More than 75 students from Harbor Country Day School participated in “A Day in the Life of the Nissequogue River.” Sponsored by the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the “Day in the Life” program brings students to Long Island’s major river systems in order to engage in hands on exploration and analysis of one of the region’s precious natural resources.
During their visit, Harbor students from third through eighth grade caught and studied more than 1,400 fish; collected and analyzed water samples to monitor water quality; conducted a physical analysis of the weather, current, and tides affecting the river; and conducted a site analysis of the river’s rocks, minerals, and other characteristics.
All data the students collected is made public and is used for various environmental purposes, including tracking the health of the Nissequogue River from year to year. In addition, the program raises awareness among children about the importance of protecting and restoring Long Island’s aquatic ecosystems, as water quality issues continue to permeate Long Island.
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this incredible program,” said John Cissel, Head of School for Harbor Country Day School. “The hands on understanding the children develop from activities like this is something that stays with them throughout their lives. Their experience on the River goes far beyond simply reading about Long Island’s environment it brings the issues home to them in such a way that they have a far deeper appreciation for the Nissequogue River and all of Long Island’s natural resources.”
The visit was part of a comprehensive program wherein students from 35 schools and 26 school districts across Long Island explored three of Long Island’s four major river systems. Harbor Country Day School students were the only elementary students to participate in the Nissequogue River program.