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Did you know that some of the animals we fear the most are actually among nature’s most invaluable helpers? Bats, spiders, and snakes are often misunderstood, leading to fear and, sadly, even harm to these essential species. These misunderstood creatures might send shivers down your spine, but without them, our ecosystems would be in serious trouble!
If you missed our recent Facebook Live AMA presentation, "Fright or Fiction: Debunking the Myths about Bats, Spiders & Snakes," don’t worry — the recording is now available for on-demand viewing! This fascinating session featuring Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Senior Project Manager and Wildlife Biologist at Princeton Hydro sheds light on the common myths surrounding these creatures, the roots of our fears, and the incredible ecological benefits they provide. Plus, he offers insights on how we can help protect them instead of fearing them.
Our fear of bats, spiders, and snakes often stems from cultural myths, sensationalized media portrayals, and fear of the unknown. Misunderstanding these species highlights how a lack of education can shape our perceptions. With knowledge and curiosity, we can move beyond fear, find beauty in their unique roles, and appreciate the essential contributions they make to our world. For instance:
By addressing the roots of these fears, such as unfamiliar behaviors or misunderstood survival tactics, Princeton Hydro's webinar aims to replace myths with facts.
Bats, spiders, and snakes are ecological powerhouses! Snakes control rodent populations, reducing disease and property damage. Spiders eat disease-carrying insects, helping to maintain healthy ecosystems. Bats pollinate crops, disperse seeds, and consume agricultural pests, supporting food security and biodiversity.
The webinar also discusses practical ways to coexist with and support these animals, including:
Are you ready to see these misunderstood creatures in a new light? Click below to watch the full webinar on-demand to gain eye-opening insights into their behaviors, benefits, and how we can better coexist with them.
Embracing knowledge over fear not only empowers us to protect these vital species but also opens the door to seeing the beauty and purpose in the creatures we once misunderstood. We also encourage you to share this blog and the webinar with your community. Together, we can help protect our natural environments for future generations.
Invasive species may be impacting your backyard without you even realizing it. These non-native plants, animals, and organisms can harm ecosystems, the economy, and even human health when they take root in areas where they don’t naturally belong.
If you missed our recent Facebook Live presentation on this important topic, don’t worry — the recording is now available for on-demand viewing! In the webinar, experts from the Princeton Hydro team - Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Senior Project Manager and Senior Wildlife Biologist of Regulatory Compliance & Wildlife Surveys, and Jesse Smith, Aquatic Ecologist - provide practical tips on how to identify and manage invasive species, helping to keep your backyard and local environment thriving.
Invasive species are organisms that are not native to an area but thrive and spread aggressively, often causing harm to native ecosystems. They compete for resources, disrupt habitats, and can introduce diseases, leading to the decline of native species. Unlike exotic species, which may be non-native but do not necessarily cause harm, invasive species tend to simplify ecosystems by outcompeting native plants and animals.
A well-known example is the Emerald Ash Borer, a beetle responsible for the widespread death of ash trees across North America. Another, Phragmites australis, also known as Common Reed, is a highly invasive grass that dominates wetlands, lowering biodiversity and displacing native species. The spread of these and other invasive species can be exacerbated by human activity and even by climate change.
In their natural environment, invasive species have predators and environmental checks that keep their populations under control. However, when introduced to new habitats, they lack these natural controls, allowing them to spread rapidly. Invasive species can alter ecosystems by:
Freshwater ecosystems and wetlands are particularly vulnerable because it’s hard to contain the spread of invasives in these environments. Once established, invasive species are difficult to remove and can cause long-term damage.
The good news is that there are steps we can take to help prevent and manage invasive species in our communities. Here’s what you can do:
Educate and Share: Education is one of the most powerful tools in fighting invasives. Learn about which plants are native and beneficial to your specific region. Talk with your neighbors, community organizations, and local land managers about the importance of managing invasive species. And consider sharing educational resources like this blog and our on-demand webinar.
Reduce the Spread: Prevention is the best strategy. By planting native species, removing invasives, and avoiding the release of invasive species into the environment, you can help stop the spread.
