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The Princeton Hydro team is leading webinars; presenting at conferences throughout the country; and participating in events that celebrate community and environmental stewardship.

In this edition of our Events Spotlight, we provide an overview of all the latest happenings and information on how to get involved.


September 16: Trenton River Days Fair

Hosted by The Watershed Institute, Trenton River Days is a free event that celebrates the history, culture, and recreational benefits of the Delaware River. Join us on Saturday, September 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for canoe and boat rides, food trucks, live music, hayrides, fly fishing demonstrations, crafts, educational games, and exhibits for hands-on fun. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and excited to attend this fun-filled community event – please stop by our booth to get an up-close look at our airboat and say hello to our team!

Get more info.

September 27: Edge-of-Field Nutrient Runoff and Algae Bloom and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Remediation Webinar

The National Algae Association is hosting a “From Source to Blooms” webinar focused on preventing, remediating, removing, recycling and repurposing HABs. Our Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is presenting on “Using the Ecosystem Services of Green Infrastructure to Reduce and Control HABs.”

Get more info and register.

September 28 & 29: 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum

We are proud to sponsor this year’s Delaware River Watershed Forum, which is bing held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE. The 11th Annual Forum provides an opportunity for Coalition members, legislators, watershed advocates, environmental organizations, community members, local businesses, and students to collaborate on protecting the Delaware River Watershed. Participants can engage in education workshops, field trip excursions, networking events, and keynote addresses.

Get more info and register.

October 1-3: SER Mid-Atlantic Conference

Society for Ecological Restoration’s 2023 Mid-Atlantic Conference will be held at NJSEA’s Environmental Center in the New Jersey Meadowlands. This year’s conference, titled “Restoring Urban Ecosystems,” includes an opening-day birding festival, Plenary Sessions, field trips, and a variety of workshops. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and attending the event. Geoffrey Goll, PE, Mark Gallagher, Michael Rehman, PWS, CERP, and Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM GISP, are each presenting on ecosystem restoration topics. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get more info and register.

October 5 & 6: SAME Philadelphia Post Small Business Conference 2023

The mission of SAME is to build leaders and lead collaboration among government and industry to develop multidisciplinary solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. The 2023 Conference, includes breakout sessions, networking opportunities, USACE-led contract opportunities and programs briefings, and a small-business exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, an event sponsor and exhibitor, joined SAME as a sustaining member in 2018.

Get more info and register. 

October 11: SAME MEGA Maryland Small Business Conference

The SAME MEGA Maryland conference gives small and minority businesses in the architecture, engineering and construction industries the opportunity to come together with federal agencies in order to showcase best practices and highlight future opportunities to work in the federal market. Princeton Hydro is exhibiting at and sponsoring this year’s conference, which includes 75+ speakers, two inspiring and informative keynotes, networking events, training sessions, and panel discussions being led by local, state, and federal agency professionals, networking, matchmaking, client panels, training sessions, and MORE!

Get more info and register.

October 11 & 24: Hudson River Watershed Alliance’s 2023 Watershed Conference

Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice (DEIJ) is critical to achieving our goals of clean water and healthy tributaries in the Hudson River watershed. As such, the 2023 Watershed Conference is themed "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice" and offers participants a chance to learn about DEIJ strategies and water-related case studies that are moving this critical work forward in the region. It will be held both in-person and virtually.

The in-person session will be on Tuesday, October 24 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, NY. This session will focus on DEIJ strategies and case studies from the Hudson River watershed. The day will be structured with both plenary and breakout sessions, along with space and time for networking.

The virtual session, held on Wednesday, October 11 from 1 to 3:30 PM via Zoom, will feature presentations from a panel of speakers, followed by a discussion and a Q&A. It is highly recommended that everyone planning to attend the in-person session watches the webinar beforehand as it will set a valuable foundation for the content of the in-person session. Registration for the virtual session is included with the in-person conference registration, and will be recorded and shared with all conference registrants.

Get more info and register.

October 13: Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions’ 2023 Environmental Congress

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Congress, which Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and participate in. The in-person conference will be held at Mercer County College from 9am – 5pm on October 13. Virtual sessions will also be available October 17 and October 19. ANJEC is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources and protection of environmental health. Princeton Hydro is a business member of ANJEC.

Get more info and register.

October 22 – 26: North American Lake Management Society International Symposium

Lake Erie will be the backdrop to this year’s International Symposium. The theme to this year's conference is “Great Lakes, Local Solutions.” The action-packed agenda includes workshops, panel discussions, field trips, poster presentations, the annual 5k fun run, and an exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the Symposium, is exhibiting and leading a variety of presentations:

  • "The Interaction Between Algae and Sediments: Managing HABs From the Bottom Up" led by Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow.
  • "The Ecosystem Services of Stormwater Management in the Protection and Improvement of Lakes" also led by Dr. Lubnow.
  • "CSLAP and Customized Monitoring: How Additional Data Is Helping Sleepy Hollow Lake" led by Senior Aquatics Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.
  • "The Importance of Hand-On Field Education and Exposure With Regards to Monitoring Data" also led by Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.
  • "Combat HABs With Biochar: A New Tool for You" led by Senior Environmental Scientist and Aquatics Technical Project Manager J.P. Bell, GISP.
Get more info and register.

October 24 – 26: New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) Annual Conference

NJAFM is hosting its 16th Annual Conference and Exhibition in Atlantic City, NJ. ​With over 500 people expected to attend, NJAFM Annual Conference is the premiere floodplain management conference in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for professionals in the fields of engineering, hydrology, geology, planning, code enforcement, floodplain management and emergency management to participate in educational seminars, training opportunities and exclusive networking events. Participants will engage in educational sessions centered around the conference theme: "Investing in Mitigation - Leveraging Resources to Mitigate Flood Hazard." Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and exhibiting at the conference.

Get more info and register.

October 26: Backyard Birding - Live Q&A Event with Princeton Hydro Experts

On Thursday, October 26 at 6pm EST, join us for a Live Facebook Q&A Event with Princeton Hydro scientists and birding enthusiasts Emily Bjorhus, PWS and Eric Zawatski. Learn about the basics of bird identification, how to attract specific birds to your yard, options for food and feeders, and get all of your burning birding questions answered!

  Get more info and register.

November 3: Technical Friday Webinar - The New Stormwater Rule and Proposed Enhancements

In July 2023, NJDEP published the Inland Flood Protection Rules, which requires municipalities to update their stormwater control ordinances to improve water quality. Hosted by The Watershed Institute, the webinar will provide guidance on the new stormwater ordinances, a summary of requirements, and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The Watershed Institute along with co-sponsors American Littoral Society (ALS), Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), and Pinelands Preservation Alliance, invite officials, planning board members, municipal professionals (engineers and planners), attorneys and Environmental Commission members, from all across the state, to learn more and ask questions. The webinar features two expert speakers: Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, and The Watershed Institute Policy Director Michael Pisauro, Esq.

The webinar is free and will take place via Zoom from Noon - 1:30 PM on Friday, November 3.

Get more info and register.

November 9: SAME Philadelphia Resilience Symposium

As the U.S. continues to see warming temperature trends and heavy weather events of increasing frequency and intensity, infrastructure resiliency is a crucial topic of discussion. The SAME Philadelphia Post Annual Symposium will bring together practitioners from the Greater Philadelphia Area and beyond to speak about infrastructure resiliency and how it can help public and private entities survive these turbulent times. The event also includes an exhibitor hall - Princeton Hydro is exhibiting and is also a proud sponsor of the event.

Get more info and register.

