What is a tidal estuary?
Lake Tear of the Clouds
NY Harbor
Where the Hudson River begins and ends
Photo: Erica Capuana, NYS DEC, Division of Fish and Wildlife
Bald Eagle
American Eel
Herons
Ospreys
Glass eels
Turtles
What lives in the Hudson River watershed
What kinds of habitats are in the Hudson
The river's diverse habitats range from tidal marshes and wetlands to rocky shoals, creating ideal environments for a diverse range of species. The lower estuary's tidal marshes serve as nurseries for young fish, while the waters of the upper Hudson sustain thriving freshwater ecosystems. Plant life along the Hudson is as varied as its wildlife. Near the brackish waters of the lower river, salt marsh grasses thrive. Farther upriver, freshwater plants like sedges, cattails, and water lilies flourish, providing essential habitat for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species, and naturally filtering the river's waters.
How you are connected to the Hudson
The Hudson River watershed is critical to environmental health, including human health. From the Adirondack headwaters to the estuary’s mouth – across cities, forests, and wetlands – the Hudson nourishes and supports all the life in our vast region. From drinking water supplies to fish that are safe to eat, we rely on the water for our safety and sustenance.