Every October, more than 5,000 students and educators from across New York State participate in the annual A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor. The event provides opportunities for hands-on activities to encourage discovery and interest in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem.

This episode, hosts Sean and Erica welcome Chris Bowser—Education Coordinator with DEC’s Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and passionate advocate for connecting people to nature—for a wide-ranging conversation on DEC’s education and engagement work in communities along the Hudson River. Bowser is a familiar face to followers of DEC’s social media, often hosting livestream events to engage with viewers and explain DEC’s work to protect New York’s fish, animals, and natural environment.

During the episode, Bowser explains his role to encourage environmental stewardship of the Hudson River through a variety of DEC programs and work with scientists and educators at the Norrie Point Environmental Center, and how New Yorkers can get involved in protecting our environment and explore New York’s mighty Hudson River and estuary. He also traces his path from Rutgers University studying the biology of the New York Harbor, serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa, his time aboard the Clearwater Sloop on the lower Hudson River, and career with DEC.

Next episode: Sean and Erica talk about big game hunting season in New York State with DEC wildlife biologists.

Episode Notes:

• DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program

“DEC Does What?!” is a bi-weekly podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Hosted by DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and Chief of Staff Erica Ringewald. For more information, visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast.