Harbor Country Day Students to Become “Citizen Scientists” at Nissequogue River

LongIsland.com

Students in grades six through eight will visit Nissequogue River, explore river’s ecosystem and collect and analyze data.

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On Friday, October 4, students from Harbor Country Day School, an independent day school for children in preschool through 8th grade, will experience “A Day in the Life of the Nissequogue River.” The visit is part of a comprehensive program, coordinated by the Central Pine Barrens Commission, Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Portal to Discovery, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Suffolk County Water Authority, wherein students from across Long Island will engage in hands-on science exploration on Long Island’s major river systems.
 
WHAT: During a Day in the Life of the Nissequogue River, Harbor Country Day students will use genuine field techniques to analyze the river and its ecosystem. They will gather and examine fish and other aquatic life, collect water and invertebrate samples, develop a biodiversity inventory of the riparian zone, and analyze water chemistry -- all as a means to better understanding and protecting Long Island’s river and estuary ecosystems. 
  
WHEN: Friday, October 4, from 9:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
 
WHERE: At waterfront locations along the Nissequogue River from the headwaters to the mouth. For more detailed information about specific location and schedule, please contact Melissa Griffiths Parrott at mgriffiths@pb.state.ny.us or (631) 655-4688.
 
WHY: Water quality issues continue to permeate Long Island, making the protection and restoration of our aquatic ecosystems a top priority. The students will develop a firsthand appreciation for and knowledge of Long Island’s river and estuary ecosystems, collect useful scientific data regarding the status of Long Island’s major river system, and become stewards of water quality and natural resources. 
 
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes. 
 
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.