We’re committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
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We’re sharing expertise at conferences, leading educational programs, and joining events that champion sustainability and community engagement. In this Winter Events Spotlight, we highlight the exciting opportunities ahead and how you can be part of them. December 4: Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber - Awards Dinner The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber will host its Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 4 at TPC Jasna Polana, a historic and elegant golf club in Princeton, New Jersey. This annual tradition will celebrate the accomplishments of Chamber members and spotlight leaders who make a lasting impact on the business community. During the evening, four prestigious awards will be presented: Business Leader of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Innovator of the Year. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this event and will be honored as the recipient of the Innovator of the Year award. Our team looks forward to attending and is deeply grateful for this recognition. Get more info and register. December 11: The Jersey Water Works Annual Conference Hundreds of leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening New Jersey’s water systems will come together at the College of New Jersey for the Jersey Water Works' (JWW) Annual Conference. With the theme “Our Commitment to Future Generations,” the program features an expanded lineup of 12+ interactive sessions, offering fresh perspectives on water infrastructure, stormwater management, and solutions for a sustainable and equitable water future. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of committee-led discussions in the morning and collaborative workshops in the afternoon, plus opportunities to earn valuable Continuing Education Units. Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro and JWW Stormwater Utilities Subcommittee Co-Chair, is facilitating a panel on "Building Holistic Pathways for Resilient Municipal Stormwater Management." The conference serves as a hub for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and driving collective action toward a healthier water future for all. We hope to see you there! Get more info and register. December 16: SAME New Jersey Post Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor the SAME New Jersey Post Annual Holiday Luncheon being held on Tuesday, December 16th, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Harvest Moon Brewery & Café in New Brunswick, NJ. This festive gathering will celebrate the holiday season and commemorate the NJ Post’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy a delicious lunch, network, and learn about upcoming events. The luncheon will also recognize outstanding contributions for 2025 with awards in the following categories: Young Professional Member, Sustaining Member Firm, BG Patrick McCarthy Service Award, and Notable Achievement Award; Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, PE has been selected as one of this year's award recipients. The Princeton Hydro team and our Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Greer, who serves as the NJ Post’s First Vice President, hopes to see you there! Get more info and register. January 6 - 8: Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) Annual Meeting NEAPMS will host its 27th Annual Meeting at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, Connecticut. The conference opens with a Tuesday afternoon workshop followed by an evening welcome reception. Wednesday features a full day of technical presentations focused on the active management of aquatic plants and algae, along with a poster session and evening banquet. The event concludes on Thursday with additional technical talks in the morning and a luncheon ending at 1:00 p.m. As part of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Management section of the conference program, Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Jesse Smith is leading a workshop on “Exploring Observations and Results of Nine Years of Brittle Naiad (Najas minor) Management in Sleepy Hollow Lake, New York.” Brittle naiad (Najas minor) is an invasive macrophyte found in the Northeast that has received little attention in the literature in regards to control and management, despite its widespread presence within its invasive range. The plant is a priority target species for management efforts in Sleepy Hollow Lake, NY due to its nuisance growth throughout the waterbody and impacts on recreation. Jesse’s presentation will explore management strategies and methods of measuring long-term management success. Get more info and register. January 21: “Roots So Deep” Film Screening and Panel Discussion A special screening of Roots So Deep will take place at the Newtown Theatre at 7:00 p.m. The four-part documentary series follows inventive farmers and pioneering scientists who are charting a path to addressing climate change through hooves, heart, and soil. This event will feature parts one and four and is co-hosted with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The film investigates a central question: can a little-used grazing approach that mimics historic bison movement help lift farmers out of debt, restore depleted soils, rebuild wildlife habitat, and draw down significant amounts of carbon? The documentary features Princeton Hydro’s Senior Wildlife Biologist, Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, and ACE. He is part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists whose research forms the basis of the documentary. Mike’s studies have focused on observing the dynamics of breeding bird populations in paddocks using adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and those continuously grazed. The documentary highlights that when managed effectively, farmland can boost productivity and profitability for farmers while simultaneously contributing positively to the environment and the diverse wildlife that shares the planet with humans. Following the screening, a panel of experts from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Princeton Hydro, and the Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast will discuss the film and answer audience questions. Get more info and purchase tickets. January 26 - 27: Lake Champlain Research Conference 2026 Lake Champlain Sea Grant, in partnership with the University of Vermont’s Water Resources Institute, the Lake Champlain Basin Program/NEIWPCC, and the Lake Champlain Research Consortium, will host the Lake Champlain Research Conference at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center in Burlington, VT. This year’s theme, "Research to Action," will feature representation and research from New York, Vermont, Québec, and beyond, providing an opportunity for discussion, networking, and collaboration across Lake Champlain’s multi-jurisdictional watershed. Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, Dr. Fred Lubnow, will present on “The Monitoring and Management of Cyanobacteria HABs in Shallow, Nearshore Ecosystems such as Missisquoi Bay.” Registration will be open until December 18th at 4 pm. Get more info and register. January 27 - 28: Delaware Wetlands Conference The Delaware Wetlands Conference brings together hundreds of environmental professionals, scientists, practitioners, and community partners at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. In previous years, the event has drawn more than 425 attendees, featured 75 presentations and poster displays, and hosted 45 exhibitor and sponsor tables. This two-day gathering offers a robust mix of workshops, poster sessions, networking events, lunch-and-learn opportunities, an exhibitor hall, and plenary sessions, with professional credits available for participants. The agenda spans a wide range of timely and technical topics, including soil science, climate adaptation, assessment and monitoring, and wetland restoration and creation. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the event, exhibiting, and leading two workshops:
As winter settles in, the Princeton Hydro team is staying active and connected. We’re sharing expertise at conferences, leading educational programs, and joining events that champion sustainability and community engagement. In this Winter Events Spotlight, we highlight the exciting opportunities ahead and how you can be part of them.
The Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber will host its Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 4 at TPC Jasna Polana, a historic and elegant golf club in Princeton, New Jersey. This annual tradition will celebrate the accomplishments of Chamber members and spotlight leaders who make a lasting impact on the business community. During the evening, four prestigious awards will be presented: Business Leader of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Innovator of the Year. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this event and will be honored as the recipient of the Innovator of the Year award. Our team looks forward to attending and is deeply grateful for this recognition.
Get more info and register.
Hundreds of leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders committed to strengthening New Jersey’s water systems will come together at the College of New Jersey for the Jersey Water Works' (JWW) Annual Conference. With the theme “Our Commitment to Future Generations,” the program features an expanded lineup of 12+ interactive sessions, offering fresh perspectives on water infrastructure, stormwater management, and solutions for a sustainable and equitable water future. Attendees can expect a dynamic mix of committee-led discussions in the morning and collaborative workshops in the afternoon, plus opportunities to earn valuable Continuing Education Units. Dana Patterson Grear, Director of Marketing and Communications for Princeton Hydro and JWW Stormwater Utilities Subcommittee Co-Chair, is facilitating a panel on "Building Holistic Pathways for Resilient Municipal Stormwater Management." The conference serves as a hub for exchanging ideas, building partnerships, and driving collective action toward a healthier water future for all. We hope to see you there!
Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor the SAME New Jersey Post Annual Holiday Luncheon being held on Tuesday, December 16th, from 12:00 - 2:00 PM at Harvest Moon Brewery & Café in New Brunswick, NJ. This festive gathering will celebrate the holiday season and commemorate the NJ Post’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy a delicious lunch, network, and learn about upcoming events. The luncheon will also recognize outstanding contributions for 2025 with awards in the following categories: Young Professional Member, Sustaining Member Firm, BG Patrick McCarthy Service Award, and Notable Achievement Award; Princeton Hydro President Geoff Goll, PE has been selected as one of this year's award recipients. The Princeton Hydro team and our Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Greer, who serves as the NJ Post’s First Vice President, hopes to see you there!
NEAPMS will host its 27th Annual Meeting at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, Connecticut. The conference opens with a Tuesday afternoon workshop followed by an evening welcome reception. Wednesday features a full day of technical presentations focused on the active management of aquatic plants and algae, along with a poster session and evening banquet. The event concludes on Thursday with additional technical talks in the morning and a luncheon ending at 1:00 p.m.
As part of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Management section of the conference program, Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Jesse Smith is leading a workshop on “Exploring Observations and Results of Nine Years of Brittle Naiad (Najas minor) Management in Sleepy Hollow Lake, New York.” Brittle naiad (Najas minor) is an invasive macrophyte found in the Northeast that has received little attention in the literature in regards to control and management, despite its widespread presence within its invasive range. The plant is a priority target species for management efforts in Sleepy Hollow Lake, NY due to its nuisance growth throughout the waterbody and impacts on recreation. Jesse’s presentation will explore management strategies and methods of measuring long-term management success.
A special screening of Roots So Deep will take place at the Newtown Theatre at 7:00 p.m. The four-part documentary series follows inventive farmers and pioneering scientists who are charting a path to addressing climate change through hooves, heart, and soil. This event will feature parts one and four and is co-hosted with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The film investigates a central question: can a little-used grazing approach that mimics historic bison movement help lift farmers out of debt, restore depleted soils, rebuild wildlife habitat, and draw down significant amounts of carbon?
