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The program hopes to enrich young participants, who may not have the opportunity to explore open spaces in their community, with hands-on environmental field experience under the tutelage of NJDEP professionals and mentors. This year’s participants consisted of youths from several different community-based organizations. These partners include Neighborhood Improvement Association (Trenton), Rutgers-Camden, The Work Group (Camden), Ranch Hope (Salem), Boys and Girls Club of Garfield, Groundwork Elizabeth, Ironbound Community Corporation (Newark), and United Community Corporation (Newark). Over six weeks, eight community organizations guided participants as they engaged with professionals to explore careers in water and air monitoring, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, and other related fields. Additionally, a new component of the program introduces "community project days," where participants actively contribute to environmental projects within their neighborhoods. These projects enable participants to make a positive impact on their communities, fostering a sense of civic pride and environmental stewardship. Activities may include park cleanups, installing educational exhibits, and establishing community gardens. [caption id="attachment_13546" align="aligncenter" width="1230"] The youth program participants gather together with their certificates for a final group photo at NJDEP.[/caption] The program has been expanded to include a full day of rehearsal, with a focus on public speaking abilities and mock interviews, regarded as integral components of professional development. Throughout the summer, participants will engage in resume and cover letter writing sessions and attend presentations led by guest speakers. In addition to fostering personal and professional growth, participants devoted a substantial amount of their time to honing technical skills through hands-on activities. These activities included simulating environmental impact investigations, collecting macroinvertebrates from a stream to gauge water quality, interacting with fish at a state trout hatchery, and designing a park in collaboration with Green Acres staff. To further enrich their understanding, the program also incorporates a visit to the regional headquarters of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As part of this initiative for the third year in a row, the NJDEP's Division of Land Resource Protection Mitigation Unit invited Princeton Hydro and Mercer County Park Commission to host three sessions at John A. Roebling Park. Under the guidance of Princeton Hydro mentors Mark Gallagher, Dana Patterson Grear, and Mike McGraw, the team educated young participants about invasive species and the importance of restoring native landscapes. The initiative exposed attendees to the varied roles of environmental scientists, water resource engineers, geologists, restoration ecologists, wildlife biologist, pesticide applicators, regulatory compliance specialists, and communications professionals, thereby enhancing their understanding of these professions and sparking a fascination for the natural world. The Abbott Marshlands in Trenton, New Jersey The program began at Tulpehaking Nature Center like in previous years. After representatives from Mercer County Park Commission and Friends of the Abbott Marshlands introduced the site's history, Princeton Hydro discussed career opportunities in conservation and gave a brief overview of ongoing restoration efforts in the park to eliminate the invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis), and NJDEP representative, Jessica Klein, gave a presentation about her work in wetland mitigation. Before venturing into the Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal wetlands along the Delaware River, the Princeton Hydro team conducted a health and safety briefing. They highlighted potential risks and exposures to ensure everyone's awareness. This briefing is a crucial part of prioritizing the safety of all participants in our work. [gallery link="none" ids="15638,15639,15629,15633,15634,15630,15632,15631,15637"] Shortly after setting out on the road to the site, the students received an additional lesson. Mark directed their attention to a nearby tree where poison ivy - a native plant - had stealthily climbed up the trunk. To their surprise, the young participants had mistaken the trailing vines for branches of the tree. This observation highlighted the remarkable ability of poison ivy to adapt to its surroundings, finding innovative ways to persist and thrive in its environment. As the second group continued their journey down the path, they encountered a Fowler’s toad. Initially, its slippery texture startled them, but they quickly realized the frog's harmless nature. Through gentle pats on its head, they gained a newfound appreciation for these fascinating creatures, transforming their initial fear into a sense of wonder and respect. Venturing through the marshland, the young explorers gained insights into wetland delineation. They witnessed the fascinating process of using a hand auger and a Munsell Soil Color Book to identify and understand the unique characteristics of wetland soils. In a delightful exploration of local flora, participants delved into the art of species identification using a specialized field guide. They learned to distinguish invasive plant species from their native counterparts, such as sensitive fern, which they were able to see during a short nature walk on a trail back to the nature center. In a seemingly unremarkable area of the riverbank, the third group stumbled upon a startling discovery. Amidst the lush vegetation, a highly toxic plant known as poison hemlock flourished. The students were taken aback by its presence in an otherwise ordinary location. They had never encountered such a hazardous plant in their previous studies. The poison hemlock, with its delicate white flowers and feathery leaves, belied its deadly nature. The students were captivated by its beauty, but the instructors cautioned them against touching. The encounter with poison hemlock and poison ivy served as a valuable lesson for the students. They realized that even in seemingly ordinary places, hidden dangers could lurk. They developed a newfound respect for the power of nature and the importance of exercising caution when exploring unfamiliar environments. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="15640,15641"] Ending the day, participants from the first group had the privilege of attending a lesson conducted by Wildlife Biologist Mike McGraw. With the assistance of the Nature Center's resident corn snake, Mike introduced the students to the fascinating world of reptiles. Overcoming their initial apprehension towards these slithery creatures, the students discovered that there was much more to snakes than they had previously imagined. Mike dispelled common misconceptions and fears, explaining that snakes are not inherently dangerous creatures but rather play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. The NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative began on July 8 and culminated on August 16 with a graduation and NJDEP Career Day where students had the opportunity to meet and discuss career options with various organizations who tabled at the event, including Princeton Hydro. To learn more about the NJDEP education program, click here. If you’re interested in learning more about Princeton Hydro’s ecological restoration services, click here. [post_title] => Empowering Youth Through Environmental Stewardship: NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative 2024 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => empowering-youth-through-environmental-stewardship-njdep-youth-inclusion-initiative-2024 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-03-28 13:48:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-03-28 13:48:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=15622 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 14409 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2024-02-10 07:12:51 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-10 07:12:51 [post_content] => 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 preserving water quality and mitigating flooding risks. In New