We are thrilled to share that The Watershed Institute has been selected as a recipient of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Water Quality Restoration Grants, alongside other dedicated partners working to safeguard the state’s waterways.
This nearly $8 million grant program is a major step forward in protecting New Jersey’s lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal environments. The grants support innovative projects aimed at reducing pollution, restoring riparian buffers, and building climate resilience—all vital for healthy habitats and thriving communities. The Watershed Institute is honored to receive a $205,138 grant for the development of a watershed-based plan focused on improving water quality in the Assunpink Creek watershed. The plan will evaluate the causes of pollution and solutions while promoting public engagement. Green infrastructure and large-scale ecological restoration projects will be identified and evaluated for cost, feasibility, and pollutant reduction potential. This important work is rooted in collaboration, science-based strategy, and a commitment to making a real impact on the watershed scale. Jim Waltman, our Executive Director, shared, “We are grateful to NJDEP for this funding which will advance watershed scale planning to improve water quality and make collaboration between upstream and downstream communities possible. This approach will save municipalities money and prioritize projects that will build resiliency to water pollution and flooding.” We thank NJDEP and our community partners for their support and shared vision. This funding empowers us to move forward with solutions that strengthen our watersheds, benefit wildlife, and protect public health—today and for generations to come.Moving Forward Together: Lower Millstone Regional Planning
Montgomery Township has also received a $288,300 grant to produce a Watershed-Based Plan for the Lower Millstone Watershed, with support from The Watershed Institute and One Water Consulting LLC. The plan will focus on strategies to reduce non-point source pollution, improve water quality, and minimize flooding through data-driven analysis and community collaboration. This milestone marks the third regional working group using our regional approach to watershed management.
Collaborating with municipal and nonprofit partners across New Jersey, The Watershed Institute continues to advance strong, science-based regional planning to achieve healthier waterways and resilient communities.
Municipalities and organizations interested in developing their own plans should explore our Guide to Regional Watershed Improvement Plans and join this growing movement for cleaner, safer water.
