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 continue to guide officials in crafting local ordinances to comply with the new state rule (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
Fight PennEast and other unnecessary pipelines that expose New Jersey residents, private and public lands to the risks of transporting natural gas to benefit of a private, for-profit company. We’ve fought PennEast every step of the way and urge the U.S. Supreme Court to not grant the pipeline’s request to legally seize 42 parcels of state-conserved lands.
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 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
Trails Closed on 14 days between Nov. 29 & Jan. 29
Our trails will be closed on certain days between Nov. 29 & Jan. 29 to protect the health of the forest ecosystem.
Leave the Leaves!
A River-Friendly tip: Mowing your leaves helps replenish the soil!
Plastics Reduction Starts on Nov. 4 in New Jersey
Starting on Nov. 4, food-service businesses will only provide single-use plastic straws to customers when requested.
Watershed Partners In Open Space Acquisition
Princeton Council will vote in two weeks on a bond ordinance to finance the purchase.
Fifth Annual Watershed Conference
Join our 5th Annual Watershed Conference in a hybrid format on November 3-5.
More Than $140,000 Raised At FEST
Hundreds gather for an amazing evening at FEST, the Watershed's annual fundraiser.
PennEast Company Halts Proposed Pipeline
“Today, water, the environment, and people spoke louder than fossil fuels," -- Jim Waltman, Executive Director The Watershed Institute.