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With this year’s theme, “Navigating Changing Tides,” the three-day conference brought together hundreds of professionals to share ideas, explore solutions, and strengthen the partnerships essential to advancing coastal resilience. Princeton Hydro was proud to serve as a conference sponsor and to contribute to a diverse lineup of sessions, field experiences, and networking events throughout the week. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="19456,19464"] Sunrise Bird Walk As part of the conference program, Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing & Communications Dana Patterson Grear organized a Sunrise Bird Walk at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, led by Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Senior Wildlife Biologist at Princeton Hydro, alongside Drew McQuade and Aleshanee Mooney of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA). A group of 25+ participants traveled the eight‑mile loop along Wildlife Drive, collectively observing 62 bird species along the way. Highlights included two White Ibis, an Osprey perched on a nesting platform, and hundreds of Snow Geese. As the group approached the end of the loop, a Peregrine Falcon provided the perfect send-off, holding its perch on a refuge sign while the caravan rolled by. [gallery link="none" columns="4" ids="19446,19448,19447,19445"] Perspectives on New Jersey’s Changing Coast Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering Services, shared his perspective on New Jersey’s changing coastal environment and the role bay island restoration can play in protecting vulnerable shorelines. Clay’s presentation explored how coastal dynamics, restoration design, and resilience planning intersect, offering practical insight into nature‑based strategies that support shoreline stability and long‑term adaptability. His ability to translate complex processes into clear, engaging concepts resonated strongly with the conference audience. Moderated by Tom Herrington of the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute, Clay participated in a Q&A panel discussion with NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellow Heather Korzun and Research Scientist Dr. John Swartz of The Water Institute to conclude the "Building Community Resilience" breakout session. [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="19452,19451"] Addressing Harmful Algal Blooms in Coastal Systems Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, gave a poster presentation focused on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in coastal environments. Fred’s work examined how HABs behave in dynamic coastal systems, how to identify HABs, and restoration strategies. In the context of the conference theme, his presentation reinforced that HABs are not just seasonal nuisances, but long‑term resilience challenges that require integrated science, monitoring, and restoration approaches. Tools for Public Engagement & Storytelling As part of the conference's Tools Café, Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing & Communications, led a digital storytelling demonstration, titled “Launching an Interactive ArcGIS StoryMap for Public Outreach.” The session demonstrated how digital tools like StoryMaps can be used to translate complex data into accessible narratives that support community engagement, education, and informed decision‑making. Dana guided participants through several ArcGIS StoryMaps created by Princeton Hydro for clients and project partners, showcasing applications ranging from restoration projects and environmental resource inventories to water quality assessments and community science initiatives. Click here to read about a StoryMap we recently developed in partnership with the Borough of Harveys Lake. Creating Space for Connection Princeton Hydro was proud to host a conference networking event alongside co‑sponsors Stantec, Baird, and Barnegat Oyster Collective. The gathering created space for conversation, collaboration, and relationship‑building, an essential part of advancing coastal resiliency initiatives and cross‑disciplinary problem‑solving. Attendees enjoyed brief remarks from each of the event sponsors, along with happy‑hour refreshments, and a complimentary oyster bar provided by the Barnegat Oyster Collective. Our team had a great time connecting with colleagues and celebrating the collaborative energy that defined the conference. [gallery link="none" ids="19455,19463,19462"] Field Trip to South Cape May Meadows Another highlight of the conference for our team was a field trip to The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey’s South Cape May Meadows, where participants explored the newly completed boardwalk, a Princeton Hydro-designed project that creates a half‑mile, universally accessible route through one of the region’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Commissioned by The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey and installed by Renova Environmental Company, the project was designed to provide inclusive public access and opportunities for environmental education while carefully protecting a fragile ecosystem that serves as a vital stopover along the Atlantic Flyway. Designing a public trail within such a dynamic wetland system required a careful balance between human experience and habitat preservation, with the goal of creating an inviting, educational, and fully accessible route without disturbing critical hydrology, soils, or wildlife. Walking the boardwalk alongside fellow NJCRC Conference participants was a meaningful, full-circle moment for our team, bringing the project’s vision to life. [gallery link="none" ids="19466,19467,19468"] Huge thanks to New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for pulling together another incredible conference. We headed home with new connections, new ideas, and a renewed sense of pride in the work we all do! [post_title] => Navigating Changing Tides: Highlights from the 2026 NJ Coastal & Climate Resilience Conference [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => navigating-changing-tides-highlights-from-the-2026-nj-coastal-climate-resilience-conference [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-03-23 15:31:10 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-03-23 15:31:10 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=19444 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 19285 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-03-12 14:33:49 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-03-12 14:33:49 [post_content] => Dr. Fred Lubnow, Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, and Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), were recently featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast to discuss the collaborative, first‑of‑its‑kind initiative to monitor Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed using drones, spatial analysis, and community science. The Delaware River is a lifeline for more than 14 million people, a refuge for wildlife, and a defining natural feature of the region. In recent years, HABs, once confined mostly to lakes and ponds, have expanded into streams and rivers and appearing in colder months. Understanding why this shift is happening, and how to predict it, is essential for protecting water quality, public health, and ecological resilience within the Delaware River watershed and watersheds nationwide. The podcast, hosted by Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick of Pinelands Nursey, highlights the urgency of addressing HABs and the innovative, cross‑sector partnership driving this work forward. Listen now: Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers. Stewardship and Community Leadership from FoHVOS Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS, brings two decades of conservation leadership to the partnership. Her background spans naturalist education, ecological stewardship, and the development of large-scale restoration and public engagement programs. During her fourteen years with the Mercer County Park Commission, she helped establish both the Environmental Education and Stewardship Departments and oversaw the care of more than ten thousand acres of parkland. Jenn has spent her career building programs that connect people to the landscapes around them. Her commitment to community-driven conservation make her a key partner in a project that relies on both scientific rigor and public participation. Her perspective highlights how land use, watershed health, and community stewardship are deeply interconnected. Expertise Shaping the Future of HAB Research Dr. Fred Lubnow serves as Princeton Hydro’s Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services and brings more than 30 years of experience in limnology, watershed restoration, and community and ecosystem ecology. His career has focused on understanding how freshwater systems respond to nutrient loading, hydrologic change, and long-term environmental pressures. He has designed and led numerous lake and watershed restoration projects, developed USEPA Nine-Element and TMDL-driven watershed plans, and created field-based cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin monitoring programs that are now used across the region. Fred’s expertise in the taxonomy, ecology, and management of algae, particularly cyanobacteria, has made him a leading voice in the study of HABs. He currently serves on New Jersey’s HABs Advisory Team, where he helps interpret water quality data and advises on mitigation strategies. His scientific leadership guides the technical design and implementation of the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative. A Collaborative Approach to Understanding HABs Now entering its second year, the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative is expanding both its scientific scope and its community engagement efforts. Building on the foundation established in 2025, the project team is conducting multi‑season drone flights, enhanced satellite‑based surveys, and targeted on‑the‑water sampling along 73 miles of the Delaware River and 24 connected waterbodies. These efforts are designed to strengthen the project’s ability to detect and forecast HABs under a wide range of seasonal and environmental conditions. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="19329,19330"] Year two also introduces several tools and activities intended to support broader participation and more efficient data collection. This includes the launch of a new ArcSurvey123 mobile data platform to support real‑time volunteer water quality submissions, as well as expanded training opportunities for community members interested in assisting with field sampling. Data collected through these efforts will contribute to the development of advanced algorithms capable of forecasting HAB occurrence at multiple spatial scales. