Estuary Stewardship

Through Education

Estuary Stewardship Through Education (ESTE) is OCWA's signature field trip program. Along with partner educators, we host school groups along the gorgeous Hudson River shoreline for intensive days of hands-on experiential learning. Explore the range of topics and stations below. (And find some adaptable activities & lesson plans as well!)

ESTE was originally developed with grant funding from the NYSDEC's Hudson River Estuary Program; these impactful field experiences continue to be offered at no cost to participating schools by the Orange County Water Authority.

ESTE.pdf

Seining & Fish Identification

Put on some waders and grab the net! ESTE participants wade into the Hudson to see what they can catch using a hand-held seine net that is dragged along the river bottom. Back on land, we use dichotomous keys to identify the aquatic species we catch and talk about Hudson River ecology. We also find mussels, crabs, jellyfish, plant materials like water chestnut, and many other interesting things!

Macroinvertebrates

Take a closer look at the little living things that play a critical role in Hudson River ecology! Learn the basics of identifying macroinvertebrates and how they are excellent indicators of water quality and ecological health. To learn more about Macroinvertebrates click here.

Music

Folk music plays a huge role is Hudson River history, culture, and stewardship! We come together to learn classic River tunes that inspire connection to & appreciation for our shared landscapes & natural resources. Click here for more information.

Human Impacts

To understand Hudson River water quality, we must know the basics of the hydrologic cycle and watershed dynamics. Then we ask the question, “What’s in the Water?” – exploring how everyday activity and land use in the watershed impacts water quality and specific sources of Hudson River pollution. We also think creatively about solutions!

Beach Sweep

Students conduct a beach sweep for plastic litter along the shoreline at Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point, while learning about Hudson River ecology & environmental issues, such as microplastic pollution. To learn more click here.

Water Quality

Taking water samples right out of the Hudson River, we carefully test pH, salinity, temperature, and turbidity. We discuss what these indicators of water quality mean and how this can impact the living things in and around the Hudson River estuary.

Sediments & Tidelines

It might seem like it’s just muck and mud down there, so we take a closer look. A Core Sampler is a cool tool used to pull a cylindrical sample from the river bottom to examine closely. Using our sensory investigation skills, we study sediments, track tidelines and currents, and look at beached materials along the shoreline.

Forest Ecology & Riparian Areas

A big part of the Hudson River is the surrounding land areas of the watershed! As part of the ESTE program, students from middle and high schools learned about the biodiversity of the nearby forest to the Kowawese Unique area at Plum Point. Starting near the water’s edge and moving upland, we use dichotomous keys to identify tree species while discussing the forest ecology along the edge of the Hudson River estuary.

Arts and Artists

The Hudson River has been inspiring the arts for centuries. The connection to and appreciation for our shared landscapes and natural resources is evident so many ways. Click here for more information about fish prints, landscape drawings and more!

Nature Connections & Indigenous Peoples

Students connect with nature, use their senses, and explore the indigenous cultural history of the region.

Wildlife

Wildlife both small and large, furry or feathered are important aspects of the Hudson River. Students learn about wildlife adaptations and anatomy sometimes using skins and skulls.