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Since 1998, this national initiative founded by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) has encouraged communities to get outside, engage with their local waterbodies, and take action to protect them. This year, we’re sharing four simple and meaningful ways to celebrate. If you're a lake regular or you're just starting to dip your toes into lake stewardship, you'll find something valuable here! 1. Get to Know Your Lake There’s no better way to appreciate your local lake than by exploring it up close. Take a morning paddle, enjoy a peaceful shoreline walk, or head out with a fishing rod and a friend. Lakes offer the perfect setting for adventure, reflection, and connection with nature. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, there’s always something new to discover and appreciate at your local lake. And thanks to digital tools, exploration doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. For example, in Pennsylvania, the Bucks County Conservation District, in collaboration with Bucks County Planning Commission and Princeton Hydro, recently launched an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap showcasing the Lake Luxembourg watershed and Conservation Pool Restoration Project. This interactive tool lets you experience the lake’s ecology in a whole new way. Take a deeper dive—without getting your feet wet—and check out the StoryMap here. 2. Join the Secchi Dip-In Join lake lovers across North America for the annual Secchi Dip-In, a citizen science event where volunteers collect water clarity data using a simple Secchi disk. This collective initiative helps monitor lake health over time and contributes valuable data to local lake managers and the broader scientific community. Getting involved is simple—grab a Secchi disk (they're easy to make), take a turbidity reading, and submit your data online using the Secchi Dip-in database. Need guidance on how to use a Secchi disk? Check out our instructional video for a step-by-step walkthrough: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIkIx5uj8-8[/embed] While you're on the water, keep an eye out for harmful algal blooms (HABs). You can report potential blooms using the bloomWatch app, a helpful tool that connects citizen scientists with local environmental officials. Click here to learn more about identifying, monitoring and reporting HABs. 3. Create and Share Lake-Inspired Content Get creative and let your appreciation for lakes shine. Try your hand at Lakes Appreciation Month Bingo, make a short video, write a lakeside haiku, or paint a scene from your favorite shoreline. When you express your love for lakes through art, you can also inspire others to connect with and care for their local lakes. You can also participate in the NALMS “Show Your Lakes Appreciation” Challenge. While you’re out enjoying your favorite lake, snap a #lakeselfie, capture a scenic sunset, or photograph your pet mid-paddle. Post your photo on your favorite social media platform with the hashtag #LakesAppreciation and include the name of the lake in your caption for a chance to win prizes and be featured online. The contest runs all month long! Here's a winning entry from last year—a joyful shot of “Jo Jo the dog kayaking on Lake Michigan.” 4. Take Action and Give Back Looking to make a tangible impact? Volunteer for a local lake cleanup, support your watershed association, or become a lake steward helping to monitor your lake's water quality, remove invasive species, and more! Even taking small actions in your own backyard, like reducing fertilizer use or installing a rain garden, can make a big difference for water quality. Princeton Hydro has had the privilege of partnering with lake associations, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across the country on a wide range of lake restoration and stewardship efforts. These partnerships show what’s possible when communities come together to invest in their lakes. Read about our recent collaboration with Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Whether you’re picking up trash, attending a public meeting, or just learning more about lake science, your involvement matters. [gallery link="none" ids="17707,15300,12891"] Lakes are vital ecosystems and treasured community assets. Let’s use this month to celebrate them, protect them, and remind others just how important they are! To explore more ways to get involved this Lakes Appreciation Month, visit NALMS.org. To learn more about how Princeton Hydro manages and monitors lakes, click here. [post_title] => Celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month: 4 Ways to Show Your Love for Lakes [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => celebrate-lakes-appreciation-month-4-ways-to-show-your-love-for-lakes [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-03 14:01:00 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-03 14:01:00 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17700 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17598 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-06-04 17:07:23 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-04 17:07:23 [post_content] => Welcome to our “A Day in the Life” blog series, where we explore the diverse expertise and everyday experiences of the professionals who power Princeton Hydro’s mission. In this edition, we follow Casey Pantaleo, PE, a licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager on the Engineering Services team as he performs one of his highly specialized roles: dam inspection. Casey meets the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)’s criteria for a “qualified engineer,” meaning he is licensed in New Jersey, has more than a decade of relevant experience in dam design, construction, operation, and evaluation, and possesses a deep understanding of the potential causes and consequences of dam failures. He routinely conducts detailed inspections to help ensure the safety and stability of dams across New Jersey and throughout the Northeast. These structures, which play crucial roles in flood control, water supply, and recreation, require routine maintenance and monitoring to protect downstream communities and preserve infrastructure integrity. Spend a day with Casey and you’ll quickly realize that dam safety inspection is anything but routine—it’s equal parts technical expertise, historical context, and regulatory navigation, along with a good pair of waterproof boots. Inspection, Planning & Records Review Before heading into the field, the inspection process begins with reviewing the dam’s existing documentation—and the scope of that review depends on the type of inspection being conducted. For a Formal Inspection, the process requires an in-depth review of all available records on the dam. This typically takes place in person at the NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety office and should be completed prior to the field visit. For a Regular Inspection, the inspector reviews the most recent inspection report, the dam’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual. This step is essential for understanding the dam’s history, known concerns, and any previous recommendations or repairs. Both inspection types involve a detailed on-site visual examination of the dam. The Bureau of Dam Safety provides a standardized inspection checklist that guides this process. The checklist includes specific criteria for earthen embankments, concrete/masonry dams, and their spillway structures. “For earthen embankment dams, we assess the overall alignment, crest, upstream and downstream slopes, and dam abutments,” explains Casey. “We’re looking for signs of settlement, depressions, slope instability, seepage, and other indicators of distress.” For concrete dams, inspectors evaluate the upstream and downstream faces, crest, foundation, abutments, and any interior galleries. The key concerns here are material condition, cracking, seepage, and structural movement. The spillway—often inspected last—requires identification of all structures associated with overflow and release. Depending on the dam’s configuration, this may include primary, secondary, or emergency spillways. Components typically observed include:
Each July, we take time to reflect on the beauty, value, and importance of lakes during Lakes Appreciation Month. Since 1998, this national initiative founded by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) has encouraged communities to get outside, engage with their local waterbodies, and take action to protect them.
