search
WP_Query Object
(
    [query] => Array
        (
            [page] => 
            [pagename] => blog
        )

    [query_vars] => Array
        (
            [page] => 0
            [pagename] => blog
            [error] => 
            [m] => 
            [p] => 0
            [post_parent] => 
            [subpost] => 
            [subpost_id] => 
            [attachment] => 
            [attachment_id] => 0
            [name] => 
            [page_id] => 0
            [second] => 
            [minute] => 
            [hour] => 
            [day] => 0
            [monthnum] => 0
            [year] => 0
            [w] => 0
            [category_name] => environmental-education
            [tag] => 
            [cat] => 33
            [tag_id] => 
            [author] => 
            [author_name] => 
            [feed] => 
            [tb] => 
            [paged] => 1
            [meta_key] => 
            [meta_value] => 
            [preview] => 
            [s] => 
            [sentence] => 
            [title] => 
            [fields] => 
            [menu_order] => 
            [embed] => 
            [category__in] => Array
                (
                    [0] => 33
                )

            [category__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [category__and] => Array
                (
                )

            [post__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [post__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [post_name__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag__and] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag_slug__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [tag_slug__and] => Array
                (
                )

            [post_parent__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [post_parent__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [author__in] => Array
                (
                )

            [author__not_in] => Array
                (
                )

            [search_columns] => Array
                (
                )

            [posts_per_page] => 11
            [ignore_sticky_posts] => 
            [suppress_filters] => 
            [cache_results] => 1
            [update_post_term_cache] => 1
            [update_menu_item_cache] => 
            [lazy_load_term_meta] => 1
            [update_post_meta_cache] => 1
            [post_type] => 
            [nopaging] => 
            [comments_per_page] => 5
            [no_found_rows] => 
            [order] => DESC
        )

    [tax_query] => WP_Tax_Query Object
        (
            [queries] => Array
                (
                    [0] => Array
                        (
                            [taxonomy] => category
                            [terms] => Array
                                (
                                    [0] => 33
                                )

                            [field] => term_id
                            [operator] => IN
                            [include_children] => 
                        )

                )

            [relation] => AND
            [table_aliases:protected] => Array
                (
                    [0] => ph_term_relationships
                )

            [queried_terms] => Array
                (
                    [category] => Array
                        (
                            [terms] => Array
                                (
                                    [0] => 33
                                )

                            [field] => term_id
                        )

                )

            [primary_table] => ph_posts
            [primary_id_column] => ID
        )

    [meta_query] => WP_Meta_Query Object
        (
            [queries] => Array
                (
                )

            [relation] => 
            [meta_table] => 
            [meta_id_column] => 
            [primary_table] => 
            [primary_id_column] => 
            [table_aliases:protected] => Array
                (
                )

            [clauses:protected] => Array
                (
                )

            [has_or_relation:protected] => 
        )

    [date_query] => 
    [queried_object] => WP_Post Object
        (
            [ID] => 6
            [post_author] => 1
            [post_date] => 2021-01-18 12:51:43
            [post_date_gmt] => 2021-01-18 12:51:43
            [post_content] => 
            [post_title] => Blog
            [post_excerpt] => 
            [post_status] => publish
            [comment_status] => closed
            [ping_status] => closed
            [post_password] => 
            [post_name] => blog
            [to_ping] => 
            [pinged] => 
            [post_modified] => 2021-01-18 12:51:43
            [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-01-18 12:51:43
            [post_content_filtered] => 
            [post_parent] => 0
            [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?page_id=6
            [menu_order] => 0
            [post_type] => page
            [post_mime_type] => 
            [comment_count] => 0
            [filter] => raw
        )

    [queried_object_id] => 6
    [request] => SELECT SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS  ph_posts.ID
					 FROM ph_posts  LEFT JOIN ph_term_relationships ON (ph_posts.ID = ph_term_relationships.object_id)
					 WHERE 1=1  AND ( 
  ph_term_relationships.term_taxonomy_id IN (33)
) AND ((ph_posts.post_type = 'post' AND (ph_posts.post_status = 'publish' OR ph_posts.post_status = 'acf-disabled')))
					 GROUP BY ph_posts.ID
					 ORDER BY ph_posts.menu_order, ph_posts.post_date DESC
					 LIMIT 0, 11
    [posts] => Array
        (
            [0] => WP_Post Object
                (
                    [ID] => 17545
                    [post_author] => 1
                    [post_date] => 2025-05-21 19:27:20
                    [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-21 19:27:20
                    [post_content] => 

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.


June 3: Pinelands Science Forum

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.

Get more info and register.

July 31: Westchester County Parks Foundation Duck Derby

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!

Get more info and purchase tickets.

August 29: 25th Annual Land Ethics Symposium

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.

Get more info and register.

In Case You Missed It: Exciting Events from Earlier this Year

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.

