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While algae and cyanobacteria are natural components of aquatic ecosystems, certain environmental conditions can trigger rapid growth that results in dense blooms. HABs can cause significant water quality issues, often forming a visible and sometimes odorous scum on the surface of the water. They can produce toxins that are incredibly harmful (even deadly) to humans, animals, and aquatic organisms. HABs also negatively impact economic health, especially for communities dependent on the income of jobs and tourism generated through their local lakes and waterways. [gallery link="none" ids="11578,20843,11570"] HABs in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay The Great Lakes are among the world's most important freshwater resources, supporting drinking water, recreation, tourism, commerce, and diverse aquatic ecosystems. HABs have emerged as a significant water quality challenge in many Great Lakes communities, including the Presque Isle Bay region of Erie, Pennsylvania. Presque Isle Bay and the surrounding nearshore waters periodically experience HAB events that affect recreation, ecological health, and water quality. Some blooms also produce cyanotoxins that pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife. Following significant bloom activity in Presque Isle Bay in 2013, regional agencies, researchers, and community organizations expanded efforts to better understand HAB conditions and provide timely information to the public. Among the leaders in that effort has been the Regional Science Consortium (RSC), which has monitored cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins throughout the Presque Isle region for more than a decade. Through weekly sampling efforts at beaches, marinas, parks, drinking water facilities, and other nearshore locations, RSC has developed an extensive dataset documenting bloom occurrence, cyanotoxin concentrations, and changing conditions across the region. The organization has also become an important source of public education and outreach, helping residents, visitors, and resource managers better understand HAB risks and respond to changing conditions. [gallery link="none" ids="20847,20863,20846"] This combination of long-term monitoring, scientific expertise, and local knowledge has established a strong foundation for the next step: evaluating innovative management strategies that may help reduce HAB impacts before they become widespread. A Partnership Focused on Innovative Solutions Building on RSC's longstanding monitoring program, Princeton Hydro and RSC are collaborating on the implementation of a technology demonstration project. The project is funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Erie-Western PA Port Authority provides site access for staging and field implementation activities within Presque Isle Bay. Where monitoring programs help us understand when and where blooms occur, this effort is focused on exploring a practical management question: can HABs be controlled using a non-pesticidal approach that physically removes cyanobacterial cells from the water column? The collaboration brings together Princeton Hydro's expertise in HAB management, water quality restoration, applied limnology, and water resources management with RSC's extensive knowledge of local bloom conditions, cyanotoxin monitoring and Lake Erie’s ecosystems. By combining these strengths, the team is evaluating whether an innovative treatment strategy can provide resource managers with an additional tool for addressing HABs in vulnerable nearshore areas. One focus of the technology demonstration is laponite, a synthetic nanoscale clay that has shown promise in laboratory testing as a means of removing cyanobacteria from the water column. Unlike traditional algicides that kill algae directly, laponite works through a physical removal process. When introduced into the water, the clay particles bind with suspended cyanobacterial cells, promoting coagulation and flocculation. As the resulting particles settle, cyanobacteria are removed from the water column and transported to bottom sediments where natural biological and environmental processes contribute to their breakdown. Because laponite works through a physical binding and settling process, it removes the biomass and associated nutrients from the water column. This differs from chemical algicides, which work by lysing the cyanobacteria cells in place and can result in the potential release of toxins and nutrients near the surface. As a result, laponite may reduce the risk of unintended impacts to non-target organisms and other ecological effects associated with chemical treatments. [gallery link="none" ids="20851,20854,20852"] [caption id="attachment_20855" align="aligncenter" width="1229"] Princeton Hydro team applying laponite within limnocorrals at select locations throughout Presque Isle Bay.[/caption] The first phase of the demonstration project involves the application of laponite at a mesocosm scale in Presque Isle Bay. A mesocosm is an experimental ecosystem that mimics the natural environment in a controlled setting. A mesocosm can be thought of as a link between controlled laboratory settings and uncontrolled natural environments. This phase of the project allows for the team to examine potential impacts of laponite on non-target organisms in a small, confined setting. Six circular limnocorrals with a diameter of 3.0 meters were installed in the Perry’s Landing section of Presque Isle Bay. Each limnocorral has a clear, impervious tube that extends from the surface to the lake bottom and is sealed against the sediment with anchors. The limnocorrals have no bottom on the inside, allowing for direct contact with the sediment. Laponite was applied to three of the limnocorrals while the other three serve as controls. There is one sampling station in each limnocorral, and an additional three sampling stations just outside of the limnocorral to serve as a limnocorral-controls. This ERDC-funded demonstration project provides an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness, practicality, and potential limitations of laponite applications in active HAB environments within Presque Isle Bay. The demonstration also includes comprehensive water quality monitoring, cyanotoxin analyses, phytoplankton assessments, sediment characterization, incubation studies, molecular analyses, and statistical evaluation. These efforts help quantify treatment performance while also providing insight into how site conditions may influence results. As part of the incubation studies, water and sediment samples are collected from treatment and control areas and brought to Princeton Hydro's biological laboratory for analysis. These studies help identify overwintering cyanobacteria present within sediments and evaluate their potential to contribute to future bloom development. By comparing samples collected before and after treatment, the team can better understand whether management actions may influence not only active blooms in the water column but also the reservoir of cyanobacteria capable of fueling blooms in subsequent seasons. [caption id="attachment_20865" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Princeton Hydro Environmental Scientist Pat Rose collecting sediment samples used in laboratory incubation studies to evaluate overwintering cyanobacteria populations.[/caption] The second phase of this project may involve a larger laponite application in Perry’s Landing during the 2027 growing season as part of a full field scale demonstration. The results from the limnocorral application will be examined and shared with all relevant regulators and stakeholders before the potential full field application. Featured in Erie News Now The project was recently highlighted by Erie News Now, which explored the partnership between Princeton Hydro and the Regional Science Consortium and the effort to evaluate innovative HAB management strategies in Presque Isle Bay. In the article, Dr. Jeanette Schnars, Executive Director of the Regional Science Consortium, emphasized the importance of understanding both the causes and impacts of HABs and ensuring communities have access to the information they need to protect people, pets, and local water resources. Click here to read the article now. Princeton Hydro is proud to partner with the Regional Science Consortium, USACE ERDC, and Erie-Western PA Port Authority on this innovative effort and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of HAB management strategies in Lake Erie and beyond. As the project progresses, we look forward to sharing updates, findings, and lessons learned. Stay tuned! In addition to our work with the RSC and ERDC in Lake Erie, our team is also leading an ERDC-funded technology demonstration at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest lake, focused on evaluating innovative treatment strategies for controlling nearshore HABs. While each waterbody presents its own unique challenges, both projects share a common goal: advancing practical, effective, and environmentally responsible tools that can help communities better understand, manage, prevent, and reduce the impacts of HABs. Click here to learn more about our Lake Hopatcong technology demonstration project. [post_title] => Advancing Harmful Algal Bloom Research in Presque Isle Bay [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => advancing-hab-research-in-presque-isle-bay [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-10-29 14:16:22 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-10-29 14:16:22 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=20841 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 20869 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-10-28 20:20:02 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-10-28 20:20:02 [post_content] => Princeton Hydro is proud to celebrate two awards presented by the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) at its 2026 Annual Conference in Atlantic City. At this year’s award ceremony, NJAFM recognized both the leadership of Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, and the success of the Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal & Hibernia Brook Restoration Project. Geoff received the Excellence in Floodplain Management Leadership Award, while Rockaway Township, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, received the Outstanding Floodplain Management Award for the Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal project. [gallery link="none" ids="20876,20903,20917"] Together, the honors highlight two important sides of floodplain management: the people helping move the profession forward and the projects putting those ideas into practice to create healthier, more resilient communities and watersheds. NJAFM is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sound floodplain management throughout New Jersey. Its Annual Conference brings together floodplain managers, engineers, planners, emergency managers, government officials, consultants, and other professionals working to reduce flood risk and build more resilient communities. Held October 20–22 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, this year’s conference centered on the theme “Living with Water: Innovation, Adaptation, and Leadership in Floodplain Management.” Princeton Hydro was also glad to participate as an exhibitor, connecting with fellow professionals throughout the conference and joining conversations around the challenges and opportunities shaping floodplain management across New Jersey. Excellence in Floodplain Management Leadership: Geoffrey M. Goll, PE For more than three decades, Geoff has worked to advance floodplain management and water resource solutions that protect communities while restoring natural systems. As President of Princeton Hydro, Geoff has helped communities, agencies, and organizations address challenges involving flood risk, aging infrastructure, dam safety, watershed resilience, and ecological restoration. He has served as Engineer-of-Record for more than 50 dam and weir removals in New Jersey, helping demonstrate how dam removal can restore river connectivity, improve floodplain function, and reduce long-term infrastructure liabilities. Beyond his project work, Geoff has also been a dedicated educator and mentor, leading continuing education courses, technical trainings, and conference workshops in New Jersey and around the world. His collaborative approach and commitment to sharing knowledge have made a lasting impact on both the profession and the next generation of water resource professionals. [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="20916,20913,20912,20911"] Photos courtesy of the New Jersey Association for Flodplain Management (NJAFM) Outstanding Floodplain Management: Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal & Hibernia Brook Restoration By removing aging infrastructure and reconnecting Hibernia Brook to its floodplain, the Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal & Hibernia Brook Restoration Project turned a long-standing dam safety challenge into an opportunity for restoration and improved watershed resilience. Led by Rockaway Township in partnership with Princeton Hydro and funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Wetlands Mitigation Council, the project transformed a six-acre artificial impoundment created by the century-old Lake Hudsonia Dam into a free-flowing stream, restored floodplain, and wetland complex. Construction was completed in November 2021 and included removal of the obsolete dam, restoration of more than 1,000 linear feet of stream channel, and regrading of the former impoundment to reconnect the stream with its floodplain. More than five acres of floodplain, wetland, and riparian habitat were restored, increasing the corridor’s ability to store and safely convey floodwater during storm events. The project was followed by five years of monitoring and adaptive management, allowing the team to respond to changing site conditions and support long-term restoration success. Final monitoring completed in 2026 documented continued progress toward a self-sustaining stream, wetland, and floodplain ecosystem, including more than 85 percent native vegetation cover. [gallery link="none" ids="20886,20891,20889,20894,20893,20892,20888,20887,20890"] Celebrating Leadership and Restoration These two awards reflect Princeton Hydro’s longstanding commitment to advancing floodplain management through science, engineering, ecological restoration, and collaboration. We are proud to celebrate Geoff for his leadership and service to the profession, and to see the Lake Hudsonia project recognized as an example of innovative floodplain management in action. Congratulations to Geoff, Rockaway Township, our project partners, and all of the 2026 NJAFM award recipients! To learn more about the 2026 NJAFM award recipients here. [post_title] => Princeton Hydro Celebrates Two 2026 NJAFM Awards [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => 2026-njafm-awards [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-10-28 20:20:02 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-10-28 20:20:02 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=20869 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 20654 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-10-08 19:18:48 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-10-08 19:18:48 [post_content] => The Borough of Florham Park and Princeton Hydro recently completed the installation of two floating wetland islands (FWIs) at Spring Garden Lake, advancing ongoing efforts to improve water quality and enhance aquatic habitat within this valued community resource. The project was implemented as part of the Spring Garden Lake Watershed Implementation Plan, a comprehensive, science-based strategy developed to address watershed and lake health challenges developed by Princeton Hydro. As a nature-based solution, FWIs were selected for their ability to remove excess nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, that can contribute to harmful algal blooms and other water quality issues. Planted with native vegetation, the islands mimic the functions of natural wetlands. As the plants mature, their root systems extend beneath the water's surface, helping filter pollutants, support beneficial microbial communities, and create habitat for aquatic wildlife. Princeton Hydro's Aquatic Ecologists planted, launched, and anchored the islands during the installation event. Protective goose fencing was installed around each island to prevent damage to young vegetation while the plantings become established. Watch the video below and take a front-row seat to installation day as the FWIs make their journey from assembly to launch: [embed]https://youtube.com/shorts/r203Ak7TA7I?feature=share[/embed] Explore the photo gallery for more highlights from installation day: [gallery columns="2" link="none" size="full" ids="20740,20813,20811,20812,20735,20737"] Since 2002, Princeton Hydro has partnered with the Borough of Florham Park to support the stewardship of Spring Garden Lake through a variety of science-based lake management initiatives. The FWIs represent the latest investment in improving water quality, strengthening ecological function, and enhancing the lake's long-term resilience. Click here to learn more about FWIs. [post_title] => Floating Wetland Islands Installed at Spring Garden Lake [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => floating-wetland-islands-installed-at-spring-garden-lake [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-10-08 19:18:48 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-10-08 19:18:48 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=20654 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 20705 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-10-06 13:29:15 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-10-06 13:29:15 [post_content] => This fall, Princeton Hydro's field team has been hard at work at Swartswood State Park, supporting ongoing invasive species management efforts led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The work focuses on controlling Phragmites australis (common reed), an aggressive invasive plant that can rapidly dominate wetlands, displacing native vegetation, reducing habitat diversity, and altering natural ecological processes. As part of a comprehensive management strategy that combines monitoring, treatment, and follow-up maintenance, Princeton Hydro recently assisted with a targeted seed-head removal effort designed to help limit the spread of existing Phragmites populations and support long-term wetland restoration goals. Working