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the project continues to be supported by a diverse network of partners across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including The City University of New York's (CUNY) New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, The College of New Jersey, Aqua-PA, Philadelphia Water Department, Bucks County Conservation District, Turner Designs, and US Army Corps of Engineers - Philadelphia District's Blue Marsh Lake. Together, these organizations contribute technical expertise, watershed knowledge, and crucial on‑the‑ground support. This collaborative approach remains central to the initiative’s success and long‑term objective: establishing a scalable HAB‑forecasting framework that can ultimately be applied to additional watersheds across the United States. For a deeper look at the research, partnerships, and shared commitment behind this initiative, listen to the full Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast presented by Pinelands Nursery. Click here to learn more about the Pinelands Nursery and explore the full library of Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcasts. If you're interested in getting involved in the Delaware River HAB research initiative, the program is currently seeking volunteers for water sampling along the Delaware and select waterbodies. Contact FoHVOS Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Muccio at: kmuccio@fohvos.org for more details. [post_title] => LISTEN: Native Plants, Healthy Planet Podcast Highlights HAB Science & Stewardship [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => listen-native-plants-healthy-planet-podcast-highlights-hab-science-stewardship [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-03-13 20:28:53 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-03-13 20:28:53 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=19285 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18888 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-12-16 16:04:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-12-16 16:04:21 [post_content] => Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), in partnership with Princeton Hydro, has launched a groundbreaking initiative, “Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed Using Drones and Spatial Analysis,” to improve understanding and forecasting of HABs throughout the Delaware River Watershed. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), the project leverages drone technology and advanced data modeling to identify environmental conditions that contribute to HAB formation and aims to develop tools and methodologies for early detection and management. For this innovative research project, FoHVOS, a 501(c)3 and accredited Land Trust located in Hopewell Township, NJ, has teamed with Princeton Hydro. Princeton Hydro conceptualized and designed the initiative and is leading the technical implementation, including field survey design, drone operations, data analysis, and volunteer training. “The Delaware River is central to Hopewell Valley’s identity. It shapes our way of life, supplies drinking water to 14.2 million people, shelters wildlife like the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, and offers abundant outdoor recreation,” said Jennifer Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS. “HABs were once confined to ponds and lakes, but since 2018, they’ve appeared in colder months and spread to streams and rivers. Though land trusts traditionally focus on land, HABs show how land use directly affects water. These blooms often stem from excess nitrogen and phosphorus washed into waterways during storms. Protecting water means restoring land. Our partnership with Princeton Hydro aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we’re working to better understand and safeguard the Delaware River and its tributaries in both NJ and PA.” HABs, caused by nuisance growth of cyanobacteria, can have detrimental effects on water quality and are a growing environmental concern nationwide. These blooms deplete oxygen levels, release toxins, and disrupt ecosystems, potentially posing serious risks to drinking water supplies and the health of wildlife, pets, humans, and local economies. Despite advances in environmental monitoring, predicting when and where HABs will occur remains a challenge due to the complex interplay of nutrient loading, temperature, and hydrologic conditions that can lead to rapid bloom proliferation. To address these challenges, this newly launched initiative integrates drone-based remote sensing, field sampling, and spatial data analysis to collect and interpret detailed environmental data over a two-year period. The study spans multiple monitoring sites along a 73-mile stretch of the Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, focusing on near-shore sections and 23 associated waterbodies. The first survey event began in August 2025. Drones equipped with multispectral imaging systems capture high-resolution spatial data that is then integrated with digital platforms to link remote-sensing with the drone data and on-the-water collected data. The field-based water quality measurements are being collected by a team of trained community volunteers who are using phycocyanin fluorometer meters to measure concentrations of the photosynthetic pigment phycocyanin, which is produced primarily by cyanobacteria. Volunteers enter the data into a customized ArcGIS mobile-friendly survey. These combined datasets will be used to develop and validate predictive algorithms for both planktonic and benthic HABs under varying seasonal and hydrologic conditions. The following photos depict the RGB (Visual) and corresponding Thermal image from the monitoring flights over Spring Lake in New Jersey: [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="18899,18900"] “This research project represents a major step forward in how we study and manage harmful algal blooms at the watershed scale,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Project Lead and Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro. “By integrating satellite data, drone imagery, and on-the-water sampling, we’re developing predictive tools that will enable us take a proactive approach to mitigate HABs, improve response time, and better support our ecosystem health.” Project partners include New York City College of Technology – The City University of New York, which donated the drone and is supporting remote sensing and data integration; Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, and The College of New Jersey which are providing monitoring sites and contributing volunteers for water quality data collection in New Jersey; Aqua-PA and the Philadelphia Water Department, which are providing monitoring sites and volunteers to collect watershed data in Pennsylvania; the Bucks County Conservation District, which is coordinating volunteer data collection; and Turner Designs, whose advanced phycocyanin sensors are being used to calibrate and validate drone-based monitoring data. In the photos below, volunteers are being trained by Princeton Hydro staff on how to use phycocyanin fluorometers and Secchi disks to gather water quality data and log their findings. [gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="18896,18895,18894,18897,18891,18892"] This $1M project is funded through a $488,400 NFWF DWCF grant as part of the NFWF’s Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Grant category and $513,700 in matching funds from project partners. This grant category aims to support high-performing science that is inclusive, adaptive, and innovative, with the potential to transform the Delaware River Watershed’s future through improved conservation, restoration, and public engagement. Once complete, the project will produce a comprehensive report summarizing methods, analyses, and data-driven recommendations for practical, low-cost HAB monitoring and mitigation strategies that can be replicated across the Delaware River Watershed and beyond. Crucially, the report will identify tributaries and sources contributing to riverine HABs, enabling targeted restoration of the most affected lands and waters. Data collection will continue through Fall 2025, resume in Spring/Summer 2026, and culminate in a final report expected in 2027. [gallery link="file" columns="2" ids="18781,18902"] FoHVOS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving the natural resources of the Hopewell Valley region and beyond. Through land preservation, ecological restoration, community engagement, and science-driven initiatives, FoHVOS works to protect and enhance open spaces for future generations. Learn more at www.fohvos.org. Princeton Hydro is committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better. The firm was formed in 1998 with the specific mission of providing integrated ecological and engineering consulting services. Offering expertise in natural resource management, water resources engineering, geotechnical design and investigation, and regulatory compliance, their staff provide a full suite of environmental services throughout the Northeast for the public and private sectors. Project Lead, Dr. Fred Lubnow, is an expert in HAB management and has worked with dozens of lake associations and government agencies to restore lakes, manage watersheds, reduce pollutant loading, address invasive aquatic plants, and mitigate nuisance HABs. To learn more about Princeton Hydro's work to mitigate harmful algal blooms, go here. [post_title] => Innovative Drone-Based Research Study to Predict HABs in the Delaware River Watershed [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => innovative-drone-based-research-study-to-predict-habs-in-the-delaware-river-watershed [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-02-09 14:20:36 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-02-09 14:20:36 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=18888 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 18716 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-12-01 15:46:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-12-01 15:46:00 [post_content] => As winter settles in, the Princeton Hydro team is staying active and connected. We’re sharing expertise at conferences, leading educational programs, and joining events that champion sustainability and community engagement. In this Winter Events Spotlight, we highlight the exciting opportunities ahead and how you can be part of them. December 4: Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber - Awards Dinner The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber will host its Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 4 at TPC Jasna Polana, a historic and elegant golf club in Princeton, New Jersey. This annual tradition will celebrate the accomplishments of Chamber members and spotlight leaders who make a lasting impact on the business community. During the evening, four prestigious awards will be presented: Business Leader of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Innovator of the Year. