Upcoming Opportunities
Collaborative Research for Impact Workshop Series: This two-part workshop series focuses on approaches to co-develop research with decision makers so that the findings can inform decisions that drive impact to enhance social-ecological systems.
Evaluation and Monitoring of Research Impacts Webinar Series: This two-part webinar series focuses on collaborative research that enables societal impact, approaches to ensure findings can drive meaningful and sustained change over time, and other emerging topics.
Overview
The Hudson River Fund supports scientific research on all aspects of the Hudson River ecosystem, with emphasis on studies that bear on its human uses. The Foundation recognizes that people are integral to the ecosystem and is interested in research that can provide insights on the interaction of social, cultural, economic and biophysical systems, that can lead to improved decision making, management, or policy shifts to protect the Hudson River watershed.
In 2024, we sought social science proposals with a focus on the multiple modes of human engagement necessary to address the complex social-ecological challenges faced by the Hudson and its connected watershed. This RFP emphasized inquiry regarding the relationships and feedbacks among different stakeholders interacting with the Hudson River and its watershed, the associated impacts, and connections to decision making, management, or policy shifts. Click here to view the annotated bibliography which guided the RFP development in 2024.
Funded Projects
Click below for more details about each project.
Values of Nature and Stewardship in Urban Green Spaces
- Elizabeth Cook, PhD (Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies)
- Megan Lynn Maurer, PhD (IT University of Copenhagen)
- New York Restoration Project
- Riverside Park Conservancy
Examining people’s connections (relational values) with natural systems and with each other in New York City parks along the Hudson and East River waterfronts will fill an important gap in understanding of the value of parks and how people use them. In this study, researchers will focus on the full range of experiences with nature, including positive as well as often overlooked negative ones, with the goal of identifying the potential tradeoffs in planning and management of urban parks. They will conduct four case studies in parks varying in social-ecological contexts, using intercept surveys and workshops with residents. The research findings will be used to develop a deeper understanding of park usership and access to provide actionable information to build better management of stewardship and waterfront access.
Intersections of Marine Debris, Spiritual Practices, and Stewardship
- Alejandro Garcia Lozano, PhD (John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY)
- Hannah Eisler Bennett, PhD (New York Sea Grant/Cornell University)
- Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus
In this study, the research team will examine how Hindu Indo-Caribbean spiritual practices influence perceptions about the value and use of natural areas in Jamaica Bay, their interactions with other residents and groups, and the potential to reduce marine debris through more sustainable practices. They will conduct interviews, observations during cleanup activities, focus groups, and dialogue sessions with Jamaica Bay residents and individuals from environmental stewardship organizations. The findings will be used to develop insights and recommendations to improve institutional practices and public perceptions, reduce barriers to engagement, and support community leaders to further minimize the environmental impact of worship practices.
Research and Collaborations to Understand Urban Small-Scale Fisheries
- Adam Jadhav, PhD, Ana Porzecanski, PhD, American Museum of Natural History
- Jesse Rodenbiker, PhD, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station –NYC Urban Field Station
We know relatively little about the motivations, practices, needs, and risks of small scale fishers (SSF) in New York City (NYC) waters, including those who fish for subsistence, recreation, and trade. In this study an interdisciplinary team will conduct five intensive case studies, each in a NYC borough. Their work will include archival research, GIS mapping, observations, and interviews. In addition, they will convene a NYC SSF Working Group comprising government officials, managers, academics, activists, and fishers. The working group along with a Social Science Advisory Group will help guide the research and collectively use the findings to co-develop strategies and collaborations between fishers and managers to improve regulations and fisheries conservation.
Locally-Led Adaptation to Climate Risks
- Robin Leichenko, PhD, Katherine Cann, MA, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Oded Holzinger, MA, Groundwork Hudson Valley
- John Evangelista, Groundwork Elizabeth
Researchers from Rutgers University will partner with community-based organizations in a project designed to build and enhance collective capacity to respond to residents’ needs when facing climate risks (e.g., extreme rainfall, flooding, and water quality concerns) in two communities in the Hudson River Watershed. They will conduct workshops to co-produce a regional adaptation framework that will prioritize community engagement and local governance. The framework will be used to conduct surveys, focus groups, and workshops with residents to identify impacts of extreme precipitation on infrastructure, housing, transportation, and public health. The findings will guide future green infrastructure investments and other adaptations to address the impacts of extreme rainfall events.
Preparing for Climate Change through Community Science and Actionable Data
- Michael Mikulewicz, PhD, Andrea Parker, PhD, Karin Limburg, PhD, SUNY-ESF
- Michael Welti and Kristen Taylor, AICP, Town of Poughkeepsie Planning Department
- Susan Karnes Hecht, Town of Poughkeepsie Climate Smart Task Force
- Alexandra Semchenko, City of Hudson Conservation Advisory Council
In this study researchers from SUNY-ESF will use the Science to Civics community science approach to better understand the multi-faceted experiences of residents as they navigate challenges such as flooding and extreme storms. The approach uses participatory methods with public and local policy officials to co-create knowledge that can inform decision making and policy development. They will engage with audiences in two municipalities in the Hudson Valley through surveys, interviews, participatory mapping, and workshops to understand their knowledge and needs related to climate change impacts. The findings will inform ongoing adaptation and resilience policy development processes in both municipalities. Community-centered data will be used to inform solutions for climate resilience through communications and policies that more effectively address all residents’ needs.
Strengthening Watershed Stewardship for Climate Resilience
- Praneeta Mudaliar, PhD, University of Toronto, Mississauga
- Prakash Kashwan, PhD, Brandeis University
- Hudson River Watershed Alliance
- Hudson River Estuary Program
- Winnakee Land Trust
- Climate Smart Communities