Students with Scott from the DEC

Last week, 4th graders from Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School took a trip out to the Hannacroix Creek Preserve/Hudson River Interpretive Trail to attend the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s 20th Annual Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor event hosted by the New Baltimore Conservancy.

The “Day in the Life” event is celebrated each year from New York City to Waterford and is centered around data collection that is vital to providing insight into the Hudson River. 

Students, PBC staff, NYS Museum of Natural History Geologist Brian Slater, NYSDEC Five Rivers staff, and Conservancy volunteers participated in activities related to outdoor education and appreciation. They spent time at five different stations and learned about water quality, soil, sediment, tidal estuaries, wetlands, and so much more. These stations included hands-on activities like collecting scientific data and species identification.  

“This field trip has been a favorite for years,” said PBC STEAM and Enrichment Teacher Sean Powers. “It is a wonderful experience that connects our students with their local communities and environment. They get to learn so much about how the Hudson River and its ecosystem impact our area, all while getting to spend some time outdoors having fun together.” 

In addition to the scheduled activities, a Department of Environmental Conservation Warmwater Fisheries Biologist, Scott Wells stopped by in an electrofishing boat to provide the students with fish samples they could not acquire from the shore. This extra special addition to the day, which isn’t always possible, was the student's favorite part. 

Big thank you to everyone who supported this event!! Check out some photos from the day below.