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.
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Despite its urban setting, the area supports diverse wetlands, waterways, and wildlife habitats that play an essential role in regional flood protection, resiliency, and ecological connectivity. Flooding and habitat loss have long challenged the Lower Darby Creek Area, particularly in the communities of Eastwick in southwest Philadelphia and Tinicum Township of Delaware County, PA. Residents in these neighborhoods experience extreme flooding during storm and high tide events, and community groups have been leading local efforts to enhance resilience and reduce flood risk. The increasing effects of climate change, such as more intense storms, sea level rise, and frequent tidal flooding, are compounding challenges. To help address these challenges, The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania (TNC) and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge have commissioned Princeton Hydro to lead a two-year Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience Feasibility Study for the Lower Darby Creek Area. The study aims to identify and evaluate nature-based solutions that would help to convey, store, and infiltrate water to alleviate flooding, improve habitat for local wildlife species, and enhance community resilience. For this feasibility study, Princeton Hydro is combining field data collection, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and alternatives analysis to determine the most effective nature-based solutions that benefit both nature and people. These may include wetland creation or enhancement, stream and floodplain reconnection, and stormwater management retrofits designed to restore natural hydrologic function. Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Feasibility Study, ensuring that local voices help shape the region’s path toward long-term resilience. The project work began with a series of community meetings to learn from residents about the impacts of flooding and the changes they want to see in their neighborhoods. The outcome of this project will be a list of 6-10 nature-based solutions that have been prioritized by community members and that have been analyzed for feasibility and potential for flood reduction and ecological benefit. This information will be presented in a Project Roadmap for the co-developed pathway to achieve community and ecological resilience through project implementation. This guidance will empower partners and communities to secure funding, implement pilot projects, and advance long-term resilience goals. Once the study is complete, Princeton Hydro will create an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap webpage that will allow users to take a deeper dive into the study's findings and interact with the data. Users will be able to visualize flood scenarios and potential restoration opportunities and learn more about specific project activities and the proposed solutions. Community Engagement in Action: Eastwick Community Day Earlier this year, project partners joined residents for Eastwick Community Day, a vibrant event celebrating neighborhood connections, local leadership, and climate resilience. Hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, the event was supported by representatives from The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and Princeton Hydro, including Director of Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP and Director of Aquatics Mike Hartshorne. The gathering offered residents an opportunity to meet the organizations involved in the flood study, learn about available climate resilience resources, and share their own experiences and priorities. Alongside informational displays and project updates, attendees enjoyed a picnic lunch, family activities, and hands-on learning about nature-based solutions. It was a day that captured the spirit of collaboration driving this initiative. Check out some highlights from the day, captured by Kim Hachadoorian, Stream Stewards Project Manager for The Nature Conservancy: [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="17637,17638,17631,17635"] Building on the Eastwick Flood Resilience Study The Lower Darby Creek initiative builds on Princeton Hydro’s earlier Eastwick Flood Resilience Study, expanding from a neighborhood-focused analysis to a watershed-scale approach. In 2016, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Keystone Conservation Trust, Audubon Pennsylvania, and the William Penn Foundation, Princeton Hydro conducted an analysis of Eastwick, the flood impacts created by the Lower Darby Creek, and the viability of several potential flood mitigation strategies. The study sought to answer questions commonly asked by community members related to flooding conditions, with the main question being: What impact does the landfill have on area flooding? Princeton Hydro developed a 2-D hydrologic and hydraulic model to understand how varying restoration techniques, including removal of the Clearview Landfill, expansion of the existing tidal freshwater wetland, removal of bridge infrastructure, and rerouting storm flows, would alter flooding in the Eastwick neighborhood. Findings from that study provided key data and analytical frameworks that now inform the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study. Expanding beyond the boundaries of Eastwick, the comprehensive Lower Darby Creek Area study takes a watershed-scale view, exploring how interconnected systems, including upstream hydrology, tidal influences, and habitat networks, can be managed holistically. [caption id="attachment_7896" align="aligncenter" width="751"] Princeton Hydro developed a 2-dimensional hydrologic and hydraulic model to understand how varying restoration techniques would alter flooding in the Eastwick neighborhood.