We’re committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
With great enthusiasm, we introduce the newest member of the Princeton Hydro team: Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE. He 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. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike for a Q&A session to delve into his new role, explore his aspirations for the future, and learn about what drives and inspires him.
A: What really motivates me is the amazing work culture and supportive team environment. I’m also excited about the types of projects that Princeton Hydro engages in which prioritize conservation ethics in their project selection process.
A: I am very proud to have contributed to the advancement and development of non-compliance-based wildlife studies over the past 15 years. This involves understanding the natural history of a particular site to guide ecological restoration and master planning. I hope to provide value-added services to ensure that decisions made on the landscape are beneficial to the wildlife. With this approach, we can ensure that the ecosystems we work on will benefit the wildlife.
A: In my professional work over the past decade, two aspects have brought me the most joy. First, working on extensive master plans, such as county-level park systems, large greenways, and vast conservancy lands, enables me to contribute my expertise in non-compliance-based ecological studies. These studies inform decisions that will shape the landscape for the next century.
Second, I find immense satisfaction in exploring the connection between humans and wildlife through research in working lands. My focus on adaptive multi-paddock grazing and farmlands aims to comprehend the significance of these practices in restoring soil health, water holding capacity, and water sequestration. This research holds the potential solution to saving grassland birds, which the U.S. is losing at an alarming rate. Being part of the research team that seeks to identify ways to save birds without compromising our food systems or the culture of family farming in America is truly a privilege.
A: I’ll never forget the first time I found a Northern Red Salamander; it was like a spark animal for me. It was at a pocket park in Delaware County, PA. We all got babysat by the neighborhood babysitter. 30 kids would come check in afterschool and disappear, and I would just go to the park to catch little stream-side salamanders. The first time I found a Northern Red Salamander blew my mind, and I’ve been seeking that joy and wonder of discovery ever since.
A: I’ve seen a lot of amazing things in the wild, but sometimes it’s as simple as witnessing the subtle communications between socially monogamous house finches. Just watching how they interact and feed their young is just astounding to me. It’s something that’s happening all around us, and we take it for granted.
A: I have three incredible daughters who are exceptionally talented naturalists. The challenge lies in picking the right excursions that match their intellectual interests and physical capabilities. Figuring it out presents a unique joy in navigating outdoor activities with my kids.
A: I absolutely love native plants. I have a 0.2 acre lot, where I immediately put 2,900 plugs that represent 75 native species. Honestly, it’s hard to say. Just like when people ask me what my favorite bird is, I tell them, “The one in front of me.”
Big thanks to Mike for generously sharing his insights and enthusiasm with us. His passion for wildlife biology and commitment to ecological restoration are truly inspiring. His expertise and dedication to conservation will undoubtedly make a significant impact here at Princeton Hydro! We eagerly anticipate the innovative strategies and valuable contributions he will bring to our projects.
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