The 88-mile Wallkill crosses multiple geographies and geologies to eventually spill into the Hudson River, connecting communities and supporting humans and non-humans in so many ways.

It flows past large and small farms (today and in the past) which use the river to irrigate their fields. It flows through dams, some of which have turbines which generate hydroelectric power. It’s habitat for fish, birds, deer and other animals, insects, shellfish, and other tiny creatures called macroinvertebrates. People use the river too—they boat in it, fish in it, look at it, wade in it...but don’t swim in it! (it’s polluted). There are a lot of overlapping and competing interests in the river, but that’s nothing new.

As the global climate warms, there are local effects on the Wallkill. Sometimes the pollution in the river (from agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and other sources) combined with warmer temperatures causes algae blooms, which look like a green film on the surface. Sometimes those algae blooms are toxic, and can harm people and animals if they touch it. Increasing storms create flooding that overtakes roads, farm fields, and homes. These also cause erosion that topples the trees that line its banks.

Whatever happens in the future, the Wallkill River will change, causing changes to the communities around it and the ecosystems within it. This can feel both dystopian (or even apocalyptic) as well as hopeful. When we reach a tipping point of climate change, what kinds of social or political structures, new forms of farming, housing, transportation, and energy, scientific or technological inventions, or even new life forms emerge? Far into the future, how does river-side society adapt and rebuild after the worst effects of climate change?

Important: Wallkill River water is not safe to drink. If you’re filming in the river, take care that you don’t ingest it. Also, algae blooms can be hazardous to humans and pets. Avoid any large areas of green or brown scum on the water. (Click here for more on hazardous algae blooms.)