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During the groundbreaking ceremony, participants heard presentations from Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette, USACE New York District Commander Colonel Alex Young, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, and Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV. [gallery link="none" ids="13801,13803,13812"] As quoted in the press release distributed by the Murphy Administration, Commissioner LaTourette said, “Today’s groundbreaking is a critical step toward building a future at Liberty State Park that brings people and communities together to enjoy the environment we all share. Through the cleanup and restoration of nearly 235 acres, we will reckon with the industrial pollution of our past and from it, create a world-class outdoor urban environment that will be enjoyed by many future generations.” Click here to read the full press release. A long history of industrial contamination (also called legacy pollution) has left 235 acres of Liberty State Park fenced-off and inaccessible to the public for decades. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the official start of Phase 1A of the clean up and restoration project. Princeton Hydro was contracted by USACE New York District in partnership with the NJDEP Office of Natural Resource Restoration to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey. [embed]https://youtu.be/XbzQ08o7b5Y[/embed] Following the groundbreaking, the public was invited to see and comment on renderings of Phase 1B, which includes active recreation components such as athletic fields, an amphitheater, a skate park, and a community center. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13805,13806,13798,13804,13813,13802,13810,13809"] To learn more about this project, click here to read our recent blog post, titled "Restoring 235 Acres in NJ's Iconic Liberty State Park." [post_title] => Reclaiming Liberty State Park: A Historic Groundbreaking Event [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => reclaiming-liberty-state-park-a-historic-groundbreaking-event [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-10-24 01:39:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-10-24 01:39:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=13796 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13315 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-07-27 16:44:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-27 16:44:27 [post_content] => Exciting changes have unfolded at Kol Emet, a Reconstructionist Congregation in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The campus’ exterior lands have undergone a remarkable transformation, blossoming into an enchanting and peaceful place for community member gatherings, and a wildflower meadow. Princeton Hydro partnered with Congregation Kol Emet to design and implement the synagogue's 10-acre campus transformation. The Princeton Hydro team provided green infrastructure engineering, landscape architecture, and construction services aimed at enhancing the usability and welcoming atmosphere of the synagogue, and creating a sustainable outdoor solution in the event of future pandemics, and a place to connect with the natural environment that surrounds the property. The design provides a net positive impact by reducing flooding in the community and improves water quality by augmenting stormwater management and biodiversity throughout the property. "Our vision surpassed mere construction of a gathering space," said Geoffrey M. Goll P.E., President of Princeton Hydro, a congregant of Kol Emet, Executive Board Member, and point person for the project. "We wanted to create a harmonious union between the synagogue campus and the surrounding preserved woodlands, cultivating a serene haven where congregants can unite, celebrate, and worship, while also enhancing the ecological functionality and biodiversity of the landscape. This was a realization of the vision of the Founders of Kol Emet and the labor and financial support of many members of the Board, past and present, and a generous donation by a longtime supporter of the community. The outdoor sanctuary was named in honor and memory of a founding member and former President, Geri Shatz, who was a staunch supporter of the Jewish community and advocate for the mission of Kol Emet. She lived the ideals of community and contribution. I am proud of the extraordinary transformation that’s been achieved." About the Congregation of Kol Emet The Kol Emet Reconstructionist Congregation, is a 501(c)3 religious organization, founded in 1984. While a center of worship for its members, it is much more than that. Kol Emet is a community of people who care about improving the world around them through social action and environmental protection. The sentiment of "Tikkun Olam" is embodied by Kol Emet and the committee that spearheaded the project, working directly with the Princeton Hydro team to bring the project goals to fruition. The modern interpretation of the Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam,” is “action intended to repair and improve the world.” The campus restoration project brings the concept of “Tikkun Olam” to life. About the Restoration Project Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP is the project’s lead designer. The project included landscape design and planting that incorporates native and sustainable trees and shrubs; significant upgrades to the existing stormwater management basin, including the conversion of low-flow channels, impervious surfaces, and turf-covered areas to native grassland and wildflower habitat; and the development of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space." Cory’s design inspiration for the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space is modeled after the Hebrew term “etz chaim” or “Tree of Life.” In Judaism, the Tree of Life has a number of meanings, both literal and figurative. In the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life represents the connection between heaven and earth, wisdom and knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It is visually represented as a diagram that looks much like a tree with 10 nodes and 22 lines. Cory’s design for the community space uses strategically placed trees to mimic the Tree of Life and aims to promote community connection and a connection to the surrounding natural landscape. The contemplative space consists of a bimah, seating to accommodate at least 80 people, and a beautiful array of native trees and flowering shrubs, including black gum, silver birch, and Virginia sweetspire. