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
Holiday Open House – Saturday, Dec. 3 – Free
Enjoy activities, live music and meet our resident critters!
Trails Closed On Upcoming Days for Deer Management
The Watershed Reserve employs several techniques to combat the overgrazing of the Watershed Reserve.
Environmental Leaders Urge Action by Oct. 31 on Climate Resiliency
In a letter sent this morning to the governor and NJDEP, the Watershed and other environmental organizations urged state leaders to move rapidly to mitigate ...
Nascent Group Works on Assunpink Watershed Issues
Local and regional officials met recently to discover and explore regional issues and possible solutions for the Assunpink Watershed.
This Year’s Engaging Work – Thanks to You!
Your support this year has helped us work for clean water with our science, policy, and educational efforts.
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act!
Join The Watershed Institute and our environmental partners in celebrating a half-century of protections for waterways across the country as a result of the federal ...
Supporting Endangered Monarchs
Watershed staff have planted milkweed, educated people and tagged monarchs to support these magnificent creatures.