Hudsonia Ltd., founded in 1981, is a not-for-profit institute for research, education, and technical assistance in the environmental sciences. Hudsonia professionals make the most of available information and original data to help other professionals and the public make the best decisions regarding our environment and natural resources. We specialize in acquiring and interpreting accurate, up-to-date, site specific information, and we provide the science that other organizations and individuals need for decision-making. We conduct pure and applied research on natural and social science aspects of the environment, produce educational publications, and offer courses and seminars.

Hudsonia is a non-advocacy, public interest organization and does not support or oppose development proposals or projects, but works for better conservation and management of the environment. Our scientists, applying long experience in regional ecology and natural history, collect and analyze data and recommend measures to reduce or mitigate impacts of land development on the local environment.

Hudsonia Ltd. is a tax exempt, not-for-profit corporation of the State of New York, classified 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service; contributions are tax deductible and are used solely in support of our nonprofit work. Hudsonia’s latest financial report is available on request from our office or the New York Department of State Office of Charities, Albany. We are pleased to receive cash donations and to discuss potential donations of library materials, equipment, specimens, securities, or other property. Please contact our office if you wish to discuss a donation or a bequest.

Our projects are funded by diverse public and private sources – landowners, foundations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, citizens’ groups, and government agencies (see below). All Hudsonia projects contribute to the education of the public on environmental matters, and also generate scientific data which are used in a variety of ongoing studies of, for example, the distribution and conservation of rare plants and animals, the ecology of streams and wetlands, the ecology of invasive plants, and the environmental relationships of human populations. We believe that limited funds for environmental studies must be used both to increase scientific knowledge and to discover effective solutions to management problems.

Our logo represents a black-capped chickadee on a common reed (Phragmites australis). Reed is often considered a pest in North America, although it was extensively used by indigenous peoples. In the Old World, reed stands are valued as wildlife habitat and as a resource for human use including thatch, pulp, food, fuel, fodder and weaving material. Seventy species of birds have been reported to breed in reed stands in North America, and reed is often well-used by roosting birds and other wildlife. In the Hudson Valley, black-capped chickadees forage on reed stalks for a scale insect that lives under the leaf sheaths. Studies of animals associated with the changing marsh flora of the Northeast are among Hudsonia’s current projects.

In 2001, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation published our Biodiversity Assessment Manual for the Hudson River Estuary Corridor, now a standard reference for biodiversity assessment in the Hudson Valley. We are also conducting research and habitat restoration for endangered and threatened species such as the bog turtle and Blanding’s turtle, studying migratory fishes in the Hudson River, investigating the ecology and management of introduced plants (common reed, purple loosestrife, water-chestnut, ailanthus, Japanese knotweed), conducting biodiversity education programs, and creating town-wide habitat maps.

Home Base and Geographic Reach

Hudsonia maintains offices and mapping laboratory and shares facilities at the Bard College Field Station. The office and laboratory at the Field Station contains a research library, herbarium, laboratories, boats, field equipment, and other resources for studies of the environment.  It also houses the administrative staff and the biodiversity education and geographic information systems (GIS) staff, equipment, and supplies. We gratefully acknowledge synergy with Bard’s science and environmental programs.

Additional laboratory, library, and field facilities are available at Bard College and other institutions represented by Hudsonia Research Associates. The Hudson River Valley and other regions of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are the focus of most of Hudsonia’s project work. A few activities range farther afield in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America. We have completed more than 300 projects.

Non-advocacy and Objectivity

Hudsonia’s field work is conducted under any required government permits. Data on endangered, threatened or rare species of animals and plants are reported to the appropriate agencies and institutions. Our project reports (and our proposals, if appropriate) are shared with interested agencies and other involved parties. We adhere strictly to a position of non-advocacy, and strive to make our work scientific, independent, and objective. Our reports contain the observations, other data, analyses, interpretations, and recommendations that provide decision makers, citizens, and scientists with the best information for research, planning, and management.

Publications

An illustrated educational journal, News from Hudsonia, featuring articles on Hudson Valley natural history, environmental issues, and Hudsonia projects, is published two to three times a year (circulation 7,000). Issues are underwritten with grants, sponsorships by area businesses, and donations from individuals. Copies of Hudsonia project reports, publications, and research papers are also available at cost (please ask for lists). A prospectus of Hudsonia’s research and education programs is available.

Awards

Hudsonia received the 1997 Project Facilitation Award from the Society for Ecological Restoration for an innovative habitat restoration design for the Blanding’s turtle. We have also received awards from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2000, Museum of the Hudson Highlands and the Garden Club of America in 1996, the 1995 Distinguished Achievement Award for Environmental Sensitivity from Mohonk Consultations, and the 1994 Researcher of the Year Award from the Hudson River Environmental Society. In 2002, Erik Kiviat was nominated for a National Wetlands Award. Earlier this year, Hudsonia received the Winnakee Land Trust’s Good Land Award.

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Hudsonia, a tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation of the State of New York, classified 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service, relies on the generous, tax-deductible contributions from members of our community to sustain our research and education. We appreciate your support of our work.