November 14 – 16: New Jersey League of Municipalities Annual Conference

The 108th Annual Conference will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ. The Conference, which is considered the largest municipal gathering in the nation, provides three full days of extensive learning opportunities, meaningful face-to-face networking, and a comprehensive showcase of product innovations. The event opens the doors to local government officials, connecting them with state and federal officials and resources. Come visit our booth in the exhibit hall!

Get more info and register.

November 15: Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association (CLRMA) Fall Conference

CLRMA is an organization of water professionals and community members who share an interest in enjoying and protecting Colorado's lakes and reservoirs. The 2023 Fall Conference, themed "Historical Perspectives on Water Quality," takes place in Denver on November 15 from 9am - 2:3opm. The conference features a variety of presentations, including "How Climate Change Impacts the Ecology and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and the Value of Long-Term Data," which is led by Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow and Senior Aquatics Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.

Get more info and register.

November 20: Liquid Lecture - Thinking (W)holistically about Water Management

Fountain Creek Watershed District Brewshed Alliance invites to join them at Voodoo Brewing Company in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the November Liquid Lecture featuring Princeton Hydro Senior Aquatics Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM. During his presentation he will address some of the more common issues from a "big picture" perspective of surface water quality, lake management, and watershed management. He will share techniques that can assist in management and improvement, including emphasis on the cause of harmful algae blooms (HABs) and ways to prevent and deal with HABs. Liquid Lecture attendees receive $1.00 any beer purchase!

Get more info.

December 1: NJ-AWRA Stormwater Webinar

New Jersey Section of American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) is hosting a free  Stormwater webinar on Friday, December 1 from Noon - 1pm. The webinar, which is eligible for 2 NJ PE and 2 AICP CM self-reporting credits, features three presentations:

1. Stormwater Regulatory Updates and Green Infrastructure Overview led by Brian Friedlich, P.E. 2. NJ Future Initiatives - MS4 Primer and Stormwater Retrofits Manual led by Lindsey Sigmund 3. Green Infrastructure Case Study - Clawson Park led by Dr. Stephen J. Souza

Princeton Hydro was involved in the design and implementation of stormwater management upgrades to Clawson Park in Ringoes, NJ. Hundreds of native plants were installed in the park’s large stormwater basin and two of the park’s rain gardens were completely overhauled, removing invasive weeds and planting beneficial native species. To learn more about the project, click here.

Get more info.

December 4: Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association (CLRMA) Fall Conference

Join Greater Trenton on December 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. for an evening of cocktails and conversations to reflect on Trenton’s past, reimagine its future, and make connections with some of the most influential leaders impacting the Capital City. The celebration honors Caren Franzini, former NJEDA CEO and one of the founders of Greater Trenton, by presenting the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to John Hatch, Principal at Clarke Caton Hintz, and David Henderson, Principal at Hx2 Development. Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of the Trenton community and participate as a Sustaining Sponsor in this celebratory event.

Get more info.

Stay tuned for more!

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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has launched its third annual Youth Inclusion Initiative. The program hopes to enrich young participants, who may not have the opportunity to explore open spaces in their community, with hands-on environmental field experience under the tutelage of NJDEP professionals and mentors.

This year’s youth consists of 47 participants from ages 16-20 that hail from five different community-based organizations. These partners include Neighborhood Improvement Association (Trenton), Rutgers-Camden, Groundwork Elizabeth, Ironbound Community Corporation (Newark), and The Work Group (Camden).

[caption id="attachment_13546" align="aligncenter" width="1230"] The youth program participants gather together with their certificates for a final group photo.[/caption]  

Over the course of this six week program, the youth participated in a curriculum that showcased career pathways in the water resources and natural resources management fields. Participants learned through classroom instruction and by receiving some in-field experience across sectors regulated by NJDEP such as touring an air monitoring station, visiting a trout hatchery, conducting stream assessments, and practicing proper tool and equipment recognition at a state park. After their time with the initiative is through, they will have nurtured the skills to pursue these job opportunities and develop a deeper appreciation for our environment.

Princeton Hydro representatives Mark Gallagher, Dana Patterson, and Michael Rehman, CERP, PWS led one of the mentorships. This is the second year NJDEP’s Division of Land Resource Protection Mitigation Unit invited Princeton Hydro to teach a portion of the program. The goal in participating was to educate the youth about the importance of restoring native landscapes and explore the job responsibilities of environmental scientists, water resource engineers, geologists, ecologists, pesticide applicators, and regulatory compliance specialists, while building upon and cultivating  fascination with nature.


The Abbott Marshlands in Trenton, New Jersey

The program kicked off with a presentation in Mercer County Park Commission’s Tulpehaking Nature Center located in John A. Roebling Park. After learning about the history of the site from representatives from Mercer County and Friends of the Abbott Marshlands, Princeton Hydro discussed opportunities for careers in conservation and gave a brief overview of the restoration efforts in the park to eradicate the invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis). Prior to heading out to explore the Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal wetlands on the Delaware River, the Princeton Hydro team went through a health and safety briefing, a very important part of our job, to make sure everyone was aware of the potential risks and exposures.

[gallery link="none" ids="13543,13540,13552"]

Princeton Hydro team members and NJDEP’s Environmental Specialist Jessica Klein led the participants through the park. Right away, the first group witnessed one of nature’s marvels when they spotted a Northern Red-bellied Cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris) laying her eggs along the side of the main road. Participants learned of the marshland and surrounding upland’s rich cultural significance. On their trek through this natural oasis, they followed in the footsteps of the Lenape, a tribe of Native Americans who regularly visited and eventually settled in the area at least 13,000 years ago. These early nomadic people relied on the land for food, fuel, and other readily available resources until they were displaced due to European settlement along the Delaware River. Learn more about the Abbott Marshland cultural history here.

Eventually, the group made it to the area of the restoration site. Here, the students gained a better understanding of the harsh effects that invasive species have on an ecosystem. The 3000-acre freshwater tidal marsh provides habitat to many rare and endangered species, but it has experienced a significant amount of degradation due to monoculture of the invasive Common Reed. In order to improve the area’s biodiversity and elevate visitors’ recreational experience, Princeton Hydro implemented a restoration plan that aimed to eradicate the aggressive non-native plants within a 40-acre stretch of the marsh and enable native plants like Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica) to flourish. Learn more about this project.

NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette surprised the Rutgers-Camden group with his joyful presence. After giving a zealous speech to the class, he accompanied them on their journey to the marshland.

[caption id="attachment_11299" align="aligncenter" width="1230"] NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette joins the class.[/caption]  

Overall, participants had fun learning how to use a field guide to identify invasive species found within the area. They were taught how to differentiate them with native flora like sensitive fern, poison ivy, and wild rice. With a wide survey of the marshland, the youth were taught about wetland delineation and got a peek into the process of using a hand auger and a Munsell Soil Color Book to identify wetland soils. Utilizing binoculars, the last group was lucky to spot a Northern Harrier, an uncommon visitor for the marshland, soaring circles in the sky in search of prey. The rare sighting led to the successful end of the final tour.

[gallery link="none" ids="13538,13541,13545,13590,13592,13595,13596,13597,13594"]
The NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative began on July 6 and culminated on August 16 with a graduation and NJDEP Career Day where students had the opportunity to meet and discuss career options with various organizations who tabled at the event, including Princeton Hydro. To learn more about the NJDEP education program, click here. If you’re interested in learning more about Princeton Hydro’s ecological restoration services, click here. [post_title] => Another Successful Year Mentoring Participants from NJDEP's Youth Inclusion Initiative [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => njdep-youth-inclusion-initiative-2023 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-08-28 19:50:30 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-08-28 19:50:30 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=13535 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13355 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-08-16 07:03:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-08-16 07:03:24 [post_content] =>

400 native plants were installed along the western shoreline of Memorial Pond in Mount Arlington, New Jersey. The planting was completed in one day by a team of 20+ volunteers, staff members from Mt. Arlington Department of Public Works (DPW), Lake Hopatcong Foundation, Lake Hopatcong Commission, Princeton Hydro, and a generous community member who volunteered his excavating equipment (and time).

