As 2025 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year of innovation, collaboration, and impact. From advancing ecosystem restoration and water quality initiatives to sharing expertise on the global stage, these milestones showcase the dedication of our team and the strength of our partnerships. None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of our clients, collaborators, and community. Join us as we celebrate the Top 10 Successes of 2025:

1. Completed the Full Removal of 2 Dams:

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After more than a century of standing, the Paulina Lake Dam on the Paulins Kill River in Warren County, NJ, was fully removed, marking a transformative milestone for one of New Jersey’s largest tributaries to the Delaware River. Led by The Nature Conservancy New Jersey and funded by NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, this multi-phase project concluded this summer with the third and final phase that included adaptive management work and habitat enhancements to boost biodiversity. We provided engineering design and oversight throughout the effort helping restore natural river flow and improve ecological resilience. On the Farmington River in Connecticut, the Winchell-Smith Dam was fully removed after more than a decade of planning and collaboration. Spearheaded by the Farmington River Watershed Association, this project reconnects 30 miles of critical upstream habitat, improving fish passage for species like American shad, alewife, and American eel. We contributed engineering, design, and project oversight, working alongside partners including Miss Porter’s School, CTDEEP Fisheries, and RiverLogic Solutions. The removal enhances ecological health, fish passage, public safety, and recreational opportunities along one of New England’s most celebrated rivers.

2. Secured $3.2 Million in Grant Funding for our Clients:

We delivered incredible results for our nonprofit and government partners, securing over $3.2 million in funding to support projects that restore ecosystems, enhance habitats, improve water quality, and implement watershed-based green infrastructure and stormwater BMPs, with grants awarded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund and Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act, administered by NJDEP’s Watershed and Land Management Program. We assisted the Borough of Mountain Lakes in securing grant funding from the New Jersey Highlands Council to develop a comprehensive Lake and Watershed Management Plan for nine lakes within the Borough. Also noteworthy: of the 17 total 319(h) grants awarded statewide this year, we’re proud to be a partner on five, demonstrating our commitment to advancing watershed restoration and sustainability.

3. Launched an Innovative Initiative to Study HABs in the Delaware River Watershed:

In partnership with Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, we kicked off a groundbreaking research project: “Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the Delaware River Watershed Using Drones and Spatial Analysis.” Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation through the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, this $1M initiative leverages drone technology, advanced data modeling, and community science to improve forecasting and management of HABs across a 73-mile stretch of the Delaware River and 23 associated waterbodies. We conceptualized and designed the project and are leading technical implementation, including field survey design, drone operations, data analysis, and volunteer training. By integrating drone-based remote sensing, on-the-water sampling, and spatial analysis, we aim to develop predictive tools for early detection and mitigation of HABs, helping protect drinking water supplies, wildlife, and local economies. This collaborative effort includes partners such as NYC College of Technology, Trenton Water Works, Mercer County Park Commission, The College of New Jersey, Aqua-PA, Philadelphia Water Department, Bucks County Conservation District, and Turner Designs. Data collection began in August will resume in Spring/Summer 2026 and culminate in 2027 with a final report.

4. Earned 7 Prestigious Awards:

Just this month, Princeton Hydro was honored with the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber “Innovator of the Year” Award and President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE received the “Notable Achievement” Award from SAME New Jersey Post during their Annual Holiday Luncheon. Geoffrey also received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the New Jersey Highlands Coalition for his dedication to protecting and enhancing New Jersey’s environmental, cultural, and natural resources. For another year in row, Princeton Hydro was recognized as one of New Jersey’s “Top Workplaces of 2025.” In partnership with Warrington Township, our transformative ecological uplift initiative at Lion’s Pride Park won the 2025 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. We were selected as the recipient of the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space “Corporate Conservation Recognition" Award, a distinction that celebrates our long-standing dedication to advancing ecological resilience through science-based, innovative solutions. And, along with Crow Holdings, we were chosen for the United Away "Spirit of Philanthropy” Award.

5. Constructed 2 Transformative Ecosystem Restoration Projects:

In New York, we completed the Spring Creek North Ecosystem Restoration Project, revitalizing 43 acres of degraded habitat within the historic Jamaica Bay salt marsh system. The project restored a mosaic of ecosystems, including low marsh, high marsh, scrub-shrub wetland, and maritime upland, through activities like recontouring uplands to intertidal elevations, thin-layer sand placement, invasive species removal, and native plantings. This effort improves water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat, contributing to the long-term health of Jamaica Bay. In the Meadowlands of New Jersey, we helped design and build the Steven R. Rothman Overlook and Preserve, a new five-acre public open space within the 587-acre Richard P. Kane Natural Area. The site offers ADA-accessible trails, sweeping views of the Meadowlands and NYC skyline, and a gateway into one of the state’s most ecologically significant landscapes along the Atlantic Flyway. We provided environmental, civil, and geotechnical engineering, landscape architecture, and construction oversight, ensuring the space honors decades of conservation work while creating opportunities for community connection and nature-based recreation.

6. Celebrated Numerous Staff Achievements:

Our team continues to shine, reaching new heights in research, professional development, and industry leadership. Senior Wildlife Biologist Michael McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE co-authored a study published in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, a leading journal in agroecological research, and was featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet podcast, a Top 20 Nature Apple podcast with over 7,000 monthly listeners. Senior Director of Field Services Scott Churm became a PRO Certified EutroSORB® Specialist, and Geotechnical Engineer Matthew Pappas, CSS earned the highly respected Certified Construction Specifier credential from the Construction Specifications Institute. We also welcomed five new team members: Controller Andy Ryba; Senior Water Resources Engineer Rich Farella, PE, CFM; Staff Engineer Patricia Hurley, EIT; Marketing & Proposal Manager Amie Souza, and Aquatics Project Manager Tanya Dapkey, CE who earned her ESA Certified Ecologist credential this year. Way to go, team! Your dedication and talent continue to inspire us all.

