Every year, hundreds of volunteers help DEC scientists and naturalists collect data on fish and wildlife and plant native trees along Hudson River tributary streams. You too, can get involved! We invite you to participate in any of the following outdoor opportunities.
Volunteers are needed to help monitor juvenile glass eels (Anguilla rostrata) as they enter freshwater habitats from the ocean. Volunteers help collect glass eels using specialized nets and traps on Hudson River tributaries. The young eels are counted, weighed, and released upstream to continue their migration. Volunteers can assist at tributary stream sampling sitess from New York City to Greene County. This requires mostly outdoor field work from late March through May, with very flexible schedules. All volunteers under 18 are accompanied by an adult experienced in the eel research project. On-site training is provided. More information about the Hudson River Eel Project.
Have you ever witnessed large numbers of salamanders and frogs crossing the road on rainy spring nights? During early spring rains when evening temperatures are above 40F, forest amphibians travel from their woodland habitat to breed in vernal pools, often making dangerous road crossings. It’s not uncommon to see hundreds of species like spotted salamander and wood frog on their way to breeding pools in March and April. By surveying roads during migrations, volunteers can help us to find crossings where amphibians are especially vulnerable and assist them safely across. We provide in-person and online training, safety vests, amphibian identification sheets, and a seasonal newsletter for the latest on migrations. Volunteers record their observations, including species, weather and traffic conditions, and crossing location. For more information visit Amphibian and Road Crossings or contact: [email protected]
Do you own or manage land along a stream? The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program offers free native trees and shrubs for planting along the tributary streams in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Riparian (streamside) buffers help maintain healthy streams, improve water quality, and reduce erosion and flooding. We are looking for new sites for plantings, which take place in the spring and fall. Our staff can help you with a planting plan and work with your volunteers on site. Volunteers also help plant native trees and shrubs. For more information about the program, please visit Trees for Tribs or email the Hudson River Estuary Program's Stream Buffer Coordinator at [email protected].
Do you fish for striped bass in the Hudson River? Whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper, you can be part of the Cooperative Angler Program. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery. Record your fishing trip information in a physical logbook that we provide or you can record your trips on your smartphone or computer using DEC's online logbook. The logbook includes detailed instructions on the information you need to collect, such as the date of your fishing trip, fishing location, and the type of bait used.
At the end of the fishing season, anglers return their logbooks. If you are using the online logbook, you can submit your fishing data after each trip. When all logbooks are returned, the recreational fishery data are analyzed and sent to anglers in a newsletter, providing an inside look into the striped bass fishing season among all participating anglers.
Join today! For more information call 845-256-3009 or email [email protected].
The Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count is a one-day event each summer during which naturalists at multiple sites along the Hudson catch fish to show visitors the variety of fascinating creatures usually hidden below the river's surface. Depending on the site, seines, minnow traps, and rods and reels are used to collect fish. After the naturalists display and discuss the catch, the fish are released back to the river. Visit The Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count or contact [email protected].
Hudson River Estuary Management Program
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