plant by plant, the field team manually clipped and collected Phragmites seed heads before they could fully mature and disperse. While time-intensive, this proactive management technique helps reduce the spread of viable seeds to nearby wetlands, minimizing opportunities for reinfestation and improving the effectiveness of broader control efforts. Once removed, seed heads were carefully collected and properly disposed of to prevent the establishment of new populations elsewhere. Successful invasive species management requires more than fieldwork alone. Long-term restoration depends on thoughtful planning, sound science, adaptive management, and strong partnerships committed to environmental stewardship. Princeton Hydro is proud to support NJDEP's efforts to protect and restore New Jersey's wetland ecosystems and help promote healthier, more resilient habitats. Enjoy the photos below for a behind-the-scenes look at our field crews in action at Swartswood State Park: [gallery link="none" ids="20750,20724,20757"] [gallery link="none" ids="20760,20729,20728"] Click here to learn more about our work in areas throughout the East Coast to address and properly manage Phragmites australis in order to restore natural habitats. [post_title] => Managing Invasive Phragmites at Swartswood State Park [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => managing-invasive-phragmites-at-swartswood-state-park [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-10-07 13:29:32 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-10-07 13:29:32 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://princetonhydro.com/?p=20705 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 19091 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2026-09-23 02:58:01 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-09-23 02:58:01 [post_content] => At Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, every boardwalk, bird blind, and wetland pool tells a story of conservation in action. This winter, the Renova-Princeton Hydro Joint Venture was proud to partner with the Friends of Great Swamp on a targeted habitat restoration effort. This work focused on carefully reopening areas that were historically open water but had gradually filled in with vegetation and sediment due to natural ecological succession. By setting back that succession in strategic locations, the project supports wildlife and ecological function and restores treasured views of open water along some of the Refuge’s most visited trails. We invite you to watch the video below and explore the photos throughout this article for a preview of the transformation unfolding as well as an overview of the restoration effort and key project activities: [embed]https://youtu.be/UmMj_MEEe5A[/embed] A Refuge of Regional and National Importance Located in Morris County, New Jersey, just 26 miles west of New York City, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a rare and expansive natural landscape set within one of the most developed regions of the country. The Refuge encompasses roughly 8,000 acres of freshwater wetlands, forests, and open water habitats. Ecologically, the Refuge plays a critical role along the Atlantic Flyway, providing essential resting, feeding, and breeding habitat for more than 240 bird species, including many migrating waterfowl that depend on intact wetlands as stopover sites during seasonal migrations along the East Coast. Many species also rely on the Refuge year‑round for shelter, nesting, and foraging. [gallery columns="4" ids="20672,20671,20670,20668"] The Refuge also plays a vital role beyond its boundaries. The Great Swamp acts as a natural sponge during heavy rains, storing and slowly releasing floodwaters that help protect surrounding communities. It also improves regional water quality by filtering sediment and nutrients before they reach downstream waterways. For people, the Refuge is an irreplaceable resource, offering quiet trails, boardwalks, educational programs, and opportunities to experience wildlife just a short drive from dense urban centers. Places like the bird blind and boardwalk trails connect visitors directly to the landscape, making habitat quality and visibility especially meaningful. Maintaining the delicate balance between natural processes and public access is at the heart of good refuge stewardship, and that balance is what this recently completed project with the Friends of Great Swamp supports. The Project at a Glance Over time, sediment accumulation and dense vegetation growth near boardwalks and the bird blind reduced open water areas that are valuable for dabbling ducks and other waterfowl; aquatic macroinvertebrates and breeding amphibians; and wildlife observation and education. [gallery ids="20691,20688,20689"] This project focused on selectively removing accumulated sediment and vegetation in three targeted areas to restore open water conditions without disturbing the broader wetland system. Because of the Refuge’s sensitivity, the work was completed using a custom, field‑driven approach, which allowed project ecologists, engineers, and construction crews to respond directly to site conditions while maintaining strict permit compliance. Key elements included:
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become one of the most pressing water quality challenges facing lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters across the United States. While algae and cyanobacteria are natural components of aquatic ecosystems, certain environmental conditions can trigger rapid growth that results in dense blooms.
HABs can cause significant water quality issues, often forming a visible and sometimes odorous scum on the surface of the water. They can produce toxins that are incredibly harmful (even deadly) to humans, animals, and aquatic organisms. HABs also negatively impact economic health, especially for communities dependent on the income of jobs and tourism generated through their local lakes and waterways.
The Great Lakes are among the world's most important freshwater resources, supporting drinking water, recreation, tourism, commerce, and diverse aquatic ecosystems. HABs have emerged as a significant water quality challenge in many Great Lakes communities, including the Presque Isle Bay region of Erie, Pennsylvania.
Presque Isle Bay and the surrounding nearshore waters periodically experience HAB events that affect recreation, ecological health, and water quality. Some blooms also produce cyanotoxins that pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife.
Following significant bloom activity in Presque Isle Bay in 2013, regional agencies, researchers, and community organizations expanded efforts to better understand HAB conditions and provide timely information to the public. Among the leaders in that effort has been the Regional Science Consortium (RSC), which has monitored cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins throughout the Presque Isle region for more than a decade. Through weekly sampling efforts at beaches, marinas, parks, drinking water facilities, and other nearshore locations, RSC has developed an extensive dataset documenting bloom occurrence, cyanotoxin concentrations, and changing conditions across the region. The organization has also become an important source of public education and outreach, helping residents, visitors, and resource managers better understand HAB risks and respond to changing conditions.
This combination of long-term monitoring, scientific expertise, and local knowledge has established a strong foundation for the next step: evaluating innovative management strategies that may help reduce HAB impacts before they become widespread.
Building on RSC's longstanding monitoring program, Princeton Hydro and RSC are collaborating on the implementation of a technology demonstration project. The project is funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Erie-Western PA Port Authority provides site access for staging and field implementation activities within Presque Isle Bay.
Where monitoring programs help us understand when and where blooms occur, this effort is focused on exploring a practical management question: can HABs be controlled using a non-pesticidal approach that physically removes cyanobacterial cells from the water column?
The collaboration brings together Princeton Hydro's expertise in HAB management, water quality restoration, applied limnology, and water resources management with RSC's extensive knowledge of local bloom conditions, cyanotoxin monitoring and Lake Erie’s ecosystems. By combining these strengths, the team is evaluating whether an innovative treatment strategy can provide resource managers with an additional tool for addressing HABs in vulnerable nearshore areas.
One focus of the technology demonstration is laponite, a synthetic nanoscale clay that has shown promise in laboratory testing as a means of removing cyanobacteria from the water column. Unlike traditional algicides that kill algae directly, laponite works through a physical removal process. When introduced into the water, the clay particles bind with suspended cyanobacterial cells, promoting coagulation and flocculation. As the resulting particles settle, cyanobacteria are removed from the water column and transported to bottom sediments where natural biological and environmental processes contribute to their breakdown.
