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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They may not read emails or track project timelines, but they still manage to keep the whole place running. From morning greetings to afternoon naps, this is what daily life with our CHOs looks like. The Welcome Committee Some offices start the day with coffee. Our day starts with Max, Sandy and Moose. Max Grear, Sandy Goll, and Moose Hunter Ruf take their role as the Welcome Committee very seriously, making sure everyone starts the day on the right paw. They welcome arrivals with cheerful confidence, escort teammates to their desks, conduct impromptu office tours, and help set a positive tone for the day. Despite their busy schedules, they always find time for a quick game with their favorite toys. Their friendly demeanor and big smiles make everyone feel at home, whether they're visiting for the first time or walking through the door for the hundredth. [gallery columns="4" link="none" ids="19394,20443,20444,19400"] The Can-Do Department Abbey Hunt is a real go‑getter, always eager to participate in whatever is happening around the office. Exceptionally good at following directions, she's a reliable helper when it comes to retrieving items or assisting with small office errands. Whether she's trotting alongside a teammate, investigating the latest office activity, or proudly showing off her tug-of-war skills, Abbey approaches every assignment with enthusiasm and determination. Beyond her practical strengths, Abbey brings an upbeat energy that brightens the workplace. [gallery link="none" size="full" ids="20448,20403,20447"] The Energy Engineers Zuzu Farella is enthusiastically navigating her puppy phase, equal parts energetic chaos and irresistible cuteness. When she's not demanding pets or delivering unsolicited licks to anyone within reach, she is usually found curled up under her dad’s desk, resting from her most recent burst of zoomies. She brings a joyful unpredictability that fits perfectly into the office rhythm. Theo Grear, Max’s younger brother, adds a lively burst of energy wherever he goes. Rambunctious, curious, and subtly mischievous, he has a remarkable talent for "relocating" everyday items that were definitely not intended for playtime. Whether he’s launching impromptu hallway games or keeping everyone entertained, Theo's antics, paired with his undeniable charm, deliver an unexpected spark to the workday. [gallery link="none" ids="19392,19391,19393"] The Delight Division Luna Hopper and Kili Lubnow bring excitement and delight everywhere they go. Their tails usually start wagging before you even finish saying their names. With huge hearts and boundless enthusiasm, they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. Throughout the day, Luna and Kili can be found making the rounds to visit coworkers, seeking out new opportunities to spread cheer, or recharging with a peaceful nap until their next delight-filled assignment calls. [gallery link="none" ids="19407,20439,19408"] The Coziness & Comfort Team Harper and Addison Pollack are a bonded sister duo who bring warmth, cuteness, and plenty of smiles to the office. Almost impossibly fluffy, these two sweethearts are often found snuggling together keeping an office chair warm (a responsibility they take very seriously), stretched out for a midday nap, or demonstrating their natural talent for making any corner of the office feel instantly cozier. Through their unique combination of floof, friendship, and impeccable cuddling skills, these sisters have a special talent for bringing extra comfort and joy to the workday! [gallery size="full" link="none" ids="20394,20392,20393"] The Outreach & Engagement Division If sunshine could take the form of a dog, it would probably look a lot like Quinn Clapsaddle. A natural social butterfly, Quinn makes it her mission to visit teammates throughout the day, stopping by desks to say hello and check in on her coworkers. Her cheerful visits have a way of brightening even the busiest workday. Of course, maintaining this level of positivity requires plenty of rest. After making her rounds and spreading good cheer across the office, Quinn can often be found enjoying a well-deserved nap, recharging before her next round of employee engagement activities. The Daily Zen Department Not all company pets roam the office halls. Representing our Colorado office, CHO Indiana Jones Mikolajczyk, nearly eighteen years old, prefers to supervise from home, where she keeps her human excellent company throughout the workday. Curled up nearby in her favorite spot or basking in a patch of warm sunlight, she offers a quiet, steady presence that brings a sense of calm and balance to the workspace. [gallery columns="2" ids="19396,19395"] Thinking About Adding CHOs to Your Team? While their official responsibilities may be up for debate, there's no question that our CHOs contribute to a pawsitive office atmosphere. They encourage us to take breaks, inspire fun conversations, and provide comic relief during busy days. Most importantly, they help create a workplace that feels warm, friendly, and authentically human. If you're considering bringing dogs into the workplace, a few best practices can help set everyone up for success:
Some offices start the day with coffee. Our day starts with Max, Sandy and Moose.
Max Grear, Sandy Goll, and Moose Hunter Ruf take their role as the Welcome Committee very seriously, making sure everyone starts the day on the right paw. They welcome arrivals with cheerful confidence, escort teammates to their desks, conduct impromptu office tours, and help set a positive tone for the day. Despite their busy schedules, they always find time for a quick game with their favorite toys. Their friendly demeanor and big smiles make everyone feel at home, whether they're visiting for the first time or walking through the door for the hundredth.
Abbey Hunt is a real go‑getter, always eager to participate in whatever is happening around the office.
Exceptionally good at following directions, she's a reliable helper when it comes to retrieving items or assisting with small office errands. Whether she's trotting alongside a teammate, investigating the latest office activity, or proudly showing off her tug-of-war skills, Abbey approaches every assignment with enthusiasm and determination. Beyond her practical strengths, Abbey brings an upbeat energy that brightens the workplace.