The documentary features Princeton Hydro’s Senior Wildlife Biologist, Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, and ACE. He is part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists whose research forms the basis of the documentary. Mike’s studies have focused on observing the dynamics of breeding bird populations in paddocks using adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing and those continuously grazed. The documentary highlights that when managed effectively, farmland can boost productivity and profitability for farmers while simultaneously contributing positively to the environment and the diverse wildlife that shares the planet with humans.
Following the screening, a panel of experts from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, Princeton Hydro, and the Native Plants Healthy Planet Podcast will discuss the film and answer audience questions.
Get more info and purchase tickets.
Lake Champlain Sea Grant, in partnership with the University of Vermont’s Water Resources Institute, the Lake Champlain Basin Program/NEIWPCC, and the Lake Champlain Research Consortium, will host the Lake Champlain Research Conference at the University of Vermont’s Davis Center in Burlington, VT. This year’s theme, "Research to Action," will feature representation and research from New York, Vermont, Québec, and beyond, providing an opportunity for discussion, networking, and collaboration across Lake Champlain’s multi-jurisdictional watershed. Princeton Hydro's Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services, Dr. Fred Lubnow, will present on “The Monitoring and Management of Cyanobacteria HABs in Shallow, Nearshore Ecosystems such as Missisquoi Bay.” Registration will be open until December 18th at 4 pm.
The Delaware Wetlands Conference brings together hundreds of environmental professionals, scientists, practitioners, and community partners at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. In previous years, the event has drawn more than 425 attendees, featured 75 presentations and poster displays, and hosted 45 exhibitor and sponsor tables. This two-day gathering offers a robust mix of workshops, poster sessions, networking events, lunch-and-learn opportunities, an exhibitor hall, and plenary sessions, with professional credits available for participants. The agenda spans a wide range of timely and technical topics, including soil science, climate adaptation, assessment and monitoring, and wetland restoration and creation.
Princeton Hydro is sponsoring the event, exhibiting, and leading two workshops:
Don’t miss this premier forum for advancing wetland research, policy, and practice in the region.
PALMS will host its 36th Annual Conference at the Wyndham Garden State College. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse lineup of professional presentations, workshops, and panel discussions highlighting the latest findings and innovative approaches related to invasive species, monitoring strategies, best management practices, pollutants, and harmful algal blooms. The conference offers a valuable forum for lake managers, researchers, consultants, and environmental professionals to exchange knowledge and advance effective lake and watershed stewardship across Pennsylvania.
Registration and more conference details coming soon.
The Watershed Institute's 9th Annual New Jersey Watershed Conference, titled All Hands on Deck: Multidisciplinary Approaches for Watershed Resilience, will be held on Friday, February 27, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in person at The College of New Jersey, with a virtual participation option available via Zoom. This statewide gathering brings together state, county, and municipal officials, nonprofit organizations, and environmental professionals for sessions designed to expand knowledge, build practical skills, spark dialogue among stakeholders, and promote collaboration on emerging watershed issues and solutions. Hosted by The Watershed Institute, the conference provides a dynamic forum for advancing resilient, science-based watershed management across New Jersey.
Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the conference. We will have an exhibitor booth and members of our team are leading a workshop: Senior Project Manager of Engineering Services Sean Walsh, PE and Landscape Architect Jamie Feinstein, RLA are presenting with Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick on “Green or Gray? Stormwater Solutions in Constrained Watersheds.” Their session is eligible for CFM and PE CEUs.
As we move into the new year, additional events will be announced, and this blog will be updated accordingly. Stay tuned for more details and upcoming opportunities.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) launched its fourth annual Youth Inclusion Initiative. The program hopes to enrich young participants, who may not have the opportunity to explore open spaces in their community, with hands-on environmental field experience under the tutelage of NJDEP professionals and mentors.
This year’s participants consisted of youths from several different community-based organizations. These partners include Neighborhood Improvement Association (Trenton), Rutgers-Camden, The Work Group (Camden), Ranch Hope (Salem), Boys and Girls Club of Garfield, Groundwork Elizabeth, Ironbound Community Corporation (Newark), and United Community Corporation (Newark).
Over six weeks, eight community organizations guided participants as they engaged with professionals to explore careers in water and air monitoring, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, and other related fields. Additionally, a new component of the program introduces "community project days," where participants actively contribute to environmental projects within their neighborhoods. These projects enable participants to make a positive impact on their communities, fostering a sense of civic pride and environmental stewardship. Activities may include park cleanups, installing educational exhibits, and establishing community gardens.