Jersey, where urbanization and rainfall patterns intersect, managing stormwater is more than just a priority; it’s a necessity. Enter a stormwater utility— a dedicated fee to address these stormwater management challenges. Stormwater Utilities in New Jersey New Jersey’s stormwater infrastructure (storm drains, sewer piping, etc.) is aging and unable to effectively handle the amount of runoff that has been flowing through the region in recent years. This is causing increased nutrient runoff and flooding in communities throughout the state. With increasing global temperatures and the proliferation of intense storm systems, this trend is likely to continue. To address these issues, in 2019, New Jersey enacted the Clean Stormwater & Flood Reduction Law that allows municipalities, counties, groups of municipalities, and sewage and improvement authorities to establish a stormwater utility. For many local leaders, the process to establish a utility can be complex, often depending on a number of details like the scope of the work and size of the community. In 2021, Princeton Hydro teamed up with the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Future, and Flood Defense New Jersey to host a webinar explaining the purpose of a stormwater utility; how a stormwater utility works; how to decide if a stormwater utility is the right fit for a particular community; and how municipalities or counties can implement one. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvD79bjiPQ[/embed] In 2022, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced the availability of Technical Assistance for Stormwater Utility Feasibility Studies, which supports municipalities in completing a stormwater utility feasibility study. Stormwater feasibility studies can help communities weigh the costs and benefits of having a stormwater utility to determine if it's right for them. Princeton Hydro is currently conducting a feasibility study for the City of Lambertville. Jersey Water Works Stormwater Utility Information Forum Jersey Water Works is a collaborative effort of many diverse organizations and individuals who embrace the common purpose of transforming New Jersey’s water infrastructure. They bring people together to find equitable solutions focused on: Clean water and waterways; healthier, safer neighborhoods; local jobs; flood and climate resilience; and economic growth. Jersey Water Works consists of many different committees run by volunteers, including the Stormwater Utilities Subcommittee, which is part of the Asset Management and Finance Committee. The Jersey Waterworks Stormwater Utility Subcommittee launched the “Stormwater Utility Informational Forum” comprising five one-hour-long, town-hall-style education sessions. Each session featured expert panelists who explored various aspects of creating a stormwater utility and establishing a sustainable and dedicated funding mechanism to pay for a community’s stormwater management program. Utility leaders, government stormwater managers, municipal and county representatives, elected officials, experts and stakeholders came together to discuss the topics of stormwater financial planning and funding options; New Jersey legislation and the utility development process; stormwater rate structures and credits; stormwater utility policies; and stakeholder engagement. Key leaders in the Stormwater Utility subcommittee who organized the information forum include Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro (co-chair); Micah Shapiro of RES (co-chair); Prabha Kumar of Black & Veatch Management Consulting LLC; and Elizabeth Treadway of WSP. The forum presenters included Prabha Kumar, Elizabeth Treadway, Dana Patterson Grear, Dave Mason of CDM Smith; Lindsey Sigmund of New Jersey Future. The Art of Stakeholder Engagement Prabha Kumar and Dana Patterson Grear led the final session of the forum, which was dedicated to Stakeholder Engagement. They shared their expert recommendations and real-world experience in fostering community involvement, navigating the complexities of stakeholder engagement, and developing inclusive public meetings and dialogues related to implementing a stormwater utility feasibility study. The presentation emphasized the significance of prioritizing stakeholder engagement early on and maintaining consistent engagement throughout the entire stormwater utility feasibility process. Prabha and Dana also provided tons of easy-to-follow, actionable tips, including:
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) launched its fourth annual Youth Inclusion Initiative. The program hopes to enrich young participants, who may not have the opportunity to explore open spaces in their community, with hands-on environmental field experience under the tutelage of NJDEP professionals and mentors.
This year’s participants consisted of youths from several different community-based organizations. These partners include Neighborhood Improvement Association (Trenton), Rutgers-Camden, The Work Group (Camden), Ranch Hope (Salem), Boys and Girls Club of Garfield, Groundwork Elizabeth, Ironbound Community Corporation (Newark), and United Community Corporation (Newark).
Over six weeks, eight community organizations guided participants as they engaged with professionals to explore careers in water and air monitoring, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, and other related fields. Additionally, a new component of the program introduces "community project days," where participants actively contribute to environmental projects within their neighborhoods. These projects enable participants to make a positive impact on their communities, fostering a sense of civic pride and environmental stewardship. Activities may include park cleanups, installing educational exhibits, and establishing community gardens.
The program has been expanded to include a full day of rehearsal, with a focus on public speaking abilities and mock interviews, regarded as integral components of professional development. Throughout the summer, participants will engage in resume and cover letter writing sessions and attend presentations led by guest speakers.
In addition to fostering personal and professional growth, participants devoted a substantial amount of their time to honing technical skills through hands-on activities. These activities included simulating environmental impact investigations, collecting macroinvertebrates from a stream to gauge water quality, interacting with fish at a state trout hatchery, and designing a park in collaboration with Green Acres staff. To further enrich their understanding, the program also incorporates a visit to the regional headquarters of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
As part of this initiative for the third year in a row, the NJDEP's Division of Land Resource Protection Mitigation Unit invited Princeton Hydro and Mercer County Park Commission to host three sessions at John A. Roebling Park. Under the guidance of Princeton Hydro mentors Mark Gallagher, Dana Patterson Grear, and Mike McGraw, the team educated young participants about invasive species and the importance of restoring native landscapes. The initiative exposed attendees to the varied roles of environmental scientists, water resource engineers, geologists, restoration ecologists, wildlife biologist, pesticide applicators, regulatory compliance specialists, and communications professionals, thereby enhancing their understanding of these professions and sparking a fascination for the natural world.
The program began at Tulpehaking Nature Center like in previous years. After representatives from Mercer County Park Commission and Friends of the Abbott Marshlands introduced the site's history, Princeton Hydro discussed career opportunities in conservation and gave a brief overview of ongoing restoration efforts in the park to eliminate the invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis), and NJDEP representative, Jessica Klein, gave a presentation about her work in wetland mitigation.
Before venturing into the Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal wetlands along the Delaware River, the Princeton Hydro team conducted a health and safety briefing. They highlighted potential risks and exposures to ensure everyone's awareness. This briefing is a crucial part of prioritizing the safety of all participants in our work.