7. Partnered with Billion Oyster Project to Study Urban Reef Ecosystems:

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Princeton Hydro teamed up with Billion Oyster Project, AKRF, and Monmouth University to explore how restored oyster reefs are revitalizing New York City’s waterways. The project, “Monitoring of Mobile Estuarine Organisms at Restored Oyster Reefs,” combines hands-on species surveys with cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to capture a complete picture of reef biodiversity. As the field sampling lead, our team conducted monitoring at sites including Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bush Terminal Park, Flushing Bay, and Paedergat Basin. These efforts revealed a diverse array of estuarine life, from schooling fish to a surprise dogfish, and collected eDNA samples for advanced species detection. By integrating traditional sampling with innovative genetic tools, this collaboration is helping refine strategies for scaling up oyster reef restoration and strengthening the ecological resilience of New York Harbor.

8. Advanced International Collaboration in Aquatic Science and River Restoration:

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This year, Princeton Hydro shared expertise on the global stage and celebrated major milestones in international river restoration. Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, for the 17th International Symposium on Aquatic Plants, where he presented on managing submerged aquatic vegetation to prevent harmful algal blooms. Director of Aquatics Michael Hartshorne spoke at the Southern African Society for Aquatic Scientists Congress in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, an event that convened researchers, industry professionals, and government leaders to advance aquatic science through collaboration and applied research. President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, participated in a symposium in Durban, South Africa, focused on Dam Management and Restoration of River Connectivity organized by Dam Removal South Africa and the Institute of Natural Resources. We also celebrated progress in Portugal: Dam Removal Europe published a new case study on the Perofilho Weir removal and stream restoration project in Santarém for which Geoffrey M. Goll contributed to the removal design, helping reconnect 2.5 km of stream habitat and restore fish passage. In February, we published a blog highlighting Geoffrey's ongoing collaboration in Portugal and his October 2024 visit to key restoration sites, showcasing how barrier removal is addressing river fragmentation and creating a blueprint for future efforts.

9. Unveiled 4 New Public Resources:

We collaborated with the Bucks County Conservation District and Bucks County Planning Commission to launch the Lake Luxembourg Restoration StoryMap, an interactive tool that chronicles the decade-long effort to restore Lake Luxembourg’s Conservation Pool. This dynamic resource combines maps, multimedia, and storytelling to make restoration details accessible to the public. Working with Rutgers University’s Climate Change Resource Center and The Nature Conservancy, we contributed technical expertise to the New Jersey Nature-Based Solutions: Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring Reference Guide. This comprehensive guide offers science-based strategies, case studies, and funding resources to help communities implement nature-based solutions statewide. In partnership with the Borough of Harveys Lake, we developed a ArcGIS StoryMap that chronicles the community’s long-standing commitment to water quality, showcases a pilot project aimed at reducing stormwater nutrient pollution, and connects local efforts to broader Chesapeake Bay watershed health. And, for the Lower Makefield Township Environmental Advisory Council, Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, developed a Rain Gardens 101 step-by-step tutorial on designing and building rain gardens. The recorded presentation, now available to the public, provides practical tips and visuals to help homeowners improve stormwater management and support pollinator habitats.

10. Participated in 50+ Conferences, Workshops, Community Gatherings and Sponsored 30+ Events:

We strengthened partnerships and advanced critical conversations through a year of dynamic engagement. From technical conferences to community events, our team shared expertise, fostered collaboration, and inspired action on climate resilience, water quality, and ecosystem restoration. Princeton Hydro was proud to participate as a sponsor, exhibitor, and session presenter at the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management 20th Annual Conference and Exhibition - Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP, Director of Restoration and Resilience, presented on strategies to address climate-driven impacts in Philadelphia and Clay Emerson, PhD, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering, led a session on establishing a stormwater utility. We participated in six SAME events, including the National Small Business Conference in Phoenix, AZ. President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, presented to 300+ attendees during the 2025 National Dam Safety Program Technical Seminar. We gave two presentations at the Society for Ecological Restoration World Conference. Senior Manager of Aquatics Chris L. Mikolajczyk, CLM, and Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow presented at the 42nd Annual NYSFOLA Conference. As part of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Management portion of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society Annual Meeting, Aquatic Ecologist Jesse Smith led a workshop on Brittle Naiad (Najas minor) Management. Aquatics Project Manager and Environmental Scientist Pat Rose presented at NJDEP’s 6th Annual Harmful Algal Bloom Summit. During the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative for its Coastal Ecological Restoration Technical Workshop, Director of Marketing & Communications, Dana Patterson Grear, presented “How to Build a Digital Communications Toolkit for Climate Action.” Locally, we celebrated community and stewardship through events like the Trenton Reel and Restore Day and Trenton River Fest. These are just a few highlights from a truly impactful year!

As we look back on these achievements, we are deeply grateful for the relationships that made them possible. Your confidence in and support of our mission empowers us to innovate, restore, and protect the natural resources we all depend on. Here’s to building on this momentum in 2026 and continuing to make a positive impact together!

We're excited to put the spotlight on Princeton Hydro Environmental Scientist Emily Bjorhus and her admirable volunteer work.

As an Environmental Scientist, Emily Bjorhus works on a wide range of projects from flood risk management to wetland mitigation to stream restoration. She specializes in wetland and stream ecology and environmental permitting and compliance. Outside of the office, Emily is an active volunteer with Natural Lands and the Delaware Shorebird Project, working to protect natural resources, promote biodiversity, and protect important species. Emily also volunteers at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn, NY teaching Environmental Science students about wetlands. We've put together a snapshot of Emily’s volunteer activities:

Natural Lands – Force of Nature Volunteer

Natural Lands is a nonprofit organization that saves open space, cares for nature, and connects people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Founded in the early 1950s, today nearly five million people live within five miles of lands under Natural Lands’ permanent protection.