The program has been expanded to include a full day of rehearsal, with a focus on public speaking abilities and mock interviews, regarded as integral components of professional development. Throughout the summer, participants will engage in resume and cover letter writing sessions and attend presentations led by guest speakers.
In addition to fostering personal and professional growth, participants devoted a substantial amount of their time to honing technical skills through hands-on activities. These activities included simulating environmental impact investigations, collecting macroinvertebrates from a stream to gauge water quality, interacting with fish at a state trout hatchery, and designing a park in collaboration with Green Acres staff. To further enrich their understanding, the program also incorporates a visit to the regional headquarters of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
As part of this initiative for the third year in a row, the NJDEP's Division of Land Resource Protection Mitigation Unit invited Princeton Hydro and Mercer County Park Commission to host three sessions at John A. Roebling Park. Under the guidance of Princeton Hydro mentors Mark Gallagher, Dana Patterson Grear, and Mike McGraw, the team educated young participants about invasive species and the importance of restoring native landscapes. The initiative exposed attendees to the varied roles of environmental scientists, water resource engineers, geologists, restoration ecologists, wildlife biologist, pesticide applicators, regulatory compliance specialists, and communications professionals, thereby enhancing their understanding of these professions and sparking a fascination for the natural world.
The program began at Tulpehaking Nature Center like in previous years. After representatives from Mercer County Park Commission and Friends of the Abbott Marshlands introduced the site's history, Princeton Hydro discussed career opportunities in conservation and gave a brief overview of ongoing restoration efforts in the park to eliminate the invasive Common Reed (Phragmites australis), and NJDEP representative, Jessica Klein, gave a presentation about her work in wetland mitigation.
Before venturing into the Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal wetlands along the Delaware River, the Princeton Hydro team conducted a health and safety briefing. They highlighted potential risks and exposures to ensure everyone's awareness. This briefing is a crucial part of prioritizing the safety of all participants in our work.
Shortly after setting out on the road to the site, the students received an additional lesson. Mark directed their attention to a nearby tree where poison ivy - a native plant - had stealthily climbed up the trunk. To their surprise, the young participants had mistaken the trailing vines for branches of the tree. This observation highlighted the remarkable ability of poison ivy to adapt to its surroundings, finding innovative ways to persist and thrive in its environment.
As the second group continued their journey down the path, they encountered a Fowler’s toad. Initially, its slippery texture startled them, but they quickly realized the frog's harmless nature. Through gentle pats on its head, they gained a newfound appreciation for these fascinating creatures, transforming their initial fear into a sense of wonder and respect.
Venturing through the marshland, the young explorers gained insights into wetland delineation. They witnessed the fascinating process of using a hand auger and a Munsell Soil Color Book to identify and understand the unique characteristics of wetland soils. In a delightful exploration of local flora, participants delved into the art of species identification using a specialized field guide. They learned to distinguish invasive plant species from their native counterparts, such as sensitive fern, which they were able to see during a short nature walk on a trail back to the nature center.
In a seemingly unremarkable area of the riverbank, the third group stumbled upon a startling discovery. Amidst the lush vegetation, a highly toxic plant known as poison hemlock flourished. The students were taken aback by its presence in an otherwise ordinary location. They had never encountered such a hazardous plant in their previous studies. The poison hemlock, with its delicate white flowers and feathery leaves, belied its deadly nature. The students were captivated by its beauty, but the instructors cautioned them against touching.
The encounter with poison hemlock and poison ivy served as a valuable lesson for the students. They realized that even in seemingly ordinary places, hidden dangers could lurk. They developed a newfound respect for the power of nature and the importance of exercising caution when exploring unfamiliar environments.
Ending the day, participants from the first group had the privilege of attending a lesson conducted by Wildlife Biologist Mike McGraw. With the assistance of the Nature Center's resident corn snake, Mike introduced the students to the fascinating world of reptiles. Overcoming their initial apprehension towards these slithery creatures, the students discovered that there was much more to snakes than they had previously imagined. Mike dispelled common misconceptions and fears, explaining that snakes are not inherently dangerous creatures but rather play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
The NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative began on July 8 and culminated on August 16 with a graduation and NJDEP Career Day where students had the opportunity to meet and discuss career options with various organizations who tabled at the event, including Princeton Hydro.
To learn more about the NJDEP education program, click here. If you’re interested in learning more about Princeton Hydro’s ecological restoration services, click here.
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