travel; and conserving important habitats in your community.
Scenic Hudson's River Center at Long Dock Park, Beacon. For event details, contact aconeski@scenichudson.org or call 845-473-4440 x273
Tuesday
March 6
6:30pm
American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are born in the Atlantic Ocean and swim into North American tributaries as tiny, almost see-through "glass eels." The species is in decline over much of its range, and studies of its migration are considered crucial for its survival. Chris Bowser, Science Education specialist with the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, will discuss the eels and their journey, and then describe when, where and how you can help track and document these fascinating fish. Scenic Hudson's River Center at Long Dock Park, Beacon. For event details, contact aconeski@scenichudson.org or call 845-473-4440 x273
Wednesday
March 7
8:30am-12:30pm
Meeting of the Hudson River Estuary Advisory Committee Staatsburg, NY. For more information, email the Hudson River Estuary Program

Hudson River Research Reserve

NYSDEC Hudson River Research Reserve offers a variety of activities and events at its reserve sites and facilities, including school programs, public events and lectures, workshops and training for regional professionals making decisions that affect the estuary, fishing and nature programs, and educational canoe programs.

Norrie Point Environmental Center

The Norrie Point Environmental Center serves as the headquarters of the NYSDEC Hudson River Research Reserve. Norrie Point is a platform for hands-on, field-based school and public education programs, research, and training. Come see our Hudson River Estuary displays, learn about our other free public programs, and view some of the amazing fish that make the Hudson River their home.

Directions to Norrie Point

Norrie Point Environmental Center Events
Time Event Location
Saturday
Jan. 14
2-4 PM
Discover Norrie: Winters Wonders Walk
Join us on a family friendly 2.5 mile hike along the scenic banks of the Hudson River. Every season is unique. We could see anything from snow fleas to eagles. Let's see what winter has to show us.
Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg, Dutchess County. For more information: 845-889-4745 x109.
Saturday
Feb. 25
2-4 PM
Discover Norrie: Winter Tree I.D.
Bring the family to learn how to identify trees using bark, twigs and buds. Our field study will include a leisurely hike on Norrie Point's trails, while learning to tell the difference between oak, maple, and other kinds of trees that live in the Hudson Valley.
Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg, Dutchess County. For more information: 845-889-4745 x109.
Saturday
Mar. 10
2-4 PM
Discover Norrie: Woodpeckers
Join us on a hike thru Norrie Point woods looking for signs of "hammerheads". During the program, a naturalist from the reserve will explain how these fascinating birds live. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them.
Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg, Dutchess County. For more information: 845-889-4745 x109.
Saturday
Apr. 14
2-4 PM
Discover Norrie: Signs of Spring
Wood frogs "quacking", skunk cabbage flowers pushing up, and red maple buds popping are some of the first stirrings of new life we'll look for as we ramble along Norrie Point's forested trails.
Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg, Dutchess County. For more information: 845-889-4745 x109.

Tivoli Bays Visitor Center: Doorway to the Bays

Tivoli Bays Visitor Center has hands-on exhibits about the Tivoli Bays and is the starting point for a trail that leads to North Bay. It is Located at the Watts dePeyster Fireman's Hall, 1 Tivoli Commons, Village of Tivoli. The Tivoli Bays Visitor Center is home to the Hudson River Collection, an extension of the Tivoli Free Library. Tivoli Bays Talks occurs on the first Thursday of the month. This talk series highlights connections among the Tivoli Bays, the Hudson River, and the Village of Tivoli. See below for a list of upcoming talks. Be sure to check back in the spring for special youth, family and general public events held at the Visitor Center.