Because laponite works through a physical binding and settling process, it removes the biomass and associated nutrients from the water column. This differs from chemical algicides, which work by lysing the cyanobacteria cells in place and can result in the potential release of toxins and nutrients near the surface. As a result, laponite may reduce the risk of unintended impacts to non-target organisms and other ecological effects associated with chemical treatments.
The first phase of the demonstration project involves the application of laponite at a mesocosm scale in Presque Isle Bay. A mesocosm is an experimental ecosystem that mimics the natural environment in a controlled setting. A mesocosm can be thought of as a link between controlled laboratory settings and uncontrolled natural environments. This phase of the project allows for the team to examine potential impacts of laponite on non-target organisms in a small, confined setting.
Six circular limnocorrals with a diameter of 3.0 meters were installed in the Perry’s Landing section of Presque Isle Bay. Each limnocorral has a clear, impervious tube that extends from the surface to the lake bottom and is sealed against the sediment with anchors. The limnocorrals have no bottom on the inside, allowing for direct contact with the sediment. Laponite was applied to three of the limnocorrals while the other three serve as controls. There is one sampling station in each limnocorral, and an additional three sampling stations just outside of the limnocorral to serve as a limnocorral-controls.
This ERDC-funded demonstration project provides an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness, practicality, and potential limitations of laponite applications in active HAB environments within Presque Isle Bay. The demonstration also includes comprehensive water quality monitoring, cyanotoxin analyses, phytoplankton assessments, sediment characterization, incubation studies, molecular analyses, and statistical evaluation. These efforts help quantify treatment performance while also providing insight into how site conditions may influence results.
As part of the incubation studies, water and sediment samples are collected from treatment and control areas and brought to Princeton Hydro's biological laboratory for analysis. These studies help identify overwintering cyanobacteria present within sediments and evaluate their potential to contribute to future bloom development. By comparing samples collected before and after treatment, the team can better understand whether management actions may influence not only active blooms in the water column but also the reservoir of cyanobacteria capable of fueling blooms in subsequent seasons.
The second phase of this project may involve a larger laponite application in Perry’s Landing during the 2027 growing season as part of a full field scale demonstration. The results from the limnocorral application will be examined and shared with all relevant regulators and stakeholders before the potential full field application.
The project was recently highlighted by Erie News Now, which explored the partnership between Princeton Hydro and the Regional Science Consortium and the effort to evaluate innovative HAB management strategies in Presque Isle Bay. In the article, Dr. Jeanette Schnars, Executive Director of the Regional Science Consortium, emphasized the importance of understanding both the causes and impacts of HABs and ensuring communities have access to the information they need to protect people, pets, and local water resources.
Princeton Hydro is proud to partner with the Regional Science Consortium, USACE ERDC, and Erie-Western PA Port Authority on this innovative effort and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of HAB management strategies in Lake Erie and beyond. As the project progresses, we look forward to sharing updates, findings, and lessons learned. Stay tuned!
In addition to our work with the RSC and ERDC in Lake Erie, our team is also leading an ERDC-funded technology demonstration at Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest lake, focused on evaluating innovative treatment strategies for controlling nearshore HABs. While each waterbody presents its own unique challenges, both projects share a common goal: advancing practical, effective, and environmentally responsible tools that can help communities better understand, manage, prevent, and reduce the impacts of HABs.
Princeton Hydro is proud to celebrate two awards presented by the New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) at its 2026 Annual Conference in Atlantic City.
At this year’s award ceremony, NJAFM recognized both the leadership of Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE, and the success of the Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal & Hibernia Brook Restoration Project. Geoff received the Excellence in Floodplain Management Leadership Award, while Rockaway Township, in partnership with Princeton Hydro, received the Outstanding Floodplain Management Award for the Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal project.
Together, the honors highlight two important sides of floodplain management: the people helping move the profession forward and the projects putting those ideas into practice to create healthier, more resilient communities and watersheds.
NJAFM is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sound floodplain management throughout New Jersey. Its Annual Conference brings together floodplain managers, engineers, planners, emergency managers, government officials, consultants, and other professionals working to reduce flood risk and build more resilient communities.
Held October 20–22 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, this year’s conference centered on the theme “Living with Water: Innovation, Adaptation, and Leadership in Floodplain Management.” Princeton Hydro was also glad to participate as an exhibitor, connecting with fellow professionals throughout the conference and joining conversations around the challenges and opportunities shaping floodplain management across New Jersey.
For more than three decades, Geoff has worked to advance floodplain management and water resource solutions that protect communities while restoring natural systems.
As President of Princeton Hydro, Geoff has helped communities, agencies, and organizations address challenges involving flood risk, aging infrastructure, dam safety, watershed resilience, and ecological restoration. He has served as Engineer-of-Record for more than 50 dam and weir removals in New Jersey, helping demonstrate how dam removal can restore river connectivity, improve floodplain function, and reduce long-term infrastructure liabilities.
Beyond his project work, Geoff has also been a dedicated educator and mentor, leading continuing education courses, technical trainings, and conference workshops in New Jersey and around the world. His collaborative approach and commitment to sharing knowledge have made a lasting impact on both the profession and the next generation of water resource professionals.
Photos courtesy of the New Jersey Association for Flodplain Management (NJAFM)
By removing aging infrastructure and reconnecting Hibernia Brook to its floodplain, the Lake Hudsonia Dam Removal & Hibernia Brook Restoration Project turned a long-standing dam safety challenge into an opportunity for restoration and improved watershed resilience.
Led by Rockaway Township in partnership with Princeton Hydro and funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Wetlands Mitigation Council, the project transformed a six-acre artificial impoundment created by the century-old Lake Hudsonia Dam into a free-flowing stream, restored floodplain, and wetland complex.
Construction was completed in November 2021 and included removal of the obsolete dam, restoration of more than 1,000 linear feet of stream channel, and regrading of the former impoundment to reconnect the stream with its floodplain. More than five acres of floodplain, wetland, and riparian habitat were restored, increasing the corridor’s ability to store and safely convey floodwater during storm events.
The project was followed by five years of monitoring and adaptive management, allowing the team to respond to changing site conditions and support long-term restoration success. Final monitoring completed in 2026 documented continued progress toward a self-sustaining stream, wetland, and floodplain ecosystem, including more than 85 percent native vegetation cover.
These two awards reflect Princeton Hydro’s longstanding commitment to advancing floodplain management through science, engineering, ecological restoration, and collaboration. We are proud to celebrate Geoff for his leadership and service to the profession, and to see the Lake Hudsonia project recognized as an example of innovative floodplain management in action. Congratulations to Geoff, Rockaway Township, our project partners, and all of the 2026 NJAFM award recipients!
To learn more about the 2026 NJAFM award recipients here.
The Borough of Florham Park and Princeton Hydro recently completed the installation of two floating wetland islands (FWIs) at Spring Garden Lake, advancing ongoing efforts to improve water quality and enhance aquatic habitat within this valued community resource.
