DEC to Host "Science on the River" Open House on September 23

New York to Celebrate 35th Anniversary of Hudson River Research Reserve on National Estuaries Day

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that DEC will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Hudson River Research Reserve at an interactive "Science on the River" open house at Norrie Point Environmental Center in Staatsburg, New York on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. The celebration is slated to coincide with National Estuaries Day.

The public is encouraged to attend the open house. Scientists from the Research Reserve, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and other regional research organizations will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate techniques for studying the Hudson River. Each presentation will feature demonstrations and activities for young and old alike, including:

• Taking a sediment core from the cove and discovering what it can teach us;
• Canoeing a tidal marsh of the Hudson, weather and space permitting;
• Enjoying a live birds of prey program with wildlife rehabilitator Annie Mardiney;
• Helping to fish the waters around Norrie Point;
• Learning how the types of organisms living in a stream indicate its health; and
• Enjoying refreshments during the Research Reserve's 35th birthday party.

Young visitors will also be able to explore the river in the wet classroom through a variety of crafts and hands-on activities.
The open house is free and most exhibit areas are wheelchair accessible.

The Hudson River Research Reserve is celebrating 35 years as National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), a network of 29 coastal sites dedicated to protecting the nation's estuaries through research, education, and stewardship. The reserve is a partnership program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and DEC in conjunction with DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program.

Directions to Norrie Point Environmental Center are available on DEC's website. For further information, please call (845) 889-4745 x 109, or email hrnerr@dec.ny.gov.

The Norrie Point Environmental Center is located in the Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park in Staatsburg, Dutchess County. It is operated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in cooperation with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, with support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.