We’re committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Our passion and commitment to the integration of innovative science and engineering drive us to exceed on behalf of every client.
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We're proud to be sponsoring and participating in conferences, webinars, community gatherings, and symposiums. Our blog is the go-to hub for all the event dates, detailed information, and ways to get involved. Join us in making this winter season one to remember! January 9 - 11: 25th Anniversary Meeting of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society The Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) is a diverse group of professionals dedicated to understanding the unique needs of aquatic plant management in the Northeast and communicating that knowledge to both the public and private sectors. The 25th Anniversary Meeting, being held at the Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire, features workshops, technical presentations, poster sessions, networking events, and a banquet. Get more info and view the full agenda here. January 23: NJ Stormwater Retrofit BMP Guide Webinar New Jersey Future, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, launched the New Jersey Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide. This comprehensive resource stands as a pivotal tool to aid local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions. On January 23 at Noon, New Jersey Future and Princeton Hydro are hosting a free public webinar to review this new resource. Get more info and register. February 6-7: Delaware Wetlands Conference The 10th Delaware Wetlands Conference will be held on February 6-7th atthe Chase Center, on the waterfront in Wilmington, DE. The conference genda usually includes subjects such as soil science, climate adaptation, and monitoring, as well as wetland restoration and creation projects. 400 attendees, 50 different presentations and poster displays, and 30 exhibitors and sponsor tables are expected. Princeton Hydro, a proud Conference sponsor and exhibitor, is leading four sessions:
As we celebrate the start of 2024, the Princeton Hydro team is thrilled about the multitude of events on the horizon. We're proud to be sponsoring and participating in conferences, webinars, community gatherings, and symposiums. Our blog is the go-to hub for all the event dates, detailed information, and ways to get involved. Join us in making this winter season one to remember!
The Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) is a diverse group of professionals dedicated to understanding the unique needs of aquatic plant management in the Northeast and communicating that knowledge to both the public and private sectors. The 25th Anniversary Meeting, being held at the Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, New Hampshire, features workshops, technical presentations, poster sessions, networking events, and a banquet.
New Jersey Future, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, launched the New Jersey Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide. This comprehensive resource stands as a pivotal tool to aid local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions. On January 23 at Noon, New Jersey Future and Princeton Hydro are hosting a free public webinar to review this new resource.
The 10th Delaware Wetlands Conference will be held on February 6-7th atthe Chase Center, on the waterfront in Wilmington, DE. The conference genda usually includes subjects such as soil science, climate adaptation, and monitoring, as well as wetland restoration and creation projects. 400 attendees, 50 different presentations and poster displays, and 30 exhibitors and sponsor tables are expected.
Project Manager and Environmental Scientist Emily Bjorhus, PWS is presenting on "Converting a Pond into a Wetland Mosaic within Public Park," which explores the design and construction of the Lion’s Pride Park Ecological Restoration Project in Warrington, PA. The project converts a stagnant pond overrun with invasive species and water quality concerns into a diverse wetland complex that provides native wildlife habitat and reduces nonpoint source pollutants discharged to downstream waters.
Project Manager and Environmental Scientist Duncan Simpson, PWS is presenting on Cypress Branch Dam Removal.
Environmental Scientist Ivy Babson is presenting on "Third River Urban Park and Habitat Creation Project – Brownfield Turned Wetland Sanctuary."
Director of Regulatory Compliance and Wildlife Surveys, Michael Rehman, CERP, PWS is presenting on "Revisiting Successful Wetland Mitigation Projects — Is Five Years of Monitoring Sufficient?"
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is hosting its 24th Annual Land Ethics Symposium on February 15 from 8am - 1pm. This year's "all virtual" symposium is specifically geared towards homeowners, landscape architects, designers, contractors, land planners and municipal officials. Participants will learn how to create ecologically sound and economically viable landscapes through the use of native plants and sustainable practices. Princeton Hydro has been a long-time sponsor of this special event.
The 7th Annual Watershed Institute Watershed Conference, themed "Regional Watershed Planning," will be held in a hybrid format. Watershed members, the general public, environmental professionals, government officials, nonprofit organization professionals, and stakeholders are all invited to attend!
Director of Marketing and Communications Dana Patterson Grear, along with team members from The Watershed Institute and New Jersey Future, is leading a session on community engagement. The panel will cover how officials/municipal staff can engage their communities on the MS4 permit requirements, implement a public education and outreach program, collaborate with Spanish-speaking populations, and encourage community participation in stormwater-related activities.
Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services, Dr. Fred Lubnow, will be joining a panel to discuss the valuable ecosystem services associated with watershed management, with a focus on watershed planning and nutrient management.
Pennsylvania Lake Management Society is hosting its 34th Annual Conference. This year's event, themed "Bringing it Back Home," will be held at the Wyndham Garden in State College, PA. Princeton Hydro is a proud sponsor of the conference, which offers a collection of professional presentations, workshops and panel discussions focused on topics like threats to our waters, new scientific discoveries, and homegrown solutions to improving water quality. Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is presenting on "Assessing the Potential for Harmful Algal Blooms Over the Winter and Early Spring Seasons."
Get more info and register.
