On October 10, the shores of the Hudson River Estuary and New York Harbor will transform into bustling laboratories as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) hosts the 22nd annual “A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor.”

This year, over 5,000 enthusiastic students from more than 90 schools will take part in a hands-on scientific exploration, collecting vital data on the river’s diverse ecosystems.

“DEC’s annual ‘A Day in the Life’ event is an excellent opportunity for student scientists from the Troy Dam to the Battery to experience the Hudson River’s diverse habitats and fish species and contribute to DEC’s water sampling efforts,” stated DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.

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He emphasized the importance of this experience, saying, “This annual event gives New York students of all ages and backgrounds the chance to explore and learn about the Hudson River Estuary environment up close and helps encourage the next generation of environmental stewards.”

This year’s event has expanded its reach, incorporating sites along the Mohawk River, the largest tributary of the Hudson.

Here, 24 dedicated teachers are guiding students through hands-on data collection tailored to non-tidal waters, allowing them to connect with their local ecosystems.

At over 100 waterfront locations, students from elementary to college level will partner with DEC and environmental education centers to gather scientific data, providing a snapshot of the river’s health. The collected data will be shared online post-event, contributing to a greater understanding of the Hudson’s ecology.

Participants will have the chance to wade into the water or use fishing rods to study the habitats of the Hudson’s 200-plus fish species, many of which are young fish that highlight the river’s role as a nursery. Students may even encounter unexpected species such as seahorses, conger eels, and needlefish. They will also analyze the river’s physical and chemical properties using an array of equipment, including dissolved oxygen and pH kits, refractometers, and hydrometers to measure salinity and identify the salt front—the leading edge of seawater moving upstream.

The DEC Hudson River Estuary Program is committed to linking field experiences with classroom learning. They conduct pre- and post-event visits at various schools, ensuring that lessons align with State learning standards across multiple subjects.

These post-trip activities help students connect the data they gathered with broader ecological concepts, deepening their understanding of the dynamic factors influencing the Hudson River ecosystem.

“A Day in the Life” is proudly 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.