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As a Force of Nature volunteer with Natural Lands, Emily has been monitoring ~20 nest boxes located in meadow and forest edge habitat at Gwynedd Preserve since 2018. From April through mid-August, Emily and another volunteer visit the sites every 5-7 days to monitor the nest boxes for the types of species using the boxes, nest condition, nest materials, number of eggs laid, number of eggs that hatch, and number of chicks that fledge. Chickadees, wrens, blue birds, and tree swallows are the primary species that nest in the boxes Emily monitors.

When asked what she loves most about this volunteer work, Emily said, “I love watching how the birds build their nest week after week, seeing the eggs multiply and tracking the chicks' growth. I even enjoy dodging dive-bombing tree swallows.”

Delaware Shorebird Project – Data Collection Volunteer

Delaware Shorebird Project is led by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Museum of Natural History, British Trust for Ornithology and Wash Wader Ringing Group, with the help of experienced and dedicated volunteers like Emily.

The project monitors the health and status of migratory shorebird populations to collect data that can be applied to the conservation of these birds. The research has resulted in better understanding of the ecology of shorebirds migrating through Delaware Bay, management of the horseshoe crab harvest to sustain the shorebirds’ population, and protection of key shorebird habitat.

Emily participated in a 3-day shorebird monitoring initiative, which included counting the number of shorebirds on the beach, re-sighting birds previously marked with leg flags, participating in bird catches, and weighing and measuring birds from the catches. The data collected helps monitor trends in shorebird abundance, migratory routes, condition and other important biological data.

“It's such a pleasure working with the amazing people that come from all over the world to run and participate in this ambitious study,” said Emily. “The data collected from this program will hopefully aid researchers and policy makers to develop strategies to better protect shorebird habitat in the future.”

Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School Environmental Studies – Guest Speaker

Ms. Hannah Goldstein and her Environmental Science students at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn, NY welcome Emily as a volunteer guest speaker to teach all about wetlands. The instruction also includes a hands-on session where students collect soil samples to determine if hydric soils are present and identify surrounding trees using a dichotomous key.

“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 enjoy 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.”

Emily earned her M.S. in Sustainable Engineering at Villanova University and holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from University of Colorado at Boulder. As an Environmental Scientist for Princeton Hydro, she coordinates, leads and assists with state environmental permitting programs and NEPA compliance and documentation, including preparation of Federal and state permit applications, Endangered Species Act 7 consultations, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) environmental review processes. In addition, she conducts a variety of environmental field investigations such as wetland and waterbody delineations.

We’re so proud to have Emily on our team and truly value the work she does inside and outside the office.

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Photo from: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, water chestnut bed at Beacon

Spring is officially here! Tulips will soon be emerging from the ground, buds blossoming on trees and, unfortunately, invasive plant species will begin their annual growing cycle. No type of habitat or region of the globe is immune to the threat of invasive species (“invasives”). Invasives create major impacts on ecosystems throughout the world, and freshwater ecosystems and estuaries are especially vulnerable because the establishment of such species in these habitats is difficult to contain and reverse. This blog provides an introduction to invasive aquatic species, including information that will help you prevent the spread of invasives in the waterways of your community.

Defining Invasive Species

Invasive species can be defined as non-native occurring in an ecosystem that is outside its actual natural or native distributional range. Although the colonization of an ecosystem by non-native species can occur naturally, it is more often a function of human intervention, both deliberate and accidental. For aquatic ecosystems some species have become established as a result of the aquarium trade, fish culture practices and/or transport of plants and animals in the bilge and ballast water of trans-oceanic shipping vessels.

One of the primary reasons invasives are able to thrive, spread rapidly, and outcompete native species is that the environmental checks and predators that control these species in their natural settings are lacking in the ecosystems and habitat in which they become introduced. The subsequent damages they cause occur on many ecological levels including competition for food or habitat (feeding, refuge and/or spawning), direct predation and consumption of native species, introduction of disease or parasites, and other forms of disruption that lead to the replacement of the native species with the invasive species. As a result, invasives very often cause serious harm to the environment, the economy, and even human health. A prominent example is the Emerald Ash Borer, a non-native, invasive beetle that is responsible for the widespread death of ash trees. As noted above, there are a large number of aquatic invasive species. Some of the more commonly occurring non-native aquatic plant species that impact East Coast lakes, ponds and reservoirs include:

Understanding How Invasives Spread

Either intentionally or unintentionally, people have helped spread invasives around the globe. This is not a recent phenomenon but rather something that has been occurring for centuries. “Intentional introductions,” the deliberate transfer of nuisance species into a new environment, can involve a person pouring their home aquarium into a lake or deliberate actions intended to improve the conditions for various human activities, for example, in agriculture, or to achieve aesthetics not naturally available.

Photo by: Tom Britt/CC Flickr, zebra Mussels adhered to a boat propeller

“Unintentional introductions” involve the accidental transfer of invasives, which can happen in many ways, including aquatic species attached to the hull of boats or contained in bilge and ballast water. A high-profile example is the introduction of zebra mussels to North America. Native to Central Asia and parts of Europe, zebra mussels accidentally arrived in the Great Lakes and Hudson River via cargo ships traveling between the regions. The occurrence, density, and distribution of Zebra mussels occurred at an alarming rate, with the species spreading to 20 states in the United States and to Ontario and Quebec in Canada. Due to their reproductive fecundity and filter-feeding ability, they are considered the most devastating aquatic invasive species to invade North American fresh waters. They alter and diminish the plankton communities of the lakes that they colonize leading to a number of cascading trophic impacts that have especially negative consequences on fisheries. Zebra mussel infestations have also been linked to increased cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) blooms and the occurrence of harmful algae blooms (HABs) that impact drinking water quality, recreational use, and the health of humans, pets, and livestock. Additionally, higher than average temperatures and changes in rain and snow patterns caused by climate change further enable some invasive plant species to move into new areas. This is exemplified by the increased northly spread of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillate), a tropical invasive plant species that has migrated since its introduction in Florida in the 1950s to lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the U.S. Regardless of how any of these invasive species first became established, the thousands of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species introduced into the U.S. have caused major ecological, recreational and economic impacts.

