Survey: Help Identify Harmful Algal Blooms on the Wallkill River

March 20, 2026

Have you ever seen bright green scum floating on the Wallkill and wondered whether it’s harmless—or something more concerning?

Bard College grad student Robert Howe (MS Candidate in Climate Science and Policy), has developed the ECO HABIT Tool (Educational Community Outreach: Harmful Algal Bloom Information Tracker), an interactive, web-based citizen science experience designed to help community members better understand and identify Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

HABs have been increasing in the Wallkill River in recent years, including multiple documented toxic bloom events in 2025. These blooms can produce toxins that pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife—making early observation and reporting critically important.

What You’ll Do

This short, interactive exercise (10–15 minutes) guides you through:

  • Real images of river conditions

  • Water quality and environmental data

  • Tools to distinguish HABs from harmless algae or duckweed

Participants help improve how these tools are designed for public use, strengthening community-based monitoring efforts across the watershed.

 

Participation Details

  • Time: ~10–15 minutes

  • Format: Online (mobile and desktop friendly)

  • Privacy: Fully anonymous (no personal information collected)

  • Voluntary: You may stop at any time

This research has been approved by the Bard College Institutional Review Board (IRB).

👉 Participate in the ECO HABIT Tool here:

Your input helps build a more informed and responsive community around the health of the Wallkill River!