Shortly after setting out on the road to the site, the students received an additional lesson. Mark directed their attention to a nearby tree where poison ivy - a native plant - had stealthily climbed up the trunk. To their surprise, the young participants had mistaken the trailing vines for branches of the tree. This observation highlighted the remarkable ability of poison ivy to adapt to its surroundings, finding innovative ways to persist and thrive in its environment.
As the second group continued their journey down the path, they encountered a Fowler’s toad. Initially, its slippery texture startled them, but they quickly realized the frog's harmless nature. Through gentle pats on its head, they gained a newfound appreciation for these fascinating creatures, transforming their initial fear into a sense of wonder and respect.
Venturing through the marshland, the young explorers gained insights into wetland delineation. They witnessed the fascinating process of using a hand auger and a Munsell Soil Color Book to identify and understand the unique characteristics of wetland soils. In a delightful exploration of local flora, participants delved into the art of species identification using a specialized field guide. They learned to distinguish invasive plant species from their native counterparts, such as sensitive fern, which they were able to see during a short nature walk on a trail back to the nature center.
In a seemingly unremarkable area of the riverbank, the third group stumbled upon a startling discovery. Amidst the lush vegetation, a highly toxic plant known as poison hemlock flourished. The students were taken aback by its presence in an otherwise ordinary location. They had never encountered such a hazardous plant in their previous studies. The poison hemlock, with its delicate white flowers and feathery leaves, belied its deadly nature. The students were captivated by its beauty, but the instructors cautioned them against touching.
The encounter with poison hemlock and poison ivy served as a valuable lesson for the students. They realized that even in seemingly ordinary places, hidden dangers could lurk. They developed a newfound respect for the power of nature and the importance of exercising caution when exploring unfamiliar environments.
Ending the day, participants from the first group had the privilege of attending a lesson conducted by Wildlife Biologist Mike McGraw. With the assistance of the Nature Center's resident corn snake, Mike introduced the students to the fascinating world of reptiles. Overcoming their initial apprehension towards these slithery creatures, the students discovered that there was much more to snakes than they had previously imagined. Mike dispelled common misconceptions and fears, explaining that snakes are not inherently dangerous creatures but rather play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
The NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative began on July 8 and culminated on August 16 with a graduation and NJDEP Career Day where students had the opportunity to meet and discuss career options with various organizations who tabled at the event, including Princeton Hydro.
To learn more about the NJDEP education program, click here. If you’re interested in learning more about Princeton Hydro’s ecological restoration services, click here.
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 preserving water quality and mitigating flooding risks. In New Jersey, where urbanization and rainfall patterns intersect, managing stormwater is more than just a priority; it’s a necessity. Enter a stormwater utility— a dedicated fee to address these stormwater management challenges.
New Jersey’s stormwater infrastructure (storm drains, sewer piping, etc.) is aging and unable to effectively handle the amount of runoff that has been flowing through the region in recent years. This is causing increased nutrient runoff and flooding in communities throughout the state. With increasing global temperatures and the proliferation of intense storm systems, this trend is likely to continue.
To address these issues, in 2019, New Jersey enacted the Clean Stormwater & Flood Reduction Law that allows municipalities, counties, groups of municipalities, and sewage and improvement authorities to establish a stormwater utility.
For many local leaders, the process to establish a utility can be complex, often depending on a number of details like the scope of the work and size of the community. In 2021, Princeton Hydro teamed up with the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New Jersey Future, and Flood Defense New Jersey to host a webinar explaining the purpose of a stormwater utility; how a stormwater utility works; how to decide if a stormwater utility is the right fit for a particular community; and how municipalities or counties can implement one.
In 2022, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced the availability of Technical Assistance for Stormwater Utility Feasibility Studies, which supports municipalities in completing a stormwater utility feasibility study. Stormwater feasibility studies can help communities weigh the costs and benefits of having a stormwater utility to determine if it's right for them. Princeton Hydro is currently conducting a feasibility study for the City of Lambertville.
Jersey Water Works is a collaborative effort of many diverse organizations and individuals who embrace the common purpose of transforming New Jersey’s water infrastructure. They bring people together to find equitable solutions focused on: Clean water and waterways; healthier, safer neighborhoods; local jobs; flood and climate resilience; and economic growth. Jersey Water Works consists of many different committees run by volunteers, including the Stormwater Utilities Subcommittee, which is part of the Asset Management and Finance Committee.
The Jersey Waterworks Stormwater Utility Subcommittee launched the “Stormwater Utility Informational Forum” comprising five one-hour-long, town-hall-style education sessions. Each session featured expert panelists who explored various aspects of creating a stormwater utility and establishing a sustainable and dedicated funding mechanism to pay for a community’s stormwater management program.
Utility leaders, government stormwater managers, municipal and county representatives, elected officials, experts and stakeholders came together to discuss the topics of stormwater financial planning and funding options; New Jersey legislation and the utility development process; stormwater rate structures and credits; stormwater utility policies; and stakeholder engagement.
Key leaders in the Stormwater Utility subcommittee who organized the information forum include Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro (co-chair); Micah Shapiro of RES (co-chair); Prabha Kumar of Black & Veatch Management Consulting LLC; and Elizabeth Treadway of WSP. The forum presenters included Prabha Kumar, Elizabeth Treadway, Dana Patterson Grear, Dave Mason of CDM Smith; Lindsey Sigmund of New Jersey Future.
Prabha Kumar and Dana Patterson Grear led the final session of the forum, which was dedicated to Stakeholder Engagement. They shared their expert recommendations and real-world experience in fostering community involvement, navigating the complexities of stakeholder engagement, and developing inclusive public meetings and dialogues related to implementing a stormwater utility feasibility study.
The presentation emphasized the significance of prioritizing stakeholder engagement early on and maintaining consistent engagement throughout the entire stormwater utility feasibility process. Prabha and Dana also provided tons of easy-to-follow, actionable tips, including:
How to structure your stakeholder groups, including the creation of a project team, a project champion and internal steering committee;
Which local community groups, municipal entities, and other external stakeholders to include in the conversation and when to include them;
Key factors in planning public workshops, like how many workshops to host, should the workshops be virtual or in-person, and how to structure the agenda for the best results; and
How to create engaging graphics, solicit feedback and educate the target audience in ways that are inclusive, informative and tailored to the unique characteristics of the community.