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) New Jersey and Philadelphia Posts in conjunction with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) with be hosting a Regulatory Roundtable on Thursday, March 7, 2024. This event will be a day-long seminar in-person at Tommy B’s Community Center at JBMDL. The program will identify regulatory challenges, sustainability and alternative energy initiatives, procurement/contracting opportunities, and ongoing activities specifically at JBMDL. Princeton Hydro's Dana Patterson is a co-organizer of the event and looks forward to seeing you there!
The New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invite you to the 2024 New Jersey Coastal & Climate Resilience Conference. The two-day conference, held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch New Jersey, will focus on resilience projects in Monmouth County such as flood barriers, resilient building design, and natural shoreline restoration. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with New Jersey experts and leaders on the current state of coastal science and research, climate resilience and resilience planning, coastal management, ecological restoration, and other related topics. Princeton Hydro's Dana Patterson Grear will be presenting on "Communicating Climate Change: How to Build a Digital Communications Toolkit for Climate Action." We hope to see you there! Early bird registration rates are available until January 31.
Join the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia for its day-long conference that convenes business-owners, professionals, and other interested parties that work in the green stormwater infrastructure field and other issues relating to water management, quality, equity, and climate resilience. The symposium will be held at the Science History Institute and will include special guests & speakers, technical and engaging sessions, breakfast and lunch, refreshments, and excellent opportunities for growing your networks. Princeton Hydro's Dana Patterson Grear and WSP's Elizabeth Treadway will be presenting on, "Stormwater Utility: A Mechanism for Funding Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in Your Community".
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) New Jersey Post will be hosting its annual day-long seminar in celebration of Earth Day on Friday, April 19, 2024. This New Jersey-focused event will be in-person at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Fieldsboro, New Jersey and have presentors from representation from local, state, and federal governments, NGOs, and academia.
New Jersey Section of American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) hosted a free Stormwater webinar, which featured three presentations: Stormwater Regulatory Updates and Green Infrastructure Overview led by Brian Friedlich, P.E.; NJ Future Initiatives - MS4 Primer and Stormwater Retrofits Manual led by Lindsey Sigmund; and Green Infrastructure Case Study - Clawson Park led by Dr. Stephen J. Souza
Princeton Hydro was involved in the design and implementation of stormwater management upgrades to Clawson Park in Ringoes, NJ. Hundreds of native plants were installed in the park’s large stormwater basin and two of the park’s rain gardens were completely overhauled, removing invasive weeds and planting beneficial native species. To learn more about the project, click here.
As part of its Technical Friday webinar series, The Watershed Institute hosted a webinar to provide guidance on New Jersey's new stormwater ordinances, a summary of requirements, and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The webinar featured two expert speakers: Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, and The Watershed Institute Policy Director Michael Pisauro, Esq.
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the milestones and successes that have shaped the past twelve months. We're excited to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our incredible clients, partners, and friends. Your support and collaboration have been the driving force behind our achievements. Join us as we revisit and celebrate our top 10 successes of 2023:
As we joyfully celebrate our 25th anniversary year at Princeton Hydro, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey. Over the past quarter-century, our firm has been dedicated to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better, and it's an honor to reflect on the milestones we've achieved together. Since our inception in 1998, working with 2,000 clients, we have removed 84 dams, restored dozens of miles of rivers, improved water quality in hundreds of ponds and lakes, and enhanced thousands of acres of wetlands in the Northeast. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!
Over the past year, we completed five dam removal projects. We worked with Wildlands Conservancy to remove two dams from Bushkill Creek, a tributary to the Delaware River, opening up several miles of river to migratory fish and critical species. We partnered with the Musconetcong Watershed Association to remove Beatty's Mill Dam, a critical step in restoring the Musconetcong River and addressing long-standing concerns regarding flood mitigation and the preservation of essential habitats. On Pohatcong Creek, we decommissioned a defunct dam for the Pinelands Regional Board of Education. And, working with The Nature Conservancy, we kicked off the removal of the 128-year-old hazardous Paulina Dam, reconnecting over 7.6 miles of mainstream and tributary habitat along the Paulins Kill. Highlighting our dedication and expertise in this field, our firm's president and founding principal, Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., was recently featured on a Top 20 podcast. His discussion provides insights into the complexities and significance of dam removal.
This year, we are proud to share that our firm earned the Society for American Military Engineers NJ Post’s 2023 Small Business Award! Our newly restored Trenton office earned two top tier awards: 2023 New Good Neighbor Award and NJ Historic Preservation Award. Two of our projects were spotlighted too: Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s Floating Classroom received the very honorable New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award and the Readington Digital ERI won an ANJEC 2023 Environmental Achievement Award. And, a big shout out to Duncan Simpson who earned the SAME Mid-Maryland Post President’s Commendation Award.
Liberty State Park, located on the west bank of Upper New York Bay, is one of the most visited state parks in the nation. Within 235 acres of this highly urbanized setting, Princeton Hydro was contracted to design a resilient coastal ecosystem that provides both ecological and social benefits. In a momentous event, the Commissioner of NJDEP, Commander of USACE New York District, and local elected officials broke ground for the Liberty State Park Ecosystem Restoration Project. When constructed, it will have 80 acres of tidal and non-tidal wetlands and several hundred feet of intertidal shoreline and shallow water habitat, making it the largest ecosystem restoration project in New Jersey.