The planting initiative aims to prevent shoreline erosion, promote the growth of native species, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the water quality of Memorial Pond and Lake Hopatcong. Funding for this project was secured through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, awarded to the Lake Hopatcong Commission in partnership with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

[caption id="attachment_13422" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Photo by Lake Hopatcong Foundation Executive Director Kyle Richter[/caption]

Memorial Pond

Drainage Area Aerial Map of Mt. Arlington Memorial Beach and Memorial Park in New Jersey. Created by Princeton Hydro.Memorial Pond is a 0.3-acre stormwater runoff basin that gradually releases into Glen Brook, which then flows into Lake Hopatcong. The pond receives sheet flow of stormwater from the adjacent road, which contributes to nutrient and sediment loading, thus locally reducing water quality in Memorial Pond and ultimately the waters of Lake Hopatcong.

Memorial Park, which includes Memorial Pond and Glen Brook, was identified by Princeton Hydro and the Lake Hopatcong team as a priority site for improvement, targeting initiatives that reduce pollutants and excessive nutrients entering into Lake Hopatcong.

Additionally, the pond’s steeply-sloped shoreline was bare and only stabilized with large rocks at the base of the banks. In the absence of stabilizing vegetation, the pond’s banks were experiencing erosion, and there was some concern about a few mature trees along the shoreline potentially falling into the pond.

[gallery link="none" ids="13416,13407,13413"]

The photos above were taken in April 2023 before the planting initiative.


Shoreline Planting Initiative

The plant selection and layout were designed taking into account the steep slope and presence of mature, existing trees as well as focusing on regionally native plant species that will thrive and help stabilize the eroding shoreline. The planting team, led by Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA and Aquatics Project Manager Pat Rose, was given precise instructions on how to install the plants to eliminate washouts and ensure the root systems can embrace the soil and hold it in place.

A variety of native herbaceous plants and shrubs were chosen for the site, including pennsylvania sedge, slender mountain mint, blue flag iris, sweet azalea, smooth hydrangea, and maple-leaved viburnum.

[gallery link="none" ids="13427,13421,13428"]

The plants will help reduce stormwater flow, absorb excess nutrients, prevent erosion, and ultimately decrease sedimentation to the pond, while creating a visually pleasing addition to the park and providing a habitat for pollinators and birds. Overall, this project promotes a healthier and more balanced ecosystem in Memorial Park.

[gallery link="none" ids="13400,13392,13394"]

The photos above were taken in July 2023 immediately after the planting initiative.


Multi-Faceted Approach to Water Quality Improvements

The installation of these beneficial plants is part of a series of water quality initiatives on Lake Hopatcong funded by a NJDEP Freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Prevention & Management Grant and 319(h) Grant awarded to Lake Hopatcong Commission in partnership with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

Additional initiatives included in the watershed implementation and HABs management plan are, the installation of:

  • floating wetland island (FWI), which are a low-cost, effective green infrastructure solution designed to mimic natural wetlands in a sustainable, efficient, and powerful way. FWIs improve water quality by assimilating and removing excess nutrients; provide valuable ecological habitat for a variety of beneficial species; help mitigate wave and wind erosion impacts; provide an aesthetic element; and add significant biodiversity enhancement within open freshwater environments;

  • biochar filtration bags, which improve water quality by removing phosphorus from waterbodies. Biochar can be placed in floatation balls, cages, or sacks, which are then tethered along the shoreline and in critical locations throughout the waterbody; and

  • nanobubble aeration system, which increases the concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the water, prevents stagnation of water, increases circulation, disrupts thermal stratification which provides “through-column” mixing, and minimizes the occurrence of HABs.

“Paired with biochar filters attached to buoys in the pond and continued monitoring and maintenance of the plantings by the DPW, these steps will set a healthy precedent for what can be achieved through working together with funders, local partners, science, and landscape architecture,” said Feinstein, who sourced plant material, provided logistics and co-led the planning and volunteer planting event along with Rose.

Princeton Hydro's Landscape Architect, Cory Speroff PLA, ASLA, CBLP, designed the planting plan, and Will Kelleher and Jackson Tilves from the Aquatics Team participated in the plant installation event with Feinstein.

Princeton Hydro is also authoring and supplying a maintenance manual that provides guidance on seasonal care of the plantings, when to remove the herbivory protection fencing, pruning, watering, and other activities that support the long term success of the planting initiative. 

“This collaborative effort to enhance water quality serves as a prime example of how seemingly simple actions can have a meaningful impact on safeguarding our water resources for the benefit of future generations,” said the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

[gallery link="none" ids="13403,13429,13393"]

The photos above from left to right: June 2023 before the planting; July 2023 during the planting (photo by Lake Hopatcong Foundation Executive Director Kyle Richter); and July 2023 immediately after the planting.


Princeton Hydro has been working on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest Lake, for 30+ years, restoring the lake, managing the watershed, reducing pollutant loading, and addressing invasive aquatic plants and nuisance algal blooms. To read about some of the other projects we’ve recently worked on at Lake Hopatcong, click here.

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When we hear about harmful algal bloom (HAB) outbreaks, like those recently spotted in New Jersey, the first thoughts that come to mind usually involve discolored waters, environmental disruption, closed beaches, and potential human health hazards. Yet, a crucial aspect that often escapes the spotlight is the impact of these blooms on animals, including pets, wildlife, and livestock.

As HABs proliferate due to factors like excess nutrients and warming waters, the impacts ripple across a wide spectrum of living things, encompassing everything from aquatic species to humans to our animal companions, working animals, and livestock. Animals are most at risk because they may bathe/swim in affected water, drink contaminated water, or ingest it when cleaning algae from fur/hair coat, and the symptoms of HABs toxicity can go unnoticed for a period of time.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) released a new factsheet that specifically provides an array of information and techniques to safeguard livestock from the dangers of HABs. 

In this blog, we provide links to the USDA NRCS's newly released informational resources, shed light on the often-unseen consequences of HABs, and outline steps to protect the four-legged members of our agricultural communities.


Deciphering HABs

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 proliforate.  In recent years, HABs have begun to appear in more places, earlier in the summer.

[caption id="attachment_13363" align="aligncenter" width="1230"]Nutrient sources of HABs. Illustration created by USGS. Nutrient sources of HABs. Illustration created by USGS. Click image to enlarge.[/caption]  

HABs can cause significant water quality issues in lakes and ponds, often forming a visible and sometimes odorous scum on the surface of the water. They can produce toxins that are incredibly harmful (even deadly) to humans, aquatic organisms, and animals, including livestock.


Mitigating Livestock Exposure to HABs

The health impacts and symptoms can vary depending on the size and type of animal, how an animal is exposed to the cyanotoxin, how long they were exposed, which type of toxin was present, and how much toxin was present.

Symptoms of cyanotoxin exposure in animals includes: vomiting, profuse salivation, fatigue, unsteady gait, labored breathing, convulsions, and liver malfunction. When animals bathe or swim in waters with even low concentrations of cyanotoxins, it may cause skin rashes, ear/throat infections, and gastrointestinal distress. In severe cases, especially when contaminated water is ingested, HAB poisoning can prove fatal.

