DEC Partners to Host More Than 5,000 Student Scientists at 23rd Annual 'Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor'

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that on Wednesday, Oct. 15, shorefronts along the Hudson River Estuary and the piers of New York Harbor will be busy with activity as thousands of students equipped with seine nets, minnow pots, and water testing gear collect data on the Hudson's fish and invertebrates, track the river's tides and currents, and examine water chemistry and quality during the 23rd annual celebration of A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor.

"DEC's annual 'Day in the Life' event gives students up and down the river the unique opportunity to experience the tidal Hudson's diverse habitats, fish, and wildlife," said Commissioner Lefton. "From the Troy dam to New York Harbor, the Hudson River is ecologically invaluable to our state and much of the Atlantic coast. This annual event gives students of all ages the chance to go down to the river and learn about the environment up close, and it's just one of the ways New York is inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards."

At more than 100 waterfront sites, students from elementary school through college partner with DEC and environmental education centers to collect scientific data using hands-on field techniques to capture a snapshot of the river's ecology. The data collected by students provides insights into the river's ecosystem and is posted online after the event. Participating classes represent the diversity of the school population in urban and rural communities along the estuary. This year, more than 5,000 students and educators from more than 90 schools will participate.

"Day in the Life" gives students the opportunity to don waders or use a fishing rod to collect data on many of the Hudson's 200-plus species of fish. Most are young fish, evidence of the Hudson's importance as a nursery habitat. Sometimes students catch surprising fish such as seahorses, conger eels, and needle fish. Students also examine the physical and chemical aspects of the river with a wide range of equipment from dissolved oxygen and pH kits to high-tech refractometers and plastic hydrometers to measure salinity and find the salt front-the leading edge of dilute seawater pushing up the estuary.

Estuary program staff connect the field day with the classroom by conducting pre- and post-visits in numerous schools that participate in "Day in the Life." Lessons onsite and in the classroom fulfill State learning standards in a variety of subjects. Post-trip activities connect students to other sites through collected data, helping them better understand the dynamic factors that are constantly impacting the Hudson River ecosystem.

This year, "Day in the Life" also is taking place on several sites along the Mohawk River, the Hudson's largest tributary and the headwaters of the Upper Hudson River where freshwater feeds into the tidal estuary. Twenty-five enthusiastic teachers and partners are connecting students to their local rivers using hands-on data collection and exploration tailored to non-tidal waters.

"Day in the Life" is sponsored by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

To schedule a media visit to a site, please contact the DEC Press Office at 518-402-8000 or [email protected]. A list of seven of the participating schools, partners, and event locations follows:

• Schoharie County: Schoharie Creek, Middleburgh NY: Middleburgh Central High School, Middleburgh Central School, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (DEC)
• Albany County: Hudson Shores Park, 2 Selke Dr., Watervliet, NY 12189: North Colonie Elementary Enrichment Program, North Colonie Central School, 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
• Albany County: Corning Preserve, Quay St, Albany, NY 12207: Albany High School, Albany Central School, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (DEC)
• Dutchess County: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center, Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY 12580: Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, Hyde Park Central School, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (DEC, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve)
• Ulster County: Bob Shepard Highland Landing Park,42 River Road Highland, NY 12528: Wallkill Senior High School, Wallkill Central School District School, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. (DEC, Hudson River Estuary Program)
• Westchester County: Piermont Pier, Ferry Rd., Piermont, NY 10968: Clarkstown High School North, Clarkson South High School, Tappan Zee High School, Spring Valley High School, and Pearl River High School. 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory)
• Bronx: Barretto Point Park, Viele Ave, Bronx, NY 10474: Pelham Preparatory Academy, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (NYC Parks)