Zuzu Farella is enthusiastically navigating her puppy phase, equal parts energetic chaos and irresistible cuteness. When she's not demanding pets or delivering unsolicited licks to anyone within reach, she is usually found curled up under her dad’s desk, resting from her most recent burst of zoomies. She brings a joyful unpredictability that fits perfectly into the office rhythm.
Theo Grear, Max’s younger brother, adds a lively burst of energy wherever he goes. Rambunctious, curious, and subtly mischievous, he has a remarkable talent for "relocating" everyday items that were definitely not intended for playtime. Whether he’s launching impromptu hallway games or keeping everyone entertained, Theo's antics, paired with his undeniable charm, deliver an unexpected spark to the workday.
Luna Hopper and Kili Lubnow bring excitement and delight everywhere they go. Their tails usually start wagging before you even finish saying their names. With huge hearts and boundless enthusiasm, they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. Throughout the day, Luna and Kili can be found making the rounds to visit coworkers, seeking out new opportunities to spread cheer, or recharging with a peaceful nap until their next delight-filled assignment calls.
Harper and Addison Pollack are a bonded sister duo who bring warmth, cuteness, and plenty of smiles to the office. Almost impossibly fluffy, these two sweethearts are often found snuggling together keeping an office chair warm (a responsibility they take very seriously), stretched out for a midday nap, or demonstrating their natural talent for making any corner of the office feel instantly cozier. Through their unique combination of floof, friendship, and impeccable cuddling skills, these sisters have a special talent for bringing extra comfort and joy to the workday!
If sunshine could take the form of a dog, it would probably look a lot like Quinn Clapsaddle. A natural social butterfly, Quinn makes it her mission to visit teammates throughout the day, stopping by desks to say hello and check in on her coworkers. Her cheerful visits have a way of brightening even the busiest workday. Of course, maintaining this level of positivity requires plenty of rest. After making her rounds and spreading good cheer across the office, Quinn can often be found enjoying a well-deserved nap, recharging before her next round of employee engagement activities.
Not all company pets roam the office halls. Representing our Colorado office, CHO Indiana Jones Mikolajczyk, nearly eighteen years old, prefers to supervise from home, where she keeps her human excellent company throughout the workday. Curled up nearby in her favorite spot or basking in a patch of warm sunlight, she offers a quiet, steady presence that brings a sense of calm and balance to the workspace.
While their official responsibilities may be up for debate, there's no question that our CHOs contribute to a pawsitive office atmosphere. They encourage us to take breaks, inspire fun conversations, and provide comic relief during busy days. Most importantly, they help create a workplace that feels warm, friendly, and authentically human.
Our CHOs are woven into the rhythm of our daily routine. They take their jobs seriously, and they're exceptionally good at what they do!
We're pleased to share the following article, originally written by Sean Leslie, Senior Manager of Content and Marketing at Cultivo, and republished with permission. Princeton Hydro and Cultivo recently collaborated in Southwest Montana to assess vegetation, wildlife, and other indicators of ecosystem health as part of a broader biodiversity monitoring initiative for a grassland restoration project. The blog offers an inside look at the monitoring methods used to establish a biodiversity baseline, highlights several unique species encountered during fieldwork, and examines the role of biodiversity and collaborative monitoring in supporting resilient landscapes and successful conservation outcomes.
When we think about nature-based solutions, carbon sequestration often steals the spotlight. But carbon is only one part of a much larger story.
At Cultivo, we believe that restoring grasslands goes far beyond storing carbon underground; it’s about rebuilding complete, living ecosystems. True regenerative progress is measured in on-the-ground ecological health, and one vital metric of that health is biodiversity. Ecosystems rich in plant, bird, and insect life are proven to be more productive, more resilient, and better equipped to thrive.
And just as we do when measuring and verifying sequestered carbon, to ensure our projects deliver measurable, lasting benefits in terms of biodiversity, we’re not relying on satellite images or computer models; we’re putting boots on the ground.
Case in point: Cultivo’s Ecological Impact Senior Manager, Emiline Koopman, recently completed an intensive field visit to one of our partner sites in beautiful Southwest Montana. Alongside the expert field team at Princeton Hydro, she implemented our Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (BES) monitoring framework across the landscape.
Virtual meetings and digital mapping are great for planning, but nothing replaces walking the land. And during the early summer pilot sampling campaign, Cultivo and Princeton Hydro did exactly that, deploying a full suite of monitoring techniques:
To monitor avian diversity, small weatherproof audio recording devices called Acoustic Recording Units (ARUs) are placed across the property to capture the natural soundscape – including bird calls – continuously over the summer breeding season. At the same time, ornithologists perform human “point counts” by standing quietly in one place for set time intervals with binoculars and clipboards to visually and auditorily record every species seen or heard. Together, these techniques provide a picture of species presence, relative abundance, and spatial distribution, acting as an indicator of overall habitat health.
Measuring plant health and structure, requires laying long measuring tapes across the ground through a specific habitat type and placing square frames (quadrats) at fixed increments along the line. Along this path, researchers systematically count live and dead woody plant stems, measure canopy gaps, and catalog every plant species inside the quadrats, providing detailed ground-level data on plant species richness, ground cover, and pasture resilience.
Insect populations are tracked and measured with Malaise traps, which resemble small, open-sided mesh tents with a collection jar at the top. Flying insects naturally bump into the traps’ fabric walls, fly upward, and are gathered for identification using conventional and eDNA metabarcoding techniques. To complement this, researchers also sit quietly near blooming native plants for timed intervals to perform insect flower visitation counts, tracking specific pollinators including bees, ants, and wasps.