Click here to learn more and watch the full 1-hour workshop.

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.”

Click here to learn more and download the presentations.

Stay tuned to our blog for more events!

[post_title] => Summer Events Spotlight: Continuing Education, Community Events, and Conferences [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-events-spotlight-continuing-education-community-events-and-conferences [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-11 17:26:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-11 17:26:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17545 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17518 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-12 16:58:26 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-12 16:58:26 [post_content] =>

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.

[caption id="attachment_17507" align="alignnone" width="1227"] View from the Fort William Henry Hotel by Chris L. Mikolajczyk, CLM[/caption]  

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.


Understanding National Lake Trends and Funding Opportunities

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.

Click here to download Chris' full presentation!

Tackling Internal Loading with Updated Tools and Techniques

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.

Click here to download Fred's full presentation!

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!

[caption id="attachment_17509" align="alignnone" width="952"] Science, strategy, and a little friendly competition at NYSFOLA Trivia Night!
(From left: Chris L. Mikolajczyk, Nancy Mueller of CSLAP and NYSFOLA (standing), Laurel Wolfe of Sleepy Hollow Lake, and Dr. Fred Lubnow)[/caption]
Click here to read more about our lake management and water quality restoration work. [post_title] => Water Quality Wisdom & Innovation: Key Takeaways & Presentation Downloads from the 2025 NYSFOLA Conference [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => water-quality-wisdom-innovation-key-takeaways-presentation-downloads-from-the-2025-nysfola-conference [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-05-21 16:58:58 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-05-21 16:58:58 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17518 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17457 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-04-21 13:52:14 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-04-21 13:52:14 [post_content] =>

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:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qnGIJe0QHE&t=4s[/embed]

More Resources & How to Stay Informed

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.

[post_title] => WATCH: 6th Annual NJDEP Harmful Algal Bloom Summit [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => watch-6th-annual-hab-summit [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-04-21 13:57:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-04-21 13:57:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17457 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17439 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-04-16 14:12:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-04-16 14:12:39 [post_content] =>

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.


Get Your Garden Spring-Ready: 5 Simple Tips

[gallery link="none" ids="1163,17443,2043"]

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:

  1. Prep Your Soil: Loosen the ground and give it a good soak before planting. This helps roots settle in and access nutrients more easily.
  2. Choose Natives: Native plants are adapted to local conditions, support pollinators, and often require less maintenance and water.
  3. Tame the Invasives: Remove or reduce invasive species early in the season before they take hold. It’s a simple way to give native plants room to grow.
  4. Tickle Those Roots: When transplanting plugs or potted plants, gently loosen the roots. It helps the plant establish itself faster.
  5. Water Deeply: Give new plantings a thorough watering to help them recover from transplant shock and get settled in their new home.

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:

  • How to choose plants that complement one another;
  • Tips for starting seedlings indoors;
  • Steps for preparing outdoor beds before planting;
  • Things to consider when choosing native edible plants like mountain mint or wild strawberries; and
  • Knowing how and when to transplant from pot to garden.
Click here to watch the full Q&A session on-demand.

Princeton Hydro Garden Day: Teamwork in Bloom

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.”

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="17434,17438,17431,17433,17432,17435"]

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 101: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

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:

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/live/yEsYb-DMGwk[/embed]

Make Every Day Earth Day

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.

From backyards to boardrooms, each of us has a role to play in shaping a future where people and nature thrive side by side. [post_title] => Earth Day 2025: Small Steps, Big Impact [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => earth-day-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-04-16 14:12:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-04-16 14:12:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17439 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17205 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-04-03 14:40:39 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-04-03 14:40:39 [post_content] =>

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.


The Lake Luxembourg Conservation Pool Restoration Project

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.

[caption id="attachment_17211" align="alignnone" width="1631"] Overview of the Core Creek watershed. The Lake Luxembourg reservoir sits at the southern, downstream end of the watershed.[/caption]  

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:

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="17214,17213"]   Then, on September 6, 2024, the project team worked with volunteers to install more native 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!


The StoryMap at a Glance: A Comprehensive Interactive Experience

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:

  • Project history & funding sources – tracing the multi-year planning and permitting process
  • Construction milestones – including drone flyovers, time-lapse photography, and before-and-after galleries
  • Ecological impact – showcasing shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and wildlife support

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:

[embed]https://youtu.be/QS3q8S440H4?si=xrZ1vqKH0cUHm1uA[/embed]

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.

[post_title] => See the Impact: Explore the NEW Lake Luxembourg Restoration StoryMap [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => see-the-impact-explore-the-new-lake-luxembourg-restoration-storymap [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-04-03 14:43:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-04-03 14:43:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17205 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17261 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-03-26 15:37:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-03-26 15:37:27 [post_content] =>

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.


