Oysters are ecologically-critical filter feeders that support life in our local waterways by building habitat. Though the wild oyster population is a fraction of what it once was due to centuries of overharvesting and water pollution, Hudson River Park is working to restore the bivalves to our local waterways.
Hudson River Park’s River Project has installed numerous oyster habitat enhancement features. The goal of these installations is to create greater habitat diversity for the organisms that live in Hudson River Park’s Estuarine Sanctuary. The bottom of the Hudson River is mostly muddy and soft, so adding additional hard structure has two important benefits: it gives encrusting organisms like oysters and mussels somewhere to settle and mobile organisms like crabs and juvenile fish a place to hide.
The New York Times called the oysters in our Estuarine Sanctuary “a hopeful sign in the Hudson River.” Give a hopeful gift to yourself or your loved one during the season of giving! Most importantly, give a gift to a crucial waterway and honor oysters, our filtration superheroes — plus, you or your lucky gift recipient enjoy the benefits of Friends with Benefits membership!
Hudson River Park Friends’ membership program is called Friends with Benefits for a reason: joining unlocks VIP opportunities, special invitations, discounts at numerous local businesses that take part in our Community Partner Program, and more ways to enjoy your Park while YOU help it thrive.
By becoming a Member, you help Hudson River Park Friends care for the Park’s four miles of lush green space, protected estuarine waters, beautifully landscaped piers, athletic fields, playgrounds, dog runs and bike paths.
Find oyster naming inspiration and to see where oyster names are listed!