Our team members continue to amaze us with their drive to expand knowledge and grow personally. This past year, several staff earned new licenses and certifications: Marissa Ciocco earned her Professional Engineer license in Delaware. Eric Zawatski achieved The Wildlife Society’s “Associate Wildlife Biologist” certification. Michael Allers became a licensed FAA-Certified Commercial Drone Pilot. Mark Gallagher was appointed to two boards: the Outdoor Equity Alliance Advisory Committee and Friends of Abbots Marshland Advisory Board. Dana Patterson was voted in as First Vice President of NJ SAME Post and Duncan Simpson, PWS was voted in as Second Vice President of the Mid-Maryland SAME Post.
One of Princeton Hydro’s core offerings is grant writing for our nonprofit and government clients. This year alone, we assisted in securing $2.43 million in grant funding from a variety of programs, including the NJDEP Stormwater Assistance Grants, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NJDEP Natural Climate Solutions Grant, Restore America’s Estuaries National Estuaries Program Watersheds Grant Program, and New Jersey Highlands Council Planning Grant Program. The pivotal projects include building green infrastructure, developing watershed management programs, controlling invasive species, and planting hundreds of trees.
We traveled around the Northeast and beyond to share our project stories and lessons learned. For the Watershed Institute’s 6th Annual Conference, we led two presentations focused on stormwater management, improving water quality, and reducing flooding. Our Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, led two webinars for the Watershed Institute this year. The first one, "Enhanced Stormwater Management Ordinances," provided guidance on NJDEP’s new stormwater ordinances and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The second webinar, “Stormwater Design: Myths and Misconceptions,” provided guidance on incorporating best practices and submitting design proposals that address New Jersey’s stormwater management goals. For the Resource Institute's 2023 National Stream Restoration Conference, Jake Dittes, PE and Duncan Simpson, PWS presented on Hudson Valley Dam removal and showcased the importance of projects like the Maiden Lane Dam removal in preserving our natural treasures. We led five presentations during this year's North American Lake Management Society International Symposium. The topics included harmful algal bloom mitigation, stormwater management for lake communities, and monitoring. We are honored to have sponsored over $26,000 to nonprofit events and fundraisers, and the Marketing Team is proud to have exhibited at 15 conferences, festivals, and local events.
This year, we welcomed Controller Barry Shallenberger to our Business Administration team. Four engineers joined: Sean Walsh, PE as a Senior Project Manager; Rebecca Adamo, PE and Lexie Seifert as Water Resource Engineers; and Ryan Eno, EIT as a Staff Engineer. We grew our Landscape Architecture team with the addition of Angelica Diaz, and bolstered our Ecological Engineering group with Restoration Ecologist Michael Allers. We also welcomed two interns this summer, Mikhail Velez (Communications) and Jackson Tilves (Aquatics), who have now joined our staff permanently. And, last but certainly not least, we promoted six of our four-legged team members to Chief Happiness Officers!
Working with New Jersey Future, we published the NJ Stormwater Retrofit Best Management Practices Guide, a comprehensive resource and pivotal tool that aids local and county governments, nonprofits, developers, and property owners in retrofitting stormwater infrastructure and integrating sustainable green infrastructure solutions. We partnered with New York - New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program and the Hudson River Foundation to create a toolkit for addressing problematic road-stream crossings. The easy-to-use matrix helps to prioritize potential projects and identify solutions. In partnership with Readington Township in New Jersey, we developed New Jersey’s first interactive Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) in digital format, paving the way for a more modernized, easily accessible, and highly functional resource. Readington Township was chosen as the recipient of the ANJEC “2023 Environmental Achievement Award" in the Environmental Commission category for creating the ERI. We've conducted two insightful 'Facebook Live Chat' Q&A sessions featuring four of our experts, which we recorded as informative resources available for ongoing access. The first session shared valuable spring gardening tips from our Landscape Architects. The second event, 'Birding in Your Backyard,' was hosted by two of our scientists who are passionate about birding.
Since opening our Trenton Headquarters office, we have donated the use of our space for a variety of nonprofit organization events. In 2023, we hosted Revolutionary Trenton’s Launch Event, Boys and Girls club of Mercer County, Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, Outdoor Equity Alliance Board Meeting, and African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County’s African American History Bowl Scholarship Presentation. We held donation drives here too to support local nonprofit organizations working in Trenton. During our Spring 2023 Staff Donation Drive, we collected 208 pounds of shelf-stable food items for Arm In Arm, a Trenton-based nonprofit organization that addresses food and housing insecurity in the city and surrounding areas. For our Holiday Employee Virtual Giving Event, 19 staff donated 72 items valued over $1560 to Children’s Home Society of New Jersey. Inspiring local youth to pursue a pathway in the STEM fields is also a priority for our firm. This year, we volunteered our time to support community programs like NJDEP’s Youth Inclusion Initiative and Hold High the Torch’s Eco Innovators for Youth STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) Leaders Program.
We are thrilled to announce that Princeton Hydro has been honored with the 2023 Small Business Award by the Society for American Military Engineers (SAME) NJ Post. This accolade celebrates the firm's commitment to advancing the objectives of SAME, fostering collaboration among government and industry leaders to address crucial national security infrastructure challenges.