Understanding Soil Through Color

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.

To decode these color variations, scientists rely on the Munsell Soil Color Chart, a standardized system that classifies soil hues based on three components:
  • Hue – The dominant color of the soil (e.g., red, yellow, brown, gray).
  • Value – The lightness or darkness of the color.
  • Chroma – The intensity or saturation of the color.
By matching a soil sample to a color chip in the Munsell book, scientists can precisely classify soil types and infer critical environmental conditions. For example, well-drained soils often appear brown or red due to oxidation, whereas poorly drained soils—such as those found in wetlands—tend to be black, gray, or even blue due to prolonged water saturation. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="17252,17251"]

Applying the Munsell Chart in the Field

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:

  • Redoximorphic features – Oftentimes visible patterns promoted by anaerobiosis, such as the accumulation of organic matter and the reduction, movement, or accumulation of elements including iron and manganese.
  • Organic matter content – Darker colors suggest higher organic material accumulation.
  • Soil texture and composition – Scientists analyze whether the soil is loam, silt, sand, muck, clay, or a mixture.

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.


Conducting a Soil Profile Analysis with Ivy Babson, PWS

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.

Collecting and Analyzing Soil Samples

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.

[gallery link="none" columns="2" size="medium" ids="17254,17255"]  

She also identified strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) redoximorphic features along plant root pore linings, indicating iron reduction due to prolonged saturation:

  Before progressing the soil profile further, Ivy noted the groundwater table was very high (about 3 inches) relative to the soil surface:  

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.

Identifying Hydric Soil Indicators

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:

  • Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11) – A depleted or gleyed matrix beginning within 12 inches of the surface, which is located under a dark-colored surface layer.
  • Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1) – A mucky loam layer at least 4 inches thick, starting within 6 inches of the surface.
  • Depleted Matrix (F3) – A soil layer with 60% or more chroma of 2 or less, beginning within 10 inches of the surface. Redoximorphic concentrations are required in soils with matrix values/chromas of 4/1, 4/2, and 5/2.
  • Redox Dark Surface (F6) – A soil layer with a dark matrix with redoximorphic concentrations appearing as iron soft masses or pore linings.

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.

Seeing Soil Through an Artistic Lens

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."

[gallery link="none" ids="17268,17259,13480"]

The Broader Impact of Soil Classification

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.


Stay tuned for more entries in our "Field Notes" series, where we’ll explore other essential tools used by Princeton Hydro’s team in environmental science, engineering, and ecological restoration. To learn more about the entire wetland delineation process, check out our "A Day in the Life" blog, where we follow Ivy into the field as she conducts a wetland delineation. [post_title] => Field Notes: Decoding Soil with the Munsell Color Chart [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => field-notes-decoding-soil-with-the-munsell-color-chart [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-27 00:08:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-27 00:08:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17261 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [6] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17234 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-03-21 18:02:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-03-21 18:02:31 [post_content] =>

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!

[post_title] => LISTEN: Senior Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw Featured on Top 20 Nature Podcast [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => listen-senior-wildlife-biologist-michael-mcgraw-featured-on-top-20-nature-podcast [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-21 18:02:31 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-21 18:02:31 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17234 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [7] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 16732 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-01-31 08:00:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-31 08:00:01 [post_content] =>

Welcome to our latest installment of the “A Day in the Life” blog series. Today, we delve into the fascinating world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis through the eyes of Tara Srinivasan. Tara, an environmental staff scientist for the Restoration & Resilience team and a GIS analyst, combines her passion for environmental research with the power of geospatial data to support sustainable projects that enhance ecosystems and communities alike.

GIS is a powerful technology used to study, analyze and visualize geospatial data. In Tara’s role at Princeton Hydro, GIS serves as both a creative and analytical tool, enabling her to generate and explore detailed maps of environmental conditions at project sites, such as vegetation, soils, topography, and water bodies. This process aids in identifying restoration needs, addressing challenges, and developing innovative solutions.

Let’s embark on a journey through a typical day in Tara’s role and uncover how her expertise helps shape Princeton Hydro’s environmental restoration projects.


Diving Into Data

Tara usually starts her day in the office, preparing to analyze data for a particular project. Using GIS software like ArcGIS, she examines historical and current imagery of the site, overlays habitat features, and maps property boundaries. These analyses help Tara and the project team understand the site’s existing conditions, such as watershed boundaries and the presence of threatened or endangered species.

“GIS allows us to study locations remotely, uncover patterns and features that might not be obvious on the ground, and understand how a place interacts with its surrounding environment,” Tara explains. “By incorporating extensive environmental data from local, state, and national resources - collected by both public and private organizations - I can gain a comprehensive view of a project site before we even set foot in the field.”

From calculating the impacts of a proposed restoration project to mapping flood conditions under various climate scenarios, Tara’s work ensures that Princeton Hydro’s environmental solutions are informed by robust spatial data and cutting-edge technology.