This year, we’re sharing four simple and meaningful ways to celebrate. If you're a lake regular or you're just starting to dip your toes into lake stewardship, you'll find something valuable here!
There’s no better way to appreciate your local lake than by exploring it up close. Take a morning paddle, enjoy a peaceful shoreline walk, or head out with a fishing rod and a friend. Lakes offer the perfect setting for adventure, reflection, and connection with nature. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, there’s always something new to discover and appreciate at your local lake.
And thanks to digital tools, exploration doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. For example, in Pennsylvania, the Bucks County Conservation District, in collaboration with Bucks County Planning Commission and Princeton Hydro, recently launched an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap showcasing the Lake Luxembourg watershed and Conservation Pool Restoration Project. This interactive tool lets you experience the lake’s ecology in a whole new way. Take a deeper dive—without getting your feet wet—and check out the StoryMap here.
Join lake lovers across North America for the annual Secchi Dip-In, a citizen science event where volunteers collect water clarity data using a simple Secchi disk. This collective initiative helps monitor lake health over time and contributes valuable data to local lake managers and the broader scientific community.
Getting involved is simple—grab a Secchi disk (they're easy to make), take a turbidity reading, and submit your data online using the Secchi Dip-in database. Need guidance on how to use a Secchi disk? Check out our instructional video for a step-by-step walkthrough:
Get creative and let your appreciation for lakes shine. Try your hand at Lakes Appreciation Month Bingo, make a short video, write a lakeside haiku, or paint a scene from your favorite shoreline. When you express your love for lakes through art, you can also inspire others to connect with and care for their local lakes.
You can also participate in the NALMS “Show Your Lakes Appreciation” Challenge. While you’re out enjoying your favorite lake, snap a #lakeselfie, capture a scenic sunset, or photograph your pet mid-paddle. Post your photo on your favorite social media platform with the hashtag #LakesAppreciation and include the name of the lake in your caption for a chance to win prizes and be featured online. The contest runs all month long!
Here's a winning entry from last year—a joyful shot of “Jo Jo the dog kayaking on Lake Michigan.”
Looking to make a tangible impact? Volunteer for a local lake cleanup, support your watershed association, or become a lake steward helping to monitor your lake's water quality, remove invasive species, and more! Even taking small actions in your own backyard, like reducing fertilizer use or installing a rain garden, can make a big difference for water quality.
Princeton Hydro has had the privilege of partnering with lake associations, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations across the country on a wide range of lake restoration and stewardship efforts. These partnerships show what’s possible when communities come together to invest in their lakes. Read about our recent collaboration with Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.
Whether you’re picking up trash, attending a public meeting, or just learning more about lake science, your involvement matters.
Welcome to our “A Day in the Life” blog series, where we explore the diverse expertise and everyday experiences of the professionals who power Princeton Hydro’s mission. In this edition, we follow Casey Pantaleo, PE, a licensed Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager on the Engineering Services team as he performs one of his highly specialized roles: dam inspection.
Casey meets the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)’s criteria for a “qualified engineer,” meaning he is licensed in New Jersey, has more than a decade of relevant experience in dam design, construction, operation, and evaluation, and possesses a deep understanding of the potential causes and consequences of dam failures. He routinely conducts detailed inspections to help ensure the safety and stability of dams across New Jersey and throughout the Northeast.
These structures, which play crucial roles in flood control, water supply, and recreation, require routine maintenance and monitoring to protect downstream communities and preserve infrastructure integrity.
Spend a day with Casey and you’ll quickly realize that dam safety inspection is anything but routine—it’s equal parts technical expertise, historical context, and regulatory navigation, along with a good pair of waterproof boots.
Before heading into the field, the inspection process begins with reviewing the dam’s existing documentation—and the scope of that review depends on the type of inspection being conducted.
For a Formal Inspection, the process requires an in-depth review of all available records on the dam. This typically takes place in person at the NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety office and should be completed prior to the field visit.
For a Regular Inspection, the inspector reviews the most recent inspection report, the dam’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manual. This step is essential for understanding the dam’s history, known concerns, and any previous recommendations or repairs.
Both inspection types involve a detailed on-site visual examination of the dam. The Bureau of Dam Safety provides a standardized inspection checklist that guides this process. The checklist includes specific criteria for earthen embankments, concrete/masonry dams, and their spillway structures.
“For earthen embankment dams, we assess the overall alignment, crest, upstream and downstream slopes, and dam abutments,” explains Casey. “We’re looking for signs of settlement, depressions, slope instability, seepage, and other indicators of distress.”
For concrete dams, inspectors evaluate the upstream and downstream faces, crest, foundation, abutments, and any interior galleries. The key concerns here are material condition, cracking, seepage, and structural movement.
The spillway—often inspected last—requires identification of all structures associated with overflow and release. Depending on the dam’s configuration, this may include primary, secondary, or emergency spillways.
Components typically observed include:
“Every dam is different,” Casey adds. “Not all structures have every component listed on the checklist, so part of our job is tailoring the inspection to the specific site configuration.”
The Formal Inspections checklist also includes a review and description of previous engineering studies and analyses, which ensures the dam continues to meet regulatory requirements. These formal evaluations are required every six years for Class I (high hazard) dams, and every ten years for Class II (significant hazard) dams.
All findings from both the field inspection and records review are compiled into a detailed inspection report, which includes photographic documentation and a formal condition rating:
The report also outlines a compliance schedule, proposing timelines for maintenance work, additional studies, or other corrective actions. Once complete, the report is signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and submitted to both the client and the Bureau of Dam Safety.
With the planning and records review process complete, Casey prepares for the physical site visit. Dam inspections often require a full day in the field, so preparation is key.
