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Protecting Water

Your voice for the environment

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

State Leaders Present to Sold-Out Crowd at the 7th Annual NJ Watershed Conference

State leaders discussed critical issues facing New Jersey residents with a sold-out crowd as well as a synchronous online audience at the 7th Annual NJ ...

Stay Safe, Not Salty This Winter! Complete the Salt Survey!

When the roads get slippery, our streams get salty! As local public works departments spread rock salt or pre-emptively wet the roads with brine before ...

The Watershed Institute Celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2024! 

This incredible milestone offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our extensive legacy of contributions to water through conservation, advocacy, science, and education. As we ...

Technical Friday Webinars

“Technical Fridays” Did you know that The Watershed Institute offers informative webinars throughout the year? “Technical Fridays” are classes offered on usually on Fridays that ...

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 ...

Watershed Introduces StreamWatch Schools Teacher Training Program and New Program Coordinator

We are pleased to announce Davis Bush, our new StreamWatch Schools Coordinator! Davis is excited to join the team, bringing his skills and enthusiasm as ...

Watershed Nature Camp Registration Opens Soon!

It’s time to start thinking about securing your spot in our popular Watershed Nature Camp for Summer 2024! Each summer children come from all around ...

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