One project Tara is especially proud of is Princeton Hydro’s contribution to the Trenton Vulnerability Assessment, part of the Resilient NJ initiative administered by the NJDEP Bureau of Climate Resilience Planning. “We modeled flooding and urban heat islands based on current data and future projections of climate change, and created a mapping tool that overlaid hazard areas with Trenton’s critical facilities, community assets, cultural and ecological resources, and vulnerable populations,” she shares. Tara had the opportunity to present this data to Trenton residents, who shared their questions and ideas for solutions that the City incorporated into its climate planning efforts. “It was a great way to engage with our local Trenton community, get in-person feedback on our maps, and see the potential that GIS and environmental data have in informing social conversations,” Tara adds.


Delineating a Watershed

Today, Tara is focused on defining the boundaries of a watershed surrounding a small lake. In this video, she walks us through her step-by-step process for watershed delineation:

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

Collaborating Across Teams

Collaboration is a key part of Tara’s role. On a typical day, she meets with Princeton Hydro’s regulatory team to discuss GIS findings that inform project permitting and compliance. These partnerships enhance her work, ensuring that data analyses align with project goals and regulatory standards.

Tara also communicates her findings to clients and stakeholders who may not have technical GIS backgrounds. She uses intuitive maps, symbols, and colors—like blue for water and green for forests—to help stakeholders understand complex concepts at a glance. “Maps are a powerful thing,” Tara says. “They can bring people up to speed quickly and convey information in a way that words alone cannot.”

When maps become more intricate, Tara incorporates supplementary visuals, such as tables and graphs, to provide additional clarity. Her ability to bridge technical expertise with accessible communication is crucial for guiding clients through project decisions.


Fieldwork and Fresh Air

Although much of her work is office-based, Tara occasionally heads out into the field to collect data or monitor project sites. Equipped with GPS tools and field notebooks, she assesses topography, vegetation, and other site-specific details that feed back into her GIS analyses.

“Fieldwork provides a fresh perspective,” Tara notes. “It’s a great opportunity to see how projects are implemented and to observe how the environment evolves over time.”

Whether delineating watersheds or monitoring post-construction conditions, these outings connect Tara’s technical work to the tangible landscapes she aims to restore.


Overcoming Challenges with Innovation and Care

Tara thrives on finding innovative solutions to challenges in her work, such as optimizing software processes and addressing gaps in available data. Her meticulous organization of databases, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy ensure that her outputs are both reliable and impactful. When data is limited, Tara ensures transparency by clearly communicating any uncertainties, fostering trust and confidence in her analyses.

Tara also approaches her work with a strong ethical lens, carefully considering the implications of GIS analyses on communities and ecosystems. “When you look at a map of a stream, lake, wetland, or forest in an urban area, it’s important to notice the houses, schools, businesses, parks, and other features that surround them,” Tara explains. “Our projects impact both the environment and people. GIS helps us examine a large area and assess our impact so we can minimize any temporary or permanent effects, both legally and ethically.” She notes that GIS can even identify already disturbed areas for construction access, helping preserve healthier habitats.


Continued Inspiration

Tara’s love for maps dates back to her childhood, when she was captivated by the intricate, hand-drawn maps in fantasy novels. Her fascination grew through exploring Google Earth, imagining future travels, and observing how geography shapes civilizations. This passion now drives her professional journey, where she uses GIS to merge her analytical skills with creativity. “I’ve always been a visual learner, so I find something grounding about orienting yourself on a map,” Tara shares.

When she’s not working, Tara enjoys wildlife photography hikes, baking experiments, and writing music for her ukulele—a testament to her creativity both inside and outside the office.

For Tara, GIS is more than a tool; it’s a gateway to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. Her work at Princeton Hydro highlights the versatility of GIS in projects ranging from wetland restoration to climate change resilience. Reflecting on her role, Tara says, “What I love most about GIS is its ability to bring environmental stories to life, helping people connect with the places they care about in a meaningful way.”

[gallery link="none" ids="16713,16712,16711"]

Through her dedication and expertise, Tara embodies the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship that defines Princeton Hydro’s mission.


Princeton Hydro’s multidisciplinary team combines unparalleled expertise with innovative geospatial technology to deliver integrated ecological and engineering solutions. From comprehensive assessments and sustainable design to implementation and community engagement, we are committed to addressing complex environmental challenges. Our team’s proven capabilities in natural resource management, water resources engineering, and geotechnical design—enhanced by in-house GIS expertise—enable us to provide tailored solutions that achieve measurable results. Whether conducting regional-scale analyses, developing coastal resiliency plans, or advancing ecological restoration efforts, we are proud to contribute to a sustainable future throughout the Northeast and beyond.