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13117,13071"] Cory’s design for the land surrounding the contemplative space improves flood resilience; controls stormwater runoff volume and promotes groundwater recharge; boosts safety features of the campus; and enhances habitat for pollinators, native plants, and other important species. The wildflower meadow was seeded with a variety of native plants, including purple love grass, common milkweed, wild bergamot, and blue wild indigo. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13055,13081"] [gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="13042,13044"] “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like the only way to see our loved ones was to be outside, and during these backyard and front porch gatherings many people re-discovered their love for the outdoors,” said Cory. “In talking with the Committee, there was a desire to create an outdoor sanctuary where the congregation could gather and continue that re-discovery. I believe that through the careful consideration of symbolic elements and thoughtful design choices, we’ve created a space that can inspire introspection, connection, and a sense of harmony with both nature and faith.” The Generosity that Made the Project Possible Funding for the project came from the Congregation Kol Emet’s “Our Heart. Our Home” capital campaign, a $750,000 campaign focused on upgrading four key aspects of the synagogue: social hall, HVAC upgrades, indoor sanctuary, outside school, and the new outdoor sanctuary. The outdoor sanctuary and ecological uplift to the 10-acre campus is a primary piece of the campaign and was made possible by the generous donations of several Kol Emet members. Stan Shatz bestowed a bounteous donation in memory of Geri Shatz, which made possible the creation of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space.” The following families also contributed to the funding of the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space: Laurel & Kevin Bloch, Barbara & Debra Fogel and Family, Jill & David Gordon, Annie & Ryan Kubanoff and Family, and Teddi & Josh Matisoff and Family. The Princeton Hydro team is honored to have worked with Kol Emet on this important and inspirational project. Enjoying and Celebrating the New Space Congregation Kol Emet came together on Sunday, June 4, 2023 for a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the outdoor sanctuary project. Here are a few photos from the joyous event: [gallery link="none" ids="13125,13116,13130"] Princeton Hydro is an expert in engineering, ecological restoration, and landscape architecture, and we’ve been incorporating green stormwater infrastructure and nature-based solutions into our designs for decades. Click here to read about the landscape restoration and stormwater management project we designed and implemented in Thompson Park, a 675-acre recreation area in Middlesex County, New Jersey. [post_title] => From Turf to Biodiverse Outdoor Space: The Remarkable Transformation of Congregation Kol Emet’s 10-Acre Campus [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => transforming-kol-emet-campus [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-01-18 03:45:39 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-01-18 03:45:39 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=13315 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 5787 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2023-07-10 05:16:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-07-10 05:16:11 [post_content] => Liberty State Park is located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay and is one of the most visited state parks in the nation with over 5.1 million visitors. Princeton Hydro was contracted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey. NJDEP held an open house on May 24, 2023 at Liberty State Park announcing the next steps for the Revitalization Program. During the open house, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and USACE Colonel Matthew W. Luzzatto shared details of the multi-phase revitalization program for the park. The public was presented with a video that showcases detailed engineering design renderings and simulates the expected visitor experience. The video was created using renderings by Princeton Hydro's Landscape Architect Cory Speroff PLA, ASLA, CBLP and produced in-house by our Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with NJDEP ONRR. Watch it now: [embed]https://youtu.be/XbzQ08o7b5Y[/embed] Once constructed, this project will expand public access, improve water quality, restore native plant communities, and improve coastal resilience for urban communities who are vulnerable to storm events. The site design includes a trail network for the park interior that will provide access to the newly established habitat zones and views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. This trail network will enhance pedestrian connectivity between the existing portion of Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, and local public transit hubs. Project partners for the interior restoration