"Creating a stormwater utility in your community can be challenging as it is a public policymaking process. Engaging stakeholders throughout the entire process and educating the public is not just a step; it's the cornerstone to success," said Dana. "It's about embracing a diversity of voices from day one, listening to concerns and ideas, and collaboratively shaping a solution that resonates with your communities' needs."
Watch the full presentation.
The Stormwater Utility Information Forum served as a platform for sharing expertise and fostering dialogue around supporting community efforts to properly manage stormwater and protect water quality. As the conversation continues, it's crucial to leverage these insights to drive meaningful change in stormwater management initiatives across New Jersey.
The sessions were held via Zoom and the recordings of the forum sessions made available on the Jersey Water Works website. The recorded sessions serve as invaluable resources for individuals, communities, and policymakers interested in delving deeper into stormwater management.
The journey towards sustainable stormwater management is ongoing. If you or your community are interested in furthering this cause or exploring a stormwater utility, don't hesitate to reach out. The Jersey Water Works Stormwater Utility Subcommittee and Princeton Hydro welcome all voices committed to creating a more resilient and equitable water infrastructure. For more information about the Stormwater Utility Subcommittee or to get involved, please contact info@jerseywaterworks.org. Also, please explore New Jersey Future's New Jersey Stormwater Utility Resource Center which is a treasure trove of resources on this topic!
Princeton Hydro is a leader in innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally sound stormwater management systems. The preparation of stormwater management plans and design of stormwater management systems for pollutant reduction is an integral part of our projects - learn more.
As we celebrate the start of 2024, the Princeton Hydro team is thrilled about the multitude of events on the horizon. 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!
The Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) is a diverse group of professionals dedicated to understanding the unique needs of aquatic plant management in the Northeast and communicating that knowledge to both the public and private sectors. The 25th Anniversary Meeting, being held at the Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire, features workshops, technical presentations, poster sessions, networking events, and a banquet.
New Jersey Future, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, launched the New Jersey Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide. This comprehensive resource stands as a pivotal tool to aid local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions. On January 23 at Noon, New Jersey Future and Princeton Hydro are hosting a free public webinar to review this new resource.
The 10th Delaware Wetlands Conference will be held on February 6-7th at the Chase Center, on the waterfront in Wilmington, DE. The conference genda usually includes subjects such as soil science, climate adaptation, and monitoring, as well as wetland restoration and creation projects. 400 attendees, 50 different presentations and poster displays, and 30 exhibitors and sponsor tables are expected.
Project Manager and Environmental Scientist Emily Bjorhus, PWS is presenting on "Converting a Pond into a Wetland Mosaic within Public Park," which explores the design and construction of the Lion’s Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project in Warrington, PA. The project converts a stagnant pond overrun with invasive species and water quality concerns into a diverse wetland complex that provides native wildlife habitat and reduces nonpoint source pollutants discharged to downstream waters.
Project Manager and Environmental Scientist Duncan Simpson, PWS is presenting on Cypress Branch Dam Removal.
Environmental Scientist Ivy Babson is presenting on "Third River Urban Park and Habitat Creation Project – Brownfield Turned Wetland Sanctuary."
Director of Regulatory Compliance and Wildlife Surveys, Michael Rehman, CERP, PWS is presenting on "Revisiting Successful Wetland Mitigation Projects — Is Five Years of Monitoring Sufficient?"
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is hosting its 24th Annual Land Ethics Symposium on February 15 from 8am - 1pm. This year's "all virtual" symposium is specifically geared towards homeowners, landscape architects, designers, contractors, land planners and municipal officials. Participants will learn how to create ecologically sound and economically viable landscapes through the use of native plants and sustainable practices. Princeton Hydro has been a long-time sponsor of this special event.
Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Grear, along with team members from The Watershed Institute and New Jersey Future, is leading a session on community engagement. The panel will cover how officials/municipal staff can engage their communities on the MS4 permit requirements, implement a public education and outreach program, collaborate with Spanish-speaking populations, and encourage community participation in stormwater-related activities.
Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services, Dr. Fred Lubnow, will be joining a panel to discuss the valuable ecosystem services associated with watershed management, with a focus on watershed planning and nutrient management.
Pennsylvania Lake Management Society is hosting its 34th Annual Conference. This year's event, themed "Bringing it Back Home," will be held at the Wyndham Garden in State College, PA. Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the conference, which offers a collection of professional presentations, workshops and panel discussions focused on topics like threats to our waters, new scientific discoveries, and homegrown solutions to improving water quality. Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is presenting on "Assessing the Potential for Harmful Algal Blooms Over the Winter and Early Spring Seasons."
Get more info and register.
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) New Jersey and Philadelphia Posts in conjunction with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) with be hosting a Regulatory Roundtable on Thursday, March 7, 2024. This event will be a day-long seminar in-person at Tommy B’s Community Center at JBMDL. The program will identify regulatory challenges, sustainability and alternative energy initiatives, procurement/contracting opportunities, and ongoing activities specifically at JBMDL. Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the roundtable. And, Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Grear, a co-organizer of the event, looks forward to seeing you there!
The New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invite you to the 2024 New Jersey Coastal & Climate Resilience Conference. The two-day conference, held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch New Jersey, will focus on resilience projects in Monmouth County such as flood barriers, resilient building design, and natural shoreline restoration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with New Jersey experts and leaders on the current state of coastal science and research, climate resilience and resilience planning, coastal management, ecological restoration, and other related topics. Princeton Hydro's Dana Patterson Grear will be presenting on "Communicating Climate Change: How to Build a Digital Communications Toolkit for Climate Action." We hope to see you there! Early bird registration rates are available until January 31.
Join the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia for its day-long conference that convenes business-owners, professionals, and other interested parties that work in the green stormwater infrastructure field and other issues relating to water management, quality, equity, and climate resilience. The symposium will be held at the Science History Institute and will include special guests & speakers, technical and engaging sessions, breakfast and lunch, refreshments, and excellent opportunities for growing your networks. Princeton Hydro's Dana Patterson Grear and WSP's Elizabeth Treadway will be presenting on, "Stormwater Utility: A Mechanism for Funding Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in Your Community".
