Water is our most fragile and precious resource. Essential to all forms of life and to our economies, our water supplies face a myriad of threats from pollution to climate change. Keeping our water clean, safe and healthy in the face of these challenges is the heart of the Watershed’s mission. Our strategy for doing so involves scientific investigation, advocacy at the state and local level, enhanced land and water stewardship, and education to expand environmental literacy.
Our Core Issues
Polluted Stormwater Runoff
Cultivate knowledge about polluted stormwater runoff in local towns and cities and the impacts for water quality and ecosystems. We’ve developed a model ordinance that exceeds the state’s basic standards and continues to guide officials in crafting local ordinances to comply with the state rule that went into effect in March 2021.
Green Infrastructure
Educate and model the use of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and swales, which mimic nature and filter pollutants with native plants and grasses. Our Watershed Center is a demonstration area for porous pavement, rain gardens, vegetated filter strips, and other green infrastructure. We offer certification and training to an array of professionals.
Unneeded Pipelines
Helped defeat the proposed PennEast pipeline and continue to fight against other unnecessary pipelines that expose New Jersey residents, private and public lands to the risks of transporting natural gas to benefit of private, for-profit companies.
Scientific Fixes for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Design and adopt innovative ways to tackle harmful algal blooms (HABs) in local ponds, lakes and other waterways. We’ve built and deployed floating wetlands that grow hardy plants on a platform of soil/marine foam and absorb excess nutrients, such as pesticides and fertilizers, without the use of chemicals. These projects aim to make New Jersey waterways swimmable and fishable.
Removing Dams
Rid the region of antiquated and useless dams that impede natural spawning grounds, and contribute to sedimentation. Once removed, waterways such as the Millstone River have seen the return of historic shad runs as well as other anadromous fish. Getting rid of dams allows for the natural flow of waterways and improves recreational opportunities.
Find Out More
Register for Technical Friday Webinars
Don’t Miss Our “Technical Fridays” Webinars Did you know that The Watershed Institute offers informative webinars throughout the year? “Technical Fridays” are classes offered ...
New National Climate Assessment Unveils Northeast Climate Trends: Rising Sea Levels, Rapid Ocean Warming, and Increased Heavy Downpours
Today marks the release of the highly anticipated Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), a comprehensive report on climate change trends, impacts, and solutions across the ...
Trails to Close for Deer Management — See Schedule
A healthy forest ecosystem requires native undergrowth. Emerging growth replaces old trees, provides habitat for small animals, and helps protect water and soil health. Overgrazing ...
Immediate Action Needed to Protect Farmland: Urgent Message from Jim Waltman
New Jersey’s farmland preservation program is the envy of the nation. More than $1.8 billion in public funds have been spent to preserve more than ...
Green Infrastructure and Regional Collaboration Needed for Flood Prevention in Manville
Flooding in Manville is a serious and worsening issue. While some financial support has been received from the state and federal government, further actions ...
Watershed Employees Present at 11th Annual Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Forum
On September 29, Community Water Advocate Lucia Middleton and Outreach and Inclusion Manager Pri Oliveira presented together at the 11th Annual Coalition for the Delaware River ...
The Roadmap for Road Salt Reduction: Safe Waters & Roads for Less Money
Erin Stretz, Assistant Director of Science at The Watershed Institute, was a featured panelist, at the 8th Annual Adirondack Champlain Regional Salt Summit, on October 3, 2023, ...