design include USACE, NJDEP ONRR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, HDR, and Princeton Hydro. Over the next year, NJDEP will provide the community with updates on revitalization program activities, which will include multiple points of continued public engagement and opportunities for community input to inform further design work. The initial groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in Fall 2023. Please stay tuned to our blog for more project updates. To read more about Princeton Hydro’s robust natural resource management and restoration services, click here. [post_title] => Restoring 235 Acres in NJ's Iconic Liberty State Park [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => liberty-state-park-2023 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-07-22 12:19:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-07-22 12:19:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.princetonhydro.com/blog/?p=883 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 1 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 9813 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2021-12-28 02:38:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2021-12-28 02:38:00 [post_content] => Thousands of native flowering plants and grasses were planted at Thompson Park in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Once established, the native plant meadow will not only look beautiful, it will reduce stormwater runoff and increase habitat for birds, pollinators, and other critical species. The planting was completed by community volunteers along with Eric Gehring of Kramer+Marks Architects, Middlesex County Youth Conservation Corps, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, and Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP. All of the plants that were installed are native to the north-central region of New Jersey. Volunteers planted switchgrass (panicum virgatum), orange coneflower (rudbeckia fulgida), blue wild indigo (baptisia australis), partridge pea (chamaecrista fasciculata), Virginia mountain mint (pycnanhemum virginianum), and aromatic aster (symphyotrichum oblongifolium). In selecting the location for each of the plants, special consideration was given to each species' drought tolerance and sunlight and shade requirements. The selected plant species all provide important wildlife value, including providing food and shelter for migratory birds. Photos provided by: Michele Bakacs The planting initiative is one part of a multi-faceted Stormwater Treatment Train project recently completed in Thompson Park. The project is funded by a Water Quality Restoration 319(h) grant awarded to South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council by the NJDEP. Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation and Office of Planning, NJDEP, South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission, Freehold Soil Conservation District, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Enviroscapes, and Princeton Hydro worked together to bring this project to fruition. To learn more about the Thompson Park Zoo stormwater project, check out our recent blog: Stormwater Management at Thompson Park ZooWhat is Stormwater Runoff? Stormwater runoff is all of the rainfall or snowmelt water that is not absorbed into the ground and instead flows over land. When not managed properly, stormwater runoff causes issues like pollution in our waterways, flooding, and erosion. Stormwater runoff has been cited in multiple studies as a leading cause of... [post_title] => Thousands of Native Plants Installed in Thompson Park [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => thompson-park-native-plant-meadow [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-12-27 12:58:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-12-27 12:58:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=9813 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1856 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2018-05-09 08:02:11 [post_date_gmt] => 2018-05-09 08:02:11 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro is proud to announce that Cory Speroff, MLA, ASLA, CBLP, Landscape Designer for the firm, has earned the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) designation. The achievement of the CBLP Level 1 designation demonstrates an advanced level of professionalism and knowledge of sustainable landscaping practices for a healthier Chesapeake Bay and beyond. In order to qualify for the certification, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that assesses an individual’s understanding of sustainable practices in the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes. Achieving the CBLP designation illustrates an in-depth knowledge of sustainable landscape best practices and stormwater best management practices. “Completing the CBLP certification program was a valuable experience,” said Cory Speroff. “Growing up, I spent a lot of time on the Chesapeake Bay, and even more time in its expansive watershed. It’s very fulfilling to know that I can take the knowledge I’ve learned back to Princeton Hydro and not only make positive impacts for our clients, but also impact the health of a system that so many people use for work and recreation.” In order to earn the CBLP certification, participants must earn and report 20 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years in the areas of sustainable landscape and stormwater design, installation and maintenance topics; climate change issues; native plants and native plant communities; ecological plant design; or other related subject matters. In addition, newly-certified CBLPs must complete and document at least 6 hours of hands-on practice. As a landscape designer for Princeton Hydro, Cory is responsible for the creation of designs, renderings, graphics, planting lists, planting