Interviewee: Betsy Blair

Summary: In the first interview, Betsy Blair recalls her childhood in upstate New York and Topsfield, Massachusetts. She shares details about her early interest in the natural world and how these interests matured during her college years at Tufts University. She discusses a variety of experiences, including living with her family in Italy, working on a Japanese fishing vessel in the Pacific Northwest, and her early career. This recollection took place as part of a group conversation. The other voice on the recording is Fran Dunwell.

In the follow up interview, Betsy Blair shares details about her role in the establishment of Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR) and her 35-year career there. She discusses the partnership between New York State and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that established HRNERR, and her role as manager of HRNERR. She shares information about HRNERR’s focus on tidal wetlands and habitats on the Hudson River Estuary, and the many collaborations that provided opportunities for research and conservation initiatives. Betsy’s recollections were part of a group conversation. Fran Dunwell and Nancy Beard also share recollections and information about research and management of Hudson River habitats.