One of the greatest rewards of field work is seeing firsthand what we are working so hard to protect. In Southern Montana, the team encountered an incredible array of flora and fauna.
Here are a few of the standout species that call this ecosystem home, with pictures taken during the recent field visit:
On the high-elevation rangelands of Southwestern Montana, small native plants punch well above their weight. Among them, Spearleaf stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum) is a tough, fleshy succulent that thrives in the rocky soils of our intermontane sagebrush valleys.
It also happens to be the exclusive host plant for the Rocky Mountain parnassian (Parnassius smintheus), a high-altitude cousin in the swallowtail family. Female parnassians lay their eggs right next to stonecrop patches so hungry spring caterpillars can feed on the leaves. As they eat, the larvae absorb bitter chemicals from the plant, making both the caterpillars and the red-spotted adult butterflies completely unpalatable to birds, a classic example of the invisible, delicate connections that make these high-desert ecosystems work.
If any bird defines the vast sagebrush country of Southwestern Montana, it’s the Brewer’s sparrow (Spizella breweri). This small, inconspicuously plumaged songbird is intricately tied to healthy, intact rangelands.
Brewer’s sparrows are sagebrush obligates, meaning they rely almost entirely on big sagebrush ecosystems for nesting, shelter, and feeding on insects and seeds. Their dull, streaked feathers provide perfect camouflage against native shrub leaves, while their long, breathy, trilling songs are a signature sound of spring on the range. Because they depend so heavily on large, unfragmented landscapes, healthy populations of Brewer’s sparrows are a key indicator of a thriving, well-managed rangeland ecosystem.
Where short prairie grasses like blue grama and buffalo grass break up the sagebrush valley, you’ll find the thick-billed longspur (Rhynchophanes mccowni). This species relies heavily on grazing to keep vegetation low; without livestock or bison disturbing the grass, their nesting habitat disappears.
On their breeding grounds, they feed heavily on protein-rich grasshoppers. During springtime, males perform incredible aerial courtship displays: They fly up to 30 feet in the air and "parachute" back down on outstretched wings with their white tail feathers spread wide, singing a warbling song to impress females and mark their territory.
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are gorgeous, iconic fixtures of Southwestern Montana's open valleys. While commonly referred to as "pronghorn antelope," they aren't true antelopes at all; their closest living relatives are actually the African giraffes and okapis.
Built purely for acceleration and endurance, pronghorn are the fastest land mammals in the Western Hemisphere, topping out at speeds over 55mph, with this extreme speed attributed to a prehistoric evolutionary "arms race" with the now-extinct American cheetah (Miracinonyx). While modern wolves and coyotes can't come close to matching a pronghorn's pace today, these remarkable animals retain their incredible speed and massive heart-and-lung capacity, allowing them to cruise effortlessly across open rangelands.
Small, long-legged, and undeniably cute, the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is one of the range's most charismatic residents. Unlike most owls, these birds are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and can often be spotted standing guard on fence posts or mounds.
Burrowing owls have a fascinating relationship with prairie dogs and other underground mammals; because the owls can't dig their own homes, they rely entirely on abandoned burrows for nesting and shelter. These opportunistic hunters eat a wide-ranging diet that includes insects, small mammals, lizards, snakes, and birds. Highly sensitive to habitat loss, their presence is a great sign of an intact, biodiverse grassland.
Ranching landscapes are complex, working environments. During the visit, the team noted that this ecosystem is facing real-world challenges, including severe ongoing regional drought and water access issues. This is where our work regenerating the landscape becomes crucial; by combining rotational grazing strategies with targeted infrastructure improvements, we can significantly boost soil health, turning vulnerable land into a thriving, resilient ecosystem.
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), every 1% increase in soil organic matter lets an acre of land hold roughly 20,000 gallons of extra water. That moisture doesn't just keep pastures green longer during a dry spell, it also helps safeguard the land against wildfires. As research from the USDA and fire ecology experts shows, soils rich in organic matter maintain higher plant moisture levels and soil humidity, creating a natural firebreak that slows down fire spread and helps landscapes bounce back faster if a burn does occur.
Hand-in-hand with our landscape restoration work, the ranch is actively participating in a broader ecological monitoring network, with ongoing research from local university programs and regional partnerships. Cultivo is actively working to coordinate with these existing initiatives, synthesizing data and supporting local land stewards.
By pairing high-tech monitoring tools, on-the-ground data collection, and deep, generational knowledge of local ranchers, we can build restoration strategies that support both wildlife and agricultural livelihoods.
Implementing our Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services framework in Montana reminds us exactly why we do this work: to accelerate investment into nature and regenerate the world’s land into healthy, resilient ecosystems.
As we refine our field protocols and analyze the baseline data gathered in Montana, we move one step closer to scaling transparent, high-integrity nature restoration worldwide.
Stay tuned for more field updates as we continue monitoring biodiversity across our global project portfolio! Big thanks to Princeton Hydro's Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, ACE, Tanya Dapkey, CE, and Eric Zawatski, CWB, for providing photos and information for the species listed in this post!
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Bill S3403/A4007 into law, requiring sellers to disclose the presence of dams on properties being sold in New Jersey along with information regarding the dams' condition, inspection history, hazard classification, and ownership obligations. The law is intended to improve transparency during real estate transactions and help buyers better understand the responsibilities that can accompany dam ownership before becoming contractually obligated to buy the property.