Presented by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, the 2024 Watershed Congress, will take place at the Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown. This year includes an in-person program on March 23 along with several virtual sessions the week following. Attendees can select a full access ticket, in-person only ticket, or virtual only ticket. The in-person program will be presented in three parts: a Keynote Speaker, Breakout Sessions, and a Closing Plenary. Presentation topics include native plants, riparian buffers, civic engagement for environmental protection, and “Converting a Pond into a Wetland Mosaic within a Public Park,” led by Emily Bjorhus, PWS.
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) New Jersey Post will be hosting its annual day-long seminar in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 19, 2024. This New Jersey-focused event will be in-person at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Fieldsboro, New Jersey and have presentors from representation from local, state, and federal governments, NGOs, and academia.
New Jersey Section of American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) hosted a free Stormwater webinar, which featured three presentations: Stormwater Regulatory Updates and Green Infrastructure Overview led by Brian Friedlich, P.E.; NJ Future Initiatives - MS4 Primer and Stormwater Retrofits Manual led by Lindsey Sigmund; and Green Infrastructure Case Study - Clawson Park led by Dr. Stephen J. Souza
Princeton Hydro was involved in the design and implementation of stormwater management upgrades to Clawson Park in Ringoes, NJ. Hundreds of native plants were installed in the park’s large stormwater basin and two of the park’s rain gardens were completely overhauled, removing invasive weeds and planting beneficial native species. To learn more about the project, click here.
As part of its Technical Friday webinar series, The Watershed Institute hosted a webinar to provide guidance on New Jersey's new stormwater ordinances, a summary of requirements, and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The webinar featured two expert speakers: Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, and The Watershed Institute Policy Director Michael Pisauro, Esq.
We are thrilled to announce that Princeton Hydro has been honored with the 2023 Small Business Award by the Society for American Military Engineers (SAME) NJ Post. This accolade celebrates the firm's commitment to advancing the objectives of SAME, fostering collaboration among government and industry leaders to address crucial national security infrastructure challenges.
The award was presented during the SAME NJ Post Annual Holiday and Awards Luncheon, held on December 5 at the Harvest Moon Brewery in New Brunswick. Princeton Hydro's founding member and President, Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., Chief Operating Officer Megan Hunter Ruf, and Director of Marketing & Communications Dana Patterson proudly represented our team and accepted this esteemed award from the SAME NJ Post President Edward Blanar.
Since joining SAME as a sustaining member in 2018, Princeton Hydro has played an active role in supporting the organization's mission. This year, Ms. Patterson was elected as the First Vice President of SAME NJ Post Board of Directors. Her pivotal role since joining Princeton Hydro in October 2018 has been instrumental in shaping the firm's involvement within SAME.
Ms. Patterson's commitment and dedication to SAME have been acknowledged through various appointments and honors, including her election to the SAME New Jersey Post Board of Directors Secretary position in 2019 and the well-deserved "Young Member Award" that same year, followed by her election as Second Vice President in 2021. She is an active member of the SAME NJ Post Small Business Council, co-chair of the annual Coastal Resilience in New Jersey seminar, and assists with the organization's digital marketing.
SAME annually bestows awards and medals to commend outstanding contributions from individuals, companies, and uniformed teams and units in support of the Society, the A/E/C profession, and national security. In addition to the Small Business Award, the 2023 NJ Post Annual Award categories and winners included:
The sponsors of this year's award luncheon, include Cullen Company, The Engineers Club of New Jersey, The Lewis Group, Montrose Environmental, Solutions³ LLC, Enviroscapes, and Princeton Hydro.
For more insights into the initiatives and impact of the national SAME organization, click here. Please enjoy a few more photos from the awards luncheon:
New Jersey Future, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, launched the New Jersey Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide. This comprehensive resource stands as a pivotal tool to aid local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions.
Historically, stormwater management measures, often seen in the form of detention basins in residential developments, shopping centers, and corporate complexes, have been designed to control peak flow (i.e., the maximum flow of water during a storm event) and do not necessarily provide a water quality improvement benefit. A stormwater retrofit aims to modify the existing drainage system to further improve stormwater control and treatment practices. Retrofits can reduce runoff volume, filter out pollutants, increase groundwater recharge, and help mimic pre-development hydrology.
Many stormwater management features were built prior to contemporary regulatory frameworks like the 2021 Green Infrastructure Rule and 2023 Inland Flood Protection Rule. This guide aims to bridge the gap, supporting municipalities in complying with updated MS4 Permit regulations, offering insights into retrofitting existing BMPs, and introducing novel strategies for installing new stormwater BMPs in built-out environments.
New Jersey Future will be hosting a public webinar to review this new resource on January 23, 2024 at 12 PM. Get more info here!
Many communities installed stormwater features prior to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) 2004 Stormwater Management Rule, which means they are outdated and not designed to manage current and future storm events.
The guide's primary aim is to provide invaluable context and guidance, enhancing planning, prioritization, and design efforts for stormwater retrofits. It’s positioned to aid in MS4 Tier A permit compliance, project identification, and design while fostering public-private partnerships aligned with New Jersey Future's mission to promote sensible and equitable growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments to foster healthy, strong, resilient communities.
The guide is also intended to supplement existing resources provided by NJDEP as well as New Jersey Future’s Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure Program’s New Jersey Green Infrastructure Municipal Toolkit and New Jersey Developers Green Infrastructure Guide.
"As climate change is exacerbating flooding across the Garden State, it is imperative that we update our existing stormwater infrastructure to both handle the increased quantity of stormwater and filter out pollutants," said Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro, who helped design the guide and oversee its creation. "This comprehensive stormwater retrofit guide is a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and practical guidance aimed at empowering communities to retrofit outdated stormwater features in order to improve water quality and reduce flooding in their neighorhoods."
