The Foundation supports essential research that helps document fish and wildlife population trends and improve understanding of the lifecycle of key species and the value of specific habitats, such as shorelines and shallow littoral zones. By working with partners to define and set target ecosystem characteristics of the estuary, such as wetlands, oyster reefs and seagrass beds, the Foundation builds collaboration for comprehensive restoration plans and projects. Leadership and staffing of work groups and committees of the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary Program and Hudson River Estuary Program serves to tracks progress on habitat restoration projects throughout the region and improve monitoring of its ecological value.