[post_title] => A Day in the Life of Tara Srinivasan, Environmental Scientist and GIS Analyst at Princeton Hydro [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => a-day-in-the-life-of-tara-srinivasan-environmental-scientist-and-gis-analyst-at-princeton-hydro [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-31 14:40:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-31 14:40:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=16732 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [8] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 16002 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-01-30 20:13:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-30 20:13:21 [post_content] =>

An ambitious project is underway to eradicate the invasive Silty Pond Mussel (formerly known as the Chinese pond mussel, Sinanodonta woodiana) from the Wickecheoke Creek Preserve in New Jersey. This critical initiative seeks to protect local ecosystems, safeguard native aquatic species, and prevent the spread of these aggressive invaders into the broader Delaware River ecosystem.

[caption id="attachment_16006" align="alignright" width="394"] Provided by NJ Conservation Foundation[/caption]

The Silty Pond Mussel was first discovered in the United States in 2010 at a former fish farm in Hunterdon County, now part of NJ Conservation Foundation’s Wickecheoke Creek Preserve. It is believed the mussels arrived as glochidia (a microscopic larval stage of some freshwater mussels) attached to the gills of bighead carp, another invasive species imported from China by the farm's previous owners. Initially overlooked and undocumented in North America, the mussels quickly established a foothold in the Preserve's ponds, threatening local ecosystems.

These invasive mussels, which can grow to the size of a small football, form high-density colonies that pose a severe threat to native organisms. This aggressive species outcompetes native mussels for nutrients and habitat, altering water chemistry in the process and drastically depleting the local ecosystem of resources essential to native plants and animals. Additionally, once the Silty Pond Mussel glochidia attach to the gills of native fish, a biological reaction occurs that ultimately kills the host fish thus preventing native mussels from completing their own life cycle on these fish hosts. This dual impact — monopolizing food and habitat resources as adults while denying native mussels access to necessary host fish — makes the Silty Pond Mussel especially harmful to local ecosystems.

Following the initial discovery, DNA testing conducted by the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team, New Jersey Endangered & Nongame Species Program, and the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences confirmed the presence of this invasive species, marking the first documentation of the Silty Pond Mussel in North America. Early eradication efforts began shortly thereafter.

Since 2019, a coalition of partners has expanded these efforts and remained committed to the complete eradication of the Silty Pond Mussel species. Led by NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and including organizations such as tthe U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, NJ Conservation Foundation, Rutgers University, NJ Water Supply Authority, U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Restoration and Damage Assessment (ORDA) and Princeton Hydro, the project has focused on surveying waterways using SCUBA, snorkel and physical analysis; utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) testing to detect the presence of mussels in a waterbody; and applying targeted treatments. Community engagement and education are also central to these efforts, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling this ecological threat.

Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., President of Princeton Hydro, emphasized the collaborative nature of the efforts: "This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership and innovation in tackling environmental challenges. Together, we are making significant strides in preserving our state's rich biodiversity."


Protecting Biodiversity and Partnering for Eradication

The Wickecheoke Creek Preserve, home to nearly 400 native plant species and a wide variety of wildlife, includes 14 miles of streams and flows directly into the D&R Canal, which supplies clean drinking water to one million New Jersey residents. New Jersey is also home to 12 native freshwater mussel species, nine of which are classified as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern, further underscoring the the urgency of preventing this aggressive invasive species from spreading. Left unchecked, the Silty Pond Mussel could disrupt one of the most biodiverse freshwater regions in the country and cause significant ecological harm. Swift action to address this invasive species is essential to protecting the Wickecheoke Creek Preserve, safeguarding native species, and preserving the health of the Delaware River watershed.

Each project partner plays an essential roles in the eradication process. Rutgers University is performing the environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring and analyzing the results. Princeton Hydro is applying targeted treatments to the ponds where the mussels were initially detected, and, if eDNA or physical sampling reveals signs of the mussels in other water bodies, the team will extend these treatments accordingly. Using a highly specialized approach, Princeton Hydro’s licensed applicators have partnered with SePRO to apply Natrix, an EPA-registered pesticide developed specifically for managing invasive mollusk populations. The 2024 phase of the project has incorporated significant advancements in treatment design. The team’s strategy is both preventative and responsive. The project has garnered financial support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Delaware River Greenway Partnership through the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic Program.

[gallery link="none" ids="16013,16011,16010"]

In addition to treatment, Princeton Hydro is focused on rigorous documentation and educational outreach. “It’s important for us to record every aspect of this project, not only from a scientific perspective but also for public education,” said the Princeton Hydro Director of Marketing & Communications Dana Patterson Grear. “We want to ensure this species is contained here and prevented from spreading throughout New Jersey or, worse, across the United States.” As part of these efforts, Princeton Hydro aims to share detailed information on the Silty Pond Mussel’s characteristics and identification markers. “By educating communities and environmental stakeholders on what to look for, we hope to empower rapid responses in other areas, should the species appear elsewhere,” said Patterson Grear.