The award was presented during the SAME NJ Post Annual Holiday and Awards Luncheon, held on December 5 at the Harvest Moon Brewery in New Brunswick. Princeton Hydro's founding member and President, Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E., Chief Operating Officer Megan Hunter Ruf, and Director of Marketing & Communications Dana Patterson proudly represented our team and accepted this esteemed award from the SAME NJ Post President Edward Blanar.
Since joining SAME as a sustaining member in 2018, Princeton Hydro has played an active role in supporting the organization's mission. This year, Ms. Patterson was elected as the First Vice President of SAME NJ Post Board of Directors. Her pivotal role since joining Princeton Hydro in October 2018 has been instrumental in shaping the firm's involvement within SAME.
Ms. Patterson's commitment and dedication to SAME have been acknowledged through various appointments and honors, including her election to the SAME New Jersey Post Board of Directors Secretary position in 2019 and the well-deserved "Young Member Award" that same year, followed by her election as Second Vice President in 2021. She is an active member of the SAME NJ Post Small Business Council, co-chair of the annual Coastal Resilience in New Jersey seminar, and assists with the organization's digital marketing.
SAME annually bestows awards and medals to commend outstanding contributions from individuals, companies, and uniformed teams and units in support of the Society, the A/E/C profession, and national security. In addition to the Small Business Award, the 2023 NJ Post Annual Award categories and winners included:
The sponsors of this year's award luncheon, include Cullen Company, The Engineers Club of New Jersey, The Lewis Group, Montrose Environmental, Solutions³ LLC, Enviroscapes, and Princeton Hydro.
For more insights into the initiatives and impact of the national SAME organization, click here. Please enjoy a few more photos from the awards luncheon:
Princeton Hydro President and Founding Principal Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E. was recently featured on the Native Plants, Healthy Planet Podcast, which is ranked as a Top 20 Nature Apple podcast with 7k+ listeners per month.
Hosts Fran Chismar and Tom Knezick, owners of Pinelands Nursery, invited Geoff on the show to discuss all things dam removal. For Episode 187 titled "The Dam Show" Geoff shared the history of dams and dam removal, the many benefits of removing dams, the challenges around implementing dam removal, recent stories of river restoration success, and helpful resources for anyone looking to learn more.
Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the removal of 84 dams to date. The firm was formed in 1998 with the specific mission of providing integrated ecological and engineering consulting services. Offering expertise in natural resource management, water resources engineering, geotechnical design and investigation, and regulatory compliance, their staff provide a full suite of environmental services throughout the Northeast for the public and private sectors. Princeton Hydro is committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Mark Gallagher, Vice President of Princeton Hydro, has been appointed to the Friends of Abbott Marshland Advisory Board.
The Abbott Marshlands is composed of 3,000 acres of wetlands and uplands located on the western edge of central New Jersey in Mercer County. It is the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh on the Delaware River and contains valuable habitat for many rare species like River Otter, American Eel, Bald Eagle, and various species of wading birds.
Unfortunately, this ecosystem has faced challenges partially due to the invasion of the aggressive Common Reed (Phragmites australis), causing substantial habitat loss and degradation. In response to these challenges, the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands have dedicated themselves to enhancing appreciation and protection of this precious ecosystem. Their mission focuses on engaging and inspiring a diverse community to experience the unique nature and history of the Abbott Marshlands. Their priorities involve expanding community involvement, advancing educational programs through the Tulpehaking Nature Center, enhancing organizational capacity, and working in cooperative stewardship efforts.
Since its inception, the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands have played a pivotal role in advocating for the preservation and stewardship of the marshlands. They've organized various educational programs, symposia, nature walks, and juried photography shows to raise awareness and encourage stewardship of this unique ecosystem. The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands Advisory Board meets periodically to advise on program design and execution, fundraising, and engagement in any and all activities related to the preservation of the Abbott Marshlands.
The area is named "Abbott Marshlands" in recognition of the important archaeological legacy of the marsh and of Charles Conrad Abbott, a 19th and early 20th century archaeologist and naturalist, who lived on the bluffs near the marsh and who wrote extensively about it.
Recognizing the urgent need to restore the Abbott Marshlands, Mercer County contracted Princeton Hydro to spearhead a multi-year, multi-phased restoration initiative. The project aimed at reducing and controlling the invasive Phragmites australis while increasing the presence of native marsh vegetation.
Princeton Hydro conducted a Floristic Quality Assessment to identify invasive areas and to establish a baseline for the restoration efforts. The team also performed hydrologic monitoring to understand tidal stage elevations. From 2018-2019, herbicide treatments were consistently conducted to combat the invasive phragmites. In the winter of 2019-2020, 46 acres of phragmites was cut and rolled with our Marsh Master using a modified steel roller attachment. The phragmites was then removed by raking, which in turn exposed the marsh plain’s substrate and seedbank to promote germination of the native marsh vegetation. Extensive areas of wild rice, mud plantain, broad leaved cattail, water purslane, pickerelweed, and arrow arum colonized the areas formerly overtaken by phragmites within the first growing season after the marsh plain was exposed. The project also includes the creation of 500 linear feet of living shoreline, a freshwater mussel bed, and a sustainable boat launch.