When HABs are present in a waterbody that is accessible to and utilized by livestock, it's important to immediately restrict access to the contaminated water. If a potential exposure to cyanotoxins has occurred, NRCS recommends:

  1. Washing animals with clean water and monitoring for symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins.
  2. Isolating any animals exhibiting symptoms and seeking veterinary care as soon as possible.
  3. Providing animals with an alternative source of fresh, safe drinking water.
  4. Contacting the appropriate state agency for sampling and testing guidance to test the water source for HABs and cyanotoxins. Please note: It is not safe for landowners to sample the water themselves without proper personal protective equipment and procedures.
  5. Visiting the CDC website for further information, or contacting your state/county health department.

In its newly released fact sheet, NRCS also provides a number of ideas for segregating livestock from tainted waters, reducing the risk of livestock exposure to HABs, and providing alternate water sources, including:

  1. Installing protective fencing (Conservation Practice 382)
  2. Constructing purposeful ponds (Conservation Practice 378)
  3. Implementing access control measures (Conservation Practice 472)
  4. Establishing reliable water wells (Conservation Practice 642)
  5. Designing effective watering facilities (Conservation Practice 614)
To download the USDA NRCS fact sheet, click below:

To minimize the risk of future HABs, it's important to stay informed, routinely monitor waterbodies, take actions to reduce harmful effects, and adopt conservation practices that prevent nutrient loading to waterbodies.

Princeton Hydro is regionally recognized for its HABs expertise, having provided management recommendations and services for 100+ lakes and ponds in the Northeast, including Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake. To learn more about our lake management and HABs prevention services, click here. For additional HABs resources from the USDA NRCS, click here.

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Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration, teamwork, and accomplishments with one of our client partners.

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, known commonly as CU Maurice River, a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the Maurice River Watershed’s natural integrity and cultural heritage.

The Maurice River, located in south-central New Jersey, was designated a National Wild and Scenic River by Congress in 1993. It draws from a drainage area of 385 square miles and meanders south for 50 miles, through Southern New Jersey primarily in Cumberland County. Headwaters are in parts of Gloucester, Salem, and Atlantic Counties, emptying into the main stem of the Maurice; from there it flows into Delaware Bay. The major tributaries of the river are Scotland Run, Muddy Run, Menantico Creek, Muskee Creek, and the Manumuskin River. There are about 20 small lakes in the watershed, the largest of which is Union Lake at 950 acres.

As South Jersey’s leading watershed organization, CU Maurice River engages in fieldwork, advocacy, research, and education initiatives generating and contributing to a greater understanding of the local environment and wildlife.

For this Client Spotlight, we spoke with CU Maurice River Executive Director Karla Rossini via Zoom:

Q. Tell us a little about CU Maurice River and what makes it unique?

A:

[embed]https://youtu.be/iahd-_hbgPU[/embed]  

"CU Maurice River is a very grassroots, very local organization. One of our core strengths is community involvement. In everything we do, we try to invite the largest section of community that we possibly can. Whether that’s to participate in educational opportunities or participate in volunteerism or become an advocate of our local resources, we really make it our goal to develop and foster stewardship within the community."


Q. What are some exciting things your organization is working on right now?

A:

"We're very excited about the work we're doing with the WheatonArts & Cultural Center, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity.

Over the years, CU Maurice River has worked with WheatonArts to design and implement various best management practices throughout its 45-acre campus. We’ve installed vernal pools, purple martin gourds, a blue bird trail, a nature trail, and a massive rain garden. The projects support water resources on site and beyond, revitalize and preserve natural habitats, and provide an invaluable community resource for promoting eco-friendly land management, stewardship, and nature exploration.

WheatonArts and CU Maurice River also launched a four-week nature journaling course, which will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from August 3 to August 25 (2023). Kids get to spend time outdoors while growing their science knowledge, appreciation for nature, and artistic ability. Nature journaling is a way to creatively connect and build a deep, lasting relationship with the natural world.

The CU Maurice River team does the scientific teachings, and the WheatonArts team does the art teachings. So for example, CU Maurice River will teach about the anatomy of a tree, how a tree functions, why an Oak tree produces acorns, and the ecosystem services a tree provides. And, WheatonArts teaches the kids how to draw and paint a tree, how to make an acorn look round, and how to get the shades of the brown tree trunk just right.

Another interesting aspect of the program is that it also highlights the history of communication in nature exploration. Darwin had to draw his pictures to describe his findings. Mary Treat had to draw her discoveries. Audubon had to illustrate his birds. And, let’s face it, most of the best ID books aren’t photo books, they’re illustrated books. So, this program focuses on the importance of art in science."


Q. Can you talk a little about the CU Maurice and Princeton Hydro partnership: 

A:

"The first time I encountered Princeton Hydro was at a Musconetcong River event where Princeton Hydro was presenting on dam removal and the restoration of trout habitat on the Musconetcong. Then, later that year, at the Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum, I met Dana Patterson (Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing and Communications). We got to talking about a variety of different projects we could explore together, and it's been a really great partnership ever since. I’m pretty sure I've given Dana and Christiana Pollock (Princeton Hydro's Director of Restoration and Resilience) some wacky ideas to figure out, but Princeton Hydro has always been very supportive AND realistic.

Since then, we’ve contracted with Princeton Hydro to do a feasibility study on the Centerton Dam removal. We’re also working with Princeton Hydro to do an ArcGIS StoryMap of the Paddle Trails in the Maurice River Watershed. And, we've got some other exciting things in the works that I'm not at liberty to discuss publicly today, but stay tuned for more great things as a result of CU Maurice River's collaboration with the Princeton Hydro team.

Princeton Hydro has really provided a lot of support and guidance, and I am eternally grateful for their partnership."


Q. How can people get involved in and help support the important work CU Maurice River is doing?

A:

[embed]https://youtu.be/9WY0D21EFeo[/embed]

For more CU Maurice River volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, click here.


Q. Do you have anything else you'd like to share with our blog readers about CU Maurice River or yourself?

A:

[embed]https://youtu.be/Kb1l8Qfxe4c[/embed]

A big thanks to Karla and CU Maurice River for taking part in our Client Spotlight Series!

To learn more about CU Maurice River, we invite you to visit their website and subscribe to their newsletter.

Click below to check out the previous edition of our Client Spotlight Series featuring George Jackman, PhD, Senior Habitat Restoration Manager for Riverkeeper:

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Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) represent the rapid proliferation of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. While cyanobacteria are not technically algae but rather single-celled aquatic organisms related to bacteria, they possess the ability to photosynthesize like algae. These tiny microorganisms naturally inhabit aquatic ecosystems. However, under specific circumstances, such as heavy rainfall followed by scorching sunshine, they can rapidly multiply, resulting in the formation of cyanobacteria blooms, commonly known as HABs.

[gallery link="none" ids="4574,1337,1736"]

Environmental and Economic Impact of HABs

HABs can wreak havoc on waterbodies, leading to significant water quality issues and the unsightly appearance of surface scum, sometimes accompanied by unpleasant odors. The consequences extend beyond aesthetics and pose economic challenges for communities reliant on local lakes and waterways for jobs and tourism. Furthermore, HABs can produce highly toxic substances that pose serious risks to humans, aquatic life, and animals, including our beloved pets, wildlife, and livestock.