The informative and visually engaging guide is organized into eight sections. It delves into the historical context, the journey and evolution of stormwater management in New Jersey; provides real-world examples of successful stormwater retrofit projects across the state; discusses post-construction stormwater system inspection and maintenance protocols to ensure the longevity and effectiveness; and explores a diverse range of stormwater retrofit options, techniques, and strategies tailored for various community landscapes with practical insights and implementation guidance for a spectrum of scenarios.
"The majority of New Jersey’s stormwater management systems were designed and implemented before the MS4 permitting program was created in 2004 and before the NJ Stormwater Management Rule required green infrastructure," said Lindsey Sigmund, PP, AICP, Program Manager for New Jersey Future. "New Jersey Future believes that green infrastructure is a key tool to easing the burden of flooding issues by repairing and restoring missing links in the water cycle. This guide will help New Jersey’s municipalities retrofit their legacy infrastructure, implement green infrastructure solutions, and improve water quality and reduce flooding in their communities."
The toolkit’s conclusion resonates as a call to action, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of stormwater retrofits. It encourages proactive engagement with local agencies, universities, soil conservation districts, and watershed associations to initiate these vital transformations. Moreover, it directs stakeholders towards potential funding sources, underscoring the guide's practical applicability.
New Jersey Future partnered with Princeton Hydro to create the guide along with input from a team of committed stakeholders, which includes: Fred Akers, Sheila Baker Gujral, Sandra Blick PE, Stephen Elliott, Andrew Filippi PE, Kathy Hale, Jeromie Lange, PE, PP, CME, CFM, Grant Lucking, Gabriel Mahon, PE, Craig McGee, Nicole Miller, Christopher Obropta, PE, Michael Pisauro Jr. Esq., Annie Polkowski, Jaclyn Rhoads PhD, Lucia Osborne, and Fred Stine. A special thank you to Lindsey Sigmund and Patricia Dunkak of New Jersey Future and the entire stakeholder team for your ideas, feedback, and participation. New Jersey Future also gratefully acknowledges the William Penn Foundation for its generous financial support, which made this project possible.
Founded in 1987, New Jersey Future is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes sensible and equitable growth, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments to foster healthy, strong, resilient communities; protect natural lands and waterways; increase transportation choices beyond cars; provide access to safe, affordable, and aging-friendly neighborhoods; and fuel a strong economy for everyone. Click here to learn more.
We are thrilled to announce that Readington Township has been chosen as the recipient of the ANJEC “2023 Environmental Achievement Award" in the Environmental Commission category.
The project that achieved award recognition, done in partnership with Readington Township and Princeton Hydro, involved the development of New Jersey’s first interactive Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) in digital format, paving the way for a more modernized, easily accessible, and highly functional resource. As an alternative to a traditional ERI composed of a report narrative and static maps, Princeton Hydro developed an ArcGIS StoryMap, an interactive web application weaving together narrative, tables, and dynamic web maps. This comprehensive ERI allows users to explore environmental resource mapping, zoom and pan to specific sites, and view attributes without specialized GIS software or training.
This is the first time an ERI in New Jersey has been made into a digital format! The interactive Readington ERI is planned for public release before the end of 2023. You can view the "Unofficial Draft" by clicking here. Here's a sneak preview of the ArcGIS StoryMap in action:
The ANJEC Environmental Achievement Award program recognizes exceptional projects carried out by environmental commissions and groups. The projects and plans chosen each year represent some of the best examples of efforts to promote local actions that protect and restore New Jersey’s natural resources and ensure healthy, sustainable communities.
The 2023 awards were presented on Friday, October 13th during the ANJEC Environmental Congress at Mercer County College Conference Center. This year's event marked the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Congress, which Princeton Hydro was proud to sponsor and participate in. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event featured a keynote address by USEPA Region 2's Chief of Staff Olivia Glenn, a presentation from NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, and many educational workshops.
ANJEC is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources and protection of environmental health. Princeton Hydro is a business member of ANJEC and proud to have been chosen along with Readington Township for this prestigious award.
The Princeton Hydro team is excited to participate in and sponsor a variety of in-person and virtual events, including conferences, educational webinars, mobile workshops, community gatherings, and a Facebook Live "Ask the Experts" Conversation.
Check out the latest edition of our Events Spotlight:
This year's conference, themed "New Science for Changing Times," will be held at the Wyndham Garden State College in Boalsburg, PA. Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the 33rd Annual Conference, which offers a collection of professional presentations, workshops and panel discussions. Two Princeton Hydro team members are giving presentations: Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow and Senior Environmental Scientist J.P. Bell, GISP.
Join Isabelle Stinnette from the NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program and Jake Dittes, PE from Princeton Hydro to learn how to prioritize infrastructure redevelopment that is supportive of fish passage and reduces localized flooding. They will debut the results of 300+ assessments of bridges and culverts in coastal New Jersey as well as a conceptual culvert design and a tool kit that can be applied to make infrastructure decisions anywhere.
Get more info.
Hosted by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, the annual Watershed Congress brings together environmental enthusiasts and professionals to advance the best available information and techniques for protecting and restoring watersheds. The one-day conference combines science, policy, and practical applications into one program that consists of an engaging keynote discussion, exhibits, poster sessions and presentations covering a broad range of watershed topics. Princeton Hydro is an "Associate Sponsor" this year, and our Director of Aquatics Michael Hartshorne and Tim Fenchel of Schuylkill River Greenways are delivering the keynote address on the "Ecological Status and Perceptions of the Schuylkill River."
The Middletown Township Environmental Advisory Council is excited to host a Rain Garden Seminar featuring guest speaker Dr. Fred Lubnow of Princeton Hydro. The free, 1-hour seminar will be held at the Middletown Municipal Center on March 28 at 6:30pm. The purpose of this seminar is to educate and encourage residents to install rain gardens on their property. Rain gardens are an innovative and cost-effective solution to reducing stormwater runoff. Dr. Lubnow, an expert in rain garden design and installation, will provide insight into how to plan and create a rain garden that will not only help prevent erosion and flooding but also improve water quality and add a beautiful aesthetic to any property.