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this event and will be honored as the recipient of the Innovator of the Year award. Our team looks forward to attending and is deeply grateful for this recognition. Get more info and register. December 11: The Jersey Water Works Annual Conference Hundreds of leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening New Jersey’s water systems will come together at the College of New Jersey for the Jersey Water Works' (JWW) Annual Conference. With the theme “Our Commitment to Future Generations,” the program features an expanded lineup of 12+ interactive sessions, offering fresh perspectives on water infrastructure, stormwater management, and solutions for a sustainable and equitable water future. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of committee-led discussions in the morning and collaborative workshops in the afternoon, plus opportunities to earn valuable Continuing Education Units. Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro and JWW Stormwater Utilities Subcommittee Co-Chair, is facilitating a panel on "Building Holistic Pathways for Resilient Municipal Stormwater Management." The conference serves as a hub for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and driving collective action toward a healthier water future for all. We hope to see you there! Get more info and register. December 16: SAME New Jersey Post Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor the SAME New Jersey Post Annual Holiday Luncheon being held on Tuesday, December 16th, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Harvest Moon Brewery & Café in New Brunswick, NJ. This festive gathering will celebrate the holiday season and commemorate the NJ Post’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy a delicious lunch, network, and learn about upcoming events. The luncheon will also recognize outstanding contributions for 2025 with awards in the following categories: Young Professional Member, Sustaining Member Firm, BG Patrick McCarthy Service Award, and Notable Achievement Award; Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, PE has been selected as one of this year's award recipients. The Princeton Hydro team and our Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Greer, who serves as the NJ Post’s First Vice President, hopes to see you there! Get more info and register. January 6 - 8: Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) Annual Meeting NEAPMS will host its 27th Annual Meeting at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, Connecticut. The conference opens with a Tuesday afternoon workshop followed by an evening welcome reception. Wednesday features a full day of technical presentations focused on the active management of aquatic plants and algae, along with a poster session and evening banquet. The event concludes on Thursday with additional technical talks in the morning and a luncheon ending at 1:00 p.m. As part of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Management section of the conference program, Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Jesse Smith is leading a workshop on “Exploring Observations and Results of Nine Years of Brittle Naiad (Najas minor) Management in Sleepy Hollow Lake, New York.” Brittle naiad (Najas minor) is an invasive macrophyte found in the Northeast that has received little attention in the literature in regards to control and management, despite its widespread presence within its invasive range. The plant is a priority target species for management efforts in Sleepy Hollow Lake, NY due to its nuisance growth throughout the waterbody and impacts on recreation. Jesse’s presentation will explore management strategies and methods of measuring long-term management success. Get more info and register. January 21: “Roots So Deep” Film Screening and Panel Discussion A special screening of Roots So Deep will take place at the Newtown Theatre at 7:00 p.m. The four-part documentary series follows inventive farmers and pioneering scientists who are charting a path to addressing climate change through hooves, heart, and soil. This event will feature parts one and four and is co-hosted with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The film investigates a central question: can a little-used grazing approach that mimics historic bison movement help lift farmers out of debt, restore depleted soils, rebuild wildlife habitat, and draw down significant amounts of carbon? The documentary features Princeton Hydro’s Senior Wildlife Biologist, Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, and ACE. He is part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists whose research forms the basis of the documentary. Mike’s studies have focused on observing the dynamics of breeding bird populations in paddocks using adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and those continuously grazed. The documentary highlights that when managed effectively, farmland can boost productivity and profitability for farmers while simultaneously contributing positively to the environment and the diverse wildlife that shares the planet with humans. Following the screening, a panel of experts from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Princeton Hydro, and the Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast will discuss the film and answer audience questions. Get more info and purchase tickets. January 26 - 27: Lake Champlain Research Conference 2026 Lake Champlain Sea Grant, in partnership with the University of Vermont’s Water Resources Institute, the Lake Champlain Basin Program/NEIWPCC, and the Lake Champlain Research Consortium, will host the Lake Champlain Research Conference at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center in Burlington, VT. This year’s theme, "Research to Action," will feature representation and research from New York, Vermont, Québec, and beyond, providing an opportunity for discussion, networking, and collaboration across Lake Champlain’s multi-jurisdictional watershed. Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, Dr. Fred Lubnow, will present on “The Monitoring and Management of Cyanobacteria HABs in Shallow, Nearshore Ecosystems such as Missisquoi Bay.” Registration will be open until December 18th at 4 pm. Get more info and register. Jan 28: Dam Removal in New Jersey Webinar Join New Jersey Statewide Dam Removal Partnership (SDRP) and Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) for a free webinar on Dam Removal in New Jersey. Hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, January 28 at 7PM, this session will explore why and how dam removal matters. Learn about case studies, ecological benefits, and opportunities for municipalities and counties to reduce liability, restore waterways, and enhance recreation. The webinar will include ample time for questions and share details on upcoming workshops and training for local officials considering removal projects, including potential funding for high-benefit sites. Get more info and register. February 25 - 26: Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS) Annual Conference PALMS will host its 36th Annual Conference at the Wyndham Garden State College. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse lineup of professional presentations, workshops, and panel discussions highlighting the latest findings and innovative approaches related to invasive species, monitoring strategies, best management practices, pollutants, and harmful algal blooms. The conference offers a valuable forum for lake managers, researchers, consultants, and environmental professionals to exchange knowledge and advance effective lake and watershed stewardship across Pennsylvania. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the event, two of our team members are leading workshops: Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow will present on "A Review of the Use of Biochar for Lake and Watershed Management" and Project Manager - Aquatics and Environmental Scientist Pat Rose will present on "The Evaluation of Innovative Treatment Strategies to Proactively and Reactively Control Near-Shore HABS." Fred is also participating in an "Ask the Experts" panel. Get more info and register. February 26 - 27: New Jersey Watershed Conference The Watershed Institute's 9th Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference, titled All Hands on Deck: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Watershed Resilience, will be held on Friday, February 27, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in person at The College of New Jersey, with a virtual participation option available via Zoom. This statewide gathering brings together state, county, and municipal officials, nonprofit organizations, and environmental professionals for sessions designed to expand knowledge, build practical skills, spark dialogue among stakeholders, and promote collaboration on emerging watershed issues and solutions. Hosted by The Watershed Institute, the conference provides a dynamic forum for advancing resilient, science-based watershed management across New Jersey. Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the conference. We will have an exhibitor booth and members of our team are leading a workshop: Senior Project Manager of Engineering Services Sean Walsh, PE and Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA are presenting with Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick on “Green or Gray? Stormwater Solutions in Constrained Watersheds.” Their session is eligible for CFM and PE CEUs. Get more info and register. March 4 & 5: Delaware Wetlands Conference The Delaware Wetlands Conference brings together hundreds of environmental professionals, scientists, practitioners, and community partners at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. In previous years, the event has drawn more than 425 attendees, featured 75 presentations and poster displays, and hosted 45 exhibitor and sponsor tables. This two-day gathering offers a robust mix of workshops, poster sessions, networking events, lunch-and-learn opportunities, an exhibitor hall, and plenary sessions, with professional credits available for participants. The agenda spans a wide range of timely and technical topics, including soil science, climate adaptation, assessment and monitoring, and wetland restoration and creation. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the event, exhibiting, and leading two workshops:
Princeton Hydro recently joined coastal and climate resilience practitioners from across the region at the 2026 New Jersey Coastal & Climate Resilience Conference, hosted by the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) and the New Jersey Department of Environment Projection (NJDEP). With this year’s theme, “Navigating Changing Tides,” the three-day conference brought together hundreds of professionals to share ideas, explore solutions, and strengthen the partnerships essential to advancing coastal resilience.