Measuring the Impacts of Invasives

After habitat loss, invasive, non-native species are the second largest threat to biodiversity. According to The Nature Conservancy, “Invasive species have contributed directly to the decline of 42% of the threatened and endangered species in the United States. The annual cost to the nation’s economy is estimated at $120 billion a year, with over 100 million acres (an area roughly the size of California) suffering from invasive plant infestations. Invasive species are a global problem — with the annual cost of impacts and control efforts equaling 5% of the world’s economy.” Of the $120 billion, about $100 million per year is spent on aquatic invasive plant control to address such deleterious issues as:

Human health (West Nile Virus, Zika Virus)
Water quality impacts (Canada geese)
Potable water supplies (Zebra mussel)
Commercial fisheries (Snake head, lamprey, Eurasian ruffe, round goby)
Recreational activities (Eurasian watermilfoil, water chestnut, hydrilla)
Biodiversity (Purple loosestrife, common reed, Japanese knotweed)

Invasive species can change the food web in an ecosystem by destroying or replacing native food sources. As the National Wildlife Federation explains, “The invasive species may provide little to no food value for native wildlife. Invasive species can also alter the abundance or diversity of species that are important habitat for native wildlife. Additionally, some invasive species are capable of changing the conditions in an ecosystem, such as changing soil chemistry...”

Addressing Invasives

Our native biodiversity is an irreplaceable and valuable treasure. Through a combination of prevention, early detection, eradication, restoration, research and outreach, we can help protect our native heritage from damage by invasive species.

What Can We Do?

Reduce the spread
Routinely monitor
Document and report
Spread the word

Reducing the Spread:

The best way to fight invasive species is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. There are a variety of simple things each of us can do to help stop the introduction and spread of invasives.

Plant native plants on your property and remove any invasive plants. Before you plant anything, verify with your local nursery and check out this online resource for help in identifying invasive plants.
Thoroughly wash your gear and watercraft before and after your trip. Invasives come in many forms – plants, fungi and animals – and even those of microscopic size can cause major damage.
Don't release aquarium fish and plants, live bait or other exotic animals into the wild. If you plan to own an exotic pet, do your research to make sure you can commit to looking after it. Look into alternatives to live bait.

Monitoring:

Invasive plant monitoring is one of the most valuable site-level activities people can support. Contact your local watershed organizations to inquire about watershed monitoring volunteer opportunities. For example, the Lake Hopatcong “Water Scouts” program was established to seek out and remove any instances of the invasive water chestnut species. If you are a lake or watershed manager, the best way to begin an invasive plant monitoring project is with an expert invasive plant survey to determine which invasives are most likely to be problematic in your watershed and identify the watershed’s most vulnerable areas. Contact us to learn more.

Documenting and Reporting:

It’s important to learn to identify invasive species in your area and report any sightings to your county extension agent or local land manager. For example, in New Jersey there is the Invasive Species Strike Team that tracks the spread of terrestrial and aquatic invasives and works with local communities in the management of these species. Additionally, consider developing a stewardship plan for your community to help preserve its natural resources. Princeton Hydro’s team of natural resource scientists can help you get the ball rolling by preparing stewardship plans focused on controlling invasive species and protecting the long-term health of open spaces, forests habitats, wetlands, and water-quality in your community.

Spreading the word:

Many people still don’t understand the serious implications of invasive species. Education is a crucial step in stopping the spread of invasives, which is why it’s so important to talk with your neighbors, friends and family about the hazards and ecological/economic impacts of invasive species. Also consider talking with your community lake or watershed manager about hosting an educational workshop where experts can share their knowledge about invasives specific to your area and how best to address them. We encourage you to share this article and spread your invasive species knowledge so that together we can help stop the introduction and spread of invasive species.

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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:

Providing Funding:

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.

Increasing Expertise & Implementing Prevention Tactics:

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.”

Connecting with Communities:

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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The Watershed Institute held its 3rd Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference, an educational event that aims to advance knowledge and communications on issues related to water quality and quantity across the state. The event included a variety of presentations from local experts on watershed management, stormwater, and problems and solutions related to the health of New Jersey's watersheds.

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During the conference, Princeton Hydro’s Marketing Coordinator Kelsey Mattison, a St. Lawrence University graduate with a degree in English and environmental studies, lead a workshop that explored binaries in environmental thought and how to break through those limiting thought processes in order to advance a more productive and shared understanding of our natural world.

The presentation, titled “Flipping the Script on American Environmental Thought,” discussed how black-and-white thought processes (a.k.a. binaries) cause us to view issues as one or the other, leaving little to no room for the possibility of blending the two.

Historically, American thought has viewed environmental issues through a binary lens: either we favor human society, or we favor the environment, and this juxtaposition has rarely allowed for integration between the two perspectives.

Take, for example, the two concepts of preservation and conservation toted by John Muir and Gifford Pinchot, respectively. Muir’s concept of preservation argued that humans should set land aside to leave untouched to preserve its natural beauty, while Pinchot’s concept of conservation advocated for a responsible use of the land’s resources. Both are forms of environmental advocacy, but neither leave much room to combine the two ideas, ultimately creating a black and white binary surrounding human responsibility to the planet. This makes it difficult to then make any compromise on issues related to managing or utilizing our natural resources.

The workshop also explored answers to the important question of: “How do we flip the script to be more inclusive?” Participants discussed ideas around utilizing Values-Based Communication in order to connect with people from different groups/with different values. A few of the communication strategies Kelsey presented, include:

Finding Common Ground:
When groups are telling such different narratives, it can be hard to see that their goals might actually be completely in line. By first identifying what each group's priorities are, we can better understand their needs in order to help fulfill them. This allows people with seemingly conflicting beliefs to work towards a common goal.
Seeing More than Two Sides:
Generally, people default to thinking there are only two sides to an issue, but no conflict is ever truly just one thing or the other. Even if there are overtly two options, the issue is always more complex. When resolving conflict, it’s almost always possible to find at least one thing the two sides have in common.

