Join Us this Summer for the Watershed Academy for High School Students

The Watershed Institute has been protecting the vital water resources of central New Jersey’s watersheds for 75 years. A key part of our mission has always been connecting people to their water sources and the environment.

The Watershed Academy for High School Students offers immersive environmental investigations on the 950-acre Watershed Reserve. Each five-day session engages students in a world of science where they ask questions and identify problems, gain skills and knowledge, explore root causes of environmental injustice, propose solutions, learn about career opportunities and how to advocate for change. Students will get hands-on experience as they participate in ongoing scientific studies at the Watershed, meet experts, and learn how to help influence environmental policy in their own communities.

These experiences engage students in science and stewardship practices to elevate them into awareness, investigation, action, and leadership as they prepare to enter adult roles in their communities.

Each week, students will present their findings in a final project. In the past these have included poster sessions, short films, PowerPoint presentations, outdoor interpretive pieces, and more.

2025 Sessions

Week 1 -July 7-11

Forests and Water Academy

Forests are vital for clean water, soil, wildlife, food, medicine, health and inspiration. Spend a week studying trees and the remarkable products and ecosystem services they provide. We will explore the health of local woodlands and discover how climate change, development, and invasive species are changing the face of our forests.

Each day we will take time to reflect on the beauty and majesty of trees while working toward preserving these critical resources in the face of challenges.

Learn how forests are crucial to watershed health, clean water, climate and biodiversity.

Meet The Ridgeview Turtles, a group of young scientists led by tropical forest ecologist Patricia Shanley, PhD.

Visit preserved woodlands and see what local communities and youth can do to ensure their health.

Explore the process of succession, how forests change over time, and what you can do to help vulnerable woodlands.

Week 2 -July 14-18

Stream Science

Lead your own investigation to determine the health of our streams! We will study water quality indicators and perform tests in this hands-on session. Explore the nearby Beden Brook in depth, learn how freshwater scientists determine watershed health, identify potential sources of pollution, and propose potential solutions to water quality problems. 

Learn from Steve Tuorto, PhD, Director of Science at the Watershed Institute and discover how his team works.

Work with Davis Bush, StreamWatch Schools Coordinator and become part of a statewide study of stream health.

Practice the scientific methods of assessing water quality.

Identify and understand potential threats to the health of the stream.

Week 3 -July 21-25

Wetlands Academy

Wetlands serve to clean, store and protect water. Learn what factors make a wetland and how NJ wetlands are protected. Conduct field research to delineate a wetland area and study the structure and function of these vital natural features.

Learn from experts in the field of wetland science.

Focus on hydrophytic or water loving plants that have adapted to growing in wetland areas

Study wetland soils and how to determine if they have hydric /anaerobic qualities

Look at the hydrologic features of freshwater wetlands and how we can help protect these unique habitats

Week 4 -July 28-Aug 1

Water and Climate with Princeton’s High Meadows Environmental Institute

Climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. Water plays a vital role as both an indicator of climate change and a significant medium through which its effects are felt. Join researchers from Princeton University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and High Meadows Environmental Institute, to explore ongoing work to better understand and address the interconnected challenges of climate change and water management for a sustainable future.

Meet experts in the field and learn first-hand about their cutting-edge research.

Visit laboratories at Princeton University where scientists are conducting climate and water research.

Connect with undergraduate students to gain insights into their college experiences and what life on campus is really like.

Register for one week or all weeks! Classes typically run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Registration process: Opens on Tuesday, February 4, 2025

1. 1. Click here to register or check availability in CampDoc.
  2. Create a new profile or login to an existing one in CampDoc.
  3. A 50% deposit is due upon registration, full payment is due by April 10, 2025.
  4. No refunds will be given after April 10, 2025.
  5. All cancellations will be charged a $35 processing fee.

Financial Aid

The Watershed Institute is pleased to offer a limited number of full scholarships for our 2025 Summer Science Academies for High School Students. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and expressed desire of the student to be part of an academic summer program. The Watershed Institute does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, national origin, age disability, sex, gender identity, or religion.

Complete the form separately for each child you wish to apply. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all scholarship funds are dispersed. Families who receive scholarships will be accepted and notified on a rolling basis. We give priority to students from the Greater Trenton Area requesting to attend all four weeks of Watershed Academy.

If you would like to apply for financial aid, please complete the Watershed Academy Financial Aid online form. Students who want to attend all 4 weeks of academy are given priority.
We will have bus transportation available from several stops in Trenton.

If you have any questions about the Watershed Academy for High School Students programs, please contact Assistant Director of Education Pat Heaney at [email protected] at (609) 737-3735 ext. 11

For registration help or questions, please contact Education Manager Anna Hill at [email protected] or at (609) 737-3735 ext. 42

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of the Academy?

Academy hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

What about the weather? Thunderstorms?

Our goal is to remain outdoors, or under a tent whenever possible. During thunderstorms or other unsafe weather, we will take shelter indoors in our library.

What is the dress code?

Dress for active outdoor activities—shorts, t-shirt, and closed-toe, hard-sole shoes.
Do not wear open-toe or soft-sole shoes (flip flops, crocs, and open-toed sandals) We have a limited number for boots to share for those who do not have their own.
Students will receive an Academy tee shirt on their first day. Students are required to wear the Academy tee shirt on field trips.

Do you serve meals?

Students may pre-order boxed lunches. These include a sandwich or wrap, chips, soda, and fruit. The meal order form will be available in spring.
Students not ordering lunch must bring lunch daily. Bring a refillable water bottle. There is no place on site to purchase food or snacks.
Please inform us of all food allergies when you complete the health profile. We do not exclude foods from the academy. Students are instructed to clean their hands after eating to avoid contamination.

What do students need to bring?

Lunch, snacks and a refillable water bottle.
Students should bring their own laptop if possible. We have a limited number of laptops available for sharing.

Are parents invited to the presentations?

Yes! We encourage families to attend the final presentations, which generally take place on Friday afternoons at 2:00. Following the presentations, students receive certificates of completion for their work.

What Do Students Say About Us?

“This (Stream Science Academy) taught me how to effectively analyze and present my data through a scientific poster. I also learned how to take and understand data about stream health.”

“The Academy experiences will benefit my future because know I have evidence of how the environment habitats are [influenced] by us humans.”

“We discussed important things that affect our day-to-day life and we can help make a change with this information.”

“Not only will my experience at the academy add to my resume, but it’ll show that I have an understanding of nature if I ever want to apply to more environmental programs.”