Archive

Search:

  • Jul03
     Hudson River Almanac

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090703Hralmanac.mp3



    The Hudson River Estuary is a rich spectrum of biodiversity, fascinating geology, and natural phenomena. Documenting and studying this convergence is important to understanding and protecting the environment. The Hudson River Almanac, published by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, captures the spirit, magic, and science of the river through observations of nature in the Hudson Valley.

    DEC naturalist Tom Lake shares his experience as a researcher, teacher, and steward of the environment.

    Further Reading

    • Hudson River Almanac - a natural history journal covering the Hudson from the High Peaks of the Adirondacks to New York Harbor.

  • Jul02
     Paul Winter

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090702Paulwinter.mp3


    Musical inspiration often comes from nature: a colorful sunset, a landscape, a bird-call. Saxophonist, band leader, and Grammy Award-winning composer Paul Winter takes sounds he hears in nature, especially whales and wolves, and composes music in collaboration and imitation.

    Since 1967, Paul Winter has directed the Paul Winter Consort, which became one of the earliest proponents of world music, combining elements from African, Asian, and South American cultures with jazz and "earth music."


    Further Reading


  • Jul01
     Beavers in the Hudson Valley

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090701Beaversinhvnew.mp3
    Transcript


    Perhaps more than any other animal, the Beaver (Castor canadensis) has played a significant role in the history and colonization of the Hudson Valley. Though Henry Hudson's Half Moon was searching for the Northwest Passage in 1609, the discovery of Beavers, and native people willing to hunt and trade the pelts, stimulated the first American economy.

    American Beavers are often considered hazardous pests to local habitats because of their habit of building dams, but they can actually help bring biodiversity to a habitat.

     

    Further Reading

    • American Beaver - is a semi-aquatic species of rodent native to Canada and United States.
    • NatureWorks - Characteristics, habitat, and behavior of Castor canadensis.

  • Jun30
     Storm King Decision

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090630stormkingdecision.mp3
    Transcript



    Environmental action requires determination and creativity. That's what a group of environmental activists found in the early 1960's with the historic Storm King decision.

    The group formed Scenic Hudson, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecological stability of the Hudson River Valley. Scenic Hudson successfully defeated the construction of a power plant at Storm King, and changed environmental law forever.

    Further Reading


  • Jun29
     The Next Hundred Years

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090629Quadnext100.mp3



    The Quadricentennial events in New York this year recognize the legacies of Henry Hudson and Samuel de Champlain, and Robert Faulton's innovation steam boat transportation along the Hudson River.

    They are also a rich opportunity to learn more about the native peoples of the Hudson Valley before Hudson arrived, as well as to look towards the future, and imagine what we want our Hudson Valley to look like for the next hundred years.

    Further Reading

    • Explore NY 400 - resources and events recongizning the history of the Hudson River Valley.
    • Sustainable Hudson - helping the region's communities rebuild economy and restore environment by bringing people together and creating green collar jobs.

  • Jun26
     Hudson Canyon

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090626Hudsoncanyon.mp3



    The Hudson River Estuary is a fascinating and dynamic ecosystem. The combination of tidal mixing, elevation, and geology fosters a wide array of wildlife. But the Hudson didn't always look the way it does today.

    During the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago, the East Coast looked much different, and the river reached over 400 miles farther out into the Atlantic.

    The Hudson Canyon is a deep underwater crevasse, the last remnant of the prehistoric river.



    Further Reading


  • Jun25
     Arm of the Sea Theater

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090625Armoftheseatheater.mp3
    Transcript



    Environmental education can take many forms. The Arm-of-the-Sea Theater Company has developed a rich tradition of using art and theater to address issues of nature, ecology, and environmental ethics.

    The troupe has taken on challenging topics not typically found in theater, including photosynthesis, pollution, and the nitrogen cycle. This year the company is heavily involved in the Hudson Quadricentennial events, enacting a play entitled "Mutual Strangers: Henry Hudson & the River that Discovered Him."


    Further Reading


  • Jun24
     Climate Adaptation

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090624Climateadaptation.mp3



    Confronting the climate crisis involves both addressing current challenges and planning for the future. 

