Every spring, something remarkable happens beneath the surface of the Hudson River — one that most of us never see. Atlantic sturgeon, American eel, striped bass, American shad, and river herring leave the Atlantic Ocean and swim upriver to spawn, following a migration route that has existed for thousands of years. It’s a natural spectacle on the scale of Africa’s Great Migration, unfolding right in our backyard, almost entirely unnoticed.
This June, Riverkeeper set out to change that with the second annual Fish Migration Celebration, and Outdoor Promise was proud to be part of it. The celebration kicked off with a flotilla of artist-designed boats — including a 64-foot sturgeon-shaped schooner — sailing up the Hudson from Yonkers to Newburgh, drawing crowds along the shoreline to watch the “fish” swim past. Kayakers from the Newburgh Waterways Center joined the final leg, wearing fish-inspired hats, to welcome the fish home.
The celebration landed at Unico Park in Newburgh for an afternoon of live music, a puppet performance, food vendors, and hands-on art activities where visitors could build their own fish costumes. Outdoor Promise set up a table at the celebration, connecting with neighbors and sharing our mission with the community. It was a joy to be part of a day that brought so many people outdoors, together, in celebration of the river that connects us all.
Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown put it best: this migration is a natural wonder on the scale of Africa’s Great Migration, yet most people have no idea it’s happening. By making it visible and joyful, Riverkeeper is building awareness of the Hudson’s ongoing environmental recovery and inspiring the next generation of river advocates.
Days like this remind us why Outdoor Promise does what we do: getting people outside, into nature, and into community with one another. We’re grateful to Riverkeeper for the invitation, and we’re already looking forward to next year.
Here’s to more days outdoors, together.
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