plans, and construction documents associated with various aspects of environmental restoration and stormwater management. Cory is a Temple University’s Master of Landscape Architecture Program graduate. The program gave him unique exposure to a traditional landscape architecture education infused with ecological restoration, a combination that facilitated the exploration of how to achieve the most socioeconomic value from a space while also achieving high environmental function, which leads to informed and creative design solutions. [gallery link="none" size="medium" columns="2" ids="1865,1864"] For more information about the CBLP-certification, visit cblpro.org. For more information about Princeton Hydro’s services, visit PrincetonHydro.com. … ABOUT PRINCETON HYDRO Princeton Hydro was formed in 1998 with the specific mission of providing integrated ecological and engineering consulting services. Offering expertise in aquatic and terrestrial ecology, water resources engineering, and geotechnical investigations, the firm provides a full suite of environmental services. [post_title] => Princeton Hydro’s Cory Speroff Achieves Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Status [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => cblp-certification [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-12-10 22:45:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-12-10 22:45:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.princetonhydro.com/blog/?p=1856 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) ) [post_count] => 5 [current_post] => -1 [before_loop] => 1 [in_the_loop] => [post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13796 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2023-10-20 12:21:38 [post_date_gmt] => 2023-10-20 12:21:38 [post_content] => The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), project partners, and elected officials broke ground on the interior cleanup of Liberty State Park in Jersey City (Phase 1A), marking a significant milestone in the history of New Jersey’s most visited state park. During the groundbreaking ceremony, participants heard presentations from Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette, USACE New York District Commander Colonel Alex Young, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, and Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV. [gallery link="none" ids="13801,13803,13812"] As quoted in the press release distributed by the Murphy Administration, Commissioner LaTourette said, “Today’s groundbreaking is a critical step toward building a future at Liberty State Park that brings people and communities together to enjoy the environment we all share. Through the cleanup and restoration of nearly 235 acres, we will reckon with the industrial pollution of our past and from it, create a world-class outdoor urban environment that will be enjoyed by many future generations.” Click here to read the full press release. A long history of industrial contamination (also called legacy pollution) has left 235 acres of Liberty State Park fenced-off and inaccessible to the public for decades. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the official start of Phase 1A of the clean up and restoration project. Princeton Hydro was contracted by USACE New York District in partnership with the NJDEP Office of Natural Resource Restoration to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey. [embed]https://youtu.be/XbzQ08o7b5Y[/embed] Following the groundbreaking, the public was invited to see and comment on renderings of Phase 1B, which includes active recreation components such as athletic fields, an amphitheater, a skate park, and a community center. [gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13805,13806,13798,13804,13813,13802,13810,13809"] To learn more about this project, click here to read our recent blog post, titled "Restoring 235 Acres in NJ's Iconic Liberty State Park." 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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), project partners, and elected officials broke ground on the interior cleanup of Liberty State Park in Jersey City (Phase 1A), marking a significant milestone in the history of New Jersey’s most visited state park.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, participants heard presentations from Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette, USACE New York District Commander Colonel Alex Young, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, and Assemblyman William B. Sampson IV.
As quoted in the press release distributed by the Murphy Administration, Commissioner LaTourette said, “Today’s groundbreaking is a critical step toward building a future at Liberty State Park that brings people and communities together to enjoy the environment we all share. Through the cleanup and restoration of nearly 235 acres, we will reckon with the industrial pollution of our past and from it, create a world-class outdoor urban environment that will be enjoyed by many future generations.” Click here to read the full press release.
A long history of industrial contamination (also called legacy pollution) has left 235 acres of Liberty State Park fenced-off and inaccessible to the public for decades. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the official start of Phase 1A of the clean up and restoration project.
Princeton Hydro was contracted by USACE New York District in partnership with the NJDEP Office of Natural Resource Restoration to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey.
Exciting changes have unfolded at Kol Emet, a Reconstructionist Congregation in Yardley, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The campus’ exterior lands have undergone a remarkable transformation, blossoming into an enchanting and peaceful place for community member gatherings, and a wildflower meadow.