Monitor Your Property: Routinely checking your property for invasive species is key to early detection. Reach out to local watershed organizations to get involved in monitoring efforts. Get involved with organizations focused on monitoring and protecting local lakes and waterways. In Virginia, the Smith Mountain Lake Association has launched “Dock Watch,” a community science program where volunteers collect water samples from select docks to monitor harmful algal blooms, track cyanobacteria levels, and report invasive aquatic species.
Document and Report: Learn to identify common invasive species in your area and report them to local authorities, such as your county extension office or an invasive species management team. In New Jersey, the Invasive Species Strike Team works to control the spread of these harmful organisms.
Here are some methods to consider when removing Invasive Species:
To learn more about how invasive species may be impacting your backyard and what you can do to address them, we invite you to watch our webinar. Learn practical tips for identifying and managing invasives to help protect your property and local ecosystems. Click below to watch the webinar now:
We encourage you to share this blog and the webinar with your community. Together, we can help stop the spread of invasive species and protect our natural environments for future generations.
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.
Get ready to explore the hidden wonders of nature right in the heart of Flemington, New Jersey!
We are thrilled to announce BioBlitz 2024, an exciting 24-hour event dedicated to discovering and documenting the diverse species that call Flemington Borough home.
Mark your calendars for this immersive citizen science experience starting on Saturday, June 22nd at 11 AM and concluding on Sunday, June 23rd at 12 PM, hosted by Flemington DIY, with experts from Princeton Hydro and Hunterdon County Queer Birders.
A BioBlitz is a community-driven event where volunteers and scientists come together to identify and record as many species as possible within a designated area over a short period. Unlike traditional scientific surveys that typically must be implemented by licensed professionals, a BioBlitz invites people of all ages and backgrounds to participate, fostering a connection between the community and its local environment. The goal is to create a snapshot of biodiversity, providing valuable data for ecological studies and conservation efforts.
Discover Local Wildlife: Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious about nature, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore Flemington's urban and natural landscapes. You'll have the chance to observe a variety of plants, animals, and other organisms, some of which you may have never noticed before.
Contribute to Science: By documenting species using the iNaturalist app, your observations will contribute to a growing database that helps scientists and researchers understand and protect local biodiversity. Your findings can make a difference in ongoing conservation efforts.
Connect with the Community: BioBlitz 2024 is a chance to meet fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from experts, and work together towards a common goal. It's a fun, educational experience for families, students, teachers, and anyone interested in the natural world.
Located in the watershed of the South Branch of the Raritan River and home to sections of watershed attached to Prescott Brook, Bushkill Creek, Walnut Brook, and the First Neshanic River, Flemington's diverse environments offer a unique setting for this event. Residents of the Borough are highly encouraged to document the wildlife in their own backyards as part of the event.
Participating in the BioBlitz will help create a comprehensive baseline species list that can be compared with future studies and historical data. This information is crucial for understanding how local biodiversity changes over time and for making informed decisions about environmental conservation.
The idea for Flemington’s BioBlitz was inspired by Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Jesse Smith. Jesse’s vision of engaging the community in a collaborative effort to explore local biodiversity led to this inaugural event, hosted by Flemington DIY.
“My idea to do this BioBlitz came from an interest in knowing more about what was present in Flemington, with a hope that this event will help others become more interested in the natural world in their backyard,” said Jesse Smith, event coordinator, Flemington DIY volunteer, and Aquatic Ecologist at Princeton Hydro.
This event will span 24 hours in order to provide participants an opportunity to document species that are more active at dusk, dawn, and at night. The event is free and open to all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Flemington DIY, 26 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ
Start Date & Time: Plan to arrive at Flemington DIY on Saturday, June 22 at 11 AM to check-in and review important event details.
BioBlitz Timeframe:The documentation phase kicks off on June 22 at noon and wraps up on June 23 at noon. Although the event spans a full 24 hours, participants are not expected to be actively documenting the entire time. You can choose the times that best fit your schedule within this 24-hour window.