Directions to Visitor Center

Tivoli Bays Visitor Center Events
Time Event Location
Thursday
Dec. 1
7:30-8:30 PM
Tivoli Bays Talks: The New Interpretation of Montgomery Place
Ray Armater, site director of Montgomery Place, will use images to share the story of this 200 year old estate overlooking Tivoli South Bay. Part of a monthly series cosponsored by the Hudson River Research Reserve and the Village of Tivoli. Free. No registration required.
Tivoli Bays Visitor Center, 1 Tivoli Commons, Tivoli, Dutchess County. Wheelchair accessible. For more information call 845-889-4745 x109.
Thursday
Feb. 2
7:30-8:30 PM
Tivoli Bays Talks: Sailing on the Ice
Join the Hudson River Ice Yacht Club to learn about this historic winter sport that still takes place on the Hudson to this day. Part of a monthly series cosponsored by the Hudson River Research Reserve and the Village of Tivoli. Free. No registration required.
Tivoli Bays Visitor Center, 1 Tivoli Commons, Tivoli, Dutchess County. Wheelchair accessible. For more information call 845-889-4745 x109.
Thursday
March 1
7:30-8:30 PM
Tivoli Bays Talks: Bald Eagles
Tom Lake, Estuary Naturalist for NYSDEC, will give us the success story of the bald eagle reintroduction along the Hudson River. Part of a monthly series cosponsored by the Hudson River Research Reserve and the Village of Tivoli. Free. No registration required.
Tivoli Bays Visitor Center, 1 Tivoli Commons, Tivoli, Dutchess County. Wheelchair accessible. For more information call 845-889-4745 x109.

Events at Other Sites

Great news! We've changed the name of our popular "Wild Wednesdays" programs to "Going Wild" programs and now offer programs on select days in Staatsburg and Red Hook. Check back often for more events!

Time Event Location
Thursday
Oct. 27
4-5 PM
Going Wild: Bird Feeding Frenzy (Staatsburg)
Join us for this family-friendly program and build a bird feeder using recycled materials. The program is free, but children 9 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Provided by NYSDEC Hudson River Research Reserve in partnership with Staatsburg Library. No registration required.
Staatsburg Library, 70 Old Post Road, Staatsburg, Dutchess County. Wheelchair accessible. For more information email elmorgan@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call 845-889-4745 x106.

Canoe Programs

Young woman in canoe with group paddling towards Magdalen Island.
Group paddling toward Magdalen Island.

The 2011 canoe season is over. Thanks for paddling with us. We hope to see you out on the water next year!

The 2012 public schedule will be posted here in mid-May. To receive an email notification when the schedule is posted, please contact us at hrnerr@gw.dec.state.ny.us and include your full name, phone number, and email address.

Program Description

Paddle with staff naturalists and learn about tidal marsh ecology, Hudson River research, and challenges facing estuarine habitats. These FREE educational canoe trips at selected sites along the Hudson River Estuary are provided for the general public. For info on public paddles, call 845-889-4745, x106 or email hrnerr@gw.dec.state.ny.us

  • One trip per person, registration required.
  • Novices and families welcome (minimum age is 6, maximum of 2 children under 16 per adult).
  • All gear provided.
  • For safety reasons, we can't allow other boats to join group.
  • Wear old sneakers or water shoes that can get wet/muddy (flip-flops come off!)
  • Prepare to be knee-deep in water.
  • Bring food, water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sense of adventure!
Group Paddles

We also offer educational canoe trips to high school and college classes, and municipal decision-makers such as town planners. For information on arranging a group canoe trip, call 845-889-4745, x107 or email hrnerr@gw.dec.state.ny.us

DECTV iconWatch a clip about canoeing and other outdoor activities on DEC TV!

Estuary Training Program

Hudson River Estuary Training Program provides science-based information, tools, and techniques to professionals making decisions about the Hudson Estuary. Workshop topics include habitat protection, non-point source water pollution control and prevention, invasive species management, recreational use impact on resources and estuarine ecology. Call for more information 845-889-4745 x112.

Estuary Training Program Events
Time Event Location
Thursday
Nov. 3
9 AM - 4:30 PM

Water Words That Work
Are you tired of struggling with message design and delivery? Would you like to learn what words work when communicating about water and coastal issues? Then attend Water Words That Work on November 3rd and let communication expert Eric Eckl show you how to make a splash with your communications! For those who train in different disciplines, environmental writing for everyday citizens can be a frustrating challenge, but the Water Words That Work message method makes it much easier to succeed. It's designed to turn those blank stares into nodding heads - to turn passive "environmental awareness" into pro-environmental behavior. Eric Eckl's methods will help you create and deliver messages that will reach your target audience and inspire them to action.

NYS Parks Taconic Region Headquarters, Staatsburg, Dutchess County. Wheelchair accessible. Seating is Limited. Please register by Nov. 2nd at https://www.neiwpcc.org/CONFERENCE/conference.asp Or call Melanie Moore for more information: 845-8889-4745 x115.

Cost: $25

Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve
Norrie Point Environmental Center
256 Norrie Point Way
P.O. Box 315
Staatsburg, NY 12580
Tel: 845-889-4745, Fax: 845-889-4749, or email: Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve