More than 5,000 students and educators from over 90 schools will participate in the 23rd annual “Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor” event on October 15, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The event will take place at more than 100 waterfront sites along the Hudson River Estuary and New York Harbor.
Students, ranging from elementary school through college, will collect scientific data on fish, invertebrates, water chemistry, tides, and currents. Using field equipment such as seine nets, minnow pots, and water testing kits, participants will gain practical experience in environmental science. The data gathered during the event will be made available online for further study.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “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. 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.”
The event highlights the ecological importance of the Hudson as a nursery for over 200 fish species. Students may encounter young fish as well as unexpected species like seahorses and conger eels. They will also analyze water conditions using various tools to measure factors such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and salinity.
Educational staff connect the fieldwork to classroom learning through pre- and post-event visits. These activities help fulfill state learning standards in multiple subjects and allow students to compare data across different locations, enhancing their understanding of the river’s ecosystem.
This year, several sites along the Mohawk River—the largest tributary of the Hudson—are included. Twenty-five teachers and partners are engaging students in hands-on data collection specific to non-tidal waters.
The “Day in the Life” event is organized by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program in collaboration with the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
Participating locations include schools in Schoharie, Albany, Dutchess, Ulster, Westchester counties, and the Bronx. The event features a mix of urban and rural schools, reflecting the diverse communities along the estuary.
For media inquiries or to schedule a site visit, contact the DEC Press Office at 518-402-8000 or [email protected].
