The Research Reserve is comprised of four component sites: Stockport Flats, Tivoli Bays, Iona Island, and Piermont Marsh. These sites were selected as they are globally rare brackish and freshwater tidal wetlands. Research at the Reserve is focused on studying these habitats, with the goal of enhancing our understanding of Hudson River Estuary ecosystems. Our research includes water quality, wetland habitats, invasive species, and drivers of climate change.  

The System-Wide Monitoring Program, or SWMP, provides long-term data on water quality, weather, biological communities, habitat, and land-use and land-cover characteristics. This combination of research and data provides a strong, science-based foundation for addressing coastal management challenges.

Research Initiatives

As New York’s National Estuarine Research Reserve, we put federal research funding, a nationally standardized monitoring program, and student research programs to work for Hudson River communities and residents. In collaboration with partners throughout the region, we create opportunities to do place-based research that protects people and places along the Hudson and builds collective capacity to contribute to nationally significant estuarine research.