The project was implemented as part of the Spring Garden Lake Watershed Implementation Plan, a comprehensive, science-based strategy developed to address watershed and lake health challenges developed by Princeton Hydro. As a nature-based solution, FWIs were selected for their ability to remove excess nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, that can contribute to harmful algal blooms and other water quality issues.
Planted with native vegetation, the islands mimic the functions of natural wetlands. As the plants mature, their root systems extend beneath the water's surface, helping filter pollutants, support beneficial microbial communities, and create habitat for aquatic wildlife.
Princeton Hydro's Aquatic Ecologists planted, launched, and anchored the islands during the installation event. Protective goose fencing was installed around each island to prevent damage to young vegetation while the plantings become established. Watch the video below and take a front-row seat to installation day as the FWIs make their journey from assembly to launch:
Since 2002, Princeton Hydro has partnered with the Borough of Florham Park to support the stewardship of Spring Garden Lake through a variety of science-based lake management initiatives. The FWIs represent the latest investment in improving water quality, strengthening ecological function, and enhancing the lake's long-term resilience. Click here to learn more about FWIs.
This fall, Princeton Hydro's field team has been hard at work at Swartswood State Park, supporting ongoing invasive species management efforts led by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The work focuses on controlling Phragmites australis (common reed), an aggressive invasive plant that can rapidly dominate wetlands, displacing native vegetation, reducing habitat diversity, and altering natural ecological processes.
As part of a comprehensive management strategy that combines monitoring, treatment, and follow-up maintenance, Princeton Hydro recently assisted with a targeted seed-head removal effort designed to help limit the spread of existing Phragmites populations and support long-term wetland restoration goals.
Working plant by plant, the field team manually clipped and collected Phragmites seed heads before they could fully mature and disperse. While time-intensive, this proactive management technique helps reduce the spread of viable seeds to nearby wetlands, minimizing opportunities for reinfestation and improving the effectiveness of broader control efforts. Once removed, seed heads were carefully collected and properly disposed of to prevent the establishment of new populations elsewhere.
Successful invasive species management requires more than fieldwork alone. Long-term restoration depends on thoughtful planning, sound science, adaptive management, and strong partnerships committed to environmental stewardship. Princeton Hydro is proud to support NJDEP's efforts to protect and restore New Jersey's wetland ecosystems and help promote healthier, more resilient habitats.
Enjoy the photos below for a behind-the-scenes look at our field crews in action at Swartswood State Park:
At Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, every boardwalk, bird blind, and wetland pool tells a story of conservation in action. This winter, the Renova-Princeton Hydro Joint Venture was proud to partner with the Friends of Great Swamp on a targeted habitat restoration effort. This work focused on carefully reopening areas that were historically open water but had gradually filled in with vegetation and sediment due to natural ecological succession. By setting back that succession in strategic locations, the project supports wildlife and ecological function and restores treasured views of open water along some of the Refuge’s most visited trails.
Located in Morris County, New Jersey, just 26 miles west of New York City, the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a rare and expansive natural landscape set within one of the most developed regions of the country. The Refuge encompasses roughly 8,000 acres of freshwater wetlands, forests, and open water habitats. Ecologically, the Refuge plays a critical role along the Atlantic Flyway, providing essential resting, feeding, and breeding habitat for more than 240 bird species, including many migrating waterfowl that depend on intact wetlands as stopover sites during seasonal migrations along the East Coast. Many species also rely on the Refuge year‑round for shelter, nesting, and foraging.
The Refuge also plays a vital role beyond its boundaries. The Great Swamp acts as a natural sponge during heavy rains, storing and slowly releasing floodwaters that help protect surrounding communities. It also improves regional water quality by filtering sediment and nutrients before they reach downstream waterways.
For people, the Refuge is an irreplaceable resource, offering quiet trails, boardwalks, educational programs, and opportunities to experience wildlife just a short drive from dense urban centers. Places like the bird blind and boardwalk trails connect visitors directly to the landscape, making habitat quality and visibility especially meaningful.
Maintaining the delicate balance between natural processes and public access is at the heart of good refuge stewardship, and that balance is what this recently completed project with the Friends of Great Swamp supports.
Over time, sediment accumulation and dense vegetation growth near boardwalks and the bird blind reduced open water areas that are valuable for dabbling ducks and other waterfowl; aquatic macroinvertebrates and breeding amphibians; and wildlife observation and education.
This project focused on selectively removing accumulated sediment and vegetation in three targeted areas to restore open water conditions without disturbing the broader wetland system. Because of the Refuge’s sensitivity, the work was completed using a custom, field‑driven approach, which allowed project ecologists, engineers, and construction crews to respond directly to site conditions while maintaining strict permit compliance.
The work centered around three primary locations:
Together, these efforts improve habitat connectivity, enhance wetland function, and bring back open water views for visitors to enjoy. The project also creates opportunities for future habitat enhancements. As conditions allow, select areas may later be planted or seeded to support native aquatic and wetland species and reinforce the long‑term ecological value of the restored areas.
More than a year after opening to the public, the Steven R. Rothman Overlook and Preserve, in the heart of the Meadowlands, continues to demonstrate how ecological restoration goals and a vision for public access can be thoughtfully balanced to create a space that serves both people and wildlife.
When the 5-acre preserve officially opened in July 2025, it marked the culmination of years of conservation advocacy, planning, and collaboration. Today, visitors are welcomed by a thoughtfully designed landscape that has begun to settle into itself. Native trees and shrubs have established roots, meadow plantings have matured, and the site is functioning as the accessible gateway to the Meadowlands that it was intended to be.
Princeton Hydro provided landscape architecture, environmental, civil, and geotechnical engineering services that helped transform the site into a welcoming and accessible destination while preserving and enhancing its ecological value.
Cory Speroff, PLA, ASLA, CBLP, Princeton Hydro Landscape Architect and lead designer for the project, recently revisited the preserve and documented its progress through photos and video. As he walked along the ADA-accessible trails, birds and pollinators moved throughout the native vegetation framing the pathway. He observed a thriving landscape that's providing important habitat and connecting visitors with the natural world.
We invite you to watch the video and explore the photos below as we celebrate the preserve's continued evolution and the progress of this restoration effort.
To learn more about the project and the many partners who helped bring this vision to life, read our original project blog here.
Construction is now underway to remove the Spring Garden Dam on Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania’s Tyler State Park, marking a major milestone for river restoration efforts across the Commonwealth. At approximately 225 feet wide and 9 feet tall, the structure will become the second-largest dam ever removed in Pennsylvania.
Originally constructed around 1819, the dam was built to power the nearby Spring Garden Mill, creating a mill pond and directing water through a mill race to drive grain-milling operations along Neshaminy Creek. For generations, the dam supported an important piece of the region's agricultural and industrial history.