Overall, Kelsey’s workshop emphasized the importance of open-mindedness and inclusion in our approach to environmental action in order to bring people together and foster real change. If you’re interested in learning more, click here for a free download of Kelsey’s full presentation.

The New Jersey Watershed Conference, of which Princeton Hydro was a sponsor and exhibitor, also included presentations on topics ranging from urban flooding to microplastics in our waterways to green infrastructure. Dr. Fred Lubnow, Princeton Hydro's Director of Aquatic Programs, presented on the "Causes and Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms." To view the complete agenda, go here.

Princeton Hydro is a proud supporter of The Watershed Institute, a nonprofit organization comprised of policy advocates, scientists, land and water stewards, naturalists, and educators. Focused on the Central New Jersey area, the Watershed Institute speaks out for water and environment, protects and restores sensitive habitats, tests waterways for pollution, and inspires others to care for the natural world. For more information, or to become a member, go here.

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The Local Effects of Climate Change Observed Through our Community Lakes

Climate change is an enormous concept that can be hard to wrap your head around. It comes in the form of melting ice caps, stronger storms, and more extreme seasonal temperatures (IPCC, 2018). If you’re an avid angler, photographer, swimmer, boater, or nature enthusiast, it’s likely that because of climate change you’ll bear witness to astonishing shifts in nature throughout the greater portion of your lifetime. This is especially true with respect to lakes.

Lakes are living laboratories through which we can observe the local effects of climate change in our own communities. Lake ecosystems are defined by a combination of various abiotic and biotic factors. Changes in hydrology, water chemistry, biology, or physical properties of a lake can have cascading consequences that may rapidly alter the overall properties of a lake and surrounding ecosystem. Most of the time the results are negative and the impacts severe.

"Managing loads of phosphorous in watersheds is even more important as the East Coast becomes increasingly warmer and wetter thanks to climate change," said Dr. Fred Lubnow, Director of Aquatics in a recent NJ.com interview. "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."

Recognizing and monitoring the changes that are taking place locally brings the problems of climate change closer to home, which can help raise awareness and inspire environmentally-minded action.

We put together a list of four inter-related, climate change induced environmental impacts that can affect lakes and lake communities:

1. Higher Temperatures = Shifts in Flora and Fauna Populations

The survival of many lake organisms is dependent on the existence of set temperature ranges and ample oxygen levels. The amount of dissolved oxygen (DO) present in a lake is a result of oxygen diffusion from the atmosphere and its production by algae and aquatic plants via photosynthesis. An inverse relationship exists between water temperature and DO concentrations. Due to the physical properties of water, warmer water holds less DO than cooler water.

This is not good news for many flora and fauna, such as fish that can only survive and reproduce in waters of specific temperatures and DO levels. Lower oxygen levels can reduce their ability to feed, spawn and survive. Populations of cold water fish, such as brown trout and salmon, will be jeopardized by climate change (Kernan, 2015).

Also, consider the effects of changing DO levels on fish that can tolerate these challenging conditions. They will thrive where others struggle, taking advantage of their superior fitness by expanding their area of colonization, increasing population size, and/or becoming a more dominant species in the ecosystem. A big fish in a little pond, you might say. Carp is a common example of a thermo-tolerant fish that can quickly colonize and dominate a lake’s fishery, in the process causing tremendous ecological impact (Kernan, 2010).

2. Less Water Availability = Increased Salinity

Just as fish and other aquatic organisms require specific ranges of temperature and dissolved oxygen to exist, they must also live in waters of specific salinity. Droughts are occurring worldwide in greater frequency and intensity. The lack of rain reduces inflow and higher temperatures promote increased evaporation. Diminishing inflow and dropping lake levels are affecting some lakes by concentrating dissolved minerals and increasing their salinity.

Studies of zooplankton, crustaceans and benthic insects have provided evidence of the consequences of elevated salinity levels on organismal health, reproduction and mortality (Hall and Burns, 2002; Herbst, 2013; Schallenberg et al., 2003). While salinity is not directly related to the fitness or survival rate of all aquatic organisms, an increase in salinity does tend to be stressful for many.

3. Nutrient Concentrations = Increased Frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms

Phosphorus is a major nutrient in determining lake health. Too little phosphorus can restrict biological growth, whereas an excess can promote unbounded proliferation of algae and aquatic plants.

If lake or pond water becomes anoxic at the sediment-water interface (meaning the water has very low or completely zero DO), phosphorus will be released from the sediment. Also some invasive plant species can actually “pump” phosphorus from the sediments and release this excess into the water column (termed luxurious uptake). This internally released and recycled sedimentary phosphorus can greatly influence lake productivity and increase the frequency, magnitude and duration of algae blooms. Rising water temperatures, declining DO and the proliferation of invasive plants are all outcomes of climate change and can lead to increases in a lake’s phosphorus concentrations and the subsequent growth and development of algae and aquatic plants.

Rising water temperatures significantly facilitate and support the development of cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) blooms. These blooms are also fueled by increasing internal and external phosphorus loading. At very high densities, cyanobacteria may attain harmful algae bloom (HAB) proportions. Elevated concentrations of cyanotoxins may then be produced, and these compounds seriously impact the health of humans, pets and livestock.

Phosphorus loading in our local waterways also comes from nonpoint sources, especially stormwater runoff. Climate change is recognized to increase the frequency and magnitude of storm events. Larger storms intensify the mobilization and transport of pollutants from the watershed's surrounding lakes, thus leading to an increase in nonpoint source loading. Additionally, larger storms cause erosion and instability of streams, again adding to the influx of more phosphorus to our lakes. Shifts in our regular behaviors with regards to fertilizer usage, gardening practices and community clean-ups, as well as the implementation of green infrastructure stormwater management measures can help decrease storm-related phosphorus loading and lessen the occurrence of HABs.

