Tivoli Bays - Hudson River Reserve, NY

Flora (Plant Life)

Freshwater tidal marshes at Tivoli North Bay are dominated by narrowleaf cattail, spatterdock and invading purple loosestrife and common reed. Subtidal shallows support communities of submerged plants similar to those described for Stockport Flats and freshwater intertidal mudflat and shore communities are also present. Tivoli South Bay is dominated by Eurasian water chestnut, a floating, exotic species. Both the tidal swamp between the bays and the smaller swamp at the mouth of Stony Creek are mixed deciduous communities with well-developed shrub layer and abundant moss species. The clay bluffs and rocky islands support mixed forests dominated by oak, hickory, eastern hemlock and pine.

Fauna (Animal Life)

This site is important spawning and/or nursery ground for a variety of anadromous and freshwater fish species. A large snapping turtle population exists in and around Tivoli North Bay. Waterfowl use the site extensively during migration and winter. Many other birds use the site for feeding, breeding and migratory stop overs. Zebra mussels, an invading exotic species, dominates subtidal rocky areas.

Endangered Species

Rare animals that occur or that have occurred at Tivoli Bays include osprey, bald eagles, king rail, least bittern, golden eagles, map turtles and American brook lamprey. Rare plants that occur or that have occurred here include heart leaf plantain, estuary beggar ticks, golden club, ovate spikerush, Parker's pipewort, Nuttall's micranthemum, Eaton's burmarigold, false pimpernel, winged monkey flower and swamp lousewort.