HAB Impacts on Wildlife and Pets

The effects of HABs on animals vary depending on factors such as the animal's size, exposure to cyanobacteria, duration of exposure, specific toxin types, and concentrations. Animals are often the first victims, drawn to bodies of water containing cyanobacteria due to their natural instincts. Dogs, in particular, are vulnerable as they may unwittingly ingest contaminated water during play. Livestock and wildlife are also at risk when drinking from contaminated water sources.

Husky in lake with tennis ball in her mouth

In 2021, researchers published a groundbreaking study linking cyanobacteria-generated neurotoxins to the deaths of eagles and waterbirds. After extensive research spanning three decades, scientists determined that cyanotoxins are responsible for a fatal neurological disease called vacuolar myelinopathy, commonly affecting waterbirds, raptors, and bald eagles.


Recognizing the Symptoms

Cyanobacterial poisoning symptoms can manifest within minutes to a few hours, depending on the severity of exposure. Dogs, in particular, may exhibit symptoms rapidly. Common signs include an accelerated heart rate, breathing difficulties, excessive salivation, disorientation or depression, vomiting or diarrhea, skin irritations, and neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, dizziness, seizures, or paralysis.

It is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care or contact the Poison Control Center if you suspect your pet or livestock may be experiencing symptoms caused by harmful algae, cyanobacteria, or their toxins. The following 24-hour pet poison hotlines are available for assistance:

  • Animal Poison Control Center: (800)-213-6680
  • ASPCA: (888) 426-4435

Protecting Yourself and Your Pets

Dog is pond with blue sky and clouds in the backgroundTo protect your pets and livestock, avoid letting them come into contact with surface scums or heavily discolored water. In case of exposure, rinse them with clean water as soon as possible, as HABs can cling to their fur and pose health risks when they groom themselves. This is particularly important because certain HABs release fast-acting nerve toxins that can be especially dangerous for dogs swimming in affected areas.

Here are some additional steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your pets from the harmful effects of algae and cyanobacteria:

  • Prior to swimming or fishing, check for advisories or warnings.
  • Refrain from engaging in water activities if you notice unpleasant smells, abnormal discoloration, foamy scum, or dead fish present in the water.
  • If you come across a bloom or suspect its presence, keep yourself, your pets, and livestock away from the water.
  • Remember the CDC's advice: "When in doubt, stay out."

By staying informed and implementing necessary precautions, we can protect ourselves, our pets, and the environment from the risks associated with HABs. For further HABs related information and guidance, click here to watch a Facebook Live presentation with Princeton Hydro HABs experts. To get involved with monitoring and tracking harmful algal blooms, check out the bloomWatch App, a valuable tool for identifying and reporting potential HAB sightings to local authorities.

Artwork that features a dog and a waterbody that is dark green and heavily impacted by harmful algal blooms. The text reads "Protect Pets Against HABs"

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Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration, teamwork, and accomplishments with one of our client partners.

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Riverkeeper, a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization headquartered in Ossining, New York. The organization is committed to protecting and restoring the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguarding drinking water supplies through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science, and law.

For this Client Spotlight, we spoke with Riverkeeper’s Senior Habitat Restoration Manager George Jackman, PhD via zoom:

Q. Tell us a little about Riverkeeper and what makes it unique?

A: We are the first Keeper organization in the world. We began in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, an environmental watchdog and enforcement organization founded by a group of concerned fishermen. In 1986, we officially changed our name to Riverkeeper. We've helped set worldwide standards for waterway and watershed protection, and continue to serve as the model for more than 300 Keeper programs around the globe.

As New York’s clean water advocate, Riverkeeper is the unique voice in the Hudson Valley that is continually speaking-up to protect the integrity of the water, the creatures that call it home, and our surrounding communities. We are a voice of environmental justice for the people of Hudson Valley, advocating for communities that have often been marginalized or placed in disadvantaged situations that are now at the mercy of climate change. We are always striving for a fishable, swimmable, and drinkable Hudson River and a healthy watershed.

For historical photos and more info about Riverkeeper's origination, click here to view the "Riverkeeper: An Incomplete History" slideshow.

Q. What does your organization value?

A: We value clean, reliable drinking water and an equitable justice for all people. We value a healthy, ecologically-balanced environment and clean, sustainable forms of energy. We value free-flowing rivers that are resilient and teeming with life. We value stewardship of the Hudson River and its watershed. And, last but not least, we value all of our members, volunteers, partners, supporters, and neighbors who play a primary and vital role in protecting our local environment.


Q. What are some exciting things your organization is working on right now?

A: I have to tell you, some of the work we do is not incredibly exciting, but it's incredibly important.

We do a lot of work to strengthen the laws and regulations that impact New York’s water resources. We advocate for environmental justice, and we help our fellow community members understand the legislative process and how to get involved in garnering support for legislation that protects our Hudson River, its tributaries, our watershed, wetlands and surrounding areas. Strong environmental policy may not be the most exciting thing, but it is one of the best tools we have.

And, it is very exciting when we win. Riverkeeper has taken on some of the largest corporations on planet Earth - General Electric, General Motors, Exxon - and we've won! The work isn’t easy; sometimes it can be a long, persistent slog. But, you know what? We’ve stayed the course and we've prevailed. Every time we win for the fish, it’s a big win for all of us, and for me that’s incredibly exciting and fulfilling.

Click here to read Riverkeeper’s 2023 Legislative Agenda for New York State.

Q. Can you talk a little about the history behind the Riverkeeper and Princeton Hydro partnership and some of the milestone projects we’ve collaborated on: 

A: [embed]https://youtu.be/HVJ6GBbq6jM[/embed]

The removal of the two defunct dams that George mentions in the video clip – Strooks Felt Dam and Furnace Brook Barrier #1 – marked an important milestone in the Riverkeeper’s journey to “Undam the Hudson River” and restore fish passage between the Hudson and the Atlantic Ocean. Click here to read more.


Q. How can people get involved in and help support the important work Riverkeeper is doing?

A: [embed]https://youtu.be/rnDjgHMNLX4[/embed]

For more Riverkeeper volunteer opportunities and upcoming events, click here.


Q. Does Riverkeeper have community science opportunities available for the public to participate in?

A: We have a great citizen science water sampling program; it’s actually one of the first community science initiatives in the world related to sampling water.

It begins every April and volunteers have to commit to 6-months of water quality sampling. The samples are collected from the water’s edge by Riverkeeper-trained community scientists. We test for salinity, oxygen, temperature, suspended sediment, chlorophyll, and Enterococcus (Entero), a fecal indicator bacteria. It’s quite an unprecedented scope for a citizen science sampling initiative. We compile the data into “How’s the Water” reports and tributary watershed reports, and post them to our website.

One of the wonderful things about the citizen science program is that we’re working with younger generations, training them on how to take samples and make observations, and helping them learn about the river. We’re trying to create a deeper connection between the river and its surrounding community members, especially our younger groups, and teach everyone how to be stewards for the river and protect the rivers’ many creatures.

Click here to meet Riverkeeper’s water quality program science partners and supporters, and check out the data findings.


Q. Do you have anything else you’d like to share with our blog readers?

A: I’ll just close by saying, I’ve had a great experience working with Princeton Hydro. And, we look forward to Princeton Hydro bidding on future Riverkeeper projects, and hopefully working with them in the future.


A big thanks to George and Riverkeeper for taking part in our Client Spotlight Series!

To learn more about George and the important work he's doing with Riverkeeper, we invite you to read this article recently published in Planet A Magazine, "Channeling the Flow of Nature."