For many, a waterbody can be an attractive property asset that enhances aesthetics, recreation opportunities, and property value. However, what is not always apparent is that the waterbody may be maintained by a dam, and ownership of that dam comes with legal, financial, and regulatory responsibilities. Because dams are regulated infrastructure, depending on their size and hazard classification, owners may be responsible for routine inspections, maintenance, repairs, emergency planning, and ongoing compliance with state regulations. In some cases, property owners do not discover the full extent of those obligations until after a real estate transaction is complete, resulting in unexpected costs and liabilities.
"Dams are critical infrastructure, but they also have long-term responsibilities. Owners can face substantial costs associated with inspections, maintenance, rehabilitation, and regulatory compliance, and those obligations often transfer with the property purchase," explained Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, President of Princeton Hydro and NJ-licensed Professional Engineer. "This legislation helps ensure that prospective buyers understand the presence and condition of a dam so that they can evaluate those obligations upfront. Families and business owners can make informed investments while preventing unexpected liabilities, promoting public safety, and encouraging responsible stewardship of aging dam infrastructure across the state."
The passage of S3403/A4007 follows months of advocacy led by The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, which first proposed the legislation and worked closely with lawmakers, stakeholders, and bipartisan supporters throughout the legislative process. Through testimony, coalition building, and sustained engagement, the organization helped elevate awareness of the challenges and costs associated with dam ownership and the importance of providing prospective property buyers with clear and timely information.
"No family should learn after purchasing a home that they have also assumed responsibility for a structure that could require extensive repairs or ongoing compliance costs," said Rebecca Hilbert, New Jersey Policy Associate at The Nature Conservancy. "By requiring transparency for buyers upfront, this legislation supports consumers, enhances public safety and helps ensure that dams affecting New Jersey's rivers and communities are responsibly managed."
Section 1 of the New Jersey Dam Disclosure Law states, "A seller of real property located in this State shall disclose, on the property condition disclosure statement, whether a dam is located within the boundaries of the property and any actual knowledge of the seller concerning the dam, as required pursuant to this section, to the purchaser before the purchaser becomes obligated under any contract for the purchase of the property." The law also adds specific dam-related questions to the property condition disclosure statement, including:
Additionally, the law directs prospective buyers to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) resources regarding dam ownership responsibilities, dam removal, and hazard classifications to gain a better understanding of the implications of dam ownership before becoming contractually obligated or completing the sale transaction.
The law serves a broader public safety purpose. Better informed ownership can encourage compliance with dam safety requirements, timely maintenance and repairs, and informed decision-making regarding rehabilitation, dam removal, and river restoration.
These responsibilities are not insignificant. Under New Jersey's Safe Dam Act and Dam Safety Standards (N.J.A.C. 7:20), regulated dams must be inspected by a qualified New Jersey-licensed Professional Engineer every two to four years, depending on the dam's hazard classification. Regulated dam owners are also required to maintain an Operation and Maintenance Manual, while Hazard Class I and II dams must have a NJDEP-approved Emergency Action Plan in place. A regulated dam is generally defined as an artificial dike, levee, or barrier that raises the waters of a stream more than five feet above the usual mean low water height. Many property owners may be unaware that these requirements apply to a structure on their property until they begin exploring its regulatory status or ownership obligations, or receive a compliance letter from NJDEP.
These requirements exist to protect people, property, and the environment from the consequences of dam failures. When dams are not properly maintained, the impacts can extend far beyond the property boundary, potentially resulting in downstream flooding, property damage, environmental degradation, impacts to wildlife habitat, and, in the most severe cases, loss of life. By increasing awareness of dam ownership responsibilities before a property changes hands, the new law can help support safer, more proactive management of New Jersey's aging dam infrastructure while reducing the likelihood of unexpected costs and obligations for future owners.
In a press release from The Nature Conservancy the organization stated, "The Nature Conservancy supported the legislation because dams can have lasting impacts on public safety, local communities and the health of New Jersey's waterways. Ensuring property owners understand their responsibilities is an important step toward informed stewardship of dams that affect both people and nature."
We applaud The Nature Conservancy for spearheading this effort and building the bipartisan support needed to move the legislation from concept to law. We also thank Governor Sherrill, Senator John Burzichelli, Assemblyman Dave Bailey, Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley, and the many legislators who recognized the importance of greater transparency for New Jersey homebuyers and businesses.
Princeton Hydro has long supported proactive dam safety management, providing dam inspections, geotechnical investigations, regulatory guidance, rehabilitation planning, and dam removal services to property owners, municipalities, organizations, and regulatory stakeholders throughout New Jersey and beyond. For decades, Geoff has been a leading voice in dam safety and removal. Widely recognized for pioneering dam removal efforts in New Jersey and for his expertise throughout the United States and internationally, Geoff has spent more than thirty years evaluating dams and helping owners navigate complex regulatory and infrastructure challenges. To learn more about dam safety inspection, we invite you to read our recent blog, "A Day in the Life of a Dam Inspector: Casey Pantaleo, PE."
Volunteers and community stakeholders gathered at Cupsaw Lake in Ringwood Township, NJ for the installation of two floating wetland islands, an innovative nature-based solution that improves water quality while enhancing biodiversity.
The project was funded by Skylands Guardian, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural resources of New Jersey's Highlands region through education, advocacy, and environmental stewardship. In partnership with Skylands Guardian, Princeton Hydro Aquatic Ecologist Katie Walston-Frederick led the hands-on installation event, which transformed native plants and recycled materials into living ecosystems designed to benefit the lake for years to come.