The first step before heading to the site is preparing an Activity Hazards Analysis (AHA). This document outlines the specific activities planned during the inspection, identifies potential hazards associated with each task, and defines the control measures used to eliminate or reduce risk. The AHA also includes the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility in case of injury.
Common hazards associated with dam inspections include slips, trips, and falls, insect nests, poison ivy, working near water, and occasionally, working on or near active roadways. Seasonal risks are also considered—such as the potential for heat illnesses during the summer months or cold-related injuries in the winter.
With safety protocols in place, Casey reviews the inspection schedule, checks the weather forecast, prints site maps, and gathers all the necessary personal protective equipment—waders, hard hat, and high-visibility vest—along with essential tools like a tape measure, measuring wheel, tile probe, field notebook, and camera.
Each tool plays a specific role. The tape measure is used for small-scale assessments, such as measuring cracks or depressions. The measuring wheel helps determine distances between notable features onsite. The tile probe allows Casey to gauge the density and consistency of embankment soils and to investigate for voids in concrete structures. It also comes in handy for checking the depth of animal burrows or the extent of subsurface voids within the dam.
“Having the right measuring tools is absolutely essential,” Casey explains. “We aim to collect the most detailed measurements possible so future inspections can determine whether a condition is getting worse. We also try to anticipate every potential hazard and ensure we have everything we might need before leaving the office. Sometimes we’re hiking through thick brush to reach a spillway or crawling into an outlet conduit—so having a solid plan and the right gear isn’t just helpful, it’s critical.”
Today’s inspection takes place at Assunpink Dam #6, an earth embankment dam located in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. Built in 1975, the dam is part of a flood control system designed to reduce risks along Assunpink Creek. The structure stands 31 feet high and stretches 2,500 feet long, with a total storage capacity of 12,653 acre-feet. It features a concrete spillway and an upstream water control structure. Owned by the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, the dam is regulated by the state and classified as a high-hazard structure—meaning its failure could result in significant downstream impacts, making regular inspections essential.
To begin the inspection, Casey walks the full length of the embankment, conducting a detailed visual assessment. He looks for telltale warning signs: animal burrows, seepage, erosion, settlement, slope instability, and woody vegetation that could damage the dam face or block visibility during future inspections. One of the most common and problematic issues he encounters is overgrown vegetation, which can significantly hinder the ability to properly evaluate the structure. Keeping the dam clear is critical for spotting early warning signs and maintaining long-term safety.
“Each dam tells its own story,” Casey explains. “Some may show signs of movement, others are perfectly stable. One site might have seepage issues, while another remains completely dry. It all depends on the structure and how it’s aged.”
He carefully inspects the embankment and associated structures for signs of movement, depressions, sloughing, cracking, and uncontrolled seepage—any of which could indicate an underlying issue that requires remediation.
“We follow a standard checklist during every inspection, but each dam is unique,” he adds. “Part of the job is understanding how these systems were built—some decades or even over a century ago—and how they’ve changed over time.”
After completing the full inspection—including the downstream toe, abutments, and emergency spillway—Casey wraps up his field notes, double-checks measurements, and ensures that all required photos have been captured. Before leaving the site, he often debriefs with the site representative, noting any immediate maintenance needs and outlining the next steps in the reporting process.
Back in the office, Casey begins transcribing his notes into a formal inspection report. He uploads and labels photos, updates GIS data where applicable, and reviews the dam’s historical inspection records to identify long-term trends or recurring issues. These records often help tell a broader story about the structure’s condition over time—highlighting vegetation growth, erosion patterns, or the effectiveness of past repairs.
Safety is always the top priority. If the inspection reveals anything that could pose an immediate risk to people or property downstream—such as uncontrolled seepage, excessive settlement, or slope instability—Casey contacts the dam owner and the NJDEP right away to recommend prompt action. Beyond urgent concerns, the inspection report also includes recommendations for routine maintenance and identifies any outdated analyses or studies that should be updated.
In many cases, the findings involve standard upkeep: clearing overgrown vegetation, reseeding disturbed areas, monitoring minor cracks or depressions, or maintaining access to critical features. One frequently emphasized point is the importance of operating the dam’s low-level outlet—if one is present—on a regular basis. Doing so helps ensure the outlet remains free of sediment or debris and functions properly in an emergency when water levels need to be lowered quickly.
New Jersey is home to more than 1,700 dams, according to data from NJDEP Bureau of Dam Safety. These regulated structures range from low-hazard to high-hazard classifications—the latter being dams whose failure could result in significant property damage or loss of life. Regular inspections are not only a regulatory requirement, but a frontline defense against catastrophic failure. They help identify small problems before they become serious, support safe operation, and guide critical maintenance and repair decisions that protect both people and ecosystems.
“Dam inspection doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s essential,” says Casey. “We’re helping communities prevent disasters before they happen by keeping a close eye on structures that quietly serve very big purposes.”
For more information about New Jersey’s dam infrastructure and safety programs, go here!
Casey Pantaleo, PE has over a decade of experience in the Geotechnical Engineering field and expertise in dam inspection, stormwater infrastructure, and regulatory permitting. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and New York. He maintains a wide range of professional responsibilities for the firm including subsurface explorations, development of geotechnical laboratory testing programs, shallow and deep foundation analysis and design, settlement evaluation, earth retaining system design, slope stability analyses, and management of geotechnical field operations. He also has extensive experience with stormwater infiltration analysis and testing, as well as performing annual dam inspections in compliance with the NJDEP Division of Dam Safety. He completes regular inspection reports, as well as reviews of O&M Manuals and Emergency Action Plans. He has experience with the design of dams for rehabilitation, preparation of engineering plans, and submission of relevant dam permits.
Casey earned his Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a Geotechnical focus from Rowan University. While at Rowan he performed comprehensive research on the effects of particle morphology in geotechnical testing using discrete element modeling and has several peer reviewed journal and conference publications outlining the results of this research.