Click below to check out the previous edition of our Client Spotlight Series featuring Tim Fenchel, Deputy Director of Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area:

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Happy Earth Day! It's important that we all do our part today and every day to honor our precious planet and promote climate action. We've put together a quick list of fun ideas and helpful tips to celebrate Earth Day 2023:


Get Your Garden Spring-Ready

Tulips are starting to emerge, buds are blossoming on trees and, unfortunately, invasive plant species are also beginning their annual growing cycle. Invasive species create major impacts on ecosystems near and far, but we can all do our part to reduce the spread.

Princeton Hydro Landscape Architects and Expert Green Thumbs Jamie Feinstein, RLA and Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP recently led a live “Ask Me Anything” Spring Gardening conversation via Facebook. They provided gardening tips and tricks, including:

  • Choosing native plants that complement each other;
  • Removing and reducing invasive plants;
  • Starting seedlings;
  • Preparing your outdoor beds;
  • Native edible plants to consider; and
  • Transplanting from pot to garden.
Check out our blog, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for gardening!

Build a Rain Garden in Your Yard

Rain gardens are a cost effective, attractive, and sustainable way to minimize stormwater runoff and filter out pollutants. This aesthetic, low-maintenance addition to any outdoor landscape creates a functioning habitat that attracts pollinators, beneficial insects, and birds. It can also help reduce erosion, promote groundwater recharge, and minimize flooding.

Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, P.E. and his family recently installed a rain garden at their home. They documented the process with photos and step-by-step instructions. Go here for 10 steps to building your own rain garden.

Install a Rain Barrel

You can help conserve water usage by incorporating water-wise practices into your daily life. Installing a rain barrel is a great place to start! Using a rain barrel to collect fresh, free rainwater helps save money, conserve water AND protects the environment. Collecting water in rain barrels is a fun, affordable and effective way to reduce the amount of run-off flowing into storm drains and waterways. We’ve put together four simple steps to help you install a rain barrel in your yard.

Get 4 steps for installing a rain barrel.

Implement a Community Clean-up Routine

You can play a major role in maintaining the health and safety of your community. By committing to a regular litter pick-up schedule, you can help keep your neighborhood cleaner and decrease the amount of debris and pollution entering your community waterways. Consider choosing a nearby park, lake, pond or stream for your trash clean-up activities. Whatever spot you choose, pick the place that's best for you, invite friends or family to join you, determine a regular clean-up schedule, and stick to it!

Click here for more community clean-up ideas.

As biologists, ecologists, environmentalists, and outdoor enthusiasts, all of us at Princeton Hydro take our responsibility to care for and respect our natural surroundings very seriously. We play hard and work hard to protect our natural resources for generations to come. Happy Earth Day!

  The featured image is a ruby crowned kinglet taken in New Hope, PA by Mark Gallagher.  [post_title] => 3 Tips to Celebrate Earth Day [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 3-tips-to-celebrate-earth-day [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-04-24 19:56:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-04-24 19:56:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=12586 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 12453 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-03-24 00:28:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-03-24 00:28:52 [post_content] =>

Spring is here! We kicked-off the new growing year with a live "Ask Me Anything" Spring Gardening conversation via Facebook.

Princeton Hydro Landscape Architects and Expert Green Thumbs Jamie Feinstein, RLA and Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP provided participants with all sorts of gardening tips and tricks, including:

  • How to properly plan out your garden space
  • Choosing native plants that complement each other
  • Starting seedlings
  • Preparing your outdoor beds
  • Native edible plants to consider
  • Transplanting from pot to garden

Our Communications Intern Andrea Rojas led the Q&A conversation, and Jamie and Cory fielded a variety of questions from the audience, including some about soil testing, installing a rain garden, and choosing the best mulch. 

If you missed it, have no fear - we recorded the session. Roll up your sleeves and get ready for gardening!


If you're interested in learning more about installing a rain garden in your yard, please check out our recent blog: How To Build a Rain Garden in 10 Steps.

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The North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) held its 42nd Annual International Symposium from November 14–17 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Water resource professionals, researchers, students and practitioners came together to share ideas and learn about managing and protecting lakes and their watersheds.

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This year’s conference, which was titled, “Leveraging Experience to Manage Diverse Lakes, Landscapes, and People,” featured an exhibitor hall, networking events, and a variety of presentations and workshops. Princeton Hydro, a proud contributing sponsor of the conference, led four presentations and one workshop; below, we provide a free download of each.


Princeton Hydro’s Senior Aquatic Ecologist and NALMS Board of Directors President Chris L. Mikolajczyk, CLM gave the following two presentations:

Click here to learn more and download the presentations.

Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services for Princeton Hydro presented on “The Development of Site-Specific Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs) Management Plans.”

Click here to learn more and download the presentation.

Princeton Hydro Senior Aquatic Ecologist Paul Cooper led a presentation titled, “A 30-Year Assessment of Internal Phosphorus Loading, Nutrient Load Management, and Climate Change at Lake Hopatcong.”

Click here to learn more and download the presentation.

On the first day of the conference, Chris and Fred led a half-day workshop about developing Harmful Algal Blooms Management and Restoration Plans for Beaches and Marinas, which are designed as part of a larger, all-encompassing Watershed Implementation Plan. The workshop provided both in-lake, near-shore, and local watershed solutions to preserve water quality and protect the health of people and pets utilizing these waterbodies.

Click here to learn more and download the presentation.

A daring group of symposium participants bundled up and braved the cold temperatures for the Clean Lakes Classic 5k Run, which Princeton Hydro sponsored. The point-to-point course followed along the Mississippi River, through city greenways, and around snowy Minneapolis neighborhoods.

[gallery columns="4" ids="11943,11928,11927,11944"]

We’re also excited to announce that Chris L. Mikolajczyk won this year’s International Symposium photo contest for this stunning image he captured during a recent visit to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The photo is titled “Aquatic Plant Management: No Permits Needed!”

Congratulations, Chris! . . . Founded in 1980, NALMS is dedicated to forging partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs for today and tomorrow. For more information about NALMS and upcoming events, click here. To read about upcoming events that Princeton Hydro is participating in and sponsoring, click here. [post_title] => FREE DOWNLOADS: Presentations from the North American Lake Management Society International Symposium [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => free-presentation-downloads-nalms-2022 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-12-07 22:04:16 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-12-07 22:04:16 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=11974 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11552 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2022-10-31 13:03:10 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-31 13:03:10 [post_content] =>

Welcome to the latest edition of our Client Spotlight series, which provides an inside look at our collaboration and accomplishments with a specific client.

For this Client Spotlight, we spoke with Tim Fenchel, Deputy Director of Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area (SRG). The mission of SRG is to connect residents, visitors, and communities to the Schuylkill River and the Schuylkill River Trail by serving as a catalyst for civic engagement and economic development in order to foster stewardship of the watershed and its heritage. The boundaries of the Heritage Area cover the Schuylkill River watershed in Schuylkill, Berks, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.

Let's dive in!

1. Tell us a little about SRG and what makes it unique?

[embed]https://youtu.be/vhdJlEUKyOg[/embed]

2. What does SRG value?

We value our heritage and the deeply-rooted culture of this region. We also look ahead to how we can continue to engage our communities with that heritage and create future generations of stewards for the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail.

We value vibrant and revitalized communities, and it’s rewarding to see how SRG has contributed to sustainable revitalization of river-town communities, including Phoenixville, Manayunk, and Pottstown. We really value helping to maintain a strong connection between the river and its surrounding neighborhoods. By enabling and encouraging communities to enjoy the river and trail, we create lifelong stewards of these important resources.

Another core value is making outdoor recreation accessible for everyone. The trail is a public recreational resource that anyone can enjoy, and we really try to promote it as a means for health and wellness, all kinds of recreation experiences, family-friendly outings, arts and culture, and much more.