Princeton Hydro partnered with Congregation Kol Emet to design and implement the synagogue's 10-acre campus transformation. The Princeton Hydro team provided green infrastructure engineering, landscape architecture, and construction services aimed at enhancing the usability and welcoming atmosphere of the synagogue, and creating a sustainable outdoor solution in the event of future pandemics, and a place to connect with the natural environment that surrounds the property. The design provides a net positive impact by reducing flooding in the community and improves water quality by augmenting stormwater management and biodiversity throughout the property.
"Our vision surpassed mere construction of a gathering space," said Geoffrey M. Goll P.E., President of Princeton Hydro, a congregant of Kol Emet, Executive Board Member, and point person for the project. "We wanted to create a harmonious union between the synagogue campus and the surrounding preserved woodlands, cultivating a serene haven where congregants can unite, celebrate, and worship, while also enhancing the ecological functionality and biodiversity of the landscape. This was a realization of the vision of the Founders of Kol Emet and the labor and financial support of many members of the Board, past and present, and a generous donation by a longtime supporter of the community. The outdoor sanctuary was named in honor and memory of a founding member and former President, Geri Shatz, who was a staunch supporter of the Jewish community and advocate for the mission of Kol Emet. She lived the ideals of community and contribution. I am proud of the extraordinary transformation that’s been achieved."
The Kol Emet Reconstructionist Congregation, is a 501(c)3 religious organization, founded in 1984. While a center of worship for its members, it is much more than that. Kol Emet is a community of people who care about improving the world around them through social action and environmental protection.
The sentiment of "Tikkun Olam" is embodied by Kol Emet and the committee that spearheaded the project, working directly with the Princeton Hydro team to bring the project goals to fruition. The modern interpretation of the Hebrew phrase “Tikkun Olam,” is “action intended to repair and improve the world.” The campus restoration project brings the concept of “Tikkun Olam” to life.
Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP is the project’s lead designer. The project included landscape design and planting that incorporates native and sustainable trees and shrubs; significant upgrades to the existing stormwater management basin, including the conversion of low-flow channels, impervious surfaces, and turf-covered areas to native grassland and wildflower habitat; and the development of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space."
Cory’s design inspiration for the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space is modeled after the Hebrew term “etz chaim” or “Tree of Life.” In Judaism, the Tree of Life has a number of meanings, both literal and figurative. In the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life represents the connection between heaven and earth, wisdom and knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It is visually represented as a diagram that looks much like a tree with 10 nodes and 22 lines. Cory’s design for the community space uses strategically placed trees to mimic the Tree of Life and aims to promote community connection and a connection to the surrounding natural landscape.
The contemplative space consists of a bimah, seating to accommodate at least 80 people, and a beautiful array of native trees and flowering shrubs, including black gum, silver birch, and Virginia sweetspire.
Cory’s design for the land surrounding the contemplative space improves flood resilience; controls stormwater runoff volume and promotes groundwater recharge; boosts safety features of the campus; and enhances habitat for pollinators, native plants, and other important species. The wildflower meadow was seeded with a variety of native plants, including purple love grass, common milkweed, wild bergamot, and blue wild indigo.
“During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like the only way to see our loved ones was to be outside, and during these backyard and front porch gatherings many people re-discovered their love for the outdoors,” said Cory. “In talking with the Committee, there was a desire to create an outdoor sanctuary where the congregation could gather and continue that re-discovery. I believe that through the careful consideration of symbolic elements and thoughtful design choices, we’ve created a space that can inspire introspection, connection, and a sense of harmony with both nature and faith.”
Funding for the project came from the Congregation Kol Emet’s “Our Heart. Our Home” capital campaign, a $750,000 campaign focused on upgrading four key aspects of the synagogue: social hall, HVAC upgrades, indoor sanctuary, outside school, and the new outdoor sanctuary. The outdoor sanctuary and ecological uplift to the 10-acre campus is a primary piece of the campaign and was made possible by the generous donations of several Kol Emet members.