    The Nature Conservancy is a conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters. They have developed a contingency plan for disaster relief in the Hudson Valley that will address complications of climate change we already see today: increasingly violent storms, rising sea levels, rising ocean acidity, and diminishing water resources.

    Further Reading

    • Rising Waters - a year-long plan to address natural disasters caused by climate change.
    • Podcast - fascinating audio stories about nature, people, and places.

  • Jun23
     Robert Juet

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090623Robertjuet1.mp3
    Transcript



    We know Henry Hudson ventured by Mannahatta Island 400 years ago this September. We know he was working for the Dutch looking for the Northwest Passage, the mythical route to Asia. We know he was ruthless towards his crew, who eventually turned mutinous against him. But we know surprisingly little about the trip in his own words and thoughts. We know more about Robert Juet, Hudson's first mate on the trip, mainly because he kept a journal during the trip.

    As we recognize the Quadricentennial of Hudson's voyage, it is important to also recognize the role of his crew and the people they met in the Hudson Valley, and to fully understand Hudson's legacy in American history.

    Further Reading

    • Henry Hudson - extensive web resource on Henry Hudson and his legacy.
    • Explore NY 400 - events and celebrations recognizing the Quadricentennial.
    • Hudson River Day - Clearwater Moment on the Quadricentennial flotilla up the Hudson.

  • Jun22
     Monitoring SAVs

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090622Monitoringsavs.mp3
    Transcript



    Aquatic life below the water line has a strong influence on the entire ecosystem of an estuary. Submerged aquatic vegitation (SAV) are vital for regulation of the underwater habitat, and influence the life outside it. The SAV are critical for providing habitat for fish and aquatic insects and produce a significant amount of dissolved oxygen.

    Scientists from the National Estuarine Research Reserve have been working to further understand SAV dynamics in our rivers and estuaries. In a large project to develop useful maps of underwater vegetation, they hope to help alleviate ecosystems that are suffering from unstable living conditions.

    Further Reading


  • Jun19
     Pisces Report

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090619Piscesreport(voice cracks 0_48).mp3
    Transcript



    "We Deliver for the River." That is the motto for so many people along our beloved Hudson. When we take ownership of the condition of our river, only then we will we take the initiative for cleaning up the pollution.

    The non-profit organization Riverkeeper believes that the time has come for citizens to protect the river themselves. This member-supported network of scientists and activists monitors the water quality of the Hudson River and reports to the public.

    In 2008, they collaborated in the Pisces Report, which studied the decline Hudson River fish, and reported on the causes and solutions.

    Further Reading


  • Jun18
     Geothermal Heating at the Howland Center

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090618Geothermalathcc.mp3



    The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY, offers not only a cozy gallery and concert space, but also an exciting way to reduce use of carbon fuels. In a recent renovation, the center installed a geothermal heating and cooling system, which uses no fossil fuels.

     

    In the search for sustainable energy options in the 21st century, geothermal heating is quickly rising to the top of viable solutions. Geothermal systems use the residual heat in the Earth to regulate heating and cooling in buildings. Instead of using fossil fuels, generators are used to transfer the kinetic energy in the heat to generate BTU's that are then transferred to the heaters and air-conditioning. Businesses are installing geothermals at an increasing rate, both to save money and to be pollution-free.

    Further Reading


  • Jun17
     Experiential Learning

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090617Experientiallearning.mp3



    Clearwater believes in engaging students in experiential learning. During the Classroom on the Waves, students learn to use all their senses to discover the environment - from feeling a slimy fish scale at life station, to hauling the mainsail, to hearing the wind against the sail, to looking at the river around them.

    Raising the next generation of environmental leaders involves teaching that generation to care about the environment, learn about the crises, and get energized about finding solutions.

    Further Reading


  • Jun16
     Canoe Season

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090616Canoeseason2.mp3



    There are many ways to explore the Hudson River. One of the best ways to get up close is by canoe.  The Hudson's diversity of birds and wildflowers is easily seen from the perspective of paddling through her marshes and tributaries.

    The New York Department of Environmetal Conservation leads engaging programs for avid canoers on the Hudson River. It's a great way to get out on the river and get connected to wildlife.