As part of its Economic Development Series, Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber invites you to join them for an in-person breakfast and panel discussion. The panel discussion, moderated by Diane Rodgers, NJ Economic Development Authority, features a variety of Trenton business owners who will share insights related to the event's theme: "Deep Roots and New Growth: Learn How the Success of 100+ Year Old Business Inspires New Investment in the Capital City." Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE is proud to participate as a panelist along with Rich Balka, President of the Home Rubber Company, and Tim Moonan, CEO of the Hibbert Group. The event will be held at the Trenton Country Club from 7:30am to 10am. We hope to see you there!
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to invite you to the 2023 Harmful Algal Bloom Virtual Summit on Thursday, March 30th from 9-2:30 via Microsoft Teams. The this year’s conference, themed “New Challenges, Lasting Solutions,” features presentations from a variety of water resource and HABs experts. Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred S. Lubnow is giving a presentation on “HABs Around the Nation.”
The American Planning Association invites you to attend its 2023 National Planning Conference, where professionals can tap into an inspiring network of peers to analyze, imagine, and plan for the future. The conference program is focused on peer discussion and research into areas most likely to be agents of change in the planning profession, including climate change, housing, health equity, and the future of work. Conference sessions include peer-to-peer learning, in-depth exploration, hands-on training across a wide range of program areas, and 55+ mobile workshops.
Presented by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and hosted by Duke Farms, the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team Conference is considered the most comprehensive state-wide forum on invasive species. The conference encompasses insights from both academic research and field experience, and features practical demonstrations by land stewards in addition to formal presentations. Princeton Hydro, a sponsor of the conference, will be exhibiting. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Camden Collaborative Initiative, along with Camden Community Partnership, is hosting the 6th Annual Camden Environmental Summit on Wednesday, April 19th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This year's Summit, which Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor, will be held in-person at the Hilton Garden Inn on the Camden Waterfront. As the only event of its kind in the region, the Summit provides an opportunity for community leaders, nonprofit organizations, environmental advocates, green businesses and government officials to unite under a shared vision and to address issues of air quality, stormwater management, climate resilience, brownfields redevelopment, illegal dumping, health and environmental education.
National Water Quality Monitoring Council is hosting its 13th National Monitoring Conference in Virginia Beach and in a limited virtual format. This conference provides opportunities for water stakeholders – federal, state, tribal and local water professionals, nonprofits, academia, industry and water consultants, and volunteer and community scientists – to network, develop new skills and partnerships, and exchange information. Presentation topics include harmful algal blooms, climate change, and new and emerging lake management technologies. Princeton Hydro Director of Aquatics Michael Hartshorne, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow, and Senior Project Manager Christopher Mikolajczyk, CLM are all leading presentations.
Join NYSFOLA for its 40th Anniversary at the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center in Lake George. Founded in 1983, NYSFOLA is comprised of 200+ lake associations across the state. This year's conference, which is titled "Telling Your Lake’s Story Through Science and Education," includes a variety of panel discussions, workshops, networking events and an exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, a sponsor of the event, is exhibiting and leading a variety of workshops.
The PA-AWWA is hosting its 45th Annual Conference at the Pocono's Kalahari Resort. The 3-day conference will focus on providing participants with the tools and education they need to continue managing and protecting our most valuable resource: clean and safe water. Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is presenting at the event, and the keynote speaker is former Philadelphia Eagles great Bill Bergey.
Princeton Hydro’s “why” centers on our commitment “to changing our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.” In order to fully realize our “why,” our team recognized the need for a company-wide sustainability plan that examines our current actions and explores new opportunities. As our company increases in size and revenue, we recognize the need to both highlight our sustainability success stories and ensure we continue operating with sustainability at the forefront. Therefore, via the initiative of our staff, a Sustainability and Stewardship Team was formed in 2018 to develop our guiding plan.
Today, we're putting the spotlight on the folks who orchestrate the Sustainability & Stewardship Working Group to learn more about the contributions and positive impacts they've made over the past two years.
Jennifer is passionate about climate and environmental issues both as part of the Sustainability Team and outside of work through her connection to CT Fibershed, a group that encourages purchasing wool or other fiber products from local farmers. Jennifer’s two favorite accomplishments for the committee thus far are helping to switch over office purchasing to focus on recycled and green products and cleaners, and researching sustainable products for our annual holiday gift-giving initiative.
With her strong love for the environment, Nicole appreciates all that she has learned about sustainability from serving on the Team with her colleagues. Her favorite personal contribution was working on the Green Product Purchasing plan to ensure that, moving forward, company cleaning products would be greener. In the future, she’d like to work on a plan encouraging employees to adopt alternatives to single-occupant vehicle commuting.
As a lover of graphic art, Michelle created and circulated a sustainability newsletter every month, which included the latest news about sustainable practices and conservation activities.
One of her main goals in joining the Sustainability & Stewardship Working Group was to bring easier and more cost-effective recycling methods to the forefront.
Kelsey gained a strong interest in sustainability while attending St. Lawrence University for her undergraduate degree where she was a member of the sustainability club on campus. She is interested in helping Princeton Hydro live their “why” by shifting the office and company culture toward cutting down on energy consumption and increasing awareness of waste production. Kelsey has enjoyed working on various sustainability initiatives with the rest of the committee members since she joined the company in 2018.
Shortly after Dana joined Princeton Hydro in 2016, she collaborated with her then colleague Rupal Patel to launch the Sustainability & Stewardship initiative. The two, who were already buddies from their graduate school days at Yale School of the Environment, felt strongly that Princeton Hydro could be driving as much energy into corporate social responsibility internally as the firm was already doing externally in its ecosystem restoration project work.
Rupal and Dana gathered interest from staff and encouraged folks from each of our five offices and all practice areas to join, and successfully formed a team with a diversity of experience and knowledge. Collaborating with this newly formed group to assemble a formal strategy plan for the firm is one of her favorite accomplishments so far. She noted, “the group displays true teamwork; everyone is involved - from a junior scientist to a member of the Leadership Team - equally contributing and sharing ideas to develop a plan that will have real impact in reducing our firm’s carbon footprint.”
Jack joined the Sustainability & Stewardship Team because he felt an obligation to do his part in having as little negative environmental impact as possible, including at work. He is grateful to work at a place that features sustainability as part of its corporate culture.
Jack is determined to get the offices started on worm composting, and he enjoys having spirited discussions about this topic with his colleagues.