This comprehensive and collaborative restoration effort not only targets invasive species but also focused on enhancing biodiversity; improving recreational opportunities such as kayaking and bird watching; enhancing the overall visitor experience at John A. Roebling Memorial Park, which is part of Abbott Marshlands; and creating opportunities for community engagement and appreciation of this natural treasure.
Click here to learn how you can get involved with supporting and participating in initiatives aimed at protecting and cherishing the Marshlands for generations to come. To take a deeper dive into Princeton Hydro's work at Abbott Marshlands, click here.
A founding partner of Princeton Hydro, Mark is a pioneer in the field of restoration ecology, and helped get the conservation science movement off the ground in the 1980s. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Moravian College and Master of Science in Plant Ecology from Rutgers University. For more than two decades, Mark has overseen wetland and terrestrial ecology projects at Princeton Hydro, including many complex restoration projects that require unique solutions.
Mark, along with Princeton Hydro team members Dana Patterson and Michael Rehman, CERP, PWS and representatives from Mercer County and Friends of the Abbott Marshlands, led a educational course and field exploration of the Abbott Marshlands as part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) annual Youth Inclusion Initiative. Learn more here.
The Princeton Hydro Headquarters simmered with excitement and spicy aromas wafted through the halls, heralding the arrival of the Great Chili Cook-off of 2023. Seven daring individuals put their secret chili recipes to the test in a flavorful showdown.
Team members gathered to partake in the spicy celebration. And, to make things official, we invited three esteemed foodies who own resturants in Trenton, NJ to judge the competition. Caesar Rosales of Caesar's Italian Restaurant, Deonna Maldonado of Skil-Lit Cafe, and Reggie Hall of 1911 Smokehouse BBQ lent their discerning palates to the task of crowning the ultimate chili champion. (Psst, if you haven't been to these local spots, go grab lunch asap!)
Amidst the taste-testing, banter, and a pinch of friendly competition, the moment arrived for the winners to claim their titles. Drumrolls echoed the announcement as Tara Srinivasan was crowned 1st Place and Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM, GISP claimed 2nd Place. Their victory came with the esteemed titles of "Chili Champ," along with a custom-made 2023 Chili Cook-off wooden cutting board and, of course, the bragging rights.
Each of the seven cook-off participants and the three judges received a custom-engraved spoon to commemorate their culinary bravery and celebrate their contributions to the spicy showdown.
The event wasn't merely about chili; it was a testament to the spirit of community that thrives at Princeton Hydro. Let's raise our ladles to the thrill of competition and the warmth of a shared meal that brings us all together!
Princeton Hydro Vice President Mark Gallagher was appointed to the Outdoor Equity Alliance (OEA) Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee is composed of representatives of organizations that partner with the OEA in its mission. Committee members meet periodically to advise on program design and execution, fundraising, and engagement in any and all activities sponsored by OEA.
Founded by Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space former Executive Director Lisa Wolff and Mercer County Park Commission Executive Director Aaron Watson, OEA works to remove barriers to participation in our shared natural world. Through programs, internships and key partnerships, OEA creates experiences that inform and inspire people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, and income levels to enjoy and become more involved with nature and the outdoors.
Mark, a founding partner of Princeton Hydro, is a pioneer in the field of restoration ecology, and helped get the conservation science movement off the ground in the 1980s. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Moravian College and Master of Science in Plant Ecology from Rutgers University. For more than two decades, Mark has overseen wetland and terrestrial ecology projects at Princeton Hydro, including many complex restoration projects that require unique solutions.
He is extremely knowledgeable about local, state, and federal regulations, especially when it comes to ecological impact, and has made a positive impact on water quality and wildlife, designing and permitting hundreds of acres of restoration, mitigation, and enhancement projects throughout the Northeast. In addition to writing numerous environmental impact assessments for a wide range of projects, Mark has also completed the survey and assessment of habitats at numerous development sites for threatened and endangered species.
He serves on the technical advisory board for the Hunterdon Land Trust and previously served on the board at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. He regularly teaches adult education courses and is an adjunct professor at Temple University in the Landscape Architecture Department. For the past two years, Mark has led a mentorship for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Youth Inclusion Initiative, which aims to enrich young participants, who may not have the opportunity to explore open spaces in their community, with hands-on environmental field experience under the tutelage of NJDEP professionals and mentors.
Click here for a full list of OEA leadership, staff and committees. To learn more about the OEA, click here.
Princeton Hydro is committed to improving our ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better. The firm was formed in 1998 with the specific mission of providing integrated ecological and engineering consulting services. Offering expertise in natural resource management, water resources engineering, geotechnical design & investigation, and regulatory compliance, our staff provides a full suite of environmental services throughout the Northeast for the public and private sectors. To read about some recent projects, click here.
Princeton Hydro is dedicated to protecting our natural resources and changing our ecosystems, quality of life and communities for the better. Our team members are passionate about continuing to learn new technologies, staying ahead of regulatory changes, and expanding their knowledge.
Today, we are proud to put the spotlight on four team members who recently celebrated professional achievements.
The PE license is the engineering profession’s highest standard of competence, a significant symbol of achievement and assurance of quality. To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams, and earn a license from their state's licensure board. Then, to retain their licenses, PEs must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers.
