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Current Research

With its lush greenery and protected estuarine waters, Hudson River Park serves as a vital habitat and travel corridor for numerous fishes, birds, crustaceans and insects. Monitoring the frequency with which these animals use the Park’s land and waters provides valuable information about the health and future of these populations.

Information gathered from Hudson River Park’s environmental monitoring initiatives inform decisions about Park management and operations. In addition, these environmental monitoring projects serve as opportunities for students and the public to engage with the Park’s River Project in interactive, hands-on ways. Data from these projects also supports larger research initiatives that are helping protect and restore wildlife and natural resources on local, regional and national levels.

Surveying Fish

Hudson River Park’s Estuarine Sanctuary is home to over 85 species of fish. The Park monitors the presence and diversity of fish year-round using multiple surveying methods, including a fish collection survey and environmental DNA research.

Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution harms our local waterways and wildlife. The Park is committed to addressing this issue through microplastic research, shoreline debris surveys and the Park Over Plastic initiative.

Microplastics

Microplastics, plastics smaller than five millimeters, are a pervasive environmental issue that scientists worldwide are studying to understand how they impact waters and wildlife.

Oysters

Oysters are filter feeders that clean waterways, protect our shorelines and build habitat. The Park leads several studies to research and restore this keystone species in the Estuarine Sanctuary.

Pathogens

For 20 weeks starting in May, nearly 70 volunteer citizen scientists from local boathouses and community groups collect weekly water samples for the Citizens’ Water Quality Testing Program (CWQTP) at boat launches and docks from Yonkers to Jamaica Bay.

River Conditions

The Hudson River is a dynamic system, and the Park measures local water quality using two continuous monitoring stations in the Park and a seasonal study on pathogens in the Estuary.

Geotechnical Surveys

The Park has conducted a number of geotechnical surveys to help understand the topography and composition of the River’s bottom. These studies include bathymetry and sediment boring to help inform construction projects and research alike.

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Visiting Scholars Program

Are you an NYC scientist studying local ecology? Hudson River Park invites academic institutions, researchers, and industry scientists to make use of its resources to conduct self-driven research that further scientific understanding of the Lower Hudson Estuary.

Our River Project

HRPK’s River Project conducts research and offers hands-on environmental education that communicates the ecological importance of the Park’s 400-acre Estuarine Sanctuary.