Nestled within the Ramapo Mountains, Cupsaw Lake is a 65-acre freshwater lake in the heart of Ringwood Township. To help preserve its long-term ecological health, local partners continue to invest in innovative, science-based management initiatives. Floating wetland islands are one such solution.
Constructed from recycled materials and planted with native vegetation, floating wetland islands are designed to mimic the functions of natural wetlands. Beneath the surface, extensive root systems create habitat for beneficial microbes that help remove excess nutrients from the water column while providing shelter and foraging opportunities for fish and other wildlife. The result is a floating ecosystem that supports water quality, biodiversity, and habitat enhancement all at once.
Research has shown that a 250-square-foot floating wetland island can remove approximately 10 pounds of phosphorus annually while providing roughly the same nutrient-processing surface area as one acre of natural wetland. Considering that a single pound of phosphorus can generate up to 1,100 pounds of wet algal biomass, floating wetland islands have the potential to significantly reduce nutrient availability and help limit some of the factors that contribute to nuisance algal blooms.
A key component of the Cupsaw Lake project was community participation.
Katie coordinated and directed the installation effort, guiding volunteers through each stage of the process. Participants learned how to prepare native plants, install plant plugs within the floating island matrix, apply protective goose netting, and properly deploy and anchor the islands within the lake. The event provided an opportunity for volunteers to learn firsthand about lake ecology, nutrient management, and the role innovative restoration tools can play in protecting local water resources.
As the newly planted vegetation establishes itself in the coming months, the islands will become increasingly effective at nutrient uptake while creating a visually appealing focal point within the lake. Over time, the native plantings and submerged root systems will provide valuable habitat for fish, macroinvertebrates, and other wildlife. In addition to their environmental benefits, the islands will serve as a visible reminder of the community's commitment to protecting and enhancing Cupsaw Lake.
The project also aligns with broader watershed management efforts taking place throughout Ringwood and the New Jersey Highlands. In 2019, the Borough of Ringwood became the first municipality in New Jersey to pursue a regional approach to private lake management through a public-private partnership with four lake associations: Cupsaw, Erskine, Skyline, and Riconda.
Situated within the northeast corner of the Highlands region, Ringwood is home to numerous lakes and reservoirs that provide drinking water to millions of New Jersey residents. To support the long-term protection of these resources, the Borough partnered with Princeton Hydro to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan that identifies and prioritizes projects that address both immediate and future water quality concerns.
This approach recognizes that healthy lakes require more than in-lake management. Sustainable improvements depend on addressing nutrient and sediment sources throughout the surrounding watershed. And, organizations like Skylands Guardian play a critical role in turning watershed planning into on-the-ground action. Projects like the Cupsaw Lake floating wetland islands complement larger watershed initiatives by improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and fostering community engagement.
During her more than 11 years with Princeton Hydro, Katie has contributed to a wide range of water quality monitoring programs, fisheries investigations, habitat restoration projects, and watershed assessments. She serves as the firm's primary coordinator for floating wetland island projects and has overseen installations at waterbodies throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
In 2017, she became certified as an Island Master Builder through Floating Island International, receiving specialized training in the design, construction, installation, and application of floating wetland island technology. Her expertise helped ensure that the Cupsaw Lake installation project not only achieved its technical objectives but also provided a meaningful educational experience for volunteers and community members.
To learn more about another one of Princeton Hydro's long-term lake management initiative, explore our blog, Two Decades of Lake Management Innovation at Duke Farms, which highlights efforts to protect and monitor the interconnected lakes and ponds across Duke Farms' 2,700-acre property in Hillsborough, New Jersey.
Welcome to the latest edition of our Partner Spotlight series, where we highlight the organizations and communities working to improve water quality, strengthen environmental resilience, and invest in the long-term health of their natural resources.
This edition features Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township, in Morris County, New Jersey, and their proactive, science-based approach to protecting Fox's Pond (also known as Park Lake) and its surrounding watershed. Because Fox's Pond spans both Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township, protecting its water quality requires coordinated planning, ongoing partnership, and a shared vision for long-term watershed management.
Many lake management efforts focus exclusively on conditions within the waterbody itself. Rockaway recognized that lasting improvements require understanding what happens throughout the watershed.
In 2022, Princeton Hydro completed a watershed assessment and developed a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) for Rockaway Township that evaluated eleven lakes and ponds throughout the municipality, including Fox's Pond, which was funded by the New Jersey Highlands Council. The WMP identifies watershed factors contributing to nutrient loading and eutrophication and prioritizes practical management strategies for implementation based on urgency, feasibility, and potential to deliver the greatest water quality and ecological benefits. Rather than treating water quality challenges as isolated issues, the WMP established a framework for watershed-wide improvement opportunities.
Using recommendations developed through the Watershed Management Plan, Rockaway Township, with guidance from Princeton Hydro, successfully pursued NJDEP Section 319(h) Water Quality Restoration funding. In 2025, the Township received nearly $400,000 to implement priority recommendations identified through the watershed planning process.
The project includes water quality improvements focused on reducing nutrient inputs into Fox’s Pond and Fox Brook, enhancing stormwater treatment, and improving local capacity to manage runoff before it reaches surrounding waterways. A key component of the project is the installation of nature-based green infrastructure practices designed to capture, filter, and naturally treat stormwater at its source.