Marissa, our Geotechnical Soils Testing Lab expert, is a graduate of Rowan University holding a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a Bantivoglio Honors Concentration. She worked in the Construction Materials Laboratory as part of the CREATE’s Fellowship program at Rowan University, and participated in clinic projects such as a green roof feasibility study, testing the effects of water quality on masonry mortar, and the sustainability of converting organic waste feedstock into liquid biocrude. Marissa is passionate about working towards creating a more sustainable environment.
The Wildlife Society (TWS), a nonprofit professional society, is dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science and education and is committed to the premise that these objectives can be achieved best with the guidance of well-educated, experienced, and dedicated wildlife biologists. TWS promotes and strengthens professional standards in all activities devoted to wildlife resources. To this end, TWS provides a professional certification program designed to evaluate the education and professional experience of wildlife biologists.
To achieve the Associate Wildlife Biologist certification, Eric was required to meet demanding academic criteria assessed by the TWS Certification Review Board, affirming his full capability to uphold the standards of ethical professionalism in the field. The certification is granted for 10 years.
Eric holds an M.S. in Ecology and B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science both from Penn State University. During his undergraduate and graduate years, he studied state endangered breeding bird species, forest and landscape ecology, and the terrestrial ecosystems of the Northeast. His research incorporated avian survey techniques, forestry measurements, and GIS technology to determine the primary factors driving nest survival and breeding productivity of forest songbirds.
A commercial drone pilot license, issued by the FAA, grants permission to conduct commercial drone operations in the United States. To become a licensed commercial drone operator, Michael was required to pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test and apply for and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. To maintain his license, Michael must update his drone registration every 36 months as well as retake and pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test every 24 months.
Drones are a helpful tool for environmental restoration initiatives because they can efficiently monitor project progress by collecting aerial data, including GIS information, that tracks information like vegetation growth, erosion rates, and site topography. Because drones can access remote and challenging terrain with minimal environmental impact they are a valuable tool for planning, managing, monitoring and assessing habitat restoration efforts.
Michael joined the Princeton Hydro team in April 2023 as a CAD Designer and Restoration Ecologist. He previously worked with a water resource consulting firm participating in nearly all phases of river, wetland, and coastal restoration projects. Prior to entering the restoration sphere, Michael was the owner/operator of a residential stormwater management company for 10 years. Michael received a B.S. in Marine & Coastal Science from Rutgers University.
Jackson, a recent graduate of Stockton University, began with Princeton Hydro in July 2023 as an intern. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with concentrations in Wildlife Management and Forestry. He studied water quality parameters as well as fisheries and forest management techniques in the unique ecosystems found in the New Jersey Pinelands. Before joining Princeton Hydro, he worked with a river restoration company that focused on dam removals, stream morphology, and in-stream habitat creation for native species.
During his internship, he supported the Aquatics Team in a variety of capacities. We are thrilled to welcome him as a full-time staff member and look forward to his successful and bright future with our firm helping to preserve ecosystems for future generations.
We are thrilled to announce that Readington Township has been chosen as the recipient of the ANJEC “2023 Environmental Achievement Award" in the Environmental Commission category.
The project that achieved award recognition, done in partnership with Readington Township and Princeton Hydro, involved the development of New Jersey’s first interactive Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI) in digital format, paving the way for a more modernized, easily accessible, and highly functional resource. As an alternative to a traditional ERI composed of a report narrative and static maps, Princeton Hydro developed an ArcGIS StoryMap, an interactive web application weaving together narrative, tables, and dynamic web maps. This comprehensive ERI allows users to explore environmental resource mapping, zoom and pan to specific sites, and view attributes without specialized GIS software or training.
This is the first time an ERI in New Jersey has been made into a digital format! The interactive Readington ERI is planned for public release before the end of 2023. You can view the "Unofficial Draft" by clicking here. Here's a sneak preview of the ArcGIS StoryMap in action:
The ANJEC Environmental Achievement Award program recognizes exceptional projects carried out by environmental commissions and groups. The projects and plans chosen each year represent some of the best examples of efforts to promote local actions that protect and restore New Jersey’s natural resources and ensure healthy, sustainable communities.
The 2023 awards were presented on Friday, October 13th during the ANJEC Environmental Congress at Mercer County College Conference Center. This year's event marked the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Congress, which Princeton Hydro was proud to sponsor and participate in. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event featured a keynote address by USEPA Region 2's Chief of Staff Olivia Glenn, a presentation from NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, and many educational workshops.
ANJEC is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources and protection of environmental health. Princeton Hydro is a business member of ANJEC and proud to have been chosen along with Readington Township for this prestigious award.
We are paw-somely excited to highlight our four-legged team members: The Chief Happiness Officers or CHOs! Our office dogs are a big part of our team members' work lives, and we are proud of the work they do. We've already seen a lot of positive changes since these furry balls of joy started coming into work. Every morning, we’re guaranteed to be greeted with a big slobbery smile.
Sometimes it might be tough getting to the desk, but one of our Happiness Officers is happy to guide the way. While having dogs in the office may make one worry about hair being everywhere, our CHOs are already being mindful to keep the office clean by eating all the crumbs off the floor.
If you're looking to create a Happiness Committee of your own, here are a few tips on how to add them to the workplace:
Don't overwhelm your office with a bunch of CHOs right away. Start with one or two and see how it goes. If it's a success, you can always hire more later. And, if there is more than one at a time, make sure ahead of time that they both are friendly towards each other.