4. Cumulative Effects = Invasive Species

A lake ecosystem stressed by agents such as disturbance or eutrophication can be even more susceptible to invasive species colonization, a concept coined “invasibility” (Kernan, 2015).

For example, imagine that cold water fish species A has experienced a 50% population decrease as a result of warming water temperatures over ten years. Consequently, the fish’s main prey, species B, has also undergone rapid changes in its population structure. Inversely, it has boomed without its major predator to keep it in check. Following this pattern, the next species level down - species B’s prey, species C - has decreased in population due to intense predation by species B, and so on. Although the ecosystem can potentially achieve equilibrium, it remains in a very unstable and ecologically stressful state for a prolonged period of time. This leads to major changes in the biotic assemblage of the lake and trickle-down changes that affect its recreational use, water quality and aesthetics.

• • •

Although your favorite lake may not experience all or some of these challenges, it is crucial to be aware of the many ways that climate change impacts the Earth. We can’t foresee exactly how much will change, but we can prepare ourselves to adapt to and aid our planet. How to start? Get directly involved in the management of your lake and pond. Decrease nutrient loading and conserve water. Act locally, but think globally. Get out and spread enthusiasm for appreciating and protecting lake ecosystems. Also, check out these tips for improving your lake’s water quality.

References

IPCC. "Summary for Policymakers. "Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty." World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 32 pp. 2018.
Hall, Catherine J., and Carolyn W. Burns. "Mortality and Growth Responses of Daphnia Carinata to Increases in Temperature and Salinity." Freshwater Biology 47.3 (2002): 451-58. Wiley. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
Herbst, David B. "Defining Salinity Limits on the Survival and Growth of Benthic Insects for the Conservation Management of Saline Walker Lake, Nevada, USA." Journal of Insect Conservation 17.5 (2013): 877-83. 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
Kernan, M. "Climate Change and the Impact of Invasive Species on Aquatic Ecosystems." Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management (2015): 321-33. Taylor & Francis Online. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
Kernan, M. R., R. W. Battarbee, and Brian Moss. "Interaction of Climate Change and Eutrophication." Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Ecosystems. 1st ed. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. 119-51. ResearchGate. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
Schallenberg, Marc, Catherine J. Hall, and Carolyn W. Burns. "Consequences of Climate-induced Salinity Increases on Zooplankton Abundance and Diversity in Coastal Lakes". Marine Ecology Progress Series 251 (2003): 181-89. Inter-Research Science Center. Inter-Research. Web.

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On Thursday, April 25th, 2019, we teamed with the Friends of Exton Park and Homenet Automotive to host an early Arbor Day celebration at Exton Park in Exton, Pennsylvania. Paired with Bring Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, the event drew over 35 volunteers (of all sizes) to help clean up Exton Park and plant 18 trees! The day started with a leisurely bird walk throughout the park lead by Friends of Exton Park birders. Participants spotted Red-winged Blackbirds, a Solitary Sandpiper, a Wilson's Snipe, a Downy Woodpecker and even a Green Heron.

After the bird walk, planting and clearing began. Together, volunteers cleared a hefty amount of multiflora rose and garlic mustard, two invasive species prevalent in the park. With the help of our Landscape Designer, Cory Speroff, MLA, ASLA, CBLP, and Senior Limnologist, Mike Hartshorne, volunteers also planted eight river birch, five red osier dogwood, and five swamp white oak trees throughout the park.

At Princeton Hydro, we value working with our clients and partners to create sustainable landscapes that include native plants that will thrive in our local ecosystems. At all our project sites, we aim to restore and maintain our natural habitats and landscapes. And, we love using teamwork to do it! We were proud contribute the trees for this event and thank our volunteers for all their hard work. This is the second year we have participated in this Arbor Day volunteer event. We are looking forward to making it an annual tradition!

Friends of Exton Park offers weekly bird walks and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Go here to learn more and get involved. [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="medium" ids="3497,3499,3498,3504"]

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The Pin Oak Forest Conservation Area is a 97-acre tract of open space that contains an extremely valuable wetland complex at the headwaters of Woodbridge Creek. The site is located in a heavily developed landscape of northern Middlesex County and is surrounded by industrial, commercial, and residential development. As such, the area suffered from wetland and stream channel degradation, habitat fragmentation, decreased biodiversity due to invasive species, and ecological impairment. The site was viewed as one of only a few large-scale freshwater wetland restoration opportunities remaining in this highly developed region of New Jersey.

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Recognizing the unique qualities and great potential for rehabilitating and enhancing ecological function on this county-owned parkland, a dynamic partnership between government agencies, NGOs, and private industry, was formed to restore the natural function of the wetlands complex, transform the Pin Oak Forest site into thriving habitat teeming with wildlife, and steward this property back to life. The team designed a restoration plan that converted 28.94 acres of degraded freshwater wetlands, 0.33 acres of disturbed uplands dominated by invasive species, and 1,018 linear feet of degraded or channelized streams into a species-rich and highly functional headwater wetland complex.

We used an innovative approach to restore the hydraulic connection of the stream channel with its floodplain in order to support wetland enhancement. Additionally, to further enhance wetlands with hydrologic uplift, the team incorporated microtopography techniques, which creates a variable surface that increases groundwater infiltration and niches that support multiple habitat communities. This resulted in a spectrum of wetland and stream habitats, including the establishment of a functional system of floodplain forest, scrub shrub, emergent wetlands and open water. Biodiversity was also increased through invasive species management, which opened the door for establishing key native flora such as red maple, pin oak, swamp white oak, and swamp rose. The restored headwater wetland system also provides stormwater quality management, floodplain storage, enhanced groundwater recharge onsite, and surface water flows to Woodbridge Creek.

Completed in 2017, the integrated complex of various wetland and upland communities continues to provide high quality habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species including the state-threatened Black-crowned Night heron and Red-headed Woodpecker. The work done at the site significantly enhanced ecological function, providing high-quality habitat on indefinitely-preserved public lands that offer countless benefits to both wildlife and the community.