[/caption] Partnerships for a Resilient Future Resilience is not achieved in isolation; it thrives through collaboration. The success of the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study and related restoration projects depends on a network of partners committed to shared goals. By aligning expertise, resources, and local knowledge, these partnerships create a foundation for long-term climate adaptation and ecological health. To learn more about the Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, click here. To learn more about the City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability Flood Resilience Strategy for Eastwick, go here. And, click here to learn more about the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum. Princeton Hydro is also collaborating with the Refuge to restore the Refuge’s Turkey Foot area. Working with Enviroscapes and Merestone Consultants, our team designed and implemented habitat enhancement and hydrologic restoration projects to improve water quality, restore native wetland vegetation, and expand habitat for fish and wildlife. If you’re interested in learning more about this project, check out our blog: Ecological Restoration in John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. [post_title] => Building Resilience: Exploring Nature-Based Solutions in Lower Darby Creek [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => building-resilience-exploring-nature-based-solutions-in-lower-darby-creek [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-12-10 15:03:38 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-12-10 15:03:38 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18641 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18724 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-11-21 18:54:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-11-21 18:54:17 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro was proud to participate in the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) 20th Annual Conference and Exhibition, held this fall in Atlantic City, NJ. Celebrating two decades of collaboration and innovation within the floodplain management community, the conference brought together more than 500 practitioners, researchers, agency staff, and industry leaders from across the Northeast. As the region’s premier floodplain management event, the NJAFM conference serves as a hub for sharing cutting-edge tools, best practices, and real-world strategies that help communities reduce flood risk, adapt to changing climate conditions, and build long-term resilience. Over the course of two days, participants attended educational sessions, hands-on training, and networking events centered on the theme: “NJAFM at 20 Years: Celebrate the Past, Focus on the Future.” Princeton Hydro was excited to return as a conference sponsor, exhibitor, and session presenter. Understanding the Role of Floodplain Management Floodplain management is a multidisciplinary practice that integrates planning, engineering, ecological science, and public policy to reduce flood risk while preserving the natural functions of riverine and coastal systems. At its core, it involves understanding how water moves across a landscape, identifying areas vulnerable to flooding, and implementing measures that protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Floodplains provide a range of essential functions. Hydrologically, they convey, store, and infiltrate water during storm events, supporting natural flood attenuation, erosion control, and groundwater recharge. Ecologically, they contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat, migration corridors, and spawning areas for fish and wildlife. From a community perspective, well-managed floodplains can offer recreational value, improve water quality, and enhance the aesthetic and economic vitality of local neighborhoods. Modern floodplain management relies on both structural and non-structural approaches. Structural measures may include engineered solutions such as levees, floodwalls, culvert improvements, or stormwater system upgrades. Non-structural tools often involve land-use planning, flood-resilient building standards, conservation of open space, and community engagement programs that help residents understand risk and adopt best practices. Princeton Hydro works with municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and watershed groups to develop and implement comprehensive floodplain management strategies across the region, emphasizing strategies that balance flood risk reduction with ecological enhancement, ensuring that floodplain management supports both resilient communities and healthy, functioning watersheds. [gallery link="none" columns="2" size="large" ids="18742,18741"] Pictured above: before and after photos from the Floodplain Restoration and Urban Wetland Creation project in Bloomfield Township, New Jersey. By removing a little over four acres of upland historic fill in this densely developed area and converting it into 4.2 acres of a functioning floodplain wetland, the project restored valuable ecological functions, enhances wetland and riparian zone habitat, and increases flood storage capacity for urban stormwater runoff. Technical Sessions Led by Princeton Hydro Our team led two workshops at the NJAFM 20th Annual Conference: Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience in the Lower Darby Creek Watershed Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, Princeton Hydro’s Director of Restoration and Resilience, presented on strategies to address chronic flooding and climate-driven impacts in Eastwick and Tinicum Township, Philadelphia. Her talk highlighted a two-year technical assessment commissioned by The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and led by Princeton Hydro. The project combines integrated field data collection, advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and rigorous alternatives analysis to evaluate nature-based solutions. These include wetland creation or enhancement, stream and floodplain reconnection, and stormwater management retrofits, with the ultimate goal of restoring natural hydrologic function, reducing flood risk, and strengthening habitat and community resilience. Read more about the project here. Are You Hesitant to Pursue a Stormwater Utility? Elizabeth Treadway of WSP USA and Dr. Clay Emerson, PhD, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering at Princeton Hydro, led a session on the practical, legal, and financial considerations of establishing a stormwater utility, an increasingly vital tool for sustainable infrastructure funding. Participants learned:
The Lower Darby Creek Area encompasses a unique blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and critical regional infrastructure, including the Philadelphia International Airport, Interstate 95, and portions of the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Despite its urban setting, the area supports diverse wetlands, waterways, and wildlife habitats that play an essential role in regional flood protection, resiliency, and ecological connectivity.
