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
Trenton Community Day & Watershed Cleanup Brings Community Around Assunpink
About 70 participants and scores of Trenton community groups learned about the Assunpink and other vital waterways in the community
Join our StreamWatch Team!
The Watershed Institute seeks volunteers for one of the teams on StreamWatch, a community water monitoring program that celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. StreamWatch’...
StreamWatch: Community Action Stream By Stream
StreamWatch volunteer Tom Smith combines his love of the outdoors and science on the Chemical Action Team.
Solstice Trail Run Beckons Runners – June 18!
Join us on a race course through the Watershed's 950-acre reserve!
Princeton Marks 1-Year Anniversary of Green Infrastructure Ordinance
Princeton's ordinance beautifies and helps protect the region from flooding.
Volunteers Remove Debris at Stream Cleanups 2022
The Watershed’s stream cleanups are a volunteer opportunity for youth and adults alike, helping keep our water clean, safe and healthy.
Watershed Annual Meeting Attracts Many!
The Watershed's first in-person annual meeting in three years touched on themes of renewal and reawakening.