Today, however, its original purpose has long since faded, and attention has turned to restoring the creek's natural flow and ecological function. The dam removal will restore river connectivity and fish passage, improve aquatic habitat, enhance public safety, and create new opportunities for recreation.
With construction underway, the project has garnered media attention across the region, including recent coverage from NPR’s WHYY, which highlights both the benefits of restoring a free-flowing Neshaminy Creek and the Commonwealth's leadership in dam removal. According to the report, Pennsylvania has removed more than 430 dams since 1912, making it the nation's leader in dam removals.
While the removal itself is making headlines today, projects of this scale often require years of scientific investigation and planning before construction can begin.
In 2023, Princeton Hydro was retained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to conduct a comprehensive sediment impact assessment for the proposed removal of Spring Garden Dam. The study quantified the volume and characteristics of sediment stored within the impoundment, evaluated channel conditions upstream and downstream of the dam, and assessed how Neshaminy Creek could adjust following restoration of free-flowing conditions. The resulting analyses provided project stakeholders with critical technical information to support environmental review, regulatory coordination, sediment management planning, and project design.
These photos below were taken as part of the pebble count analysis, which is a field survey technique used to understand the composition of a stream channel. By measuring and categorizing sediment particles throughout a stream reach, streambed composition can be characterized across a range of materials, from fine sand and silt to gravel, cobbles, boulders, and bedrock.
The removal of Spring Garden Dam marks an important milestone in the ongoing restoration of Pennsylvania's waterways. Princeton Hydro is proud to have supported the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the planning and assessment phase of this historic project and looks forward to seeing the long-term recreational and ecological benefits take shape as Neshaminy Creek once again flows freely through Tyler State Park.
Each year on September 4, National Wildlife Day celebrates the incredible diversity of animals that share our planet and raises awareness about the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on.
In recognition of National Wildlife Day, we're highlighting a restoration project focused on enhancing critical habitat at one of the nation's most unique conservation areas: the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, America's First Urban Refuge. And because a blog about wildlife is always better when the wildlife shows up, we're proud to share a collection of stunning photographs captured on-site by Princeton Hydro Vice President Mark Gallagher.
Established to preserve and restore the ecologically significant Tinicum Marsh, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, protects approximately 1,200 acres of habitat, including the last remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. The refuge encompasses a unique mosaic of habitats, including tidal and non-tidal freshwater marshes, freshwater tidal creeks, open-water impoundments, coastal plain forests, and early successional grasslands.
Home to a remarkable diversity of species, the refuge supports state-listed threatened and endangered wildlife, including American Bittern, Least Bittern, Black-crowned Night-Heron, King Rail, Great Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, and Sedge Wren, and serves as a critical link along the Atlantic Flyway, providing essential feeding, nesting, and resting habitat for migratory birds.
Despite its ecological significance, portions of the refuge have experienced habitat degradation from decades of historic disturbance, invasive species encroachment, and altered hydrology. Recognizing the opportunity to restore these valuable natural resources, Friends of Heinz Refuge partnered with Princeton Hydro and project teammates Enviroscapes and Merestone Consultants to provide engineering design, environmental compliance, engineering oversight, and construction implementation to enhance and restore aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitats and adjacent uplands within the Turkey Foot area of the Refuge.
The Turkey Foot project area is an approximately 7.5-acre site within the greater John Heinz NWR. The approach for the restoration project focused on creating approximately four acres of contiguous wetland habitat bordered by a functional riparian buffer. The design included the creation of three habitat zones: intertidal marsh, high marsh, and upland grassland, which provide foraging, breeding, nesting, and refuge opportunities for a wide variety of wildlife species. The restoration effort was specifically designed to support species of conservation concern, including the federally threatened Eastern Black Rail, which depends on high-quality marsh habitat for survival.
Project activities also included regrading existing ponds and channels to improve tidal exchange, creating conditions favorable for native marsh vegetation, increasing habitat complexity, and restoring natural ecological processes. These improvements helped reduce stagnant water conditions, improve water quality, and create a more resilient ecosystem capable of supporting wildlife over the long term.
Another critical component of the project involved removing invasive plant species and replacing them with diverse native vegetation. Native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and wetland plants were carefully selected to provide food sources, nesting cover, and shelter for wildlife. Species such as switchgrass, little bluestem, Virginia wild rye, asters, goldenrods, bergamot, and coastal panic grass were incorporated into the restoration to create habitat for birds, pollinators, and other native wildlife. The restoration of riparian buffers further enhanced habitat quality by reducing sediment inputs, improving water quality, moderating water temperatures, and supplying important food resources for fish, invertebrates, birds, and other wildlife.
As we celebrate National Wildlife Day, projects like this illustrate the meaningful role ecological restoration plays in safeguarding wildlife and maintaining the healthy ecosystems upon which both animals and communities depend. We hope you enjoyed these photographs as much as we enjoyed sharing them! Click here to see additional photos and learn more about the Turkey Foot Restoration at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
Fall is conference season, and the Princeton Hydro team is on the move! From New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York to Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Colorado, Iowa, and even British Columbia, we are sponsoring and participating in a wide range of events focused on environmental stewardship and conservation, ecological restoration, water resources management, coastal resilience, and nature-based infrastructure.
Our annual Fall Events Spotlight makes it easy to explore upcoming opportunities, access registration information, and learn where you can connect with our team. Read on to see what's ahead this fall.
Join the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) New York City Post for its annual Resilience Summit, a premier gathering of engineers, planners, government officials, and industry leaders focused on advancing climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. Centered on this year's theme, "Advancing Green Infrastructure for a Resilient NYC," the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and technical sessions highlighting emerging resilience strategies, nature-based solutions, and collaborative approaches to managing infrastructure risks in an increasingly dynamic environment. Attendees will hear expert perspectives from organizations including the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and other regional and national leaders in resilience planning and implementation.
Princeton Hydro Vice President Mark Gallagher and HDR Senior Landscape Architect Michael Spina, PLA, CERP, ENV SP, will present "Advancing Resilience and Public Access Through Nature-Based Solutions." Their session will explore how nature-based solutions such as green infrastructure, stream and floodplain restoration, shoreline stabilization, and sustainable landscape design can address flooding, improve water quality, enhance habitat, and strengthen climate resilience while creating functional and attractive public spaces. Drawing on project examples from the New York City region, Mark and Michael will share practical lessons on integrating these approaches into parks and recreational areas to achieve environmental, community, and resilience goals.
Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor the summit and participate in this important forum advancing resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
Celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall at Trenton River Fest 2026 at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event, presented by Trenton Thunder, Mercer County, and The Watershed Institute, celebrates the Delaware River and the many recreational, environmental, and cultural benefits it provides to our region.
Enjoy a full day of activities, including canoe and boat rides, hayrides, fly-fishing demonstrations, live music, and interactive educational experiences. Be sure to stop by Princeton Hydro's exhibit table to learn about protecting New Jersey's waterways, wildlife, and natural resources. We look forward to joining the community in celebrating the Delaware River!
