Learn the ways of a Citizen Scientist and find out what makes a stream stay alive and thrive. 

A stream bank assessment of most of the Wappinger Creek has just started under at the initiation of Mayor Matt Alexander of the Village of Wappingers Falls. This is a part of the Village’s waterfront revitalization program. The purpose is to study the causes of sedimentation and pollution and to improve the health of the creek and lake.

Spend a relaxing couple of hours paddling the creek, investigating and observing the native plants, shrubs, wildlife and surrounding topographic features along the banks of the stream. You will also learn to identify invasive species as you search them out.

Get hands-on experience with real-world scientific field work. You will be trained in how to conduct a stream bank assessment by a Marist College student working under the supervision of a professor in the Environmental Studies program. Once you feel confident, you may choose to complete your own assessment of you favorite place along the creek. Or just tag along helping out if you prefer.

If you would like to come out just to see what we’re doing, contact Scott Williams, Village of Wappingers Falls, at 845-297-8773 x9 or swilliams@wappingersfallsny.gov or Russ Faller, Mid-Hudson Adirondack Mtn. Club (MH-ADK), at 845-297-5126 or russoutdoors@yahoo.com. Tell them you heard about this from MH-ADK.