This summer, the Princeton Hydro team is proud to participate in a wide range of conferences, continuing education programs, and local events. Browse the lineup below for event details, registration links, and opportunities to connect with us along the way.
Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the Pinelands Preservation Alliance’s 2025 Pinelands Science Forum! This year’s forum, themed “Rare Species – Research and Conservation,” will spotlight the rich biodiversity of the New Jersey Pinelands, with a focus on vulnerable, threatened, and rare species. From soil microbes to Barnegat Bay jellyfish, researchers at every career stage—students to senior scientists—will present studies and case examples that delve into the ecology of the Pine Barrens. The program opens with a keynote by Dr. Jay Kelly of Raritan Valley College, a lifelong scholar and champion of endangered plant conservation in the Pinelands. Hosted in PPA’s beautifully restored 1932 dairy barn, the forum includes light breakfast and lunch, and offers attendees a pre-breakfast bird walk and a chance to tour the organization’s 72-acre Rancocas Creek Farm, where chemical-free, carbon-sequestering practices are in action.
Join us on the banks of the Assunpink Creek for the 2025 Trenton Reel and Restore day. This free community event, co-sponsored by the Outdoor Equity Alliance, UrbanPromise Trenton, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Princeton Hydro, and SPLASH Classroom, offers fun-filled, family-friendly, hands-on activities, including a stream and park clean-up, a nature scavenger hunt, fishing lessons, environmental education workshops, and community enrichment opportunities. This year’s Reel and Restore Day takes place from 12pm to 3pm at Trenton’s George Page Park. You don't want to miss it!
The Second-Annual Duck Derby returns to Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers on July 31, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM—and it’s going to be a splash! Adults can adopt a racing rubber ducky and dive into the action while kids join the fun for free. The event features rubber duck races, live music, games, arts & crafts, and plenty of food and beverages to keep everyone entertained. Each guest receives one free meal voucher with entry, with additional treats available for purchase. Whether you're cheering on your speedy duck or just soaking up the fun, this quacky evening promises family-friendly fun for all ages. Princeton Hydro is excited to be one of this year’s event sponsors!
Now in its 25th year, the Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Land Ethics Symposium returns live and in-person at Delaware Valley University, bringing together leading voices in ecological landscape design and stewardship. This year’s theme, “Creative Approaches for Ecological Landscaping,” highlights innovative strategies for designing low-maintenance, cost-effective, and ecologically balanced landscapes using native plants and restoration techniques. Geared toward landscape architects, designers, contractors, land planners, municipal officials, and engaged homeowners, the symposium features presentations by top experts, including:
Attendees will explore topics such as native plant-based garden design, sensitive habitat restoration, land stewardship, and wildlife-friendly landscaping methods. The event also includes an exhibitor hall and opportunities to connect with fellow professionals and enthusiasts. Continuing education credits will be available.
On April 12, Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE along with the Lower Makefield Township Environmental Advisory Council led a free community workshop on how to build a rain garden. As part of the Advisory Council’s Environmental Lecture Series, Geoffrey demonstrated the environmental benefits of rain gardens and provided practical tips on how to build one.
The New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) 42nd Annual Conference was held on May 2 and 3 at the the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center in Lake George. In the theme “Back to the Future: Old Lake Issues and New Solutions,” the event featured panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro sponsored, exhibited and led two workshops: Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Manager of Aquatics, presented “Old Lake Issues? The EPA National Lakes Assessment (2000s) and Funding New Experimental Solutions.” And, Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, presented “Internal Loading: Updated Solutions for an Old and Increasing Problem for Lakes.”
Earlier this month, lake advocates, environmental professionals, researchers, and community leaders gathered for the 42nd Annual New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA) Conference. Held at the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, overlooking beautiful Lake George, the event brought together individuals from across the region to reexamine longstanding lake and watershed challenges through the lens of innovation, collaboration, and science.
With this year’s theme, “Back to the Future: Old Lake Issues and New Solutions,” the conference emphasized how new policies, technologies, and strategies can be applied to address persistent water quality issues. The two-day program featured a robust lineup of educational sessions, workshops, an exhibitor hall, and networking opportunities, all designed to inspire fresh ideas and collective action.
The conference kicked-off with a keynote from Greg Michel, Executive Director of Onondaga Earth Corps, a youth and community development organization headquartered in Syracuse, New York that engages young adults in environmental service projects. Michel and his team inspired attendees with stories of empowering the next generation of conservationists while tackling real-world ecological needs.
As a proud sponsor, event exhibitor, and long-time member of NYSFOLA, Princeton Hydro led two educational workshops, both focused on bringing data-driven insights and practical funding strategies to lake communities.
Chris L. Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Manager of Aquatics shared insights from the most recent EPA’s National Lakes Assessment (NLA), which offers a statistically valid snapshot of lake health across the US. Using data from the NLA’s recurring five-year surveys, he illustrated how the findings help identify ecological conditions, long-term trends, and stressors impacting our lakes.
While the Clean Lakes Program (Section 314 of the Clean Water Act) once provided federal funding for in-lake restoration, it hasn’t been funded since 1995. Chris emphasized how large-scale assessments like the NLA can still play a crucial role in shaping effective lake management strategies and strengthening funding proposals. He spotlighted current funding opportunities from the New Jersey Highlands Council, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Research and Development Center. Through real-world case studies, he illustrated how data-driven planning can translate into on-the-ground results for lake restoration and protection.
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, tackled internal phosphorus loading—a growing concern for lakes already struggling with nutrient enrichment and harmful algal blooms (HABs). Unlike external sources of pollution, internal loading arises from within the lake itself, particularly in sediment layers that continue to release nutrients long after the original source has been addressed.
Fred provided detailed case studies from lakes across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, including Lake Mohawk and Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey, Harveys Lake in Pennsylvania, and Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. He demonstrated how targeted in-lake and watershed strategies—when backed by proper assessment and data—can successfully reduce internal phosphorus levels and improve long-term lake health.
