Ecology education on the Hudson

Waders, nets and minnows — oh my!

On Oct. 10, twenty-two Albany High students traveled to the Corning Preserve to take part in the 22^nd annual celebration of “A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor,” organized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC). This year’s event involved over 90 sites and 5,000 students and educators tasked with collecting data to learn about the river’s ecology.

Before rotating through the data collection stations, our students had the opportunity to hear from the three DEC employees about their academic background and current role on staff. At the stations, they examined the physical and chemical aspects of the water with a wide range of equipment, such as pH kits and dissolved oxygen. Using scientific instruments and everyday objects like an orange, they recorded data about the tide and current. The most memorable station was the wildlife one, where students captured and identified minnows. Four distinct types of fish of the 200-plus species that exist in the Hudson River made it into their net!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Albany High Earth Science Teacher Kristin Bonds and everyone at the DEC who collaborated to make this hands-on learning experience possible for our students.