A focal point of the effort is the conversion of an existing rock-lined drainage swale into a vegetated stormwater treatment system with bioretention features and native plants designed to:
This project represents a tangible example of how watershed planning can translate into on-the-ground environmental improvements that provide both immediate and long-term benefits on a watershed scale.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our work in the Rockaway community has been the opportunity to partner with local stakeholders who are committed to turning science into action,” said Princeton Hydro Senior Manager of Aquatics Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM. “What began as a watershed-wide assessment has evolved into tangible restoration projects, successful grant funding, and ongoing lake management efforts. Rather than viewing the assessment as a standalone study, it’s been embraced as a roadmap for future investment and decision-making.”
Through a recently launched monitoring program, Princeton Hydro will track key indicators of lake health, including nutrient concentrations, water clarity, aquatic vegetation, algae communities, and overall water quality. The data collected will help evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing watershed improvements while identifying opportunities for continued enhancement.
Princeton Hydro is proud to continue partnering with Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township. In addition to supporting watershed planning and implementation efforts, Princeton Hydro conducts annual monitoring of Fox's Pond on behalf of Rockaway Borough. Through continued monitoring, watershed improvements, and data-driven management, Fox's Pond and Fox Brook will remain vibrant ecological assets for generations to come.
Looking for a way to get involved in Rockaway Borough? The Recreation Department is always seeking volunteers to support local events, sports programs, projects, and committees. Whether you can help occasionally or on a regular basis, your contribution helps. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, click here or email recdirector@rockawayborough.org.
For more information about Princeton Hydro’s lake and watershed management work, click here.
Our team continues to grow with passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference through their work. Today, we’re pleased to introduce our newest team members, whose unique skills, experiences, and enthusiasm help strengthen our organization and support our mission of improving ecosystems, quality of life, and communities for the better.
Sushil is a geotechnical engineering professional with more than 15 years of experience in foundation design, subsurface investigations, stormwater infiltration testing, pavement design, retaining wall systems, settlement evaluations, and ground improvement. Over the course of his career, Sushil has managed projects from initial site investigations through construction support, overseeing drilling programs, laboratory testing, engineering analyses, and technical reporting. He is passionate about delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that support resilient infrastructure and sustainable site development.
Outside of work, Sushil enjoys running, gardening, and spending time with his family.
Jordan is an Aquatic Specialist with experience in groundwater monitoring and sampling throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He supports a variety of pond and lake management projects for municipal, government, private, and nonprofit clients, including invasive species mitigation and aeration system and fountain installation and maintenance. Jordan has a strong background in plant identification and brings technical knowledge, adaptability, and attention to detail to every project. He is committed to helping clients improve water quality and promote the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Rebecca is a Staff Engineer with experience in environmental engineering, regulatory compliance, and project management. She holds a B.S. in Biomedical and Environmental Engineering from Yale University. Prior to joining the team, Rebecca spent two years working as an environmental engineer in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she supported capital improvement projects focused on water treatment and air and stormwater pollution prevention. Rebecca enjoys solving complex environmental challenges and developing solutions that help communities become more resilient.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature with her family and her cat, Pumpkin.
Nordia brings a well-rounded accounting background spanning a variety of industries. Her diverse professional experience has equipped her with a broad skill set in financial operations, analytical problem-solving, and customer service. In her role as Accounts Payable Specialist, she takes a collaborative approach to her work and believes that clear communication is the foundation for successful outcomes. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Nordia spent her early years there before relocating to the United States as a teenager. Prior to recently moving to New Jersey, she lived in South Florida.
Outside of work, Nordia enjoys volunteering through preaching and teaching, as well as spending quality time with family, friends, and members of her congregation.
On July 16, Pennsylvania State Senator Carolyn Comitta joined municipal leaders, project partners, and community residents in Tredyffrin Township to celebrate the progress of the Willis Lake, Woodcrest Road, and Upper Weadley Road Stormwater Improvement Project, a significant initiative designed to reduce flooding, modernize aging infrastructure, and improve water quality within the Upper Weadley tributary, which feeds into Trout Creek and ultimately flows into the Schuylkill River.
Tredyffrin Township Engineer Steve Burgo, PE, led participants on a guided site tour that showcased key construction milestones and recently completed improvements, and provided a deeper look into the long-term stormwater management benefits the project provides to community residents, local water resources, and the watershed as a whole.
Tredyffrin Township has worked closely with Princeton Hydro since 2012 through an ongoing on-call engineering services partnership. Over the past decade, this partnership has supported watershed assessments, stormwater planning, identification and prioritization of improvement projects, grant funding efforts, and the implementation of practical, science-based solutions to address flooding, improve watershed health, and strengthen community resilience. The collaboration has also extended to numerous municipal infrastructure initiatives and major residential, commercial, and institutional redevelopment projects throughout the Township.
The Willis/Woodcrest/Upper Weadley project, which began in 2022, represents an important milestone in Tredyffrin Township's ongoing efforts to address persistent stormwater management and flooding challenges. The planning process began with a comprehensive evaluation of the approximately 70-acre watershed. Princeton Hydro developed a hydrologic model of the watershed and its existing stormwater system using field survey data, Township records, and other site-specific information. This analysis helped identify critical areas where aging infrastructure and system limitations were contributing to localized flooding and drainage issues.
