Schuylerville was one of 91 school districts statewide, from NYC to Schroon Lake, that took part in the “Day in the Life of the Hudson River” initiative. In partnership with the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the event was designed to have students collect data from various areas of the Hudson. 50 Schuylerville High School students from various classes (Wildlife and Natural Resources Management, Science Research, Advanced Living Environment, and Independent Science Research) participated at the Hudson River location in Fort Hardy Park.
Using seine nets, minnow pots, water-testing gear, and other tools, our students did the following:
- Caught fish
- Tracked the river’s tides and currents
- Checked water salinity
- Examined water chemistry and quality
- Conducted soil core sampling
“It gives a snapshot of the river’s ecosystem and health,” said student Ethan Meskill. “The Hudson is a very important waterway that supports a lot of animals and plants. Since the river is threatened by pollution and invasive species, we need to do our part to protect it.”
All data gathered by students was submitted to the Hudson River Estuary Program of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Agriculture Science and Technology Teacher Carlyn Miller says Schuylerville will receive the analyzed data back later this fall and continue the conversation in the classroom.
“It was really great to be able to connect with other teachers who participated, but also with the state officials who guided the process,” said Miller. “Seeing how much our Hudson River locations work together and influence everything downriver from where we are here in Schuylerville is incredible.”
Click here to view photos from the event.