Following a Hidden Stream in Poughkeepsie
Environmental Science Student, Emma Butzler, describes her experiences researching at the Fall Kill Stream
Emma Butzler '21 recording her findings on the Fall Kill Stream. Source: Emma Butzler ‘21.
After months researching, rewriting, applying, and rewriting, I finally secured funding for my summer research project in the Fall Kill Stream in Poughkeepsie, New York. The data collection methods seemed simple: walk up the Fall Kill Stream and collect data every 50m.
I started my project on a sunny Friday in June with the goal of collecting 80 data points along 2.5 miles of the stream. First 50m: easy. Second 50m: easy. Third 50m: a huge waterfall. The steady rush of falling water pounding the jagged rocks meant I had to take each step with careful consideration.
I was feeling pretty proud after collecting the water samples in the waterfall area until I saw my next 50 m. Ahead loomed a long tunnel with an unseeable stream bottom, varying depth, and another waterfall.
The first day’s experience laid the groundwork for the rest of my project. From that day forward, I faced new challenges, obstacles and problems. Every section of the stream’s soil composition, water flow, location, dept, and smell was unique; however, one variable I did not take into account in the initial research was the people.
The headwaters start in a rural, unnavigable, forested area. The waters then traverse into rural residential Hyde Park, continuing flowing through the city of Poughkeepsie where it eventually discharges into the Hudson River.
The stream is not just a dirty class C stream and a personal garbage disposal. It is also a resource that connects people in unpredictable ways. Walking almost 12 miles of the stream meant meeting people was inevitable. Two people dressed in ugly green oversized waders lugging a brown cooler and a bright orange backpack were bound to be great conversation starters with almost every person we encountered.
Within the city setting, the Fall Kill is surrounded with high rock walls where apartment buildings have a bird’s eye view of the stream. The apartment residents whose windows face the stream have a convenient view while others sit along the rock walls to enjoy the scenery. Each conversation started with an explanation of my project, but soon led to residents’ personal experiences with the Fall Kill stream.
This is where I met Stacy. Stacy lives in Poughkeepsie with her black cat. One side of her apartment faces the busy one-way, three lane street in the center of Poughkeepsie. The other side overlooks a serene babbling stream gently flowing towards the Hudson River.
The stream hops over rocks and glistens like glitter in the sun. Small plants and trees found a home in the cracks of rocks creating a wall of lush green and a home to a plethora of creatures. To Stacy, the stream babble provides an escape from the scream of the city and serves as a reminder of gratitude and appreciation.
When the high rock walls end and the apartments are no longer overlooking the stream, the Fall Kill morphs its identity once again. Sometimes the stream became a deep lake littered with large patches of bright green algae. Then, it embodied a small backyard pond perfect for catching frogs on summer nights. At other times, the stream was an angry rush of white frothing water moving anything in its path. It could be the perfect fishing spot for a child or a Sunday afternoon canoe ride with the family. In some locations, the stream was an afternoon hammock spot or a source of water for a home garden. Whatever the form, local residents find a personal relationship with the Fall Kill.
Some of these personal relationships have spanned decades. Garrick’s childhood revolved around making up games using the Fall Kill in rural Hyde Park. The stream was Garrick’s favorite playground where dense thickets of underbrush, fallen trees, and 2 feet of thick silty muck trapping him with each step. He reminisces playing pirates in the Fall Kill with his brother. Now 25 years later, his children enjoy the Fall Kill in similar ways.
Similar to the Hudson River, Hudson River tributaries play a large part in recreation, tourism and agriculture. The small tributaries scattered throughout the Hudson River Watershed influence residents’ lives and provide them with opportunities to experience nature in unique ways. One small, overlooked stream proved its huge personality full of diverse characteristics that remind local residents of some of their favorite memories.
Emma Butzler '21 completing her research near the Fall Kill Steam waterfall. Source: Emma Butzler '21