Community engagement also played a key role in shaping the project. Township officials and Princeton Hydro hosted public meetings with residents to gather local knowledge, document firsthand experiences with flooding, and discuss potential solutions. This input provided valuable insight into how stormwater impacts neighborhoods during major storm events and helped inform project priorities.
Combining technical analysis with community feedback, the project team evaluated a range of potential improvements, including both traditional "gray" infrastructure upgrades and nature-based "green" stormwater management strategies. The solution incorporates a series of targeted improvements that work together to reduce peak stormwater flows, increase storage and infiltration, modernize aging infrastructure, and improve the overall performance and resiliency of the watershed.
The final design combines critical upgrades to aging drainage infrastructure with new stormwater management measures that work together to better capture, convey, store, and infiltrate runoff throughout the watershed. Construction is anticipated to be completed later this year. The project is being funding from several funding sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program, which supports critical water infrastructure investments throughout the Commonwealth.
Key project improvements include:
One of the most compelling aspects of this project is the visible transformation that has occurred across the project site. The before-and-after photos below highlight the significant being progress made to address longstanding drainage challenges and improve stormwater management throughout the project area.
These additional pre-construction photos taken in 2023 document the conditions that prompted the project, including aging drainage infrastructure, erosion, and areas impacted by repeated stormwater flooding.
Today, as the construction work continues, the results of these improvements are already clearly visible throughout the project area. Modern stormwater infrastructure, enhanced drainage capacity, and thoughtfully integrated stormwater management features have transformed the site into a more resilient landscape capable of better managing runoff and reducing flood risk.
Princeton Hydro is honored to partner with Tredyffrin Township and support their continued leadership in and commitment to stormwater management. Please stay tuned for more updates later this year once construction is complete!
To learn more about this project, click here. To learn more about our work in Tredyffrin Township, click here.
Work is underway at Strawbridge Lake as Princeton Hydro and Moorestown Township continue a lake restoration project focused on managing excessive spatterdock growth throughout portions of the lake. The effort is part of a broader, long-term strategy to improve lake health, enhance recreational opportunities, and support the ecological function of this important community resource.
Take a look at some recent photos from the field featuring Field Services Project Manager Matt Kreines operating the Truxor during spatterdock removal activities:
Spatterdock (Nuphar advena), also known as yellow pond lily or cow lily, is a native aquatic plant commonly found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving waters throughout the eastern United States. While native aquatic vegetation plays an important role in healthy lake ecosystems, excessive growth can reduce open water areas, limit recreation, and alter habitat conditions. At Strawbridge Lake, years of monitoring and management have identified areas where spatterdock has expanded significantly and requires active management.
The current project focuses on removing overabundant spatterdock from targeted sections of the lake while preserving important habitat along the shoreline. In coordination with guidance from the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, a vegetated buffer is being maintained around portions of the lake's edge to provide refuge and spawning habitat for fish.
Using Princeton Hydro's amphibious Truxor harvesting machine, our team of licensed operators are cutting and removing dense stands of spatterdock from open-water areas throughout the lake. The harvested vegetation is collected and transported to the shoreline, where Moorestown Township Public Works crews remove the material for composting and final disposal.
These photos, captured by Matt Kreines from the operator's seat of the Truxor, provide a firsthand look at the spatterdock removal process in action:
The restoration work also encourages improved water circulation in the lake and increased dissolved oxygen, two important factors in maintaining water quality. The harvesting process also removes nutrients stored within the plant biomass, providing additional benefits.
The spatterdock management project builds upon years of planning, monitoring, and restoration work at Strawbridge Lake. Since the development of the Strawbridge Lake Watershed Management and Restoration Plan, Moorestown Township has invested in a variety of initiatives, including water quality monitoring, aquatic vegetation management, Children's Pond restoration, stormwater improvements, fishery surveys, invasive species management, and public outreach programs.
On May 2, Moorestown Township hosted a public information session at the Moorestown Public Library, where residents joined Township staff and Princeton Hydro Senior Manager and Certified Lake Manager Chris Mikolajczyk, CLM to learn about Strawbridge Lake management and watershed restoration efforts.
The presentation highlighted the history of restoration efforts at Strawbridge Lake, ongoing vegetation management activities, and opportunities for residents to help improve water quality at home through practices such as rain gardens, rain barrels, natural landscaping, and other stormwater management techniques. The session also provided community members with the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the work taking place throughout the watershed.
As work continues, the Township and Princeton Hydro remain committed to advancing practical, science-based solutions that benefit both the lake and the surrounding community. Click here to learn more about our partnership with Moorestown Township to protect and restore Strawbridge Lake.
Each July, Lakes Appreciation Month invites us to reconnect with one of our most valuable natural resources: our lakes. Since 1998, the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) has led this initiative to raise awareness about the ecological, recreational, and community benefits lakes provide, while encouraging people to take an active role in protecting them. This year, we’re encouraging you to take your appreciation further by learning, participating, and making meaningful connections with your local lake. Here are four impactful ways to celebrate:
No matter how well you know your local lake, there is always something new to discover. Visit at a different time of day, explore a new access point, or try an activity you've never done before, like birding, early morning paddling, or shoreline photography.
As you spend time on the water or along the shore, take note of the details. Look for changes in water clarity, plant growth, wildlife activity, and seasonal shifts. These small observations can deepen your appreciation and help you better understand how your lake functions. If something doesn't look right, like signs of a harmful algal bloom, the presence of invasive aquatic species, or other water quality concerns, take note and share what you see. Reporting observations to your local lake association or through tools like the bloomWatch app can support monitoring efforts and help protect your lake.
