On the Expedition
Help lead the way in urban ecosystem research and show how the environment can be protected in and near the places most of us live.
At research sites in and around New York City as well as in some rural areas within 100 miles, you’ll study a range of wildlife species and the quality of their varied habitats. Depending on the time of year, you may track and camera-trap mammals, catch frogs and salamanders in nets or pitfall traps, identify birds, or survey native and invasive plant species. Each day you’ll also be able to learn about the “big picture” of the research, gain skills in a variety of field research methods, or hear about other research topics from guest speakers.
Before or after your expedition, New York City offers a staggering array of theatre, museums, historic landmarks, restaurants, and culture.
Meals and Accommodations
Teams will be housed at the Blue Mountain Park Lodge in Peekskill, New York. Blue Mountain Park is a beautiful, mixed-hardwood forest along the east shore of the Hudson River, approximately 40 miles north of New York City. This 1,500-acre forest is part of the Westchester County Parks system, with extensive hiking trails for nature study and exploration. The lodge has two wings, one for women and one for men, each with a single large dormitory-style room and hot showers. You’ll also have the option of camping on the surrounding grounds. Breakfasts and lunches will be self-serve. For most teams, a staff cook will prepare evening meals based on the team’s preferences. Team II participants and staff will share in the preparation of the evening meal served at the lodge at Blue Mountain Park.
About the Research Area
You’ll conduct research within various protected areas in the greater New York metropolitan area, within 100 miles of Manhattan, New York—moving from urban to suburban to rural landscapes. The most urban parks will largely feature temperate mixed hardwood trees such as oak, maple, hickory, and beech trees, surrounded by residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Even these urban research sites have a long record of preservation—in some cases more than 100 years—and are enjoyable, interesting, and safe natural areas to work in. The most rural parks will be set within continuous forest broken up only by occasional residential properties and farms. These rural sites are representative of the beautiful landscapes of New England and New York state forests. New York City is a thriving, energetic urban center and is the center of the most densely populated urban region in North America. It is host to countless museums, restaurants, theaters, and other cultural and historical attractions. Downtown New York City is an hour train ride from the field headquarters.