Thank you to NYSFOLA for another outstanding conference and the opportunity to support the mission of protecting New York’s lakes. Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of this dynamic community advancing innovative, science-based solutions. We enjoyed the engaging conversations, insightful presentations, and opportunities to collaborate with lake professionals from across the region — and we had a blast at trivia night!
On April 9, experts and stakeholders from across the country gathered virtually for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) 6th Annual Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Summit. Held via Microsoft Teams and free to attend, this year’s summit embraced the theme “Kicking the HAB-it Together: Collaborating to Get Ahead of HABs”—a fitting reflection of the event’s focus on moving away from crisis-driven responses and toward proactive, long-term solutions for managing HABs.
The summit brought together a diverse audience of local, state, and federal government representatives, environmental commissions, watershed associations, nonprofits, academic researchers, lake management professionals, and community members united by a shared goal: to better understand, prevent, and manage the impacts of HABs. With presentations spanning public health, policy, science, and on-the-ground solutions, the program set the stage for a day of insightful discussion and knowledge-sharing.
The day kicked off with opening remarks and presentations from NJDEP representatives and the Montgomery Township Health Department, who provided updates on state-level HAB response efforts and local public health perspectives. The morning session also featured a technical keynote address from Dr. Wayne Carmichael, Professor Emeritus at Wright State University and a nationally recognized pioneer in HAB research. Dr. Carmichael offered a comprehensive national overview of the current HAB landscape, emerging threats, and the evolving science behind bloom detection, health risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. His presentation underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling this growing environmental challenge.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to collaboration and preparedness. A panel discussion titled “Getting Ahead of the Crisis: Prevention vs. Response” included a range of voices, including NJDEP leadership, municipal representatives, and advocacy groups like The Watershed Institute. Panelists discussed how coordinated efforts, regulatory tools, and community engagement can help prevent the conditions that lead to HABs, rather than merely responding after blooms occur.
The final portion of the summit highlighted innovative management strategies. Presentations covered topics like choosing practical solutions for HABs and restoration case studies. Princeton Hydro’s own Pat Rose, Aquatics Project Manager and Environmental Scientist, was among the expert speakers. Pat presented on a cutting-edge research and development initiative funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). His talk explored both proactive and reactive treatment strategies designed to control near-shore HABs at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest lake, in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
If you weren’t able to attend the summit live, don’t worry—you can now watch the full recording on the NJDEP YouTube channel:
HABs are rapid, large overgrowths of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, aren’t actually algae, they are prokaryotes, single-celled aquatic organisms that are closely related to bacteria and can photosynthesize like algae. These microorganisms are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems, but, under the right conditions (e.g., heavy rains followed by hot, sunny days), these organisms can rapidly increase to form HABs. Climate change is leading to more frequent, more intense rainstorms that drive run-off pollutants into waterways, coupled with more hot days that increase the water temperature, creating the ideal environment for HABs to proliferate. In recent years, HABs have begun to appear in more places, earlier in the summer.
The New Jersey Governor’s HABs Initiative was launched in 2019 after lakes throughout NJ (and the entire Continental U.S.) suffered from HAB outbreaks, which caused local and county health agencies to close off all beaches and issue advisories. These unprecedented conditions had significant negative impacts on lake-related ecological, recreational, and economic resources. The Governor’s initiative designated $13 million in funding to local communities for HABs reduction/prevention; established the HABs expert team, which includes Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow; and coordinated annual HABs summits in order to encourage continued community education and discussion.
To learn more about HABs, view educational resources, or report a HAB sighting, visit the NJDEP Division of Water Monitoring and Standards HABs website.
Earth Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a gentle nudge to reconnect with the natural world around us, and a reminder that everyday actions can shape a more sustainable future. Whether you’re tending a garden, removing invasive plants, or picking up litter while out on a walk, these small steps add up to a healthier, more resilient planet. This year, our team found a few fun and meaningful ways to mark the occasion—and we hope this inspires you to get outside and get growing, too.
Spring is the perfect season to take action in your yard or community green space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are a few tips from our team to help your garden thrive:
Looking for more tips? Princeton Hydro landscape architects Jamie Feinstein, RLA and Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP shared their top spring gardening tips in an "Ask Me Anything" Facebook live Q&A session, including:
To welcome spring, members of the Princeton Hydro team spent an afternoon outside tending the native garden bed at the Trenton headquarters. Located at the front of the building, the perennial planting area features climate-adapted, drought-resistant native species chosen for their ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal.
Although perennials return year after year, they still benefit from seasonal care. Tasks like weeding, pruning, and loosening the soil support strong root systems, encourage healthy growth, and help maintain a thriving, sustainable garden ecosystem. Recognizing the garden's significance and the value of collaboration, our team united to accommodate and nurture this year's growth.
“It was a fun chance to unplug, get our hands in the dirt, and connect with coworkers in a different kind of ‘team meeting,’” said Mikhail Velez, Communications Coordinator. “It’ll be exciting to see how the space fills in over the season, and we’re looking forward to doing small things throughout the year to keep it healthy and thriving.”
Feeling inspired? Organizing a gardening day is a fun, low-cost way to give back to your environment and bring people together. Celebrate Earth Day 2025 by starting a garden, volunteering with a local environmental group, or organizing your own mini planting day with friends, family or coworkers.
Rain gardens are a beautiful, low-maintenance green infrastructure solution for managing stormwater, reducing erosion, and improving water quality by filtering pollutants before they reach local waterways. They also provide valuable habitat for pollinators and other beneficial wildlife.
On April 12, Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E. led a free public workshop on how to build a rain garden of your own. Hosted in Yardley, PA by the Lower Makefield Township Environmental Advisory Council as part of their Environmental Lecture Series, the session offered practical, approachable guidance for managing stormwater at home.
Using photos from his own yard, Geoffrey walked attendees through how he designed and installed a rain garden to reduce runoff and eliminate pooling water. He shared ten easy-to-follow tips and answered questions on plant selection, drainage strategies, long-term maintenance, and when and why to amend soil before planting.