Take your lake visit one step further by joining the annual Secchi Dip-In. This long-running citizen science effort invites volunteers across North America to measure water clarity using a simple Secchi disk. The data collected helps scientists and lake managers track water quality trends over time. Participation is simple and meaningful, and every reading contributes to a larger understanding of lake health.
If you are new to using a Secchi disk, watch our step-by-step instructional video to learn how to take accurate measurements:
Lakes bring people together and create lasting memories. This month, take the opportunity to share your connection to your favorite lake and inspire others to get involved. Join the NALMS #LakesAppreciation Challenge by posting photos or videos that capture your experience. Capture a quiet sunrise, a family outing, or a day spent volunteering and show others what makes your lake special.
Looking for more ways to tell your lake story? Try one of these ideas:
When you share, be sure to include the lake name and the hashtag #LakesAppreciation to connect with the broader celebration.
You don't need to make a big commitment to make a meaningful difference. Small, consistent actions can have a lasting impact on lake health over time. Here are a few simple ways to give back:
Communities across the country are working together to protect and restore their lakes. Your efforts, no matter how small, play an important role in that collective impact.
Lakes Appreciation Month is just the starting point. The actions you take now can help protect and improve your lake all year long. Keep exploring, stay engaged, and continue being a voice for the waters you value. For more ideas and resources, visit NALMS.org. To learn more about how Princeton Hydro supports lake management and restoration, click here to explore one of our projects.
We are proud to share that Princeton Hydro has once again been recognized as one of New Jersey’s Top Workplaces. This marks our third consecutive year earning the distinction, with awards in 2024, 2025, and now 2026.
The award highlights organizations that prioritize a people-first workplace culture. NJ Advance Media serves as the program’s media partner, showcasing and celebrating winners across the state. Top Workplaces awards are determined independently through employee feedback gathered by Energage, a third-party employee engagement technology firm that administers and analyzes the survey results. The confidential survey measures key aspects of employee experience, including whether employees feel respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to succeed.
Being named a Top Workplace is a significant achievement. This year, Princeton Hydro is honored to be among only 34 organizations with fewer than 150 employees in New Jersey recognized in the 2026 program.
“Receiving this continued recognition as one of New Jersey’s Top Workplaces is a testament to our collaborative spirit and shared commitment to creating a fulfilling work experience,” said President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE. “This achievement truly belongs to our team. Their passion and dedication shape our workplace, make Princeton Hydro a great place to be, and drive our success.”
As a mission-driven firm specializing in water resource engineering and natural resource management, we take a thoughtful approach to creating an environment that supports both professional excellence and personal well-being. Collaborative project work, professional development opportunities, and our signature “PHun” events, including volunteer activities, team birdwatch outings, group learning sessions, and staff celebrations, all play an important role in fostering a rewarding and engaging employee experience. Our pet-friendly office policy and thoughtfully designed office spaces further enhance a welcoming and supportive environment.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, the organization that conducts the Top Workplaces survey and determines the rankings. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they are allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That is paramount.”
We are grateful to our Princeton Hydro team members for their honest feedback and continued dedication. Click here to learn more about our team. Click here to see the full list of 2026 New Jersey Top Workplaces winners and learn more about the program.
When a dam is removed, what happens to all the sediment that has built up behind it?
That question was the focus of a recent Dam Busters webinar led by Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, President of Princeton Hydro and an internationally recognized expert in dam removal and river restoration.
During the session, Geoff shared insights on how sediment behaves during dam removal projects, how it accumulates behind dams, and how different materials such as sand, silt, and organic matter respond once the dam is removed. He also discussed the methods practitioners use to estimate how much sediment is likely to move, how quickly it will travel, and the risks it may pose downstream, along with the practical decisions project teams face, including when to rely on natural processes, when intervention is needed, and how to design a strategy that balances ecological benefits, cost, and potential impacts.
During the webinar, Geoff highlighted a real-world example of a dam removal project that required careful sediment management: the Paulina Lake Dam removal on the Paulins Kill River in New Jersey. For this project, the team implemented a phased dam breach, gradually lowering water levels to control the release of sediment and allow the river to begin forming its new channel. A portion of the sediment, particularly the highly organic material near the dam, was actively removed to prevent downstream impacts, while the rest was allowed to mobilize naturally.
To learn more about the Paulina Lake Dam removal project and see the transformation in action, click here to read our blog.
Dam Busters is an initiative created by the Mass Rivers Alliance in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration and the Charles River Watershed Association. Its mission is to provide dam removal stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully support and implement projects.
The program offers expert-led webinars with live Q&A, technical resources and guidance, site visits and hands-on learning opportunities, and in-person workshops and conferences. Whether new to dam removal or actively working in the field, Dam Busters provides valuable, expert-driven insights to help guide dam removal efforts.
Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, a founding partner and the President of Princeton Hydro, has over 35 years of experience in water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, and river restoration. He is widely recognized for advancing innovative and effective approaches to river restoration.
Geoff holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Rutgers University, a Master of Engineering Management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in 11 states. He pioneered dam removals for the purposes of fish passage in New Jersey and has overseen more than 50 dam removal designs. His understanding of sedimentation mechanisms and management of sediment behind impoundments has been instrumental in managing the mitigation of environmental impacts during and after demolition of river and stream obstructions. Click here to learn more about Geoff.
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