End Date & Time: Return to Flemington DIY on 6/23 at 12pm for the conclusion of the BioBlitz to review collected data and celebrate our findings!
What to Bring: Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone for species identification. No prior expertise is required, and field guides will be provided. Wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear just in case.
Whether you’re passionate about birds, plants and insects, curious about the natural world, or looking for a fun excuse to get outside, BioBlitz 2024 is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Flemington’s rich biodiversity. Let’s come together to discover, learn, and contribute to our community’s natural heritage. For more information and to register for the event, please visit Flemington DIY's BioBlitz page.
The Princeton Hydro team is proud to be participating in and sponsoring a variety of events throughout the country, including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Colorado. In this Spotlight edition, we provide a snapshot of upcoming events and information on how you can get involved:
Join SAME New Jersey Post on Earth Day to learn about planning, funding, and implementation efforts for coastal restoration and storm risk management in New Jersey. This full-day program will bring focus to the impacts of storm surges along the NJ Coast and the various coastal restoration projects that have proven to help mitigate coastal impacts and flooding. Representatives from government agencies and NGOs working in NJ coastal settings will discuss their programs and experiences adapting to increased storm intensity and frequency. Participants will gain a better understanding of current program initiatives and active stakeholders to help build a resilient future. Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the event.
This year’s conference, which is titled, “Maximizing Your Lake Data,” takes place in Lake George, NY. Participants will enjoy a variety of educational sessions, panel discussions. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the event, is leading four workshops:
"The Importance of Hands-On Field Education and Exposure with Regards to Monitoring Data" Lead by Chris Mikolajczyk and Dr. Curt Stager of Paul Smiths College
"Assessing Trends and Quantifying the Internal Phosphorous Load of Lake Hopatcong Utilizing a 30-Year Continuous Database" Lead by Environmental Scientist Pat Rose
"CSLAP and Customized Monitoring: How Additional Data is Helping Sleepy Hollow Lake" Lead by Chris Mikolajczyk
"The Value of Developing a Long Term Database for Lakes and their Management" Lead by Director of Aquatic Resources Dr. Fred Lubnow
The conference also includes an NY lake trivia contest with three panelists: NALMS President and Princeton Hydro Senior Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk; Northeast Aquatic Research's AJ Reyes; and NYSFOLA Board member; and Sleepy Hollow Lake Association Manager Laurel Wolfe.
We are proud to sponsor and participate in the New Jersey Highlands Coalitions’ Seventh Annual Golf Outing at Hawk Pointe Golf Club. The day includes golf (of course) along with breakfast, a midmorning snack, a grand luncheon, and lots of fun activities like a photography workshop and an auction. Bring your game, golf clubs (if you have them), and get ready to have some fun! Click here to read about some of the ways Princeton Hydro and the Highlands Coalition work together.
Considered one of the nation’s premier environmental and adventure film festivals, Wild & Scenic combines stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography and first-rate storytelling. Seatuck Environmental Association is hosting the 4th Annual Wild & Scenic On Tour event, which offers a hybrid experience with a choice of an in-person event at the Scully Estate, Islip, NY or a video-on-demand option that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home! Participants will enjoy award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure and conservation, including many that relate to Seatuck’s work on Long Island. We are a proud sponsor of this event! To learn more about Seatuck, check out our Client Spotlight blog.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation invites you to kick off the summer season with them at the Lake Hopatcong Block Party! Join together in Hopatcong State Park with businesses, non-profit organizations, community groups, crafters, and food vendors for a fun-filled day of activities, raffles, giveaways, a children’s scavenger hunt, and more. Princeton Hydro has been working with Lake Hopatcong Foundation since 2012 proudly helping to protect New Jersey's largest lake, and we wish them much success with their annual Block Party! The event is free and open to the public. Come find the Princeton Hydro booth and say hello!
