Environmental History of New York City and the Hudson River -- Pace Symposium

A symposium examining the past 400 years of how natural attributes of the Hudson River and its great all-season harbor permitted the emerging metropolis at its mouth to grow and prosper; how those human uses in turn influenced the ecological health of the Hudson River and the harbor; and how, once they were changed, the consequences for subsequent human activities. This city, like no other in the world, was founded on, and grew as a result of, commercial activity. Those enterprises have greatly affected the river, the harbor, and the city itself. Invited experts will describe ecosystems during the period of human occupation and use. Others will describe the principal functions of early New Amsterdam, and the emerging metropolis. The modern harbor will be analyzed. All authors will examine both causes and effects.

Wed, February 9, 2011, 9am-4:30pm
Pace University, Manhattan Campus, Pace Plaza