Want to learn more? Watch Geoffrey’s full presentation and get inspired to create your own eco-friendly solution to stormwater management:
The real spirit of Earth Day lies in our ongoing commitment to care for the natural world—not just once a year, but in everyday choices and community actions. As Geoffrey quoted in his rain garden presentation, "Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." – Howard Zinn.
At Princeton Hydro, we take pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Today, we're delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of two team members whose recent certifications exemplify this commitment. Their achievements not only reflect individual dedication but also enhance our firm’s collective ability to innovate and deliver exceptional environmental solutions.
Scott Churm, Senior Director of Field Services, recently became a PRO Certified EutroSORB® Specialist—a designation granted by SePRO Corporation to professionals trained in the implementation of EutroSORB Water Quality Technologies for phosphorus control in lakes and ponds.
EutroSORB® is a cutting-edge technology designed to reduce phosphorus levels, curtail eutrophication, and restore the health of aquatic ecosystems. To earn this certification, Scott completed specialized training and passed a comprehensive exam, demonstrating his advanced knowledge in evaluating water quality issues and prescribing targeted, effective solutions.
Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2006, Scott has led our pond and lake management services with unmatched expertise. From identifying invasive aquatic species to overseeing long-term management plans, his work spans hundreds of sites and over 1,000 acres. He’s a licensed pesticide applicator in five states and has implemented a wide range of techniques—from hydro-raking and weed harvesting to aeration system installations and biological controls—to support the health and balance of aquatic environments.
With this new certification, Scott adds another tool to his already expansive toolbox, further reinforcing our team’s ability to restore and preserve water bodies across the region.
Matthew Pappas, a Geotechnical Engineer at Princeton Hydro, recently earned the prestigious CCS® credential from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). This certification demonstrates advanced proficiency in specification (spec) writing, construction documentation, and product research—critical skills that improve project delivery and communication across all phases of construction.
To become CCS-certified, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that evaluates their understanding of contracts, technical documentation, and spec development best practices. With this achievement, Matthew joins a select group of professionals recognized for their ability to clearly and effectively communicate design intent, construction materials, and performance standards.
Since joining Princeton Hydro in 2019, Matthew has worked across disciplines, supporting our geotechnical practice and green infrastructure initiatives. His responsibilities span from field investigations and laboratory testing to slope stability and sediment modeling to spec drafting and cost estimating. He’s also earned several technical responsibilities, including serving as the firm's Radiation Safety Officer and receiving training in concrete field testing.
Matthew's initiative and adaptability have made him a valuable asset to our team, and his CCS certification further exemplifies his dedication to technical excellence and lifelong learning.
Congratulations to Scott and Matthew on their well-earned achievements! To learn more about the Princeton Hydro team, click here.
The Bucks County Conservation District, in collaboration with Bucks County Planning Commission and Princeton Hydro, has launched an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap showcasing the Lake Luxembourg Conservation Pool Restoration Project. This engaging web application weaves together interactive storytelling, multimedia, charts, diagrams, and dynamic web maps to provide an in-depth look at the decade-long journey to restore Lake Luxembourg's Conservation Pool.
Designed as a publicly accessible resource, the StoryMap allows users to explore project details in an intuitive, interactive format—zooming and panning through specific project areas, viewing site attributes, and navigating restoration initiatives without the need for specialized GIS software or training. Its goal is to connect the community with its watershed, showcase the significance of restoration efforts, and inspire environmental stewardship.
Let’s take a closer look at the restoration project and how the StoryMap brings it to life.
In the summer of 2024, the Bucks County Conservation District in collaboration with Bucks County government completed the Conservation Pool Restoration Project, the culmination of a decade-long effort to improve water quality in the Core Creek watershed.
The Conservation Pool is an upstream section of Lake Luxembourg, a 174-acre reservoir that serves as the final major stop for Core Creek before it flows into Neshaminy Creek. Located northeast of the Woodbourne Road bridge, the Pool accounts for one-tenth of the lake’s total area. Surrounded by wetlands, forests, and agricultural fields, it also receives water from two smaller tributaries in addition to Core Creek.
The project, with engineering and design beginning in 2016, focused on enhancing the Conservation Pool’s ability to filter pollutants by reducing sediment and nutrient buildup. To achieve this, the project team created a sediment forebay—an upstream settling basin designed to capture sediment before it enters the main lake—by dredging 15,000 cubic yards of phosphorus-rich sediment from the Pool’s upstream section. Native vegetation was planted along the shallow banks to stabilize the shoreline, filter excess phosphorus, and establish an emergent wetland system that supports native wildlife.
Over the course of a month, approximately 36,000 live plugs were planted at the Lake Luxembourg Conservation Pool. Wooden stakes, construction fencing, and twine was installed around planting areas to deter geese from eating the young plants:
This long-term management approach enhances pollution control in the watershed while ensuring future maintenance and sediment removal can be carried out efficiently. Princeton Hydro continues to work with watershed stakeholders to improve Lake Luxembourg’s water quality, including partnering with BCCD to reassess and update stabilization practices in areas affected by the changing climate and invasive species.
Now, thanks to the ArcGIS StoryMap, the entire restoration process can be explored in an interactive and engaging way!
Restoring a watershed is a complex, multi-year, multi-pronged effort. While project reports and technical documents provide valuable data, they don’t always capture the full scope of the work in an accessible way. That’s where the Lake Luxembourg Conservation Pool Restoration Project StoryMap comes in. This interactive digital experience transforms years of planning, permitting, construction, and ecological restoration into a visually rich, user-friendly platform.
The journey begins with “A Watershed Story: Understanding the Core Creek Watershed,” which introduces users to the region’s significance and challenges. Engaging visuals, clickable maps, and educational diagrams help explain watershed dynamics, land use changes, and the importance of water quality management.
Next, “Past Restoration Projects in the Core Creek Watershed” highlights nine municipal and private projects designed to reduce sediment and nutrient loads, featuring an interactive map of efforts like the Lake Luxembourg Southeast Shoreline Stabilization and Pocket Wetland Creation.