    Further Reading


  • Jun15
     Morning in a Marsh

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090615Morninginamarsh.mp3
    Transcript



    Since 1981 Hudsonia has conducted environmental research, education, training and technical assistance in the Hudson Valley to protect the natural heritage and natural beauty of the Valley. Instead of picking sides and advocating, Hudsonia serves as a neutral voice in the challenging process of land use decision making - looking out the environment and protecting public interests.

    One of Hudsonia's recent project has been to re-present the concept of local habitats to the public. In a long-term project, Hudsonia scientists research local habitats and publish maps that reflect the research.

    Photo: Robert Rodriguez Jr

    Further Reading

    • Husonia - non-profit environmental research institute.
    • Habitat Mapping - dentifying and mapping habitats of special ecological importance.

  • Jun12
     Permaculture

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090612Permaculture.mp3



    Permaculture is a form of agriculture that attempts to work with natural systems. Permaculture makes use of features of a landscape, properties of soils, and living systems within an ecosystem.

    Greenway Environmental Services operates a composting facility in upstate New York, and works with local governments to treat storm water in the Hudson Valley. Nearly every aspect of their work relates to permaculture: making dirty water clean, using waste for microbial food, working with living systems.

    Further Reading


  • Jun11
     The Cat's out of the Bag

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090611Catsoutthebag.mp3



    We continue in a series of Clearwater Moments that explores  elements of the English Language that stem from nautical life. Sailors often had superstitions aboard their vessels, strange terminology, and curious phrases that eventually crept into popular speech.

    Sometimes the words weren't all fun and games. The phrase "The cat's out of the bag" referred to a rather unpleasant form of corporal punishment.

    Further Reading


  • Jun10
     Jennifer Lee Wigwam

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090610Leewigwam.mp3



    Jennifer Lee considers the past an important way of looking forward. As a member of the Algonquin community, she constantly uses her heritage to teach about the Native American lifeways of the Eastern Woodlands tribes. She is also a skilled basket-weaver.

    Last season, Lee participated in the 'Young Women at the Helm' program - an intensive three day leadership training initiative for young women in the Hudson Valley. She spoke to us about teaching the students about the history of the Hudson Valley, but also valued hearing their own stories.

    Further Reading

    • Jennifer Lee - woven bark baskets in the Algonquin tradition.
    • We Shall Remain - a award-winning television series investigating the history and legacy of American Indians.
    • Mohican Indians - Stockbridge Munsee band of the Mohican Nation.

  • Jun09
     Biodiesel aboard the Clearwater

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090609Biodieselonclearwater.mp3



    Clearwater is striving to create the next generation of environmental leaders. One of the ways we advocate for more sound environmental action, policy, and ethics is by setting an example of best practices.

    Aboard the Clearwater there are a number of efforts outside of the education curriculum that address environmental leadership, including the use of alternative fuel in the sloop's engine. When the boat is underway, but not under sail, Clearwater uses a blend of 20% biodiesel to motor around the river.  While this may not be the final answer to alternative fuels for the future, Clearwater is determined to be a part of the change to a new energy future.





     

    photo: Brian Mohan

    Further Reading

    • DIY -  you can make your own biodiesel blend at home and help lower your fuel emissions.
    • Goverment effort - to encourage the use of biofuels in American engines.
    • Green Inc. - Recent blog post discussing biodiesel and the American Economy.

  • Jun08
     Young Women at the Helm

    JavaScript is disabled!
    To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.
    090608Youngwmenatthehelm2.mp3



    Clearwater is dedicated to training the next generation of environmental leaders; That means inspiring young people reach their full potential in their communities, schools, and careers to serve as stewards of the environment.

    Clearwater started the 'Young Women at the Helm' program to give a more intense leadership training experience, exclusively to young women. Participants spend three days on the Sloop Clearwater to learn the ropes, explore ecology, and meet new goals they didn't know they could do.

    The goals of the program are showing signs of success. Several participants of the program are continuing on to be teachers, ecologists, and environmental advocates in their vocations. 'Young Women at the Helm' and programs like it, will take on a larger role in Clearwater as the new headquarters in Beacon are finalized.

    Further Reading