Colonial Lake Bank Stabilization and Landscape Architecture

Colonial Lake is located within Colonial Lake Park, a 2.1-acre public park in the highly developed Lawrence Township. The lake shows varying degrees of bank erosion. To address these issues, Lawrence Township secured a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to restore 800 linear feet of shoreline using native vegetation and sustainable practices. In the winter of 2024, Princeton Hydro was contracted to provide consulting services for shoreline stabilization and to design living shorelines along sections of Colonial Lake.

Princeton Hydro conducted a comprehensive shoreline evaluation, classifying the observed erosion into the following categories and applying targeted stabilization strategies for each:

• Severe erosion: Areas with significant bank undercutting were stabilized using two coir logs and replanted with live stakes and herbaceous plugs.
• Moderate erosion: Zones exhibiting mild erosion were reinforced with a single coir log and planted with herbaceous plugs.
• Minimal erosion: Sections with little or no erosion were enhanced with herbaceous plugs and live stakes as needed.

Following the visual assessment, in addition to the development of engineering plans and planting schedules focused on a native plant palette, the collected data was used to generate conceptual plans to visually aid in the understanding of the proposed stabilization measures.

Finally, Princeton Hydro assisted the regulatory compliance by securing all necessary permits. Construction was successfully completed in the fall of 2025. Princeton Hydro continues to collaborate with the Township to develop educational signage aimed at engaging residents and visitors, highlighting the Township’s commitment to improving water quality and promoting ecological health.