Dive Deeper: Watch the Video on Eradication Efforts

As part of the project's commitment to transparency and education, New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife created a detailed video to showcase the silty pond mussel eradication and identification efforts. This video delves deeper into the techniques and collaborative approaches being used to address the invasive species. We encourage you to watch the video to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced and the innovative strategies employed in this groundbreaking effort.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qplXLi5tOPY[/embed]

To learn more about invasive species, obtain practical tips for identifying and managing invasives, and take actions to help protect our local ecosystems, click here to check out our recent blog.

[post_title] => A Groundbreaking Effort is Underway to Protect New Jersey Waters from Invasive Mussel Species [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => a-groundbreaking-effort-is-underway-to-protect-new-jersey-waters-from-invasive-mussel-species [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-31 14:39:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-31 14:39:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=16002 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [9] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 16954 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-01-17 09:06:52 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-17 09:06:52 [post_content] =>

The Princeton Hydro team is thrilled to kick-off 2025 with a multitude of events. We're proud to be sponsoring and participating in conferences, webinars, community gatherings, and symposiums. Our blog is the go-to hub for all the event dates, detailed information, and ways to get involved. Join us in making this winter season one to remember!


February 11 - 12: Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit

The 2025 Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE, is themed "Bridging the Gap Between Science, Policy, and Action." The goal of this biennial Summit is to bring together scientists, managers, restoration practitioners, and educators from different sectors to share the latest scientific information, network, and make ecological linkages that promote a better understanding of the watershed as a whole. Participants can take part in a variety of education sessions on three different tracks: Living Resources, Sediment Material Management, and Climate Change. The program includes 70+ presentations on topics including Monitoring PFAS in the Delaware River; Sea Level Rise Scenario Visualization for Adaptation and Mitigation Practices; and Implementing Climate Resilience through Community Building. Princeton Hydro is exhibiting at the conference. We hope you'll stop by!

Get more info and register.

February 20 - 21: Eighth Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference

The Watershed Institute's Watershed Conference offers sessions that increase knowledge and skills, encourage discussions between stakeholders, and foster collaboration on specific issues and potential solutions. This year's conference, themed “Resiliency through Restoration," will focus on collaborative strategies to build climate-resilient communities by restoring degraded watersheds through nature-based and engineered solutions, addressing both current and future water-related challenges such as flooding, harmful algal blooms, and drought. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the conference, is exhibiting and leading two presentations:
  • "A Multi-disciplinary Approach to Understanding A Proven Method for Holistically Improving Watersheds by Improving Cattle Ranch Performance" by Senior Wildlife Biologist Mike McGraw CSE, QAWB, ACE.
  • "A Guide to Implementing Stormwater Retrofits and BMPs" by New Jersey Future Policy & Program Coordinator Chris Sotiro, Senior Technical Director Dr. Clay Emerson PE, CFM, and Marketing Manager Erin Bennett.
Get more info and register.

February 19 - 20: 2025 National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar

The 32nd FEMA National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar (NDSPTS) will take place at the National Disaster & Emergency Management University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This annual event brings together over 300 dam safety professionals to explore emerging challenges, advancements, and collaborative strategies essential for maintaining our nation’s dam infrastructure. This year's NDSPTS introduces a dynamic new format, designed to enhance learning and collaboration among dam safety professionals, that blends training, workshops, and traditional presentations, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing dam safety challenges and innovations. Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, is presenting on "Streamlining the NEPA Process and Focusing on Adaptive Management for Dam Removal," offering insights into improving project efficiency and resilience.

Get more info and register.


March 5 - 6: Pennsylvania Lake Management Society Annual Conference

Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS) is hosting its 35th Annual Conference at the Wyndham Garden in State College, PA. Participants will experience a collection of professional presentations, workshops and panel discussions focused on the latest discoveries in and approaches to invasive species, monitoring, best management practices, pollutants and harmful algal blooms. A proud sponsor, Princeton Hydro is exhibiting at the conference, and Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is participating in an expert panel discussion and Q&A session as well as leading a presentation on "An Additional Strategy that Should be Considered in the Monitoring and Management of Lakes and Reservoirs."

Get more info and register.


March 6: AI/Drones Industry Day presented by the SAME New Jersey and Philadelphia Posts and JBMDL

Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst (JBMDL) and the SAME New Jersey and Philadelphia Posts have partnered to present a one-day, in-person business event exploring Artificial intelligence (AI) and Drones. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse panel of industry experts about topics including the benefits of AI and Drones in the A/E/C arena; technical innovations; digital data collection applications for soil/groundwater/air sampling; the usage of drones in ecological restoration initiatives; and much more! The event, held from 8:30am - 2:30pm EST, also offers great networking opportunities and a breakfast and lunch buffet.