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Public and private partnerships were and continue to be critical to the success of this project. The diverse partnership includes Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation, Woodbridge Township, Woodbridge River Watch, New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Mitigation Council, GreenTrust Alliance, GreenVest, and Princeton Hydro. The partners joined together as stakeholders to identify long term restoration and stewardship goals for Pin Oak Forest Preserve, and nearly four years later, the partners all remain involved in various aspects of managing the property and this project itself, ranging from fiscal oversight by New Jersey Freshwater Wetland Mitigation Council and GreenTrust Alliance, to permit and landowner access coordination performed by Woodbridge Township and Middlesex County, or the ongoing stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring of the project and the larger park, being conducted by being conducted by GreenTrust Alliance, GreenVest, and NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

This project was funded through the New Jersey Freshwater Wetland In-Lieu Fee program. In 2014, GreenTrust Alliance, GreenVest, and Princeton Hydro secured $3.8 million dollars of funding on behalf of the Middlesex County Parks Department to restore three wetland sites, which included Pin Oak Forest.

The Pin Oak Forest project is a great model for showcasing a successful approach to the enhancement of public lands through a dynamic multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder partnership. And, because of proper planning and design, it has become a thriving wildlife oasis tucked in the middle of a densely-populated suburban landscape.

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Princeton Hydro specializes in the planning, design, permitting, implementing, and maintenance of wetland rehabilitation projects. To learn about another wetland restoration, creation, and enhancement project, click here.

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As dams age and decay, they can become public safety hazards, presenting a failure risk and flooding danger. According to American Rivers, “more than 90,000 dams in the country are no longer serving the purpose that they were built to provide decades or centuries ago.” Dam removal has increasingly become the best option for property owners who can no longer afford the rising cost of maintenance and repair work required to maintain these complex structures.

Dams can also cause environmental issues such as blocking the movement of fish and other aquatic species, inundating river habitat, impairing water quality, and altering the flow necessary to sustain river life. Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams can bring a river back to its natural state and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed.

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A view from the site of the Heminway Pond Dam removal on July 19, 2018.[/caption]

Currently, work is underway in Watertown, Connecticut to remove the Heminway Pond Dam, which restricts fish passage in Steele Brook, creates a pond with increased water temperatures and high bacterial levels due to high geese populations, and encourages deposition of iron precipitate in the stream channel just downstream of the dam.

Princeton Hydro designed the engineering plans, managed permitting and is now overseeing construction for the removal project. The removal of the Heminway Pond Dam is identified as an integral component in addressing water quality impairment between the dam and Echo Lake Road.

CT DEEP recently published this piece encapsulating the Heminway Pond Dam removal project:

REMOVAL OF HEMINWAY POND DAM ON STEELE BROOK IN WATERTOWN UNDERWAY

After almost 15 years of discussion and planning with the Town of Watertown and other partners, removal of Heminway Pond Dam on Steele Brook in Watertown finally got underway in early July. Though no longer functional, the dam and pond were originally constructed to supply water for a former thread/string mill. The Town acquired the dam and pond from the Siemon Company, the most recent owner, in 2007 with an eye towards removing the dam, restoring the river and converting the dewatered impoundment area into a passive recreation area, including an extension of the Steele Brook Greenway. With these goals in mind, the Town approached CT DEEP for help with removal of the dam.

As it turns out, CT DEEP, has also had a strong interest in seeing this dam removed. It is anticipated that dam removal will improve the hydrology in this section of Steele Brook and eliminate a water quality impairment which manifests itself during hot weather and low flow conditions, as an orange-colored plume of water (due to iron precipitate) immediately downstream of the dam that impacts aquatic life. Dam removal would also benefit fisheries by restoring stream connectivity and habitat.

Working towards these mutual goals, CT DEEP was able to provide federal CWA 319 nonpoint source grant funding to USDA NRCS to develop a watershed-based plan for Steele Brook to address nonpoint source impairments that includes a dam removal feasibility analysis for Heminway Pond Dam. Based on the recommendations in this plan, CT DEEP subsequently provided additional 319 grant funds to the Town of Watertown to hire a consultant to develop a dam removal design package, and assist with permitting and preparation.

With the Town of Watertown as a strong and vested partner, CT DEEP is now helping this project over the finish line by providing a combination of 319 and SEP funds to accomplish the actual dam removal and restoration of Steele Brook. Dayton Construction Company is performing the construction and Princeton Hydro is the consultant overseeing the project on behalf of the Town. The Northwest Conservation District is also assisting with the project. It is anticipated that the majority of the work will be completed by this Fall. U.S. EPA, ACOE and CT DEEP have all played active roles with regard to permitting the project.

Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and removal of dozens of small and large dams in the Northeast. Click here to read about a recent dam removal project the firm completed on the Moosup River.

Updated 2023: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency featured the Heminway Pond Dam Removal and Steele Brook Restoration project as a “Nonpoint Source Success Story.” Click here to read it now. And click below to watch the time lapse video footage of the removal and restoration of Heminway Pond Dam and Steele Brooke. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-X4W2YS3l0[/embed]

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A trip to Antarctica has long been at the top of the bucket list for Sophie Breitbart, former Staff Scientist at Princeton Hydro, and her father. Ultimately inspired by the extraordinary spirit of adventure in "South: The Endurance Expedition," the story of British explorer Ernest Shackleton's 1914 attempt to reach the South Pole, the two decided that it was time to make the journey to the white continent. What they experienced was far more than a travel dream fulfilled.

This two-part blog series takes us on an adventure to the southernmost continent and explores how changes to Antarctica’s ecosystem have worldwide impacts.

Part One: Antarctic Adventure

The National Geographic Lindblad Expedition trip began with a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Sophie and her father met up with the other travelers and an expedition crew that consisted of an exploration leader, eight veteran naturalists, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, an undersea specialist, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, and a video chronicler.

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In Buenos Aires, the group, totaling approximately 140 people, boarded a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. After taking in views of the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, which is commonly referred to as The End of the World, the group climbed aboard the National Geographic Explorer ship and set sail for a 10-day Antarctic adventure.