Collaboration is also very valuable to SRG. Every single project and program that we do, we do it in partnership with at least one other organization if not multiple other organizations. The Schuylkill River Water Quality project, which we’ll talk more about today, is a great example of that.


3. What is your primary role within SRG?

As Deputy Director, I get to be involved in just about everything that we do here. I assist with the day-to-day operations of the organization; I pitch in with trail issues when they arise; I’m involved, in some way shape or form, with our various community events throughout the year; and I also have several projects and programs that I personally oversee. The Schuylkill River Water Quality project is one, which we'll discuss in more detail shortly.

Another unique project I oversee is the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund. Essentially, SRG receives funding from both private and public entities, and we then regrant those funds to local government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations to implement on-the-ground projects for the improvement of water quality throughout the Schuylkill River Watershed. The grants focus on three major sources of pollution: stormwater run-off, agricultural pollution, and abandoned mine drainage.

There is a lot of variety in my role here, which I really enjoy.


4. What excites you about going to work every day?

[embed]https://youtu.be/LAcyIU4HvYQ[/embed]

5. Can you talk a little bit about the partnership between SRG and Princeton Hydro, and the Schuylkill River Water Quality project?

An important aspect of our mission is to connect communities to the Schuylkill River through recreational and educational activities. To fully achieve the Schuylkill River’s potential, we must help the public understand the current health status and what they can do to continue to improve its quality for this generation and generations to come. In 2019, we received a grant from the William Penn Foundation to fund the Schuylkill River Water Quality project, which aimed to document the current ecological status and health of the river, and engage and educate a diverse set of river users and residents.

Through an RFP process, we selected Princeton Hydro as one of the main project advisors. From the start, we hit it off with Michael Hartshorne, Director of Aquatics, and Dana Patterson, Director of Marketing & Communications. The strength of what they brought as a team and their scientific water quality and engagement expertise impressed us from the start and it really carried on throughout the entirety of the project. We had a truly tremendous team of partners, including Berks Nature, Bartram’s Garden, The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, and Stroud Water Research Center.

The project, which focused on the main stem of the river from Reading to Southwest Philadelphia, included four key components:

  1. User Opinion and Perceptions Survey
  2. Community Science Visual Assessment Trash Survey
  3. Water Quality Monitoring
  4. Educational Outreach

The yearlong data collection and community science initiative culminated with the launch of  an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap webpage that reveals the local perceptions of the Schuylkill River and aims to connect residents with and encourage engagement with this special resource.

[embed]https://youtu.be/5QHMQwGvU38[/embed] Click here to explore the interactive ArcGIS StoryMap:

6. Do you have a favorite or most memorable moment from the project?

[embed]https://youtu.be/l6PzseNpdNI[/embed]

7. The Schuylkill River StoryMap is part of a larger project to foster positive perceptions of the Schuylkill River. Can you talk a little more about your goals moving forward and how you plan to use the StoryMap?

[embed]https://youtu.be/eCKyofuKCcE[/embed]

8. What are some of SRG’s initiatives and upcoming activities that you’d like to share?

We have so many wonderful events throughout the year that provide an opportunity for community members to learn about and engage with the Schuylkill River and the Trail.

We just held the Ride for the River outing, which is a one-day bike ride and fundraising event. The ride began at the Pottstown River Front Park and followed about 20-miles of the Schuylkill River Trail to Reading. It’s always a ton of fun.

Every June we have our Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, which consists of a 7-day, 112-mile guided canoe/kayak trip on the Schuylkill River that begins in rural Schuylkill Haven and ends in Philadelphia. The event combines kayaking/canoeing, camping, education, and games into one exciting adventure.

In November, we're hosting our 18th annual “Scenes of the Schuylkill” Art Show. Throughout the year, we host several free educational programs, do guided tours at locations within the Heritage Area, and so much more.

Click here to learn more about SRG’s Programs and Events.

 

A big thanks to Tim and SRG for taking part in our Client Spotlight Series!

Schuylkill River Greenways relies on help from volunteers, who provide valued assistance with trail maintenance, special events, environmental education, water quality monitoring and more. To learn more about how to get involved, visit SRG's volunteer portal for a full rundown of opportunities.

  Click below to read the previous edition of our Client Spotlight Series featuring Seatuck Environmental Association Conservation Policy Advocate Emily Hall: [visual-link-preview encoded="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"] [post_title] => Client Spotlight: Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => client-spotlight-schuylkill-river-greenways [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-10-31 17:16:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-31 17:16:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=11552 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 11 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13375 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-09-12 16:49:24 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-09-12 16:49:24 [post_content] =>

The Princeton Hydro team is leading webinars; presenting at conferences throughout the country; and participating in events that celebrate community and environmental stewardship.

In this edition of our Events Spotlight, we provide an overview of all the latest happenings and information on how to get involved.


September 16: Trenton River Days Fair

Hosted by The Watershed Institute, Trenton River Days is a free event that celebrates the history, culture, and recreational benefits of the Delaware River. Join us on Saturday, September 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for canoe and boat rides, food trucks, live music, hayrides, fly fishing demonstrations, crafts, educational games, and exhibits for hands-on fun. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and excited to attend this fun-filled community event – please stop by our booth to get an up-close look at our airboat and say hello to our team!

Get more info.

September 27: Edge-of-Field Nutrient Runoff and Algae Bloom and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Remediation Webinar

The National Algae Association is hosting a “From Source to Blooms” webinar focused on preventing, remediating, removing, recycling and repurposing HABs. Our Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is presenting on “Using the Ecosystem Services of Green Infrastructure to Reduce and Control HABs.”

Get more info and register.

September 28 & 29: 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum

We are proud to sponsor this year’s Delaware River Watershed Forum, which is bing held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE. The 11th Annual Forum provides an opportunity for Coalition members, legislators, watershed advocates, environmental organizations, community members, local businesses, and students to collaborate on protecting the Delaware River Watershed. Participants can engage in education workshops, field trip excursions, networking events, and keynote addresses.

Get more info and register.

October 1-3: SER Mid-Atlantic Conference

Society for Ecological Restoration’s 2023 Mid-Atlantic Conference will be held at NJSEA’s Environmental Center in the New Jersey Meadowlands. This year’s conference, titled “Restoring Urban Ecosystems,” includes an opening-day birding festival, Plenary Sessions, field trips, and a variety of workshops. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and attending the event. Geoffrey Goll, PE, Mark Gallagher, Michael Rehman, PWS, CERP, and Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM GISP, are each presenting on ecosystem restoration topics. We look forward to seeing you there!

Get more info and register.

October 5 & 6: SAME Philadelphia Post Small Business Conference 2023

The mission of SAME is to build leaders and lead collaboration among government and industry to develop multidisciplinary solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. The 2023 Conference, includes breakout sessions, networking opportunities, USACE-led contract opportunities and programs briefings, and a small-business exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, an event sponsor and exhibitor, joined SAME as a sustaining member in 2018.

Get more info and register. 

October 11: SAME MEGA Maryland Small Business Conference

The SAME MEGA Maryland conference gives small and minority businesses in the architecture, engineering and construction industries the opportunity to come together with federal agencies in order to showcase best practices and highlight future opportunities to work in the federal market. Princeton Hydro is exhibiting at and sponsoring this year’s conference, which includes 75+ speakers, two inspiring and informative keynotes, networking events, training sessions, and panel discussions being led by local, state, and federal agency professionals, networking, matchmaking, client panels, training sessions, and MORE!

