During research layovers, we take groups of students out on Zodiac expeditions to explore the nearby wetlands and search for specimens of native plant and animal life to study.

On this leg of the voyage, our Zodiac expeditions explored Piermont Marsh, a protected wetland just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

In these brackish conditions, the students collected a wide variety of aquatic flora (including common sea grass and water chestnuts, an invasive species).

They were also able to locate several blue crabs (which were sadly already deceased when we found them).

The students also had the opportunity to observe the saltwater specimens we collected on the first leg of the voyage, still housed in our onboard aquarium.