River-Friendly Programs
River-Friendly Certification Programs promote clean water and a healthy environment through voluntary action by individuals and institutions. To achieve these goals we work one-on-one with residents, businesses, golf courses and schools to improve land stewardship practices. The program works to reduce pollution, conserve water, restore habitat for wildlife and educate the public about becoming better environmental stewards.
The Watershed Institute, New Jersey Water Supply Authority and Raritan Headwaters Association have formed a partnership to implement a suite of River-Friendly programs for businesses, golf courses, schools and residents in New Jersey. Click the link below to check out our joint River-Friendly website.
What does “river-friendly” mean to us?
Manage stormwater on property to reduce polluted runoff
Decrease indoor and outdoor potable water usage
Enhance property features to support beneficial, native wildlife
Share information and encourage environmental stewardship
Resident Program
Becoming River-Friendly is easy. Simply fill out the survey, which outlines actions you can take at home to protect clean water and the environment. Categories include water quality protection, lawn & garden maintenance, water conservation, and wildlife habitat. If you check off a certain number of actions, you will become part of our River-Friendly Resident network. If you fall short, our coordinator will work with you to implement additional practices to help you reach the target score.
2017 Resident of the Year
Mark, Samantha and Emma Bean won our River-Friendly Residents of the Year competition back in April by setting a wonderful example of environmental stewardship at their home in Hopewell Township. We asked them for their advice to other residents looking to be river-friendly. “Start out small… ” says Samantha, “you’ll find that you take a small step and you’ll say hey, this is great. I want to more of this.” Among some of their small steps – such as bird boxes and native plants – you will find a 1-acre wildflower meadow that was once a mowed detention basin. They’ve also recently installed a rain garden that has reduced stormwater issues.
Join our River-Friendly Resident Facebook Group
School Program
This program helps teachers, students and school leaders reduce water pollution while creating new teaching opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and establishing a healthier environment for our children. Certification is offered at several different levels based on points achieved through lessons and hands-on projects in any of the four River-Friendly categories: water quality, water conservation, wildlife habitat, and education & outreach. This certification program is offered to both private and public schools.
Golf Course Program
This program is designed to help golf course superintendents and staff implement proactive environmental stewardship strategies that benefit the environment and the golf course. We also publicly recognize participating courses to connect them with the community and reward their stewardship initiatives. Some benefits of this program include healthier turf, lower operating costs, decreased water usage, and presence of beneficial wildlife.
Business Program
Through certification, businesses can create a healthy, natural work setting that boosts employee morale and well-being, while protecting and enhancing the local environment. Some benefits of this program include healthier landscaping, positive work environment, reduction of employee exposure to chemicals, decrease in maintenance costs, and stronger connection with the community. We publicly recognize businesses that are participating and hold a certification ceremony when the process is completed.
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Volunteer