World Fish Migration Day is a one-day global celebration to raise awareness for the importance of free-flowing rivers and migratory fish. Groups from all over the world will participate in events ranging from river clean-ups to conferences and webinars to marches and rallies to book release parties. A few years ago, in celebration of World Fish Migration Day, members of the Princeton Hydro team created a fun video highlighting the trials and tribulations of fish passage. Watch it here:
The Water Research Foundation and NYCDEP are hosting a two-day expert panel workshop about "Drinking Water Quality Aesthetics" for NYC's water supply. Held in Westchester County, New York, the expert panel workshop will include presentations, "walking workshop" site-visits, and expert panel discussions. Panelists include:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County invites you to join them for a lively and informative program for lake enthusiasts in the lower Hudson Valley. The one-day conference, being held at the Sedgewood Club in Kent, New York, includes a variety of presentations on topics like decreasing nutrient pollution; tracking harmful algal blooms; stormwater management; aquatic weed identification skills; and more. From 2-4pm, attendees can opt-in for a CSLAP Volunteers training session. Pre-registration is required and closes on May 25.
Interested in learning about harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their intersection with invasive species issues? Sign-up for the virtual workshop, titled "State of the Science: Harmful Algal Blooms and Invasive Species" hosted by Cornell University and New York Invasive Species Research Institute. Leading the workshop, which is being held during Invasive Species Week, is Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow; Dr. Stephen Souza, founding principal of Princeton Hydro and owner of Clean Waters Consulting; Drs. Jennifer Graham and Mary Anne Evans of USGS; Rebecca Gorney of NYS DEC. The virtual event line-up includes a Q&A discussion and a variety of presentations:
Princeton Hydro Senior Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk is leading a water quality and watershed management workshop in the City of Colorado Springs at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center.
PA-AWWA is hosting a "Harmful Algae Blooms: Ecology & Management of Cyanotoxin Producing Blue-Green Algae in the Raw Water of Potable Water Supplies" training workshop at the Lehigh County Authority in Wescosville, PA. Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is leading the training session, which runs from 8am - Noon and requires advanced registration to attend. Participants are eligible to receive 3 PA DEP credits for water authorities and plant operators.
Get more info & Register here.
Spring is right around the corner. Your lakes and ponds are waking up. What can you expect to see? Now is your chance to get answers! On March 31 at 6pm EST, join experts Dr. Fred Lubnow and Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM during our “Ask Me Anything” conversation via Facebook Live. You can submit your questions for the live Q&A session by joining the live feed and typing in the comments.
Stay tuned to our blog for more events!
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s Science and Environmental Summit, happening virtually this year, brings together scientists, managers, restoration practitioners, and educators from different sectors to share the latest scientific information and make ecological linkages that promote a better understanding of the Delaware watershed as a whole. During this year’s summit, Princeton Hydro is virtually exhibiting and leading four presentations:
The schedule also includes many student presentations and posters, which will judged and evaluated by a panel of volunteer judges. Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey Goll will judge three of the student presentations. The winners will be announced at the Summit closing ceremony.
PALMS is hosting its 31st annual conference during which lake professionals, students, recreation enthusiasts, lakeside residents, and community members explore a variety of topics related to managing lakes and reservoirs. This year’s conference, themed, “Managing for Emerging Threats,” will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendees can participate in a collection of professional presentations, workshops and panel discussions. Princeton Hydro’s Director of Aquatic Resources, Dr. Fred Lubnow, is presenting on the “Implementation of Various In-Lake Management Techniques to Address HABs in Lake Hopatcong, NJ.”
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is hosting an all-day, virtual Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Summit. Attendees will participate in interactive educational sessions, lead by HAB and lake management experts, on topics like emerging HAB treatment technologies and best management practices for controlling HABs. Princeton Hydro’s Director of Aquatic Resources Dr. Fred Lubnow is giving a presentation on "The evaluation of innovative measures to prevent, mitigate, and/or control HABs in Lake Hopatcong." Participants will also be introduced to the newly established NJ HAB Expert Team, which includes two Princeton Hydro scientists: Dr. Lubnow and Dr. Steve Souza. The HAB Summit is part of Governor Phil Murphy and the NJDEP’s multi-pronged initiative to reduce and prevent future HAB outbreaks in waterbodies throughout the state.