Hosted by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the Science History Institute, the second annual Gender Minorities in the Sciences Panel Discussion is an engaging conversation focused on advancing equity, inclusion, and representation across STEM fields. Scientists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines will explore the challenges and opportunities facing women and gender minority professionals in science, while highlighting strategies for building meaningful and successful careers in technical fields. Attendees will gain valuable insights into advocacy, leadership, mentorship, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures through a panel discussion followed by opportunities for networking and community building.
Princeton Hydro Project Manager and Ecologist Tanya Dapkey, CE, will be among the featured panelists, sharing her experiences as a freshwater ecologist, entomologist, and environmental scientist, discussing her career path, research, and work in biodiversity conservation, water quality assessment, and aquatic ecology. The event is free to attend in person or online, and we are proud to see Tanya contributing her expertise and perspective to this important conversation.
The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Mid-Atlantic Chapter will host its 2026 Regional Conference at Temple University Ambler, bringing together restoration practitioners, scientists, resource managers, educators, and students. This year's theme, "Delaware Valley Restoration," will highlight the innovative projects, partnerships, and strategies shaping ecological restoration throughout the Delaware River watershed and surrounding landscapes. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic program featuring technical presentations, networking opportunities, and field trips showcasing restoration efforts across the region.
The conference will feature keynote presentations and discussions on some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in ecological restoration. We are especially excited that Beth Styler Barry, Director of Freshwater Programs for The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, will serve as a keynote speaker. Princeton Hydro has had the privilege of collaborating with Beth on several dam removal and river restoration projects, and we look forward to hearing her insights on advancing freshwater conservation and ecosystem recovery.
Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor and participate in this year's conference, with several of our team members leading presentations and poster sessions:
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) invites you to participate in the 2026 Environmental Congress at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey. This full-day event offers environmental commissioners, municipal officials, nonprofit leaders, consultants, and community advocates an opportunity to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas, and explore emerging environmental issues affecting communities across the state. Attendees can choose from a variety of educational workshops covering timely topics such as stormwater regulations and compliance, environmental policy updates, AI data centers in New Jersey, advocacy tools, and local environmental initiatives. The program also includes an exhibitor hall featuring environmental organizations, businesses, and resources from throughout New Jersey.
Princeton Hydro, a business member of ANJEC, is pleased to exhibit at this year's Congress. Be sure to stop by our booth to learn more about our work protecting and restoring New Jersey's waterways, natural resources, and communities.
Creek Week returns for its 13th year as the largest watershed-wide cleanup event in Colorado, bringing together thousands of volunteers to help protect and improve the Fountain Creek Watershed. During this nine-day community initiative, individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups join forces to remove litter and debris from creeks, trails, parks, and open spaces. The event provides a meaningful opportunity to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitat, and enhance the natural landscapes that make the region unique.
Since its founding, Creek Week has grown from a grassroots cleanup effort into a region-wide movement. In addition to cleanup activities, Creek Week features hydration celebrations, educational gatherings, and workshops. Christopher Mikolajczyk, CLM, Senior Manager of Aquatics and Certified Lake Manager, is proud to participate in this initiative and contribute his expertise as part of the week's educational programming. More details coming soon!
Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) will host its Annual Gala at scenic Glenmoore Farm from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This year's event, themed, "In the Weeds," celebrates the importance of land stewardship and honors the individuals and organizations whose dedication helps protect the natural landscapes, habitats, and resources that define the Hopewell Valley region. Guests will enjoy an evening of live local music, curated culinary experiences, and opportunities to connect with fellow conservation advocates in a beautiful setting. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Jack Gleeson Environmental Achievement Award to Dr. Michael Van Clef, recognizing his outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and stewardship. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the "Science and Champagne" VIP cocktail hour, featuring conversations with honorees and conservation leaders.
Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor the gala and looks forward to attending this special event in support of FoHVOS! Princeton Hydro and FoHVOS have a long history of partnership and collaboration, rooted in a shared mission to protect natural resources and foster resilient communities. In addition to project collaborations, our Chief People Officer Samara McAuliffe has proudly served on the FoHVOS Board of Trustees since 2022.
Learn more and register.
The 14th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum, hosted by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, is a two-day program featuring educational sessions, networking opportunities, and field trips that highlight restoration, flood resilience, water quality protection, and community engagement efforts throughout the Delaware River Basin.
This year's Forum will be held at the University of Delaware's Clayton Hall Conference Center in Newark, DE. The field trip offerings include guided explorations of the White Clay Creek National Wild & Scenic River, flood adaptation and watershed restoration projects in the Brandywine watershed, and community-led climate resilience initiatives in Wilmington. These immersive experiences allow participants to see successful projects firsthand while learning about the partnerships and strategies behind their implementation.
Princeton Hydro is sponsoring, exhibiting at, and participating in the Forum! Mike McGraw, CSE, QAWB, Senior Project Manager and Wildlife Biologist at Princeton Hydro along with Matt Sarver, CSE, CERP, ACE, Principal of Sarver Ecological, will present "How to Maximize Ecological Uplift of Your Project for Biodiversity." Their session will explore practical approaches for enhancing biodiversity outcomes and maximizing ecological benefits through restoration planning, design, and implementation.
Celebrate the excitement of fall migration at Wings Over Mercer 2026, a countywide birding competition hosted by the Wild Bird Research Group. Returning after a highly successful inaugural event, Wings Over Mercer challenges teams of birders to identify as many bird species as possible in a single day while exploring the diverse habitats that make Mercer County a hotspot for migratory birds. Whether you're an experienced birder or new to the hobby, Wings Over Mercer offers a fun and engaging way to connect with nature, support conservation, and meet fellow bird enthusiasts.
Princeton Hydro is excited to participate in this year's competition, with Vice President Mark Gallagher is leading a team of birders! We look forward to participating in this fun-filled day of discovery, conservation, and appreciation for our feathered friends.
The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) will commemorate a century of coastal stewardship at its National Coastal Conference Centennial Celebration, marking 100 years since the first beach preservationists gathered in New Jersey to advance a vision for protecting the nation's shorelines. The conference will explore the latest science, engineering, restoration techniques, and policy initiatives shaping the future of coastal and estuarine environments, while providing opportunities for coastal managers, researchers, engineers, regulators, and practitioners to share knowledge and strengthen professional networks.
A key focus of the conference will be identifying innovative approaches to maintaining resilient coastlines and healthy ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Dr. Clay Emerson, PE, CFM, Senior Technical Director of Engineering Services at Princeton Hydro, will present "Sediment and the Changing Landscape of New Jersey's Back Bays: Observations and Insight on Marsh Restoration." His presentation will share observations from the field and lessons that can help inform future coastal restoration initiatives. Princeton Hydro is proud to participate in this milestone event celebrating a century of coastal preservation and management.
