Principal Investigator: Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Co-Principal Investigator: Cornelia Harris, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Years Funded: 2013-2014
Project Description:
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies developed a graduate level course on aquatic invasive species for regional teachers throughout the Hudson Valley. Twenty-four educators participated in fieldwork and online coursework. Fieldwork included fish seining, water quality data collection, and plant and animal identification at both the Beczak Environmental Education Center in Yonkers, NY, and the Norrie Point Environmental Center in Staatsburg, NY. After the project’s completion, there is a plan to continue the graduate course for students at SUNY New Paltz.
After participating in the course, educators were able to identify and understand the effect of over twelve invasive species in the Hudson River watershed, integrate invasive species ecology into lesson plans, and develop an invasive species monitoring and/or management plan with students. The estimated reach of this training is over 4,000 students a year. Select materials are posted online for additional resources.
Photo: Participants of the invasive species course enjoying field work. Credit: Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies