Hudson River Piers Are Making Habitats for the Animals Living There
Photo taken from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
As a Chelsea resident, I always love to spend my weekends walking by the Hudson River piers. That’s when I noticed all the informational signs scattered across the piers’ railings, showcasing aquatic marine life of all sorts—from fish, to oysters and crabs, to even eels! It was a surprise to me to find out that all these marine critters are living right here in NYC waters. Hudson River.
I read on Hudson River Park’s website that estuarine lab scientists are working hard to increase the biodiversity in the river and support Habitat restoration. Across its 400-acre Estuarine Sanctuary, staff have been implementing installations that help restore populations across various species.
Source: Hudson River Foundation
Under the Gansevoort Habitat Enhancement Project, the focus is on oyster populations, where staff created creeks and inlets to “create a dynamic environment that supports biodiversity and strengthens ecological resilience.” The park also works with groups like the Billion Oyster Project and the Hudson River Foundation to reintroduce oyster colonies.
Source: Hudson River Park
Want to learn more about their efforts and progress? I encourage you to explore their website or visit Pier 40 or 57. The Park explains, “Through free and low-cost programs, visitors can experience the Sanctuary as a living laboratory and classroom for discovering the abundance of nature that is right here in New York City’s backyard.” Be encouraged to join an informational session while enjoying the beautiful views of the piers!
If you are interested in contributing to the park’s initiatives, you can…
Volunteer by joining the park’s Blue Team program, helping clean up plastics from the shorelines, or the Green Team, helping the park's green space thrive!
Support Hudson River Park’s "Park Over Plastic" initiative to reduce marine debris and plastic footprints.
Donate to the Hudson River Park to support ecosystem maintenance.
Let’s keep our NYC river vibrant, diverse, and thriving for generations to come!