The StoryMap then shifts focus to the Conservation Pool Restoration Project, exploring key project components with interactive site maps and detailed insights, including:
A highlight of the StoryMap is the “Construction at a Glance” section, featuring a compelling YouTube video that captures the restoration effort from start to finish. Click below to watch the video now:
The final section, “Future of the Core Creek Watershed,” looks ahead at upcoming restoration efforts, the ongoing impact of climate change, and strategies for long-term ecosystem resilience. Topics include climate projections for Bucks County, extreme weather impacts, and collaborative conservation efforts.
By blending maps, visuals, and interactive storytelling, this StoryMap serves as both an educational tool and a digital archive of the Lake Luxembourg Conservation Pool Restoration Project. Explore the StoryMap now and see for yourself how this vital environmental restoration initiative is shaping the future of the watershed.
Soil analysis is an essential part of environmental science, providing key insights into land composition, hydrology, and ecological health. In this installment of our "Field Notes" blog series, where we explore essential tools used by Princeton Hydro’s team, we take a deep dive into the Munsell Soil Color Chart—a standardized system that allows professionals to classify and communicate soil characteristics with accuracy. This tool is particularly useful in wetland delineations, where soil color helps determine whether an area meets the criteria for wetland classification.
What if the ground beneath your feet could tell a story? Soil isn’t just dirt—it’s a dynamic, living record of the landscape’s history, composition, and ability to sustain life. One of the most revealing clues in soil analysis is color, which reflects key properties such as drainage, organic matter content, and oxidation levels.
One key application of the Munsell Soil Color Chart is in wetland delineation, a process that determines whether a particular area meets the hydrologic, vegetative, and soil criteria for wetland classification. Soil scientists use an auger to extract a sample from the ground, where the first 6 to 12 inches, also known as the upper part, of the soil profile is the most important for determining whether the soils are hydric.
Hydric soils are defined as those that form under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil. The landscape of the site also plays a crucial role in hydric soil development. Factors such as hydrology, slope, landform, soil materials, and vegetation influence how these conditions emerge. These environmental factors trigger biogeochemical processes that lead to the development of distinct hydric soil indicators, including:
Once a scientist identifies a hydric soil, they refer to the Munsell Soil Color Chart to classify its matrix color and any hydric soil indicators present. This classification helps determine whether the area qualifies as a wetland under regulatory guidelines.
Before conducting a wetland delineation, Princeton Hydro Environmental Scientist Ivy Babson, PWS, first determines which United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wetland Delineation Region her site is located in—an essential step for ensuring proper classification. For a recent wetland delineation, Ivy identified her site as being within the Northcentral and Northeast Region and conducted pre-delineation research, which revealed that the area was characterized by shallow bedrock and exposed boulders.
Upon arriving at the site, Ivy observed that the wetland had formed within an old basin. The sloped basin floor supported hydrophytic vegetation, including cattails, sedges, and rushes, with visible drainage patterns and hummock-hollow microtopography indicating prolonged wet conditions.
Once Ivy selected a suitable location for a soil boring, she used a Dutch auger to extract a soil sample. The first 6 inches of the profile revealed very dark mineral soils with a high amount of decomposed organic material. Using the Munsell Soil Color Chart, she classified the sample as 10YR 2/1—a black, saturated mucky loam.
She also identified strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features along plant root pore linings, indicating iron reduction due to prolonged saturation:
The next six inches of soil maintained a similar composition before transitioning at nine inches to a gray clay layer (10YR 5/1) with many yellowish-brown (10YR 5/6) redoximorphic features occurring as reduced iron soft masses, another clear indicator of prolonged saturation:
By 15 inches, Ivy hit bedrock, confirming that groundwater was perched above the rock layer, creating the saturated conditions necessary for hydric soil development.
To determine whether the site met wetland criteria, Ivy referred to the USACE’s Regional Supplement to the Wetland Delineation Manual, which provides region-specific hydric soil indicators. She identified several key indicators in her soil profile:
The combination of these four hydric soil indicators proves that the area is a wetland and is subject to conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part of the soil—a conclusion supported by the area's shallow bedrock, high water table, and saturated soil conditions.
Ivy draws a unique parallel between soil analysis and Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night, transforming scientific observation into an artistic analogy:
"Looking at the Starry Night painting, my eyes are immediately drawn to the bright yellow stars and white moon against the dark blue night sky. In soil analysis, the dark blue sky represents the matrix of the soil, while the bright stars and moon resemble hydric soil indicators that ‘pop’ out. The streaking cypress tree in the painting? That’s like a redoximorphic concentration of manganese forming around a plant root. Just as these elements make Van Gogh’s painting unique, hydric soil indicators reveal the unique story of the land beneath our feet."
Beyond wetland delineation, soil classification is a key component of environmental restoration, conservation planning, and land management. The ability to analyze and interpret soil properties helps scientists understand long-term landscape changes, assess soil health, and develop strategies for sustainable land use.
The Munsell Soil Color Chart is particularly valuable in tracking environmental shifts. Subtle variations in soil color can indicate changes in moisture levels, organic content, or chemical composition—factors that influence everything from erosion control to habitat restoration. Soil analysis can reveal how a site has responded to past land use or whether a conservation area is recovering as expected.
By decoding soil characteristics with precision, environmental professionals can make informed decisions that support healthy ecosystems, improve water management, and guide responsible development. The Munsell Soil Color Chart remains a trusted resource in this process, providing a universal language for soil classification and environmental assessment.
Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, recently traveled to Durban, South Africa, to participate in a symposium focused on “Dam Management and Restoration of River Connectivity.”
Organized by the Ruben Rocha of the Dam Removal South Africa initiative of the former World Fish Migration Foundation (WFMF) and the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), this inaugural event brought together international experts, local researchers, and representatives from government agencies and environmental organizations to explore the complex challenges of balancing water security with ecosystem protection in South Africa. The dynamic two-day program featured on-site exploration, expert-led presentations, and collaborative “World Cafe” workshops aimed at advancing sustainable water management practices across South Africa.