As part of the conference program, Princeton Hydro's Director of Marketing & Communications Dana Patterson Grear organized a Sunrise Bird Walk at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, led by Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Senior Wildlife Biologist at Princeton Hydro, alongside Drew McQuade and Aleshanee Mooney of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA).
A group of 25+ participants traveled the eight‑mile loop along Wildlife Drive, collectively observing 62 bird species along the way. Highlights included two White Ibis, an Osprey perched on a nesting platform, and hundreds of Snow Geese. As the group approached the end of the loop, a Peregrine Falcon provided the perfect send-off, holding its perch on a refuge sign while the caravan rolled by.
Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering Services, shared his perspective on New Jersey’s changing coastal environment and the role bay island restoration can play in protecting vulnerable shorelines.
Clay’s presentation explored how coastal dynamics, restoration design, and resilience planning intersect, offering practical insight into nature‑based strategies that support shoreline stability and long‑term adaptability. His ability to translate complex processes into clear, engaging concepts resonated strongly with the conference audience. Moderated by Tom Herrington of the Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute, Clay participated in a Q&A panel discussion with NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellow Heather Korzun and Research Scientist Dr. John Swartz of The Water Institute to conclude the "Building Community Resilience" breakout session.
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, gave a poster presentation focused on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in coastal environments.
Fred’s work examined how HABs behave in dynamic coastal systems, how to identify HABs, and restoration strategies. In the context of the conference theme, his presentation reinforced that HABs are not just seasonal nuisances, but long‑term resilience challenges that require integrated science, monitoring, and restoration approaches.
As part of the conference's Tools Café, Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing & Communications, led a digital storytelling demonstration, titled “Launching an Interactive ArcGIS StoryMap for Public Outreach.” The session demonstrated how digital tools like StoryMaps can be used to translate complex data into accessible narratives that support community engagement, education, and informed decision‑making. Dana guided participants through several ArcGIS StoryMaps created by Princeton Hydro for clients and project partners, showcasing applications ranging from restoration projects and environmental resource inventories to water quality assessments and community science initiatives.
Princeton Hydro was proud to host a conference networking event alongside co‑sponsors Stantec, Baird, and Barnegat Oyster Collective. The gathering created space for conversation, collaboration, and relationship‑building, an essential part of advancing coastal resiliency initiatives and cross‑disciplinary problem‑solving. Attendees enjoyed brief remarks from each of the event sponsors, along with happy‑hour refreshments, and a complimentary oyster bar provided by the Barnegat Oyster Collective. Our team had a great time connecting with colleagues and celebrating the collaborative energy that defined the conference.
Another highlight of the conference for our team was a field trip to The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey’s South Cape May Meadows, where participants explored the newly completed boardwalk, a Princeton Hydro-designed project that creates a half‑mile, universally accessible route through one of the region’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Commissioned by The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey and installed by Renova Environmental Company, the project was designed to provide inclusive public access and opportunities for environmental education while carefully protecting a fragile ecosystem that serves as a vital stopover along the Atlantic Flyway.
Designing a public trail within such a dynamic wetland system required a careful balance between human experience and habitat preservation, with the goal of creating an inviting, educational, and fully accessible route without disturbing critical hydrology, soils, or wildlife. Walking the boardwalk alongside fellow NJCRC Conference participants was a meaningful, full-circle moment for our team, bringing the project’s vision to life.
Huge thanks to New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for pulling together another incredible conference. We headed home with new connections, new ideas, and a renewed sense of pride in the work we all do!
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, and Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), were recently featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast to discuss the collaborative, first‑of‑its‑kind initiative to monitor Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed using drones, spatial analysis, and community science.
The Delaware River is a lifeline for more than 14 million people, a refuge for wildlife, and a defining natural feature of the region. In recent years, HABs, once confined mostly to lakes and ponds, have expanded into streams and rivers and appearing in colder months. Understanding why this shift is happening, and how to predict it, is essential for protecting water quality, public health, and ecological resilience within the Delaware River watershed and watersheds nationwide.
The podcast, hosted by Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick of Pinelands Nursey, highlights the urgency of addressing HABs and the innovative, cross‑sector partnership driving this work forward. Listen now: Harmful Algal Blooms with Dr. Fred Lubnow and Jenn Rogers.
Jenn Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS, brings two decades of conservation leadership to the partnership. Her background spans naturalist education, ecological stewardship, and the development of large-scale restoration and public engagement programs. During her fourteen years with the Mercer County Park Commission, she helped establish both the Environmental Education and Stewardship Departments and oversaw the care of more than ten thousand acres of parkland.
Jenn has spent her career building programs that connect people to the landscapes around them. Her commitment to community-driven conservation make her a key partner in a project that relies on both scientific rigor and public participation. Her perspective highlights how land use, watershed health, and community stewardship are deeply interconnected.
Dr. Fred Lubnow serves as Princeton Hydro’s Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services and brings more than 30 years of experience in limnology, watershed restoration, and community and ecosystem ecology. His career has focused on understanding how freshwater systems respond to nutrient loading, hydrologic change, and long-term environmental pressures. He has designed and led numerous lake and watershed restoration projects, developed USEPA Nine-Element and TMDL-driven watershed plans, and created field-based cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin monitoring programs that are now used across the region.
Fred’s expertise in the taxonomy, ecology, and management of algae, particularly cyanobacteria, has made him a leading voice in the study of HABs. He currently serves on New Jersey’s HABs Advisory Team, where he helps interpret water quality data and advises on mitigation strategies. His scientific leadership guides the technical design and implementation of the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative.
Now entering its second year, the Delaware River HAB monitoring initiative is expanding both its scientific scope and its community engagement efforts. Building on the foundation established in 2025, the project team is conducting multi‑season drone flights, enhanced satellite‑based surveys, and targeted on‑the‑water sampling along 73 miles of the Delaware River and 24 connected waterbodies. These efforts are designed to strengthen the project’s ability to detect and forecast HABs under a wide range of seasonal and environmental conditions.
Year two also introduces several tools and activities intended to support broader participation and more efficient data collection. This includes the launch of a new ArcSurvey123 mobile data platform to support real‑time volunteer water quality submissions, as well as expanded training opportunities for community members interested in assisting with field sampling. Data collected through these efforts will contribute to the development of advanced algorithms capable of forecasting HAB occurrence at multiple spatial scales.
Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the project continues to be supported by a diverse network of partners across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including The City University of New York's (CUNY) New York City College of Technology (City Tech), Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, The College of New Jersey, Aqua-PA, Philadelphia Water Department, Bucks County Conservation District, Turner Designs, and US Army Corps of Engineers - Philadelphia District's Blue Marsh Lake. Together, these organizations contribute technical expertise, watershed knowledge, and crucial on‑the‑ground support. This collaborative approach remains central to the initiative’s success and long‑term objective: establishing a scalable HAB‑forecasting framework that can ultimately be applied to additional watersheds across the United States.
For a deeper look at the research, partnerships, and shared commitment behind this initiative, listen to the full Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast presented by Pinelands Nursery. Click here to learn more about the Pinelands Nursery and explore the full library of Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcasts. If you're interested in getting involved in the Delaware River HAB research initiative, the program is currently seeking volunteers for water sampling along the Delaware and select waterbodies. Contact FoHVOS Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Muccio at: kmuccio@fohvos.org for more details.
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS), in partnership with Princeton Hydro, has launched a groundbreaking initiative, “Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed Using Drones and Spatial Analysis,” to improve understanding and forecasting of HABs throughout the Delaware River Watershed. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF), the project leverages drone technology and advanced data modeling to identify environmental conditions that contribute to HAB formation and aims to develop tools and methodologies for early detection and management.
For this innovative research project, FoHVOS, a 501(c)3 and accredited Land Trust located in Hopewell Township, NJ, has teamed with Princeton Hydro. Princeton Hydro conceptualized and designed the initiative and is leading the technical implementation, including field survey design, drone operations, data analysis, and volunteer training.
“The Delaware River is central to Hopewell Valley’s identity. It shapes our way of life, supplies drinking water to 14.2 million people, shelters wildlife like the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, and offers abundant outdoor recreation,” said Jennifer Rogers, Executive Director of FoHVOS. “HABs were once confined to ponds and lakes, but since 2018, they’ve appeared in colder months and spread to streams and rivers. Though land trusts traditionally focus on land, HABs show how land use directly affects water. These blooms often stem from excess nitrogen and phosphorus washed into waterways during storms. Protecting water means restoring land. Our partnership with Princeton Hydro aligns perfectly with our mission. Together, we’re working to better understand and safeguard the Delaware River and its tributaries in both NJ and PA.”
HABs, caused by nuisance growth of cyanobacteria, can have detrimental effects on water quality and are a growing environmental concern nationwide. These blooms deplete oxygen levels, release toxins, and disrupt ecosystems, potentially posing serious risks to drinking water supplies and the health of wildlife, pets, humans, and local economies. Despite advances in environmental monitoring, predicting when and where HABs will occur remains a challenge due to the complex interplay of nutrient loading, temperature, and hydrologic conditions that can lead to rapid bloom proliferation.
To address these challenges, this newly launched initiative integrates drone-based remote sensing, field sampling, and spatial data analysis to collect and interpret detailed environmental data over a two-year period. The study spans multiple monitoring sites along a 73-mile stretch of the Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, focusing on near-shore sections and 23 associated waterbodies. The first survey event began in August 2025.
Drones equipped with multispectral imaging systems capture high-resolution spatial data that is then integrated with digital platforms to link remote-sensing with the drone data and on-the-water collected data. The field-based water quality measurements are being collected by a team of trained community volunteers who are using phycocyanin fluorometer meters to measure concentrations of the photosynthetic pigment phycocyanin, which is produced primarily by cyanobacteria. Volunteers enter the data into a customized ArcGIS mobile-friendly survey. These combined datasets will be used to develop and validate predictive algorithms for both planktonic and benthic HABs under varying seasonal and hydrologic conditions.
The following photos depict the RGB (Visual) and corresponding Thermal image from the monitoring flights over Spring Lake in New Jersey:
“This research project represents a major step forward in how we study and manage harmful algal blooms at the watershed scale,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Project Lead and Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro. “By integrating satellite data, drone imagery, and on-the-water sampling, we’re developing predictive tools that will enable us take a proactive approach to mitigate HABs, improve response time, and better support our ecosystem health.”
Project partners include New York City College of Technology – The City University of New York, which donated the drone and is supporting remote sensing and data integration; Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, and The College of New Jersey which are providing monitoring sites and contributing volunteers for water quality data collection in New Jersey; Aqua-PA and the Philadelphia Water Department, which are providing monitoring sites and volunteers to collect watershed data in Pennsylvania; the Bucks County Conservation District, which is coordinating volunteer data collection; and Turner Designs, whose advanced phycocyanin sensors are being used to calibrate and validate drone-based monitoring data.
In the photos below, volunteers are being trained by Princeton Hydro staff on how to use phycocyanin fluorometers and Secchi disks to gather water quality data and log their findings.
This $1M project is funded through a $488,400 NFWF DWCF grant as part of the NFWF’s Research, Monitoring, & Evaluation Grant category and $513,700 in matching funds from project partners. This grant category aims to support high-performing science that is inclusive, adaptive, and innovative, with the potential to transform the Delaware River Watershed’s future through improved conservation, restoration, and public engagement.
Once complete, the project will produce a comprehensive report summarizing methods, analyses, and data-driven recommendations for practical, low-cost HAB monitoring and mitigation strategies that can be replicated across the Delaware River Watershed and beyond. Crucially, the report will identify tributaries and sources contributing to riverine HABs, enabling targeted restoration of the most affected lands and waters. Data collection will continue through Fall 2025, resume in Spring/Summer 2026, and culminate in a final report expected in 2027.
FoHVOS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving the natural resources of the Hopewell Valley region and beyond. Through land preservation, ecological restoration, community engagement, and science-driven initiatives, FoHVOS works to protect and enhance open spaces for future generations. Learn more at www.fohvos.org.