Get more info and register.

March 25: Save the Environment of Moorestown Annual Meeting

Save the Environment of Moorestown (STEM) will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at the Community House. The event will feature guest speaker Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Senior Project Manager and Senior Wildlife Biologist in our Princeton Hydro's Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys team, who will discuss the findings of a recent ecological study of Swede Run.

Mike, who has over 20 years of experience in ecological assessments and wildlife surveys, led the study, which focused on the section of Swede Run within the Swede Run Field Open Space. Funded by a 2024 New Jersey Audubon Grant, the study assessed ecological, geomorphic, and water-quality conditions. The findings will help STEM secure grant funding for future habitat restoration efforts, building on past work completed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the township. Refreshments will be provided at the meeting.

Learn more.

March 29: 2025 Watershed Congress

Presented by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, the 2025 Watershed Congress is taking place at Alvernia University in Reading, PA. The Watershed Congress has evolved since 1998 to advance the best available information and techniques for protecting and restoring watersheds. The focus on networking across disciplines means that the Watershed Congress melds science, policy, and practical applications into one program. As a result, the annual Watershed Congress is a highly anticipated event for people interested in understanding, protecting, and restoring their local streams. Princeton Hydro, a proud event sponsor, is leading a breakout session: "20 Years of Watershed Management of New Jersey’s Largest Lake" will be presented by Patrick Rose, Aquatics Project Manager and Limnologist, and Ivy Babson, PWS, Environmental Scientist.

Get more info and register.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A Look Back at a Few Exciting Events from 2024

If you missed our Facebook Live AMA presentation, “Fright or Fiction: Debunking the Myths about Bats, Spiders & Snakes,” don’t worry — the recording is now available for on-demand viewing! This fascinating session featuring Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Senior Project Manager and Wildlife Biologist at Princeton Hydro sheds light on the common myths surrounding these creatures, the roots of our fears, and the incredible ecological benefits they provide. Plus, he offers insights on how we can help protect them instead of fearing them. By learning more about these creatures, we can contribute to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem — and who knows, we might even overcome a fear or two along the way!


Princeton Hydro President and Founding Principal Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., lent his expertise to a “Daylighting Streams: Design & Engineering” webinar hosted by The Watershed Institute. The event delved into uncovering and restoring buried watercourses, featuring insights from Geoffrey and other leading experts, including Vince Sortman, Senior Fluvial Geomorphologist at Biohabitats, and Warren T. Byrd, Jr., FASLA, Founding Partner of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects. Topics covered included hazard mitigation, maintenance, and the role of community involvement in successful daylighting projects. Highlighting the dual benefits of enhancing urban infrastructure and natural ecosystems, the webinar offered valuable strategies for tackling these complex projects. If you missed the session, visit our blog for a comprehensive recap and to learn more about Daylighting Streams.

Stay tuned for more events!

[post_title] => Winter Events Spotlight: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey & Pennsylvania [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => winter-events-spotlight-2025 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-02-26 12:29:52 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-02-26 12:29:52 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=16954 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [10] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 16931 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-01-16 15:40:32 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-01-16 15:40:32 [post_content] =>

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the nation’s longest-running community science bird project, fueling critical conservation efforts for over 12 decades. Each year, from December 14 to January 5, birders and nature enthusiasts participate in this hemispheric program, contributing valuable data about bird populations.

The CBC began in 1900 as a new holiday tradition proposed by U.S. ornithologist Frank Chapman, replacing the "side hunt" — a practice of hunting birds with no limit — with a more constructive and conservation-minded activity: counting birds to support science and protection efforts. That year, 27 observers counted 18,500 birds in 25 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Since then, the CBC has grown to include over 2,800 count circles across the Western Hemisphere, involving thousands of volunteers who tally birds within a designated 7.5 to 15-mile radius.

This data forms one of only two large pools of information that ornithologists and conservation biologists rely on to track bird population trends. For example, a 2019 study revealed a loss of nearly three billion North American birds since 1970. The data also informs how birds respond to climate change, guiding conservation efforts in an ever-changing environment.


Princeton Hydro’s Role in the Christmas Bird Count

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is more than a science initiative; it’s a cherished tradition that brings communities together in support of bird conservation. Members of the Princeton Hydro team have embraced this opportunity to contribute valuable data while fostering a deeper connection with local ecosystems and creating a meaningful impact for birds and their habitats.

Princeton Hydro Vice President Mark Gallagher, an avid birder who has observed approximately 800 bird species in his lifetime, has been involved in the CBC since 1978 bringing both expertise and enthusiasm to the effort. He leads the Southern Bucks County (PA) Bird Count group, organizing and participating in the annual count event as well as coordinating with sub-area managers to compile and submit CBC data to the National Audubon Society.