Stan Shatz bestowed a bounteous donation in memory of Geri Shatz, which made possible the creation of the “Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space.”
The following families also contributed to the funding of the Geri Shatz Outdoor Contemplative Space: Laurel & Kevin Bloch, Barbara & Debra Fogel and Family, Jill & David Gordon, Annie & Ryan Kubanoff and Family, and Teddi & Josh Matisoff and Family.
The Princeton Hydro team is honored to have worked with Kol Emet on this important and inspirational project.
Congregation Kol Emet came together on Sunday, June 4, 2023 for a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the outdoor sanctuary project. Here are a few photos from the joyous event:
Princeton Hydro is an expert in engineering, ecological restoration, and landscape architecture, and we’ve been incorporating green stormwater infrastructure and nature-based solutions into our designs for decades. Click here to read about the landscape restoration and stormwater management project we designed and implemented in Thompson Park, a 675-acre recreation area in Middlesex County, New Jersey.
Liberty State Park is located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay and is one of the most visited state parks in the nation with over 5.1 million visitors. Princeton Hydro was contracted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR) to design a resilient coastal ecosystem within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting that provides both ecological and social benefits. This includes the restoration of over 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and creation of several thousands of feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat hydrologically connected to the Upper New York Bay. When constructed, this will be one of the largest ecosystem habitat restoration projects in New Jersey.
NJDEP held an open house on May 24, 2023 at Liberty State Park announcing the next steps for the Revitalization Program. During the open house, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and USACE Colonel Matthew W. Luzzatto shared details of the multi-phase revitalization program for the park.
The public was presented with a video that showcases detailed engineering design renderings and simulates the expected visitor experience. The video was created using renderings by Princeton Hydro's Landscape Architect Cory Speroff PLA, ASLA, CBLP and produced in-house by our Marketing & Communications Department in collaboration with NJDEP ONRR. Watch it now:
Once constructed, this project will expand public access, improve water quality, restore native plant communities, and improve coastal resilience for urban communities who are vulnerable to storm events. The site design includes a trail network for the park interior that will provide access to the newly established habitat zones and views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City skyline. This trail network will enhance pedestrian connectivity between the existing portion of Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, and local public transit hubs.
Project partners for the interior restoration design include USACE, NJDEP ONRR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, HDR, and Princeton Hydro.
Over the next year, NJDEP will provide the community with updates on revitalization program activities, which will include multiple points of continued public engagement and opportunities for community input to inform further design work. The initial groundbreaking is anticipated to take place in Fall 2023.
Please stay tuned to our blog for more project updates. To read more about Princeton Hydro’s robust natural resource management and restoration services, click here.
Thousands of native flowering plants and grasses were planted at Thompson Park in Middlesex County, New Jersey. Once established, the native plant meadow will not only look beautiful, it will reduce stormwater runoff and increase habitat for birds, pollinators, and other critical species.
The planting was completed by community volunteers along with Eric Gehring of Kramer+Marks Architects, Middlesex County Youth Conservation Corps, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, and Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP.
All of the plants that were installed are native to the north-central region of New Jersey. Volunteers planted switchgrass (panicum virgatum), orange coneflower (rudbeckia fulgida), blue wild indigo (baptisia australis), partridge pea (chamaecrista fasciculata), Virginia mountain mint (pycnanhemum virginianum), and aromatic aster (symphyotrichum oblongifolium). In selecting the location for each of the plants, special consideration was given to each species' drought tolerance and sunlight and shade requirements. The selected plant species all provide important wildlife value, including providing food and shelter for migratory birds.
The planting initiative is one part of a multi-faceted Stormwater Treatment Train project recently completed in Thompson Park. The project is funded by a Water Quality Restoration 319(h) grant awarded to South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council by the NJDEP.
Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation and Office of Planning, NJDEP, South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission, Freehold Soil Conservation District, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Enviroscapes, and Princeton Hydro worked together to bring this project to fruition.
To learn more about the Thompson Park Zoo stormwater project, check out our recent blog:
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