The NJ Statewide Dam Removal Partnership will host a virtual event titled, Community Engagement: The Key to a Successful Dam Removal Project. This free one-hour information session will focus on the “who, what, where, when, and how” of a successful dam removal implementation and community outreach campaign. Presenters include experts from Raritan Headwaters Association and Musconetcong Watershed Association. Registration is required.
North Atlantic Industry Day 2021 is a virtual event during which registrants can participant in briefings and presentations from government officials, industry experts, and agency members from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA. Topics include the latest trends in resiliency, cybersecurity, COVID-19, sustainability, government contracting evaluation, tips for landing government contracts, and much more! SAME aims to provide leaders from the A/E/C, environmental, and facility management industries the opportunity to come together with federal agencies in order to showcase best practices and highlight future opportunities for small businesses to work in the federal market.
On February 9, NJ Highlands Coalition hosted a webinar lead by Princeton Hydro Founding Principal Dr. Stephen Souza and Policy Director for the NJ Highlands Coalition Elliott Ruga. Participants of the webinar - "A River Runs By It: The Environmental and Societal Benefits of Riparian Buffers" - learned about riparian buffers; what they are, why they exist, and how they protect water quality in streams and rivers. By showcasing real-world examples, the presenters illustrated the importance of restoring stream banks to enhance water quality and promote healthy aquatic life and fish populations. The webinar and preceding Q&A discussion are available to view on the Highlands Coalition YouTube Channel.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EVENT SPOTLIGHTS!
Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education is offering a one-day class that explores the utilization of mitigation and sustainable design techniques to reduce stormwater impacts and increase storm resiliency.
The course, designed for ecologists, engineers, planners, and landscape architects involved in the recovery of impacted river, lake, riparian, wetland, and coastal environments, draws heavily upon real-world examples of restoration ecology in practice. This interactive course focuses specifically on the multi-disciplined recovery of degraded, damaged, or impaired ecosystems.
Dr. Stephen Souza, a founding principal of Princeton Hydro and owner of Clean Waters Consulting, LLC, is the main instructor and course coordinator. The course curriculum includes lessons from Dr. Souza and a number of experts from the Princeton Hydro team, including:
Course instruction will also be provided by John Miller, P.E., CFM, CSM, FEMA Mitigation Liaison; Nathaniel Burns, Langan Engineering Project Landscape Architect; and Capt. Al Modjeski, American Littoral Society Habitat Restoration Program Director.
In addition to 0.7 Rutgers CEUs, the course also awards participants with professional credits, including:
The course will be held on Wednesday, June 5 2019 from 8:30AM to 5:00PM at the Rutgers Continuing Education Center at the Atrium in Somerset, NJ. Register on or before May 22 to take advantage of a discounted early registration fee. Pre-registration is required. Continental breakfast and buffet lunch are provided at no additional cost.
Princeton Hydro is proud to partner with Rutgers Office of Continuing Professional Education and take part in this valuable continuing professional education course. We hope to see you there!
…
Ms. Hannah Goldstein and her Environmental Science students at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn, NY welcomed Emily Bjorhus, Princeton Hydro Environmental Scientist, to be a guest speaker on the topic of wetlands. The students, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders, learned what defines a wetland, how wetlands function, and why wetland ecosystems are important to our communities. Emily also taught the students how to identify wetlands in the field.
The presentation also involved hands-on instruction, which included a trip outside to the school courtyard where students learned how to collect soil samples using an auger and how to determine if hydric soils are present. To identify surrounding trees, students used a dichotomous key, a tool that allows users to make a series of choices based on characteristics such as leaf and fruit shape. Using the skills and information they learned, Emily helped each classroom determine whether a wetland was present. As it turns out, the courtyard in the middle of Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School does not contain a wetland!
“Science is such an important subject matter for kids to be learning for a variety of reasons. Environmental science education in particular encourages thought patterns, which get kids engaged in real-world environmental protection activities,” said Emily. “I really enjoyed working with Ms. Goldstein and her students. I hope my presentation inspires the students to learn more about wetlands and become ambassadors of wetland conservation.”
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