The Southern Bucks County circle covers the Neshaminy Creek and Upper Delaware River, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania site, which was one of the original 25 locations surveyed during the first Christmas Bird Count in 1900. This long-standing tradition adds a unique historical significance to the data collected in this region and provides fascinating insights into long-term trends in bird populations.

This year, a Princeton Hydro team also participated in the Trenton Marshes Annual Christmas Bird Count, covering areas around Duck Island and the Delaware River. The group of six, spotted 50 species, including Orange-crowned Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee, Rusty Blackbird, and several Bald Eagles.

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="16934,16956,16941"]

One highlight of the day was observing a flock of Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets dancing and singing in an evergreen patch near the Trenton Sewage Utility Plant. The group also had an unforgettable experience when they imitated the descending, quavering whistle of an Eastern Screech Owl and received an answering call from the trees above—a thrilling moment that underscored the magic of connecting with wildlife.

[gallery ids="16936,16940,16937"]

Join the Tradition: Make Every Bird Count

The CBC offers an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age or experience, to contribute to this vital community science initiative. Birders must arrange participation with a local compiler and can choose to count in the field or from the comfort of their home by watching feeders. To see which count circles are nearest to you, visit Audubon’s CBC map.

In a press release, Dr. Brooke Bateman, senior director of climate and community science for Audubon, said: “The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is a great tradition and opportunity for everyone to be a part of more than 12 decades of community science in the name of protecting birds. Your Christmas Bird Count observations help scientists discover trends about bird species that inform conservation.”

In addition to the Christmas Bird Count, the National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada host the Great Backyard Bird Count, which takes place February 14 - 17. This count is an accessible way to contribute to bird conservation by observing birds from any location for as little as 15 minutes.

To access CBC count results, review 100 years of data, and receive information about all of Audubon’s community science programs, click here.


Princeton Hydro is proud to contribute to the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and similar initiatives that combine passion for conservation with meaningful action. By participating in these community science programs, we not only support vital research but also foster connections with the ecosystems we strive to protect. Whether through bird counts, habitat restoration projects, or innovative environmental solutions, we remain committed to making a positive impact for birds, wildlife, and the natural world. Together, efforts like these ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

[gallery columns="2" size="medium" link="none" ids="16943,16935"] [post_title] => Celebrating Conservation and Community: The Audubon Christmas Bird Count [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => celebrating-conservation-and-community-the-audubon-christmas-bird-count [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-01-17 21:32:55 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-01-17 21:32:55 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=16931 [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] => 17545 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-05-21 19:27:20 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-05-21 19:27:20 [post_content] =>

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.


June 3: Pinelands Science Forum

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.

Get more info and register.

July 31: Westchester County Parks Foundation Duck Derby

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!

Get more info and purchase tickets.

August 29: 25th Annual Land Ethics Symposium

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.

Get more info and register.

In Case You Missed It: Exciting Events from Earlier this Year

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.

Click here to learn more and watch the full 1-hour workshop.

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.”

Click here to learn more and download the presentations.

Stay tuned to our blog for more events!

[post_title] => Summer Events Spotlight: Continuing Education, Community Events, and Conferences [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => summer-events-spotlight-continuing-education-community-events-and-conferences [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-11 17:26:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-11 17:26:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=17545 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [comment_count] => 0 [current_comment] => -1 [found_posts] => 75 [max_num_pages] => 7 [max_num_comment_pages] => 0 [is_single] => [is_preview] => [is_page] => [is_archive] => [is_date] => [is_year] => [is_month] => [is_day] => [is_time] => [is_author] => [is_category] => [is_tag] => [is_tax] => [is_search] => [is_feed] => [is_comment_feed] => [is_trackback] => [is_home] => 1 [is_privacy_policy] => [is_404] => [is_embed] => [is_paged] => [is_admin] => [is_attachment] => [is_singular] => [is_robots] => [is_favicon] => [is_posts_page] => 1 [is_post_type_archive] => [query_vars_hash:WP_Query:private] => 6e0d7844b55e80b4bd60c1c3dddc4ab4 [query_vars_changed:WP_Query:private] => 1 [thumbnails_cached] => [allow_query_attachment_by_filename:protected] => [stopwords:WP_Query:private] => [compat_fields:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => query_vars_hash [1] => query_vars_changed ) [compat_methods:WP_Query:private] => Array ( [0] => init_query_flags [1] => parse_tax_query ) )

Blog

archive
 
Topics
Select Topics
Posted on May 21, 2025

Summer Events Spotlight: Continuing Education, Community Events, and Conferences

Popular Topics

Company News

Engineering

Environmental Action

Environmental Services

Flood Mitigation

Invasive Species Management

Lake and Pond Management

Natural Resource Management

Stormwater Management

Stream Restoration