Description

Mappy Hour NYC and Rivian are teaming up to host a night of exploration, optimism and connection to our local waterways to celebrate Earth Day.

We'll be gathering at the Rivian Meatpacking store for drinks and intros followed by a hands-on night of learning with our friends at the Hudson River Park (HRP).

The team at HRP does an amazing job in conservation and education specifically around our most famous river (err...tidal estuary) the Hudson River and we're psyched to learn about our backyard waterways, how they engage the NYC community in science 🤓 and how our connection to local nature (and the oysters in our local waterways) helps us understand conservation on a global scale.

Oysters are more than just delicious. New York City is restoring oysters to filter water, engineer reef habitat, and stabilize shorelines. Work alongside Park staff to restore oysters and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the River.

And Rivian is adding an extra bit of fun to the night with demo driving. If you want to test out one of their new EVs, come a little earlier (6-7PM) with your license 😉.

Speaker Bios

Siddhartha Hayes (he/him) is a field scientist, aquarist, etymology enthusiast, and unconfirmed fish whisperer. As Manager of Research & Aquaria at Hudson River Park, he conducts various projects from ongoing fish and river condition sampling, to pathogens, plastics, and more. He also oversees the Pier 40 Wetlab, a flow-through aquarium of native Hudson River organisms that serves as a primary education site. He works to facilitate research that answers important questions about the river and its denizens and spark a sense of wonder by connecting people with their aquatic neighbors. Siddhartha has a Bachelor’s in Biology and Greek & Roman Studies from Vassar College.

Rachel Swanson (she/her) is an environmental educator, science communicator, and informal education specialist. As the Manager of Environmental Education at Hudson River Park, she oversees all educational programming across Hudson River Park that serves over 30,000 people per year. She mentors a team of educators that develop and teach hands-on programming focused on Hudson River ecology and environmental stewardship. Rachel builds community-based partnerships with NYC schools and local organizations to create accessible, inclusive, and innovative programming at the Park. Rachel has a Bachelor’s in Psychology & Gender Studies from Bard College and a Master’s in Museum Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education.