The workshop kicked off with a visit to two weirs on the lower uMkhomazi River: the Goodenough Weir and the Department of Water and Sanitation Weir. Participants gained a firsthand perspective on the intricate and difficult balance between infrastructure development and ecosystem function preservation. At the Goodenough Weir, construction efforts to upgrade the structure were underway, incorporating a fish passage designed to support the upstream migration of native fish species. In contrast, just upstream, the outdated Department of Water and Sanitation Weir presented a stark example of the challenges posed by aging infrastructure. Its obsolete design continues to block river connectivity and disrupt natural habitats, impeding the broader success of restoration efforts downstream. The success of the Goodenough Weir’s fish passage structure will be evaluated for its effectiveness once in operation.
This field visit provided an immersive learning experience, sparking meaningful discussions among attendees. Participants explored strategies for harmonizing ecological priorities with critical infrastructure needs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adopting a holistic, big-picture approach to sustainable water management and river connectivity.
The second day of the workshop was packed with impactful presentations and interactive discussions, offering both local and international perspectives on sustainable water management and river restoration.
South African representatives shared innovative strategies and real-world examples from their work:
Navashni Govender of SANParks highlighted South Africa's groundbreaking efforts in Kruger National Park, where dam removals—the first of their kind on the African continent—have restored natural river flow and enhanced biodiversity.
Nkosinjani Mkhize of the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency discussed strategies for balancing social and ecological demands.
Futhi Vilakazi of uMngeni-uThukela Water addressed the dual challenge of securing water supplies and protecting ecosystems, with a focus on catchment interventions.
Dr. Andrew Blackmore of KZN Wildlife provided a detailed exploration of South Africa’s complex regulatory framework for dam removal, shedding light on how to navigate environmental legislation effectively.
The program also welcomed two international experts who enriched the conversation with perspectives from their respective regions:
Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE delivered a presentation titled “Sediment Management Before, During, and After Dam/Weir Removal,” emphasizing the critical role of sediment in maintaining river health. Through case studies and strategies from the United States, he demonstrated how proactive sediment management can enhance both the ecological and social benefits of barrier removal. His insights underscored the interconnected challenges of sedimentation, water quality, and dam removal—issues South Africa must address to achieve sustainable water resource management.
Mr. Hamish Moir of Scotland’s CBEC Eco-Engineering shared success stories from Europe, including projects in Scotland, the UK, and Iceland. His presentation on reconnecting rivers through selective barrier removal showcased how nature-based solutions can improve ecosystem dynamics and mitigate flood risks, offering valuable lessons for South Africa.
The day concluded with interactive "World Café" workshop sessions focused on key themes such as stakeholder involvement, governance mechanisms, water scarcity, biodiversity, socio-economic impacts, and funding models. Participants explored solutions for integrating ecological, social, and economic priorities into river restoration projects.
Together, the presentations and workshops provided actionable knowledge and innovative approaches to advancing river connectivity and sustainable dam management.
After the conference, Geoff had the honor of being invited by Dr. Matthew Burnett to tour the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s hydraulics lab. Dr. Burnett, who serves as Principal Scientist at the Institute of Natural Resources, Honorary Freshwater Ecology Researcher at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and coordinator of the “Dam Management and Restoration of River Connectivity” symposium, introduced Geoff to the research being conducted at the University. Researchers there are developing sediment transport models and fish passage testing methods. The emerging program reflects South Africa’s growing commitment to tackling water scarcity, sedimentation, and ecosystem health.
Geoff noted that South Africa is at a pivotal stage in balancing water security with ecological protection. Many dams, while designed for long-term water availability, struggle with sedimentation that reduces reservoir capacity and leads to water quality issues like harmful algal blooms, in addition to creating barriers for diadromous and potamodromous fish, prawn, and crab species. These challenges highlight the need for integrated solutions that address human, agricultural, and biodiversity needs, ensuring sustainable outcomes.
“It was an honor to be invited to South Africa to participate in this important workshop and collaborate with so many talented individuals, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the country’s water resource challenges,” said Geoff. “By exchanging knowledge and ideas from around the world, we can foster innovative approaches and shape balanced solutions.”
Geoff’s participation exemplifies Princeton Hydro’s commitment to advancing global river restoration efforts. By sharing expertise and fostering collaborative dialogue, the workshop in Durban marked a meaningful step toward reconnecting South Africa’s rivers and creating a more sustainable future for its communities and ecosystems.
Before the workshop, Geoff and his wife, Amy, began the trip in Cape Town immersing themselves in South Africa’s rich culture and natural beauty. They explored the city, took part in a guided history tour, and visited the Cape of Good Hope where they admired the stunning coastal landscape, vibrant flora, and fascinating wildlife—including African penguins!
Princeton Hydro Senior Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, and ACE was recently featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast, a Top 20 Nature Apple podcast with over 7,000 monthly listeners. McGraw joined hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick to discuss a range of "Ecological Ramblings," including his journey from city life to a career in wildlife biology, the impact of deer populations on ecosystems, and practical steps listeners can take to make a positive environmental impact.
The conversation also touched on the documentary "Roots So Deep," which explores regenerative farming and features McGraw as part of a team of scientists whose research helped shape the film. His studies focused on how breeding bird populations respond to different grazing techniques—specifically, Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing versus continuous grazing. The documentary highlights how strategic land management can improve farm productivity and profits while simultaneously supporting environmental and wildlife conservation.
McGraw’s insights showcase the importance of science-driven conservation efforts and how individuals, from farmers to backyard gardeners, can contribute to a healthier planet.
Click below to listen to the full podcast:
Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE is a Senior Project Manager and Senior Wildlife Biologist in our Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys team who has with over 20 years’ experience designing and performing custom ecological assessments and wildlife surveys. Click here to learn more!
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