Engaged Undergraduate Research Grants
Monitoring Riparian Restoration: Trees for Tribs in the Hudson and Beyond
Partnering with the Hudson River Estuary Program to seek and evaluate solutions for improving degraded riparian areas in upstate New York watersheds.
Land development in many upstate New York watersheds has caused destruction to streams and rivers by increasing sediment deposits and reducing aquatic biodiversity. This project evaluates a state program called Trees for Tribs (tributaries) that is aimed at restoring riparian areas along the Hudson River by working with partners to assist in educating local residents about the importance of stream buffers and offering free native shrubs and trees for planting. Students conduct research at two new watershed planting sites in Middletown and Newburgh to experience the planting process. They also analyze other restored areas in the Trees for Tribs program by measuring factors such as stream slope and in-stream aquatic habitat. At the end of the research experience, the students prepare a final report and are encouraged to present it at an environmental advocacy conference or meeting.
Topics: Energy, Environment and Sustainability; Law, Government and Policy
The Team
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M. Todd Walter, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Alex Flecker, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Cliff Kraft, Department of Natural Resources
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Brian Rahm, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, NYS Water Resources Institute
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Community partner: Hudson River Estuary Program