Hudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

In This Issue

• Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor Interactive Videos
• Women in Science Speaker Series Begins December 9
• Request for Proposals: Economic Value of Clean Water in the NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary

A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor Interactive Videos

On October 22, educators from DEC and more than 50 environmental education organizations traveled to the shores of the Hudson River estuary and piers of New York Harbor with seine nets, minnow pots, and water testing gear to study the Hudson’s fish and invertebrates, track the river's tides and currents, and examine water quality and chemistry during the annual Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor.

However, this year’s event took place without the 5,000 students and teachers who typically participate, so educators filmed their activities to bring the event to students. DEC recently produced three interactive videos to showcase the different fish and river conditions of the upper, middle, and lower Hudson River estuary. The videos, designed for use at home or in the classroom, combine live footage recorded at dozens of locations during Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor. Educators demonstrate how to measure the river’s water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity and show students how to use the Clearwater fish key to identify fish species. Online data sheets are available for recording the results of these activities as students follow along with the videos.

The videos and data sheets are available below and on DEC’s Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor website. Teachers may schedule a distance learning program for their classes or discuss the video lessons with an Estuary educator by contacting hrteach@dec.ny.gov.

• New York Harbor and Connected Waterways
  NY Harbor Data Sheet (PDF)
  
  
• Lower Estuary: Yonkers to Beacon/Newburgh 
  Lower Estuary Data Sheet (PDF)

• Upper Estuary: Poughkeepsie to Peebles Island
  Upper Estuary Data Sheet (PDF)
  
  

Women In Science Winter Speaker Series

Join the Hudson River Estuary Program for the Women in Science Winter Speaker Series starting on December 9. Meet and learn from scientists, community leaders, and environmental educators who work at the intersection of climate change, scientific research, and environmental justice, and engage in discussions about overcoming barriers and challenges in the field of science and education. This free series is designed for educators and is open to the public. Register separately for each webinar.

The Role of Education in Climate Justice 

Taylor Morton is the Environmental Health and Education Manager at WEACT for Environmental Justice in Harlem, NY. WEACT's work includes co-facilitating and creating curricula, managing projects centering around New York City Public Housing (NYCHA), and working with academic partners. Taylor recognizes the importance of exposing minority, urban, and low-income youth to natural elements, and actively supports this mission in their work and life. Join Taylor as she explores the intersection of traditional education and environmental health and justice. Register now for the December 9th webinar.

December 16th, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Not All Scientists Wear Pocket Protectors; Not All Teachers Are in the Classroom

Join the Sloop Clearwater Captain Amy Nelson and Educator Amali Knobloch as they share their experiences working on a 106-foot replica Hudson River sloop and how they inspire and educate a new generation of environmental leaders for a sustainable future. Register now for the December 16th webinar.

Not All Engineers Wear Pocket Protectors

Captain Amy Nelson led the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater in its most recent, transformative 2020 season, as experiential education turned virtual. In addition to the Sloop, Amy has been the captain for marine science expeditions on the Salish Sea and research vessels off the coast of Maine. Amy earned a degree in marine biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington then spent the early years of her career sailing internationally in the Western Pacific and the Caribbean Sea. Currently, Amy is advancing her merchant mariner credentials in the deck and engine room departments utilizing a career development grant for women in non-traditional fields awarded to her by the American Association of University Women.

Not All Teachers Are In The Classroom

Amali Knobloch is the sail logistics coordinator at the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and has worked as an environmental educator, facilitating both day and multi-day programs at various organizations. Amali prioritizes engaging the community on the intersection of representation, equity and inclusion in all her endeavors.

Save the Dates for January and February Speakers:

• Not All Inventors Are Engineers on January 6, 2021
• Not All Scientists Wear Lab Coats on January 26, 2021
• Not All Role Models Are Recognized; Equity in STEM for Underserved Communities 
  February 2021

Economic Value of Clean Water: Request for Proposals

NEIWPCC, in cooperation with the New York - New Jersey Harbor and Estuary Program, the states of New York and New Jersey, EPA, and its partners, is inviting proposals for a study to estimate the economic value of clean water and health of the associated ecosystem in the New York - New Jersey Harbor Estuary.

The purpose of this project is to communicate the economic value of clean water in the NY–NJ Harbor Estuary to policymakers, decision makers, residents, and other stakeholders. The results of this project will provide a peer-reviewed and verified economic analysis and public facing report.

This economic study will be the first of its kind in the region, and may also serve as a steppingstone for further work by governmental, non-governmental, and academic researchers. All proposals are due to NEIWPCC by January 6, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. EST.  For more information and a link to the RFP, please visit the NEIWPCC website.