The Sustainability & Stewardship Team uses their passion for and knowledge of sustainable practices to implement policies and protocols company-wide that help reduce our energy use and waste input, while encouraging our employees to consider choices they make in their everyday practices. The first Sustainability & Stewardship plan was developed by the team (as well as previous team members Emily Bjorhus, Rupal Patel, and Sophie Breitbart) in 2018. Here's a few actions that were laid out in the plan, which have since been completed:
While the team has been working remotely throughout most of 2020 and into 2021, the Sustainability and Stewardship team is as committed as ever to furthering Princeton Hydro’s mission of changing our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better, and will continue to make progress on many of the goals outlined in our plan.
Stay Tuned for More!
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a number of events to be canceled or postponed, and many events have been switched to a digital format. Here’s a snapshot of the events Princeton Hydro is participating in while social distancing this Spring:
Sustainable South Jersey (SSJ) is hosting a Spring Photo Contest. Starting this week through May 16, the organization will hold weekly Facebook photo contests with a different photo contest theme - this week's theme is Nature Appreciation. The photo with the most shares at the end of the week will be declared the winner. Shares will be tallied at 5pm each Saturday and winners will be announced on social media each following Sunday. The winner each week will receive a $50 gift card and be featured on SSJ's social platforms and website.
New Jersey recently changed how stormwater is managed; green infrastructure will be the method of addressing polluted stormwater runoff going forward. Within the next year, all of New Jersey’s municipalities will have to adopt new stormwater management ordinances. And after adoption, all new projects will have to meet the green infrastructure stormwater management requirements. On April 23 from 4 - 6 PM, The Watershed Institute will host a webinar during which a panel of experts, including Princeton Hydro's Dr. Clay Emerson, will discuss what municipalities must do and what the new requirements will mean for design and review of projects.
MWA's 20th Annual Run for the River, a fundraiser that supports education and outreach programs, will be held virtually this year. For the past 19 years, this event has taken place in Asbury, NJ along the Wild & Scenic Musconetcong River. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, folks are invited to register online to run, walk, bike, paddle, or even fish to show your support for the Musconetcong River. Set your own goal, log your times, and see how you compare with others engaging in your favorite activity! The first 125 registrants will get a free medal, and all participants will receive a free tote bag. As a proud sponsor of this event, the Princeton Hydro team is excited to participate!
Due to COVID-19, SAME has moved its 2020 Joint Engineer Training Conference & Expo (JETC) to a virtual format. The Virtual 2020 JETC will allow participants to tune-in live to all presentations and educational sessions, if their schedules allow. Alternatively, all sessions will be recorded so if you miss anything, you can access it at a later date. PDH credits will still be available for all education and training sessions!
Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, P.E. is giving a presentation on Friday, May 29 from 9:45 - 10:45 AM about Innovative Wetland Mitigation. The presentation will focus on a project Princeton Hydro completed at Joint Base Andrews and will provide the roadmap for military bases and other federal facilities to ease the permitting process for expansion while following Clean Water Act guidelines.
Join Stroud Water Research Center for the premiere of "Flow of Life," a documentary created by The Visionaries Public Television Series that is hosted by actor Sam Waterston and highlights the Stroud Center’s work. The film premiere will also include refreshments beginning at 4 PM and a post-film Q & A session with award-winning journalist and producer Jody Santos. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this exciting event!
The theme of this year's SAME NJ Post Small Business Council Event is Cybersecurity. The event includes presentations from a variety of experts who will cover topics related to protecting your company from digital threats and meeting Government security requirements. The mission of SAME is to build leaders and lead collaboration among government and industry to develop multidisciplinary solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. Princeton Hydro joined SAME as a sustaining member in 2018.
Hosted by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, this conference is a highly anticipated event for people in the Schuylkill Watershed and beyond interested in understanding, protecting, and restoring their local streams and watersheds. This year’s program features a keynote on community building and engagement efforts to move inclusively, build awareness, and activate urban youth and adults in water protection, as well as information-packed breakout sessions, presenter’s roundtables, poster sessions, and much more. Michael Hartshorne, Emily Bjorhus, and Cory Speroff of Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the event, are giving a presentation on Stream, Floodplain, and Multi-Functional Riparian Buffer Restoration.
Presented by the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and hosted by Duke Farms, the 12th Annual New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team Conference is considered the most comprehensive state-wide forum on invasive species. The conference encompasses insights from both academic research and field experience, and features practical demonstrations by land stewards in addition to formal presentations. Princeton Hydro, a sponsor of the conference, will be exhibiting. We look forward to seeing you there in October!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EVENT SPOTLIGHTS!
The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) launched the “Clean Water is Good for Business” campaign that gives businesses a strong voice to advocate for water quality protection, reduced nutrient pollution, improved water infrastructure, and policies that make businesses more resilient to floods and droughts. Ultimately, ASBC is hopeful that the campaign helps to shift the dialogue on water issues so that there is a greater balance of business perspectives, including the economic reasons for sensible clean water regulations.
As part of ASBC’s campaign, the organization hosted a series of online training sessions for businesses to help elevate their voice on clean water issues. The most recent webinar, titled "Making the Business Case on Clean Water Issues to the Media," focused on helping businesses find and approach the right journalists, make the most compelling arguments for policy agenda, enhance credibility and confidence, and much more!
The webinar was lead by Bob Keener, Deputy Director of Public Relations at American Sustainable Business Council; Dana Patterson, Marketing & Communications Manager at Princeton Hydro; Rita Yelda, Outreach & Communications Manager at Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed; and Colton Fagundes, Policy Associate at American Sustainable Business Council.
Dana’s presentation focused on how to build substantive values-based narratives; how to develop engaging media content and effective headlines; how to build relationships with key members of the media; and best practices for media outreach.
If you missed the webinar and are still interested in learning how to build relationships with elected officials and members of the media so you can make your business’ voice heard on the issues and policies that matter, it’s not too late! You can watch the complete webinar on YouTube. And, you can view all of the presentation slides, by clicking here.
For more information about upcoming ASBC events, visit their website. To learn more about Princeton Hydro, go here.
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