Living aboard the Clearwater is a unique experience for the crew. The sailboat is very much within the environment of the Hudson River, and wildlife makes daily or even hourly appearances.

Parks Marion, a former bosun aboard a boat,  was responsible for carpentry on deck - repairing rigging, maintaining pulleys. Last fall, Clearwater's bosun saw a thrilling display of nature while 75 feet aloft: the dive of a Peregrin Falcon near the docked Clearwater. An avid bird-watcher, he said that seeing this predator of the air in such good shape is a clear indication that the river is healthy as well. The top of the food chain is only as healthy as every step below it.