Just as the Hudson River and Estuary are home to millions of humans, these waterways are also bustling ecosystems populated by billions of plants and animals. This complex web of life stretches from the spawning grounds of migratory fish to the oyster reefs and wetlands that provide critical sanctuary for their young. Blue herons, snowy egrets, and bald eagles are just a few of the more than 300 bird species that spend time here. The Foundation supports essential research that documents fish and wildlife population trends and improves our ability to enhance habitats such as shallow waters and shorelines around the region.
SUCCESS STORY: A comprehensive restoration plan for the Hudson River Estuary
In 1999, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey launched a comprehensive ecosystem restoration plan for the Hudson Raritan Estuary. To provide a scientific foundation, they turned to the expertise of the Foundation.
HRF gathered interdisciplinary groups of scientists and led a collaborative process to define the problem, refine the planning approach and program goals, and identify a full set of specific measurable restoration guidelines. This new restoration paradigm has now been adopted across the region and numerous measures have already been completed including wetland creation, fish passage improvements, shoreline and shallow water restoration, and oyster restoration. Today, the New York- New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program continues to convene professionals to advance habitat restoration, monitor progress in bi-annual reports, and fund research and projects that will achieve the target ecosystem characteristics outlined in the plan.