Some CHOs are better suited for the workplace than others. Choose one that is friendly, well-behaved, and doesn't bark too much.
Even the best-behaved officers need some training before they're ready for the workplace. Make sure yours knows basic commands like sit, stay, and come.
A new space can be overwhelming, so bring your pup in on a day where there are only a few people around, or even on a weekend, so they can get all their sniffs out and get the lay of the land.
Make sure you set some ground rules. For example, you might want to designate a specific area for your CHO to stay, or you might want to restrict them from certain areas like the lab or the break room. Decide if you are comfortable with them roaming around while you’re in a meeting or if it's better for them to stay in your office or under a cubicle with you at all times.
Make sure your co-workers know not to feed your pup their own lunch. Not everyone is aware that common foods - like avocado and tomatoes - are toxic to dogs. If they do want to give the CHO a treat, recommend some dog-friendly options (and quantities!).
Even the most well-behaved CHOs can have accidents. Be prepared to clean up any messes that your dog makes… like keeping a bottle of carpet cleaner at your desk, seriously!
It may take some time for your new team member to adjust to the new environment. Be patient and understanding as they learn the ropes.
Make sure you block off some time on your schedule for outside breaks so that you’re not running outside in the middle of a video conference call because your pup has to go!
While there isn’t much conclusive evidence about the effects dogs have on performance in the workplace, studies suggest that there are far more positives to employee satisfaction with a dog present in the office than without.
Sometimes social interactions can be difficult to initiate in the workplace, but pets are closing the gap between coworkers as they offer a great conversation starter. Studies have shown that people and places are happier and more relaxed when dogs are present. This is because dogs can provide companionship, reduce stress, and increase feelings of well-being.
Overall, pet-friendly policies can be a win-win for both employees and employers. They can help to create a more positive and productive work environment, while also attracting and retaining top talent — and the members of our firm are certainly just that.
The Princeton Hydro team is leading webinars; presenting at conferences throughout the country; and participating in events that celebrate community and environmental stewardship.
In this edition of our Events Spotlight, we provide an overview of all the latest happenings and information on how to get involved.
Hosted by The Watershed Institute, Trenton River Days is a free event that celebrates the history, culture, and recreational benefits of the Delaware River. Join us on Saturday, September 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for canoe and boat rides, food trucks, live music, hayrides, fly fishing demonstrations, crafts, educational games, and exhibits for hands-on fun. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and excited to attend this fun-filled community event – please stop by our booth to get an up-close look at our airboat and say hello to our team!
The National Algae Association is hosting a “From Source to Blooms” webinar focused on preventing, remediating, removing, recycling and repurposing HABs. Our Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow is presenting on “Using the Ecosystem Services of Green Infrastructure to Reduce and Control HABs.”
We are proud to sponsor this year’s Delaware River Watershed Forum, which is bing held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE. The 11th Annual Forum provides an opportunity for Coalition members, legislators, watershed advocates, environmental organizations, community members, local businesses, and students to collaborate on protecting the Delaware River Watershed. Participants can engage in education workshops, field trip excursions, networking events, and keynote addresses.
Society for Ecological Restoration’s 2023 Mid-Atlantic Conference will be held at NJSEA’s Environmental Center in the New Jersey Meadowlands. This year’s conference, titled “Restoring Urban Ecosystems,” includes an opening-day birding festival, Plenary Sessions, field trips, and a variety of workshops. Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and attending the event. Geoffrey Goll, PE, Mark Gallagher, Michael Rehman, PWS, CERP, and Christiana Pollack, CERP, CFM GISP, are each presenting on ecosystem restoration topics. We look forward to seeing you there!
The mission of SAME is to build leaders and lead collaboration among government and industry to develop multidisciplinary solutions to national security infrastructure challenges. The 2023 Conference, includes breakout sessions, networking opportunities, USACE-led contract opportunities and programs briefings, and a small-business exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, an event sponsor and exhibitor, joined SAME as a sustaining member in 2018.
The SAME MEGA Maryland conference gives small and minority businesses in the architecture, engineering and construction industries the opportunity to come together with federal agencies in order to showcase best practices and highlight future opportunities to work in the federal market. Princeton Hydro is exhibiting at and sponsoring this year’s conference, which includes 75+ speakers, two inspiring and informative keynotes, networking events, training sessions, and panel discussions being led by local, state, and federal agency professionals, networking, matchmaking, client panels, training sessions, and MORE!
Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice (DEIJ) is critical to achieving our goals of clean water and healthy tributaries in the Hudson River watershed. As such, the 2023 Watershed Conference is themed "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice" and offers participants a chance to learn about DEIJ strategies and water-related case studies that are moving this critical work forward in the region. It will be held both in-person and virtually.
The in-person session will be on Tuesday, October 24 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Henry A. Wallace Center, FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, NY. This session will focus on DEIJ strategies and case studies from the Hudson River watershed. The day will be structured with both plenary and breakout sessions, along with space and time for networking.