Flooding and habitat loss have long challenged the Lower Darby Creek Area, particularly in the communities of Eastwick in southwest Philadelphia and Tinicum Township of Delaware County, PA. Residents in these neighborhoods experience extreme flooding during storm and high tide events, and community groups have been leading local efforts to enhance resilience and reduce flood risk. The increasing effects of climate change, such as more intense storms, sea level rise, and frequent tidal flooding, are compounding challenges.
To help address these challenges, The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania (TNC) and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge have commissioned Princeton Hydro to lead a two-year Urban Flood and Habitat Resilience Feasibility Study for the Lower Darby Creek Area. The study aims to identify and evaluate nature-based solutions that would help to convey, store, and infiltrate water to alleviate flooding, improve habitat for local wildlife species, and enhance community resilience.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Feasibility Study, ensuring that local voices help shape the region’s path toward long-term resilience. The project work began with a series of community meetings to learn from residents about the impacts of flooding and the changes they want to see in their neighborhoods. The outcome of this project will be a list of 6-10 nature-based solutions that have been prioritized by community members and that have been analyzed for feasibility and potential for flood reduction and ecological benefit. This information will be presented in a Project Roadmap for the co-developed pathway to achieve community and ecological resilience through project implementation. This guidance will empower partners and communities to secure funding, implement pilot projects, and advance long-term resilience goals.
Once the study is complete, Princeton Hydro will create an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap webpage that will allow users to take a deeper dive into the study's findings and interact with the data. Users will be able to visualize flood scenarios and potential restoration opportunities and learn more about specific project activities and the proposed solutions.
Earlier this year, project partners joined residents for Eastwick Community Day, a vibrant event celebrating neighborhood connections, local leadership, and climate resilience. Hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, the event was supported by representatives from The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and Princeton Hydro, including Director of Restoration & Resilience Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP and Director of Aquatics Mike Hartshorne.
The gathering offered residents an opportunity to meet the organizations involved in the flood study, learn about available climate resilience resources, and share their own experiences and priorities. Alongside informational displays and project updates, attendees enjoyed a picnic lunch, family activities, and hands-on learning about nature-based solutions. It was a day that captured the spirit of collaboration driving this initiative.
The Lower Darby Creek initiative builds on Princeton Hydro’s earlier Eastwick Flood Resilience Study, expanding from a neighborhood-focused analysis to a watershed-scale approach. In 2016, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Keystone Conservation Trust, Audubon Pennsylvania, and the William Penn Foundation, Princeton Hydro conducted an analysis of Eastwick, the flood impacts created by the Lower Darby Creek, and the viability of several potential flood mitigation strategies. The study sought to answer questions commonly asked by community members related to flooding conditions, with the main question being: What impact does the landfill have on area flooding? Princeton Hydro developed a 2-D hydrologic and hydraulic model to understand how varying restoration techniques, including removal of the Clearview Landfill, expansion of the existing tidal freshwater wetland, removal of bridge infrastructure, and rerouting storm flows, would alter flooding in the Eastwick neighborhood.
Findings from that study provided key data and analytical frameworks that now inform the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study. Expanding beyond the boundaries of Eastwick, the comprehensive Lower Darby Creek Area study takes a watershed-scale view, exploring how interconnected systems, including upstream hydrology, tidal influences, and habitat networks, can be managed holistically.
Resilience is not achieved in isolation; it thrives through collaboration. The success of the Lower Darby Creek Area Feasibility Study and related restoration projects depends on a network of partners committed to shared goals. By aligning expertise, resources, and local knowledge, these partnerships create a foundation for long-term climate adaptation and ecological health. To learn more about the Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania, click here. To learn more about the City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability Flood Resilience Strategy for Eastwick, go here. And, click here to learn more about the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum.