Get more info and register.

October 11 & 24: Hudson River Watershed Alliance’s 2023 Watershed Conference

Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice (DEIJ) is critical to achieving our goals of clean water and healthy tributaries in the Hudson River watershed. As such, the 2023 Watershed Conference is themed "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice" and offers participants a chance to learn about DEIJ strategies and water-related case studies that are moving this critical work forward in the region. It will be held both in-person and virtually.

The in-person session will be on Tuesday, October 24 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, NY. This session will focus on DEIJ strategies and case studies from the Hudson River watershed. The day will be structured with both plenary and breakout sessions, along with space and time for networking.

The virtual session, held on Wednesday, October 11 from 1 to 3:30 PM via Zoom, will feature presentations from a panel of speakers, followed by a discussion and a Q&A. It is highly recommended that everyone planning to attend the in-person session watches the webinar beforehand as it will set a valuable foundation for the content of the in-person session. Registration for the virtual session is included with the in-person conference registration, and will be recorded and shared with all conference registrants.

Get more info and register.

October 13: Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions’ 2023 Environmental Congress

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Congress, which Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and participate in. The in-person conference will be held at Mercer County College from 9am – 5pm on October 13. Virtual sessions will also be available October 17 and October 19. ANJEC is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources and protection of environmental health. Princeton Hydro is a business member of ANJEC.

Get more info and register.

October 22 – 26: North American Lake Management Society International Symposium

Lake Erie will be the backdrop to this year’s International Symposium. The theme to this year's conference is “Great Lakes, Local Solutions.” The action-packed agenda includes workshops, panel discussions, field trips, poster presentations, the annual 5k fun run, and an exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the Symposium, is exhibiting and leading a variety of presentations:

  • "The Interaction Between Algae and Sediments: Managing HABs From the Bottom Up" led by Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow.
  • "The Ecosystem Services of Stormwater Management in the Protection and Improvement of Lakes" also led by Dr. Lubnow.
  • "CSLAP and Customized Monitoring: How Additional Data Is Helping Sleepy Hollow Lake" led by Senior Aquatics Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.
  • "The Importance of Hand-On Field Education and Exposure With Regards to Monitoring Data" also led by Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.
  • "Combat HABs With Biochar: A New Tool for You" led by Senior Environmental Scientist and Aquatics Technical Project Manager J.P. Bell, GISP.
Get more info and register.

October 24 – 26: New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) Annual Conference

NJAFM is hosting its 16th Annual Conference and Exhibition in Atlantic City, NJ. ​With over 500 people expected to attend, NJAFM Annual Conference is the premiere floodplain management conference in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for professionals in the fields of engineering, hydrology, geology, planning, code enforcement, floodplain management and emergency management to participate in educational seminars, training opportunities and exclusive networking events. Participants will engage in educational sessions centered around the conference theme: "Investing in Mitigation - Leveraging Resources to Mitigate Flood Hazard." Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and exhibiting at the conference.

Get more info and register.

October 26: Backyard Birding - Live Q&A Event with Princeton Hydro Experts

On Thursday, October 26 at 6pm EST, join us for a Live Facebook Q&A Event with Princeton Hydro scientists and birding enthusiasts Emily Bjorhus, PWS and Eric Zawatski. Learn about the basics of bird identification, how to attract specific birds to your yard, options for food and feeders, and get all of your burning birding questions answered!

  Get more info and register.

November 3: Technical Friday Webinar - The New Stormwater Rule and Proposed Enhancements

In July 2023, NJDEP published the Inland Flood Protection Rules, which requires municipalities to update their stormwater control ordinances to improve water quality. Hosted by The Watershed Institute, the webinar will provide guidance on the new stormwater ordinances, a summary of requirements, and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The Watershed Institute along with co-sponsors American Littoral Society (ALS), Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), and Pinelands Preservation Alliance, invite officials, planning board members, municipal professionals (engineers and planners), attorneys and Environmental Commission members, from all across the state, to learn more and ask questions. The webinar features two expert speakers: Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, and The Watershed Institute Policy Director Michael Pisauro, Esq.

The webinar is free and will take place via Zoom from Noon - 1:30 PM on Friday, November 3.

Get more info and register.

November 9: SAME Philadelphia Resilience Symposium

As the U.S. continues to see warming temperature trends and heavy weather events of increasing frequency and intensity, infrastructure resiliency is a crucial topic of discussion. The SAME Philadelphia Post Annual Symposium will bring together practitioners from the Greater Philadelphia Area and beyond to speak about infrastructure resiliency and how it can help public and private entities survive these turbulent times. The event also includes an exhibitor hall - Princeton Hydro is exhibiting and is also a proud sponsor of the event.

Get more info and register.

November 14 – 16: New Jersey League of Municipalities Annual Conference

The 108th Annual Conference will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ. The Conference, which is considered the largest municipal gathering in the nation, provides three full days of extensive learning opportunities, meaningful face-to-face networking, and a comprehensive showcase of product innovations. The event opens the doors to local government officials, connecting them with state and federal officials and resources. Come visit our booth in the exhibit hall!

Get more info and register.

November 15: Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association (CLRMA) Fall Conference

CLRMA is an organization of water professionals and community members who share an interest in enjoying and protecting Colorado's lakes and reservoirs. The 2023 Fall Conference, themed "Historical Perspectives on Water Quality," takes place in Denver on November 15 from 9am - 2:3opm. The conference features a variety of presentations, including "How Climate Change Impacts the Ecology and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and the Value of Long-Term Data," which is led by Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow and Senior Aquatics Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.

Get more info and register.

November 20: Liquid Lecture - Thinking (W)holistically about Water Management

Fountain Creek Watershed District Brewshed Alliance invites to join them at Voodoo Brewing Company in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the November Liquid Lecture featuring Princeton Hydro Senior Aquatics Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM. During his presentation he will address some of the more common issues from a "big picture" perspective of surface water quality, lake management, and watershed management. He will share techniques that can assist in management and improvement, including emphasis on the cause of harmful algae blooms (HABs) and ways to prevent and deal with HABs. Liquid Lecture attendees receive $1.00 any beer purchase!

Get more info.

December 1: NJ-AWRA Stormwater Webinar

New Jersey Section of American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) is hosting a free  Stormwater webinar on Friday, December 1 from Noon - 1pm. The webinar, which is eligible for 2 NJ PE and 2 AICP CM self-reporting credits, features three presentations:

1. Stormwater Regulatory Updates and Green Infrastructure Overview led by Brian Friedlich, P.E. 2. NJ Future Initiatives - MS4 Primer and Stormwater Retrofits Manual led by Lindsey Sigmund 3. Green Infrastructure Case Study - Clawson Park led by Dr. Stephen J. Souza

Princeton Hydro was involved in the design and implementation of stormwater management upgrades to Clawson Park in Ringoes, NJ. Hundreds of native plants were installed in the park’s large stormwater basin and two of the park’s rain gardens were completely overhauled, removing invasive weeds and planting beneficial native species. To learn more about the project, click here.

Get more info.

December 4: Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association (CLRMA) Fall Conference

Join Greater Trenton on December 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. for an evening of cocktails and conversations to reflect on Trenton’s past, reimagine its future, and make connections with some of the most influential leaders impacting the Capital City. The celebration honors Caren Franzini, former NJEDA CEO and one of the founders of Greater Trenton, by presenting the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to John Hatch, Principal at Clarke Caton Hintz, and David Henderson, Principal at Hx2 Development. Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of the Trenton community and participate as a Sustaining Sponsor in this celebratory event.

Get more info.

Stay tuned for more!

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