The virtual session, held on Wednesday, October 11 from 1 to 3:30 PM via Zoom, will feature presentations from a panel of speakers, followed by a discussion and a Q&A. It is highly recommended that everyone planning to attend the in-person session watches the webinar beforehand as it will set a valuable foundation for the content of the in-person session. Registration for the virtual session is included with the in-person conference registration, and will be recorded and shared with all conference registrants.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Congress, which Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and participate in. The in-person conference will be held at Mercer County College from 9am – 5pm on October 13. Virtual sessions will also be available October 17 and October 19. ANJEC is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey environmental commissions, individuals, local and state agencies achieve responsible and sustainable use of New Jersey’s natural resources and protection of environmental health. Princeton Hydro is a business member of ANJEC.
Lake Erie will be the backdrop to this year’s International Symposium. The theme to this year's conference is “Great Lakes, Local Solutions.” The action-packed agenda includes workshops, panel discussions, field trips, poster presentations, the annual 5k fun run, and an exhibitor hall. Princeton Hydro, a proud sponsor of the Symposium, is exhibiting and leading a variety of presentations:
NJAFM is hosting its 16th Annual Conference and Exhibition in Atlantic City, NJ. With over 500 people expected to attend, NJAFM Annual Conference is the premiere floodplain management conference in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for professionals in the fields of engineering, hydrology, geology, planning, code enforcement, floodplain management and emergency management to participate in educational seminars, training opportunities and exclusive networking events. Participants will engage in educational sessions centered around the conference theme: "Investing in Mitigation - Leveraging Resources to Mitigate Flood Hazard." Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and exhibiting at the conference.
On Thursday, October 26 at 6pm EST, join us for a Live Facebook Q&A Event with Princeton Hydro scientists and birding enthusiasts Emily Bjorhus, PWS and Eric Zawatski. Learn about the basics of bird identification, how to attract specific birds to your yard, options for food and feeders, and get all of your burning birding questions answered!
In July 2023, NJDEP published the Inland Flood Protection Rules, which requires municipalities to update their stormwater control ordinances to improve water quality. Hosted by The Watershed Institute, the webinar will provide guidance on the new stormwater ordinances, a summary of requirements, and recommendations for developing and implementing stronger ordinances. The Watershed Institute along with co-sponsors American Littoral Society (ALS), Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), and Pinelands Preservation Alliance, invite officials, planning board members, municipal professionals (engineers and planners), attorneys and Environmental Commission members, from all across the state, to learn more and ask questions. The webinar features two expert speakers: Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director of Engineering Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, and The Watershed Institute Policy Director Michael Pisauro, Esq.
The webinar is free and will take place via Zoom from Noon - 1:30 PM on Friday, November 3.
As the U.S. continues to see warming temperature trends and heavy weather events of increasing frequency and intensity, infrastructure resiliency is a crucial topic of discussion. The SAME Philadelphia Post Annual Symposium will bring together practitioners from the Greater Philadelphia Area and beyond to speak about infrastructure resiliency and how it can help public and private entities survive these turbulent times. The event also includes an exhibitor hall - Princeton Hydro is exhibiting and is also a proud sponsor of the event.
The 108th Annual Conference will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, NJ. The Conference, which is considered the largest municipal gathering in the nation, provides three full days of extensive learning opportunities, meaningful face-to-face networking, and a comprehensive showcase of product innovations. The event opens the doors to local government officials, connecting them with state and federal officials and resources. Come visit our booth in the exhibit hall!
CLRMA is an organization of water professionals and community members who share an interest in enjoying and protecting Colorado's lakes and reservoirs. The 2023 Fall Conference, themed "Historical Perspectives on Water Quality," takes place in Denver on November 15 from 9am - 2:3opm. The conference features a variety of presentations, including "How Climate Change Impacts the Ecology and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and the Value of Long-Term Data," which is led by Princeton Hydro Senior Technical Director, Ecological Services Dr. Fred Lubnow and Senior Aquatics Project Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM.
Fountain Creek Watershed District Brewshed Alliance invites to join them at Voodoo Brewing Company in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the November Liquid Lecture featuring Princeton Hydro Senior Aquatics Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM. During his presentation he will address some of the more common issues from a "big picture" perspective of surface water quality, lake management, and watershed management. He will share techniques that can assist in management and improvement, including emphasis on the cause of harmful algae blooms (HABs) and ways to prevent and deal with HABs. Liquid Lecture attendees receive $1.00 any beer purchase!
New Jersey Section of American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) is hosting a free Stormwater webinar on Friday, December 1 from Noon - 1pm. The webinar, which is eligible for 2 NJ PE and 2 AICP CM self-reporting credits, features three presentations:
1. Stormwater Regulatory Updates and Green Infrastructure Overview led by Brian Friedlich, P.E. 2. NJ Future Initiatives - MS4 Primer and Stormwater Retrofits Manual led by Lindsey Sigmund 3. Green Infrastructure Case Study - Clawson Park led by Dr. Stephen J. Souza
Join Greater Trenton on December 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. for an evening of cocktails and conversations to reflect on Trenton’s past, reimagine its future, and make connections with some of the most influential leaders impacting the Capital City. The celebration honors Caren Franzini, former NJEDA CEO and one of the founders of Greater Trenton, by presenting the Caren Franzini Capital City Award to John Hatch, Principal at Clarke Caton Hintz, and David Henderson, Principal at Hx2 Development. Princeton Hydro is proud to be part of the Trenton community and participate as a Sustaining Sponsor in this celebratory event.
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