The National Geographic Explorer is a 367-foot expedition ship that accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins. The Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull, advanced navigation equipment, a variety of exploration tools, and vast expanses of windows that provided the ultimate vantage point for spotting dolphins and sea birds as the ship left the Beagle Channel.

Before reaching the Antarctic, the ship would have to pass through the infamous Drake Passage, the body of water between Cape Horn in South America and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge. Because the currents in the Passage meet no resistance from any nearby landmass, they can be some of the choppiest waters in the world. Luckily for Sophie and the other Explorer travelers, the Drake Passage was cooperative for the most part and the journey through it was relatively smooth. (Editor's Note: The journey back was another story.)

On day five of the journey, the ship arrived in the Antarctic Peninsula.

“The ice was so shocking and jaw-dropping,” said Sophie reflecting on her first impression of Antarctica. “I had never seen anything like it before. There were so many different shades of blues and whites and countless textures. It was truly incredible to see.”

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With close to 24 hours of daylight, the exploration opportunities were endless. Sophie and her father participated in kayaking tours, expeditions on an 8-person zodiac boat, around the clock wildlife watching, and even a few hikes on the Antarctic Peninsula. There they saw indigenous rocks and artifacts, remnants of British research stations from the 1950s, and lots of wildlife, including nesting South Polar Skua Birds, penguins swimming and jumping out of the water, and a playful group of Leopard Seals.

Humpback and Killer whales skirted the ship as well. A Killer Whale research team aboard the Explorer took blow samples, which would be genetically sequenced, and shared with passengers their aerial imagery findings, which they captured in order to record the whales' dimensions, family structures, and health. Sophie and her father enjoyed a variety of whale sightings. During one of their kayaking expeditions, a large Humpback Whale surfaced just 10 feet away from them, then swam right underneath the kayaks and resurfaced, showing lots of playfulness and curiosity.

Check out this incredible video showing a fascinating strategy that killer whales use to hunt seals:

While Sophie struggled to choose a favorite moment from the trip, she quickly recalled the memory of kayaking along the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula among a field of stunning icebergs. "They each possess a unique mixture of color, density, shape, and size... like pieces of artwork, truly breathtaking in their composition and enormity." Another easy highlight: "One day, the captain lodged our ship into an ice floe and we had a cookout complete with BBQ and lawn chairs. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Sophie described this journey as the “most amazing scientific field trip” she’s ever been on. It left her feeling inspired to continue her work as an environmental scientist and acted as a reminder about why it’s so important to continue to be involved with projects that conserve biodiversity and protect water resources.

Check out Part Two of this Princeton Hydro blog series.

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Sophie Breitbart worked for Princeton Hydro from March 2016 until May 2018, first as an intern and then as a staff scientist. She is now pursuing her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto, where she will study how urban development affects the ecology and evolution of interactions between the plant common milkweed, its herbivores, and pollinators.

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1. Completed the Full Removal of 2 Dams:

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2. Secured $3.2 Million in Grant Funding for our Clients:

3. Launched an Innovative Initiative to Study HABs in the Delaware River Watershed:

4. Earned 7 Prestigious Awards:

5. Constructed 2 Transformative Ecosystem Restoration Projects:

6. Celebrated Numerous Staff Achievements:

7. Partnered with Billion Oyster Project to Study Urban Reef Ecosystems:

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8. Advanced International Collaboration in Aquatic Science and River Restoration:

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="17275,17279,18151"]

9. Unveiled 4 New Public Resources:

10. Participated in 50+ Conferences, Workshops, Community Gatherings and Sponsored 30+ Events:

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Tag: environmental science

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Princeton Hydro

1. Completed the Full Removal of 2 Dams:

2. Secured $3.2 Million in Grant Funding for our Clients:

3. Launched an Innovative Initiative to Study HABs in the Delaware River Watershed:

4. Earned 7 Prestigious Awards:

5. Constructed 2 Transformative Ecosystem Restoration Projects:

6. Celebrated Numerous Staff Achievements:

7. Partnered with Billion Oyster Project to Study Urban Reef Ecosystems:

8. Advanced International Collaboration in Aquatic Science and River Restoration:

9. Unveiled 4 New Public Resources:

10. Participated in 50+ Conferences, Workshops, Community Gatherings and Sponsored 30+ Events:

Natural Lands – Force of Nature Volunteer

Delaware Shorebird Project – Data Collection Volunteer

Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School Environmental Studies – Guest Speaker

Defining Invasive Species

Understanding How Invasives Spread

Measuring the Impacts of Invasives

Addressing Invasives

What Can We Do?

Reducing the Spread:

Monitoring:

Documenting and Reporting:

Spreading the word:

Providing Funding:

Increasing Expertise & Implementing Prevention Tactics:

Connecting with Communities:

The Local Effects of Climate Change Observed Through our Community Lakes

1. Higher Temperatures = Shifts in Flora and Fauna Populations

2. Less Water Availability = Increased Salinity

3. Nutrient Concentrations = Increased Frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms

4. Cumulative Effects = Invasive Species

REMOVAL OF HEMINWAY POND DAM ON STEELE BROOK IN WATERTOWN UNDERWAY

Part One: Antarctic Adventure

1. Completed the Full Removal of 2 Dams:

2. Secured $3.2 Million in Grant Funding for our Clients:

3. Launched an Innovative Initiative to Study HABs in the Delaware River Watershed:

4. Earned 7 Prestigious Awards:

5. Constructed 2 Transformative Ecosystem Restoration Projects:

6. Celebrated Numerous Staff Achievements:

7. Partnered with Billion Oyster Project to Study Urban Reef Ecosystems:

8. Advanced International Collaboration in Aquatic Science and River Restoration:

9. Unveiled 4 New Public Resources:

10. Participated in 50+ Conferences, Workshops, Community Gatherings and Sponsored 30+ Events:

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