Constitution Marsh, Hudson River NY

Located directly across from West Point, the 270 acre marsh is the largest tidal wetland along the river and unique in that it lies at the point where the salt front is most active. The marsh ranges from primarily freshwater to brackish to occasionally quite saline, depending upon the season and weather events. The marsh is estimated to be 4,000–5,000 years old. It has suffered human exploitation many times, in 1837 then owner, Henry Warner, attempted rice farming, digging a series of channels and damming the marsh. His efforts were thwarted by local residents who feared his methods would increase malaria infected mosquitos and so dynamited his channels once again creating a free flowing tidal marsh. In the late 1960’s developers wanted to fill in the Marsh and build on it but philanthropists, Laurance Rockefeller, Lila Acheson and Dewitt Wallace, stepped forward and assisted NYS in purchasing the Marsh. With help from conservationist and National Audubon Board member, Donald O’Brien Jr, the Marsh was donated to the National Audubon Society protecting this jewel of the Hudson for perpetuity. Even under protected status, the Marsh had to be declared a Super Fund site by the EPA and a massive clean-up successfully removed of tons of cadmium, nickel and cobalt left by the Marathon Battery factory that operated at the north end of the Marsh. Today the Marsh is home to over 200 species of migratory and resident bird species. The concentrations of wintering waterfowl and raptors has designated the site as an Important Biord Area. The Marsh is also an important nursery and spawning area for fresh and salt water fish species. The Marsh is accessible by foot, using the nature trail ending in a 300-foot boardwalk that takes you directly over the water, or by kayak or canoe which is the best way to experience the beauty and tranquility of this wonderful NY natural resource.

Red-winged Blackbirds are the harbingers of spring at the Marsh.

Nesting Osprey are not far behind.

The Marsh Wren's call is the iconic sound of the Marsh, your best chance of seeing this elusive bird is to quietly paddle by kayak or canoe through the channels and experience the onslaught of Wrens staking out their territories in spring and summer.

The chatter of nesting Belted Kingfishers are always a welcome sound.

For years the Marsh was known for its wintering Bald Eagle population but now nesting birds make eagle viewing a year round occurance.

By mid-July Great Blue Herons, done with their nesting cycle in other locations begin to be seen in large numbers throughout the Marsh.

Along with their smaller cousin, the Green Heron, which nests in the Marsh.

Dragonflies abound throughout the Marsh.

By fall, huge numbers of Swallows being to stage in the Marsh getting ready for their southbound migration.

Feeding on the wing.

Chimney Swifts are local breeders.

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