Hudson River Almanac Available
Volume VIII

A chronicle of important events along the Hudson River
from March 2001 to March 2002

Hudson River Almanac Volume VIII, 2001 - 2002

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty announced that the Hudson River Almanac, Volume VIII, a public journal documenting natural events, personal experiences and significant activities throughout the Hudson River Valley, is now available.

"Over the past eight years, the Hudson River Almanac has chronicled important events along the 315 miles of the Hudson River, from Lake Tear of the Clouds in the Adirondacks to New York Harbor, providing insight into the natural world along this vibrant waterway," Commissioner Crotty said. Volume VIII continues this tradition with contributions from more than 350 authors, ranging from elementary school students to scientists, poets, and native New Yorkers.

The Hudson River Almanac is a project of the DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program. Released annually since 1994, the Almanac documents both routine and extraordinary natural events in the river valley. Since its inception, the Hudson River Almanac has featured more than 3,000 volunteer authors.

The latest volume documents the 12-month period from the vernal equinox of 2001 to the vernal equinox of 2002 (March 20, 2001 - March 20, 2002). Individual entries underscore the resurgence of the Hudson River and its valuable natural resources.

One entry describes the capture of a 54 pound, 6 ounce striped bass on April 30, 2001, just north of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, tying the New York State inland record striper caught just one year before and a few miles south.

Bald Eagle

Another entry notes the discovery of the sixth active bald eagle nest along the tidewater of the Hudson River. The bald eagle has become symbolic of the ecological renewal of the Hudson River Valley both in spirit and substance, and the observations in the Almanac illustrate recent progress in the renewal of the resident eagle population after an absence of more than 100 years.

Additional accounts include the observations of a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower, reflections on September 11th in the context of the Hudson River environment, and a record-breaking mild winter in the Hudson River Valley. The Hudson River Almanac is published by Purple Mountain Press, Ltd. and is illustrated with photographs of people and places along the river.

The eight volumes of The Hudson River Almanac cover the period from March 20, 1994, to March 20, 2002. Over time, the Almanac may serve as a comprehensive program to document changes in the Hudson River ecosystem. Often, information about obscure animals and subtle changes can come only through direct observations made in many places over long periods of time. By compiling records from volunteers who observe nature as scientists or simply for their own pleasure, the Almanac builds a data base that can be used to guide future studies of Hudson Valley ecology. It is a farsighted and efficient way to gather such data.

To purchase a copy, contact Purple Mountain Press at (800) 325-2665. The cost of the Almanac is $10, plus tax and shipping. The book also may be available at local bookstores.

Excerpts from Volume VII, Hudson River Almanac
Instructions for adding observations to the almanac

Bald Eagles of the Hudson River

Ordering Information

Excerpts from earlier volumes of the Hudson River Almanac

NY DEC Press Release, Feb. 18, 2003
Announcement of New Volume of Hudson River Almanac