Princeton Hydro is committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better. The firm was formed in 1998 with the specific mission of providing integrated ecological and engineering consulting services. Offering expertise in natural resource management, water resources engineering, geotechnical design and investigation, and regulatory compliance, their staff provide a full suite of environmental services throughout the Northeast for the public and private sectors. Project Lead, Dr. Fred Lubnow, is an expert in HAB management and has worked with dozens of lake associations and government agencies to restore lakes, manage watersheds, reduce pollutant loading, address invasive aquatic plants, and mitigate nuisance HABs. To learn more about Princeton Hydro's work to mitigate harmful algal blooms, go here.
As winter settles in, the Princeton Hydro team is staying active and connected. We’re sharing expertise at conferences, leading educational programs, and joining events that champion sustainability and community engagement. In this Winter Events Spotlight, we highlight the exciting opportunities ahead and how you can be part of them.
The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber will host its Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 4 at TPC Jasna Polana, a historic and elegant golf club in Princeton, New Jersey. This annual tradition will celebrate the accomplishments of Chamber members and spotlight leaders who make a lasting impact on the business community. During the evening, four prestigious awards will be presented: Business Leader of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Innovator of the Year. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this event and will be honored as the recipient of the Innovator of the Year award. Our team looks forward to attending and is deeply grateful for this recognition.
Get more info and register.
Hundreds of leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening New Jersey’s water systems will come together at the College of New Jersey for the Jersey Water Works' (JWW) Annual Conference. With the theme “Our Commitment to Future Generations,” the program features an expanded lineup of 12+ interactive sessions, offering fresh perspectives on water infrastructure, stormwater management, and solutions for a sustainable and equitable water future. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of committee-led discussions in the morning and collaborative workshops in the afternoon, plus opportunities to earn valuable Continuing Education Units. Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro and JWW Stormwater Utilities Subcommittee Co-Chair, is facilitating a panel on "Building Holistic Pathways for Resilient Municipal Stormwater Management." The conference serves as a hub for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and driving collective action toward a healthier water future for all. We hope to see you there!
Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor the SAME New Jersey Post Annual Holiday Luncheon being held on Tuesday, December 16th, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Harvest Moon Brewery & Café in New Brunswick, NJ. This festive gathering will celebrate the holiday season and commemorate the NJ Post’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy a delicious lunch, network, and learn about upcoming events. The luncheon will also recognize outstanding contributions for 2025 with awards in the following categories: Young Professional Member, Sustaining Member Firm, BG Patrick McCarthy Service Award, and Notable Achievement Award; Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, PE has been selected as one of this year's award recipients. The Princeton Hydro team and our Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Greer, who serves as the NJ Post’s First Vice President, hopes to see you there!
NEAPMS will host its 27th Annual Meeting at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, Connecticut. The conference opens with a Tuesday afternoon workshop followed by an evening welcome reception. Wednesday features a full day of technical presentations focused on the active management of aquatic plants and algae, along with a poster session and evening banquet. The event concludes on Thursday with additional technical talks in the morning and a luncheon ending at 1:00 p.m.
As part of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Management section of the conference program, Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Jesse Smith is leading a workshop on “Exploring Observations and Results of Nine Years of Brittle Naiad (Najas minor) Management in Sleepy Hollow Lake, New York.” Brittle naiad (Najas minor) is an invasive macrophyte found in the Northeast that has received little attention in the literature in regards to control and management, despite its widespread presence within its invasive range. The plant is a priority target species for management efforts in Sleepy Hollow Lake, NY due to its nuisance growth throughout the waterbody and impacts on recreation. Jesse’s presentation will explore management strategies and methods of measuring long-term management success.
A special screening of Roots So Deep will take place at the Newtown Theatre at 7:00 p.m. The four-part documentary series follows inventive farmers and pioneering scientists who are charting a path to addressing climate change through hooves, heart, and soil. This event will feature parts one and four and is co-hosted with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The film investigates a central question: can a little-used grazing approach that mimics historic bison movement help lift farmers out of debt, restore depleted soils, rebuild wildlife habitat, and draw down significant amounts of carbon?
The documentary features Princeton Hydro’s Senior Wildlife Biologist, Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, and ACE. He is part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists whose research forms the basis of the documentary. Mike’s studies have focused on observing the dynamics of breeding bird populations in paddocks using adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and those continuously grazed. The documentary highlights that when managed effectively, farmland can boost productivity and profitability for farmers while simultaneously contributing positively to the environment and the diverse wildlife that shares the planet with humans.
Following the screening, a panel of experts from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Princeton Hydro, and the Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast will discuss the film and answer audience questions.
Get more info and purchase tickets.
Lake Champlain Sea Grant, in partnership with the University of Vermont’s Water Resources Institute, the Lake Champlain Basin Program/NEIWPCC, and the Lake Champlain Research Consortium, will host the Lake Champlain Research Conference at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center in Burlington, VT. This year’s theme, "Research to Action," will feature representation and research from New York, Vermont, Québec, and beyond, providing an opportunity for discussion, networking, and collaboration across Lake Champlain’s multi-jurisdictional watershed. Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, Dr. Fred Lubnow, will present on “The Monitoring and Management of Cyanobacteria HABs in Shallow, Nearshore Ecosystems such as Missisquoi Bay.” Registration will be open until December 18th at 4 pm.
Join New Jersey Statewide Dam Removal Partnership (SDRP) and Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) for a free webinar on Dam Removal in New Jersey. Hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, January 28 at 7PM, this session will explore why and how dam removal matters. Learn about case studies, ecological benefits, and opportunities for municipalities and counties to reduce liability, restore waterways, and enhance recreation. The webinar will include ample time for questions and share details on upcoming workshops and training for local officials considering removal projects, including potential funding for high-benefit sites.
PALMS will host its 36th Annual Conference at the Wyndham Garden State College. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse lineup of professional presentations, workshops, and panel discussions highlighting the latest findings and innovative approaches related to invasive species, monitoring strategies, best management practices, pollutants, and harmful algal blooms. The conference offers a valuable forum for lake managers, researchers, consultants, and environmental professionals to exchange knowledge and advance effective lake and watershed stewardship across Pennsylvania. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the event, two of our team members are leading workshops: Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow will present on "A Review of the Use of Biochar for Lake and Watershed Management" and Project Manager - Aquatics and Environmental Scientist Pat Rose will present on "The Evaluation of Innovative Treatment Strategies to Proactively and Reactively Control Near-Shore HABS." Fred is also participating in an "Ask the Experts" panel.
The Watershed Institute's 9th Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference, titled All Hands on Deck: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Watershed Resilience, will be held on Friday, February 27, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in person at The College of New Jersey, with a virtual participation option available via Zoom. This statewide gathering brings together state, county, and municipal officials, nonprofit organizations, and environmental professionals for sessions designed to expand knowledge, build practical skills, spark dialogue among stakeholders, and promote collaboration on emerging watershed issues and solutions. Hosted by The Watershed Institute, the conference provides a dynamic forum for advancing resilient, science-based watershed management across New Jersey.
Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the conference. We will have an exhibitor booth and members of our team are leading a workshop: Senior Project Manager of Engineering Services Sean Walsh, PE and Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA are presenting with Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick on “Green or Gray? Stormwater Solutions in Constrained Watersheds.” Their session is eligible for CFM and PE CEUs.
The Delaware Wetlands Conference brings together hundreds of environmental professionals, scientists, practitioners, and community partners at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. In previous years, the event has drawn more than 425 attendees, featured 75 presentations and poster displays, and hosted 45 exhibitor and sponsor tables. This two-day gathering offers a robust mix of workshops, poster sessions, networking events, lunch-and-learn opportunities, an exhibitor hall, and plenary sessions, with professional credits available for participants. The agenda spans a wide range of timely and technical topics, including soil science, climate adaptation, assessment and monitoring, and wetland restoration and creation.
Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the event, exhibiting, and leading two workshops:
Due to a large winter storm, the conference, which was previously scheduled for January 27 & 28, has been rescheduled to March 4 & 5. Don’t miss this premier forum for advancing wetland research, policy, and practice in the region.
New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative (NJCRC) and Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are hosting the 2026 New Jersey Coastal & Climate Resilience Conference from Monday, March 9, through Wednesday, March 11, at the Seaview Hotel in Galloway, NJ. With a theme of “Navigating Changing Tides,” The three-day event, themed "Navigating Changing Tides," brings together hundreds of coastal and climate resilience professionals to gather, learn, collaborate and celebrate.
Princeton Hydro, a conference sponsor, is exhibiting and leading a workshop. Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, is presenting on Harmful Algal Blooms in the Coastal Environment and Restoration Strategies to Address Them. He'll explore the impacts of HABs in coastal environments and practical nature-based restoration strategies to prevent, control or mitigate HABs.
Presented by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, the 2026 Watershed Congress takes place in-person at Alvernia University in Reading, PA from 8:30am through 3:30pm. The Watershed Congress has evolved since 1998 to advance the best available information and techniques for protecting and restoring watersheds. The focus on networking across disciplines means that the Watershed Congress melds science, policy, and practical applications into one program. As a result, the annual Watershed Congress is a highly anticipated event for people interested in understanding, protecting, and restoring their local streams. Princeton Hydro is a proud event sponsor, and our team members are leading two educational sessions:
As we move into the new year, additional events will be announced, and this blog will be updated accordingly. Stay tuned for more details and upcoming opportunities.
As we reflect on the winter of 2023-2024, it's evident that New Jersey experienced another unusually mild season, mirroring the winter of 2022-2023. Notably, Lake Hopatcong, located in Sussex and Morris Counties, remained virtually ice-free throughout the winter, with only a brief period of minor ice formation in early January. This pattern was not isolated to Lake Hopatcong; many lakes across the state and the broader Mid-Atlantic region exhibited similar ice-free conditions. Such conditions can lead to increased algal and plant growth earlier in the year.
Adding to this, from January to early June 2024, 15 of New Jersey's 21 counties recorded precipitation levels 26% to 50% higher than their long-term averages. The remaining six counties, predominantly in the southern part of the state, had precipitation increases of 11% to 25% above their long-term normals. This heightened precipitation is significant as it can transport nutrients, most notably phosphorus and nitrogen, into water bodies, potentially fueling the growth of algae.
Compounding these factors, long-range climate models and trends suggest that the summer of 2024 could rank among the hottest on record. The combination of a mild winter, increased precipitation, and anticipated high summer temperatures sets the stage for conditions similar to those experienced in 2019, a year marked by widespread harmful algal blooms (HABs) in numerous lakes.
HABs, characterized by rapid overgrowths of cyanobacteria, present serious challenges to water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, naturally occur in aquatic environments but can proliferate rapidly under warm, nutrient-rich conditions. These blooms pose risks to human health, wildlife, aquatic species, local economies, and the overall ecological balance. The interplay between climate change and HABs is undeniable: rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns foster conditions that exacerbate bloom occurrences.
Given these circumstances, it is crucial for lake managers and water utilities to adopt proactive measures. Early and consistent sampling efforts can detect cyanobacteria and akinetes, dormant spores that contribute to bloom formation. Additionally, reducing nutrient inputs, particularly phosphorus, into waterways is essential to prevent HABs. Princeton Hydro strongly recommends that lake managers, water utilities, and concerned community members closely monitor their lakes, reservoirs, and riverways to stay as proactive as possible in managing these valuable resources.
By raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and implementing effective strategies, we can work towards safeguarding the health and sustainability of our freshwater ecosystems. Together, we can address the challenges posed by HABs and protect the integrity of our water bodies. For more information about HABs, click here.
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Princeton Hydro’s Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services, is an expert in aquatic and watershed management, restoration ecology, community and ecosystem ecology, and the use of benthic macroinvertebrate and fish in-stream bioassessment protocols. Dr. Lubnow has managed hundreds of lake projects and provides technical expertise for a variety of lake and watershed restoration projects.
His experience in lake and reservoir restoration includes the design and implementation of dredging, aeration, chemical control of nuisance species, nutrient inactivation (i.e. alum) and biomanipulation. His experience in watershed restoration includes the design and implementation of structural Best Management Practices (BMPs), the development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) pollutant budgets, and the design, implementation and analysis of watershed-based monitoring programs.
July is Lakes Appreciation Month! This national initiative was started in 1998 by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) with the goal of illuminating the value and importance of lakes and reservoirs, and encouraging people to take action in appreciating and protecting our precious water resources.
Discover, Capture, and Share the Joy of Lakes Appreciation! Whether you're a birding enthusiast, a photography pro, a boating lover, a paddle-boarding champ, or someone who enjoys leisurely strolls, it's time get lakeside to enjoy your favorite activities. Stay in the loop with your local lake association's calendar and discover fun community events. If you're in the Berks County, Pennsylvania area, join PALMS on July 14 at Blue Marsh Lake for their community sunset paddle and float event. Capture your lake love and spread the joy - share your adventure photos on social media using #LakesAppreciation and inspire others to embrace lake appreciation too! Whatever fun adventure you choose, always remember to respect our natural landscape and treat it with care. Click here for a few tips to help you enjoy your Lakes Appreciation Month outings responsibly and sustainably.
To encourage everyone in the family to get outside together and enjoy the lakes that surround them, NALMS is created a family BINGO Challenge game. The BINGO board features a variety of activities, like "Have a picnic at your favorite lake," "Go wildlife or bird watching," and "Pick up trash around your favorite lake." As you complete each activity, you mark the square with an X. Once you complete all activities in a row or diagonally, you get “BINGO." Fill the card completely for maximum lake appreciation! This simple game is designed to stir creativity, curiosity and action, and is intended to act as a reminder for us all to pause and appreciate something we often take for granted. Play it, share it, and enjoy!
In celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month, lake associations nationwide are hosting family-fun events, volunteer opportunities and community gatherings. On July 14, Pennsylvania Lake Management Society invites you to join them at Blue Marsh Lake for a community sunset paddle/float. On July 20 at the Stone Water lakefront restaurant, Lake Hopatcong Foundation is hosting its 11th Anniversary Gala & Auction, which aims to bring together community members who are passionate about Lake Hopatcong, to have fun and raise funds critically needed to protect the environment and enhance the experience on and around Lake Hopatcong. Organize a community trash pick-up day at a nearby lake or get in touch with your local lake association to find out how you can get involved.
The “Secchi Dip-In” is an annual citizen science event where lake-goers and associations across North America use a simple Secchi disk to monitor the transparency or turbidity of their local waterway. Created and managed by NALMS, volunteers have been submitting information during the annual Dip-In since 1994. NALMS invites you to join this international effort to track changes in water quality! Get all the Dip-In details here. And, for detailed instructions for how to use a Secchi disk, check out our tutorial.
In addition to the Secchi Dip-In, you can support your favorite lake by identifying and reporting harmful algal blooms (HABs) and invasive species. And, the bloomWatch App is a great educational resource and tracking tool! By using the app on your smartphone, you can contribute to a nationwide community science program dedicated to tracking and documenting the occurrence of potential HABs. For more information on how to identify HABs, watch NYDEC's video:
And, for even more information about HABs, click here to view a presentation given by Dr. Fred Lubnow at the NALMS 42nd Annual International Symposium.
Click here to learn about NALMS and get more ideas on how to celebrate your local lakes.
Princeton Hydro provides a broad range of award-winning lake management services. Click here to read about our work to reduce HABs and increase biodiversity in Lake Latonka, a 260-acre man-made freshwater lake in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced that the Lake Hopatcong Commission would receive $480,650 through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund (DWCF). The DWCF aims to conserve and restore natural areas, corridors, and waterways on public and private lands to support native migratory and resident wildlife and fish, and native plants; and to contribute to the social health and economic vitality of the communities in the Delaware River watershed. Major funding for the DWCF is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“It’s great to see funding awarded to the Upper Musconetcong River Watershed at the federal level. The Commission was created to promote public health and welfare through the preservation of Lake Hopatcong for recreational and conservation purposes. These projects are consistent with our organizational goals and will enhance water quality and recreational access within the watershed,” said Ron Smith, Chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission.
The grant will fund the design and implementation of three streambank stabilization projects, identified as priority projects in the 2021 Upper Musconetcong River Watershed Implementation Plan as prepared by Princeton Hydro for the Lake Hopatcong Commission. They will address important stormwater issues that had been previously identified. The projects are:
“Environmental impacts associated with development pressure in the upper Musconetcong Watershed around Lake Hopatcong have contributed to reduced water quality. By implementing these projects, we will be able to continue our efforts to improve water quality by reducing phosphorus and sediment entering Lake Hopatcong and the Musconetcong River all while enhancing local wildlife habitat and increasing recreational access around New Jersey’s largest lake,” said Kyle Richter, Executive Director, Lake Hopatcong Foundation.
The grant application requested $480,650 from the DWCF with a combined local in-kind match of more than $489,000 from the Lake Hopatcong Commission, Lake Hopatcong Foundation, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Borough of Hopatcong, Township of Roxbury, Mount Arlington Borough, Morris and Sussex Counties, the Musconetcong Watershed Association, Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, Rutgers University, NJ Highlands Council, and Princeton Hydro. This is the first grant that has been awarded to the Lake Hopatcong Commission from NFWF.
“Lakes in the Upper Musconetcong Watershed, like Lake Hopatcong and Lake Musconetcong, have experienced degraded water quality and unprecedented harmful algal blooms from excessive nutrients in stormwater runoff and aging septic systems. We are proud to partner with Lake Hopatcong Commission, Lake Hopatcong Foundation, and local stakeholders on this multi-site stream stabilization project to reduce nutrient runoff, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve public access in the watershed,” said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Director of Aquatic Resources at Princeton Hydro.
To learn more about The Lake Hopatcong Commission, visit lakehopatcongcommission.org. To learn more about The Lake Hopatcong Foundation, visit lakehopatcongfoundation.org and check out our recent blog. To learn more about Princeton Hydro's natural resource management services, visit princetonhydro.com.
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Last year, there were more than 70 suspected and 39 confirmed Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in New Jersey, which is significantly higher than the previous two years. New Jersey wasn’t the only state impacted by HABs. The increase caused severe impacts on lakes throughout the country, resulting in beach closures, restricting access to lake usage, and prompting wide-ranging health advisories.
In November, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and officials from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced a three-pronged, $13 million initiative to reduce and prevent future HABs in the state. As part of the initiative, NJDEP hosted its first regional HABs Summit with the goal of prevention by improving communication throughout lake communities and sharing information ahead of the warmer months when HABs begin to appear.
The summit, which was held on January 28, 2020 at NJDEP's Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Warren County included a Q&A panel discussion, information resource tables for one-on-one discussions, and presentations from a variety of NJDEP representatives and environmental experts. Princeton Hydro's Director of Aquatics and regional HABs expert Dr. Fred Lubnow’s presentation focused on how to properly and effectively manage HABs.
According to Dr. Lubnow, “Managing loads of phosphorous in watersheds is even more important as the East Coast becomes increasingly warmer and wetter thanks to climate change. Climate change will likely need to be dealt with on a national and international scale. But local communities, groups, and individuals can have a real impact in reducing phosphorous levels in local waters.”
In a recent press release from Governor Murphy’s office, the NJDEP Chief of Staff Shawn LaTourette said, “We will reduce HABs by working closely with our local partners on prevention and treatment techniques, while relying on the best available science to clearly communicate risk to the public. Our new HABs initiative will enhance the Department’s ability to evaluate statewide strategies and increase the capacity of lake communities to reduce future blooms.”
New Jersey’s new HABs initiative is comprised of three main components:
More than $13 million in funding will be available to local communities to assist in preventing HABs, including:
$2.5 million will be available as matching funds for lakes and HABs management grants, including treatment and prevention demonstration projects.
Up to $1 million in Watershed Grant funding will be made available for planning and projects that reduce the nonpoint source pollution, including nutrients, that contribute to HABs in surface waters of the State.
$10 million in principal forgiveness grants will be offered through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for half of the cost, capped at $2 million, of sewer and stormwater upgrades to reduce the flow of nutrients to affected waterbodies.
Per the Governor’s press release, “the second element of the initiative is to build upon the state’s scientific expertise and enhance its capacity to respond to HAB events. This includes establishing a team of experts from across various sectors to evaluate the state’s strategies to prevent HABs and pursuing additional monitoring, testing and data management capacity.”
The third component is focused on increasing NJDEP’s ability to communicate with affected communities. The regional HABs Summit held on January 28 was one of two Summits that will occur in early 2020 (the date of the next Summit has not yet been announced). NJDEP has also developed new web tools to provide HABs education, offer a forum to discuss and report potential HAB sightings, and better communicate HAB incidents.
To learn more about New Jersey's new HABs Initiative, click here. To learn more about HABs, check out our recent blog: "Identifying, Understanding and Addressing Harmful Algae Blooms"
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