Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties has put out a call for volunteers willing to participate in the annual eel count. American eels are hatched in the Atlantic Ocean and enter rivers as tiny glass eels each spring. The species is in decline over much of its range, and baseline studies are needed for conservation. Teams of scientists and students collect glass eels using net and trap devices on several Hudson River tributaries. Juvenile fish are counted, weighed and released to better habitat upstream, often above dams. Participants gain valuable field experience, study important species in the living environment, and work with local communities. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Hannacroix Creek site in New Baltimore is asked to call Tracey Testo of CCE Columbia-Greene at 518-622-9820, extension 119. For more information ccecolumbiagreene [dot] org.