Princeton Hydro is also collaborating with the Refuge to restore the Refuge’s Turkey Foot area. Working with Enviroscapes and Merestone Consultants, our team designed and implemented habitat enhancement and hydrologic restoration projects to improve water quality, restore native wetland vegetation, and expand habitat for fish and wildlife. If you’re interested in learning more about this project, check out our blog: Ecological Restoration in John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Princeton Hydro was proud to participate in the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) 20th Annual Conference and Exhibition, held this fall in Atlantic City, NJ. Celebrating two decades of collaboration and innovation within the floodplain management community, the conference brought together more than 500 practitioners, researchers, agency staff, and industry leaders from across the Northeast.
As the region’s premier floodplain management event, the NJAFM conference serves as a hub for sharing cutting-edge tools, best practices, and real-world strategies that help communities reduce flood risk, adapt to changing climate conditions, and build long-term resilience. Over the course of two days, participants attended educational sessions, hands-on training, and networking events centered on the theme: “NJAFM at 20 Years: Celebrate the Past, Focus on the Future.”
Princeton Hydro was excited to return as a conference sponsor, exhibitor, and session presenter.
Floodplain management is a multidisciplinary practice that integrates planning, engineering, ecological science, and public policy to reduce flood risk while preserving the natural functions of riverine and coastal systems. At its core, it involves understanding how water moves across a landscape, identifying areas vulnerable to flooding, and implementing measures that protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Floodplains provide a range of essential functions. Hydrologically, they convey, store, and infiltrate water during storm events, supporting natural flood attenuation, erosion control, and groundwater recharge. Ecologically, they contribute to biodiversity by providing habitat, migration corridors, and spawning areas for fish and wildlife. From a community perspective, well-managed floodplains can offer recreational value, improve water quality, and enhance the aesthetic and economic vitality of local neighborhoods.
Modern floodplain management relies on both structural and non-structural approaches. Structural measures may include engineered solutions such as levees, floodwalls, culvert improvements, or stormwater system upgrades. Non-structural tools often involve land-use planning, flood-resilient building standards, conservation of open space, and community engagement programs that help residents understand risk and adopt best practices.
Princeton Hydro works with municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and watershed groups to develop and implement comprehensive floodplain management strategies across the region, emphasizing strategies that balance flood risk reduction with ecological enhancement, ensuring that floodplain management supports both resilient communities and healthy, functioning watersheds.
Pictured above: before and after photos from the Floodplain Restoration and Urban Wetland Creation project in Bloomfield Township, New Jersey. By removing a little over four acres of upland historic fill in this densely developed area and converting it into 4.2 acres of a functioning floodplain wetland, the project restored valuable ecological functions, enhances wetland and riparian zone habitat, and increases flood storage capacity for urban stormwater runoff.
Our team led two workshops at the NJAFM 20th Annual Conference:
Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, Princeton Hydro’s Director of Restoration and Resilience, presented on strategies to address chronic flooding and climate-driven impacts in Eastwick and Tinicum Township, Philadelphia. Her talk highlighted a two-year technical assessment commissioned by The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, and led by Princeton Hydro. The project combines integrated field data collection, advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and rigorous alternatives analysis to evaluate nature-based solutions. These include wetland creation or enhancement, stream and floodplain reconnection, and stormwater management retrofits, with the ultimate goal of restoring natural hydrologic function, reducing flood risk, and strengthening habitat and community resilience. Read more about the project here.
Elizabeth Treadway of WSP USA and Dr. Clay Emerson, PhD, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering at Princeton Hydro, led a session on the practical, legal, and financial considerations of establishing a stormwater utility, an increasingly vital tool for sustainable infrastructure funding. Participants learned:
The session also addressed common challenges such as aging infrastructure, rapid development, and the growing frequency of severe storm events driven by climate change. Stormwater feasibility studies were highlighted as a key resource for evaluating costs and benefits before moving forward.
Managing stormwater effectively is essential for resilient infrastructure and community safety. Click here to learn about a Stormwater Utility Investigation & Feasibility Study we conducted for the Town of Hammonton, New Jersey.
Throughout the conference, our team was able to connect with planners, municipal officials, engineers, and local leaders at our exhibitor booth. These conversations offered valuable opportunities to discuss project experiences, share resources, and learn from others working to advance resilience across New Jersey.
Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of this community and remains committed to advancing science-based, equitable, and sustainable approaches to reducing flood risk. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NJAFM and supporting clients and communities in building a safer, more resilient future.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette presented the City of Lambertville with the NJDEP "Our Water’s Worth It" award. The award ceremony, held at a stormwater infrastructure improvement project site behind the Lambertville Firehouse, celebrated the Lambertville's commitment to improving stormwater management, addressing flooding, protecting local waterbodies, increasing storm resilience, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
In a press release announcing the award, Commissioner LaTourette said, “Modernization of stormwater management strategies and infrastructure is critical to mitigating flooding that is severely impacting communities across New Jersey. My DEP colleagues and I applaud Lambertville for paving the way for others to follow in managing stormwater more effectively.”
The "Our Water’s Worth It" campaign, launched by NJDEP earlier this year, aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting New Jersey’s water resources. The campaign highlights municipalities, water systems, and others who go above and beyond in water resource management and infrastructure improvements. Lambertville’s forward-thinking approach to stormwater management, particularly in meeting permitting requirements ahead of schedule, earned the city this well-deserved recognition.
At Princeton Hydro, we are proud to support the City of Lambertville in its stormwater management initiatives. Our team has been working closely with Lambertville to design projects that not only mitigate flooding but also enhance the surrounding natural environment.
During the award ceremony, Senior Project Manager and Professional Engineer, Sean Walsh, PE, said: “We are honored to be here today alongside NJDEP and the City of Lambertville celebrating Lambertville's remarkable achievement in receiving the 'Our Water's Worth It' trophy. It's particularly meaningful that this recognition comes during Climate Week, underscoring the importance of local action in addressing global environmental challenges.”
Earlier this year, the Princeton Hydro team completed a comprehensive Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study, which provided critical insights into Lambertville’s current stormwater management capacity and forecasted future needs.
Among the ongoing projects, Princeton Hydro is evaluating solutions for capturing runoff and reducing flooding in Lambertville's Music Mountain area, a critical greenspace in the heart of the city. This steep, wooded hillside, home to popular nature trails, serves as a cherished spot for after-school exploration, dog walking, and outdoor recreation. Music Mountain also plays a critical role in the city’s stormwater management system, acting as a natural buffer to protect lower-lying areas from flash flooding caused by runoff from the residential neighborhoods above. However, storm sewer outfalls discharging into the hillside have created deep erosion gullies, and during heavy rain events, the runoff has flooded the Fire Department. In collaboration with the City and the Fire Department, Princeton Hydro is designing a comprehensive solution that includes both the installation of a piped stormwater system and enlarging the inlet at the base of the mountain to better capture surface water runoff.
Additionally, on the Closson Farm property, Princeton Hydro is designing a riparian restoration project to manage the effects of increasing storm intensity. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this project will result in 4.6 acres of restored floodplain, 300 trees planted, creation of wildlife habitat, measurable sediment and nutrient reduction, reduced stormwater runoff, community engagement, and new walking paths for recreation.
“Together with Lambertville, we are taking essential steps to enhance the city’s infrastructure and safeguard the community against future flooding. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to protecting the environment and promoting resilience,” said Princeton Hydro’s Director of Restoration & Resilience, Christiana Pollack, CFM, GISP.
By embracing innovative stormwater solutions, Lambertville is not only enhancing its infrastructure but also setting a benchmark for resilience and environmental stewardship across New Jersey. This recognition reflects the city’s commitment to proactive flood management and sustainability, serving as an inspiration for other communities.
Princeton Hydro is honored to partner with the City of Lambertville on these important efforts. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and are excited to continue our collaboration on future projects that will further strengthen the city's resilience and protect its vibrant neighborhoods.
To learn more about NJDEP’s "Our Water’s Worth It" campaign, watch the video below:
New Jersey’s water-related infrastructure is a complex system, constantly facing the challenges posed by stormwater runoff and working to properly manage it. Stormwater management isn’t just about handling rainfall; it’s a critical aspect of improving water quality and mitigating flood risks. In New Jersey, where urbanization and rainfall patterns intersect, managing stormwater is more than just a priority; it’s a necessity. To learn more about stormwater management solutions, check out our blog: "In the Eye of the Storm: Exploring A Stormwater Utility in New Jersey."
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