The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve began working with the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) in 2013 to design and implement the restoration of a tidal side channel at Stockport Flats. The project is the first of its kind in the Hudson River estuary and is intended to restore a valuable mosaic of shallow water, tidal wetland, and shoreline habitats. Construction of the 1,200-foot-long by 100-foot-wide side channel was completed in 2017. The project involved the excavation and onsite reuse of approximately 20,000 cubic yards of historical dredge spoils and the installation of more than 5,000 native plant plugs and 600 live stakes. Since 2018, we have been monitoring key structural and functional indicators of ecosystem health. Continued monitoring at both project and reference sites will inform adaptive management, evaluate project success, and guide future restoration efforts.