The SAME Philadelphia Post Small Business Conference provides valuable opportunities for small businesses to connect with federal agencies, industry partners, and leaders from across the architecture, engineering, construction, and environmental sectors. Through presentations and agency briefings focused on federal procurement and contracting, participants can gain a better understanding of upcoming opportunities, small business programs, and strategies for navigating the federal marketplace.
The conference also offers a forum for networking opportunities and building relationships with potential clients and teaming partners while learning from agency representatives and industry professionals. Princeton Hydro, an event sponsor, looks forward to exhibiting and connecting with folks who are helping deliver innovative infrastructure and environmental solutions throughout the region.
Raise a glass to conservation at the Monmouth Conservation Foundation's annual Fall for Conservation Cocktail Party, taking place at Navesink Country Club in Red Bank, New Jersey. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live music, dancing, an open bar, and both live and silent auctions, all while celebrating the people and partnerships helping to keep Monmouth County green.
This year's event, which Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor, will honor Valerie and Frank Montecalvo for their longstanding support of land preservation and conservation efforts in Monmouth County. Funds raised during the evening will directly support the Monmouth Conservation Foundation's work to protect critical natural resources, expand recreational opportunities, and preserve the landscapes that make the region a special place to live, work, and visit.
The Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership (VUSP) will host its biennial Stormwater Symposium 2026 at Villanova University, bringing together researchers, practitioners, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry professionals to explore the latest advances in stormwater management and green infrastructure. Hosted on Villanova's renowned stormwater living laboratory campus, this year's symposium, "Propelling Solutions," will focus on the challenges, innovations, and partnerships driving more resilient and sustainable approaches to managing stormwater in our communities. The two-day program, which Princeton Hydro is sponsoring and exhibiting at, features presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to advance the planning, design, and implementation of effective stormwater solutions.
Richard Farella, PE, CFM, Senior Water Resources Engineer at Princeton Hydro, will present "Urban Flood & Habitat Resiliency in the Lower Darby Creek Watershed: A Case Study in Modeling and Community Engagement." His session will examine how watershed modeling, habitat enhancement, and stakeholder engagement can be integrated to address flood risk while supporting ecological resilience.
The North Jersey Rivers Conference returns to Centenary University in Hackettstown for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration focused on the rivers, streams, and watersheds that support northern New Jersey's economy, environment, and quality of life. Hosted by the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, the conference celebrates the critical role that healthy waterways play in sustaining communities and offers opportunities to explore emerging research, share restoration success stories, discuss conservation challenges, and learn practical strategies for protecting water resources. Attendees can choose from a variety of educational sessions organized around three learning tracks: Forests and Headwaters, Research and Innovations, and Taking Action. As a conference sponsor, Princeton Hydro will have an exhibitor table. Stop by to meet members of our team and learn more about our work in river restoration, watershed management, and aquatic resource protection throughout New Jersey and beyond.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA PA) will host its Annual Conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, bringing together planners, engineers, environmental professionals, municipal leaders, and policymakers from across the Commonwealth. As the largest annual gathering of planners in Pennsylvania, the conference features educational sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and discussions focused on the future of planning, community resilience, and sustainable development.
Princeton Hydro President Geoffrey M. Goll, PE will join Beth Styler Barry, Director of Freshwater Programs for The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey, and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP, Director of River Restoration at American Rivers, to present "River Connections for Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction." The session will examine dam removal through a planning lens, highlighting how river restoration projects can reduce flood risk, improve community resilience, support MS4 compliance, create recreational opportunities, reduce long-term liabilities, and restore ecological function. Drawing on their collective experience in dam removal, freshwater conservation, river restoration, and community planning, Geoff, Beth, and Lisa will share lessons learned from projects across the region and discuss how reconnecting rivers can help communities achieve broader environmental, economic, and resilience goals.
Flooding remains one of the most significant challenges facing communities across New Jersey, making effective floodplain management more important than ever. The New Jersey Association for Floodplain Management (NJAFM) Annual Conference, taking place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, convenes floodplain managers, engineers, planners, emergency managers, government officials, consultants, and other professionals dedicated to reducing flood risk and building more resilient communities. This year's theme, "Living with Water: Innovation, Adaptation, and Leadership in Floodplain Management," highlights the importance of proactive planning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in preparing for future flooding challenges.
The conference features more than 45 educational sessions, technical training opportunities, leadership development programs, exhibits, and networking events. Participants can also support the next generation of floodplain management professionals through NJAFM's scholarship auction, which helps fund education, training, and scholarships.
Throughout the United States, harmful algal blooms (HABs) present significant challenges for lakes, reservoirs, rivers, coastal waters, and the communities that depend on them. The 13th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae, taking place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will bring together researchers, water resource managers, government agencies, and industry professionals to explore the latest science, management approaches, and policy initiatives aimed at addressing these increasingly complex water quality challenges.
Over four days, attendees will engage with more than 400 scientific presentations, posters, plenary sessions, and breakout discussions covering bloom dynamics, monitoring and forecasting, prevention and mitigation strategies, emerging technologies, public health impacts, and community engagement. The symposium provides a valuable forum for sharing knowledge, discussing emerging issues, and fostering collaboration among HAB practitioners from across the country.
Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services and a nationally recognized HAB expert, will play a prominent role in the symposium program. Dr. Lubnow will provide the introduction and overview for, and serve as moderator of, the concurrent session "Innovative Techniques in the Monitoring and Management of Nearshore HABs." During this session, he will also present "Evaluating Innovative Treatment Strategies to Control Nearshore HABs." During the concurrent session "Full-Scale HAB Prevention & Management: Today, Vision for 2036, and What's Needed to Get There," he will present "Evaluation of the Prevention and Management of Nearshore HABs in Lake Hopatcong, NJ."
Lake managers, researchers, consultants, and resource professionals from across North America will gather in Kelowna, British Columbia, for the North American Lake Management Society's 26th International Symposium. This year's theme, "Swimming Upstream: Tackling Environmental Challenges through Partnership, Innovation, & Science," reflects the collaborative approach needed to address today's most pressing freshwater resource issues. The symposium will feature technical sessions, workshops, networking events, poster presentations, and field trips, including the Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant & Reservoir Hike and the Frind Estate Winery Tour & Tasting.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including innovations in cyanobacteria monitoring, invasive mussel prevention, the use of satellite and in situ data to support lake management decisions, and much more. Princeton Hydro, a longtime member of NALMS and sponsor of the event, will be in attendance to engage in important discussions about emerging research, innovative technologies, and practical management approaches that can help protect and restore freshwater resources across North America.
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Federal Small Business Conference returns this year in Charlotte, North Carolina. Known as the "Strategic Business Connection of the Year," the conference is designed to foster partnerships between small businesses, federal agencies, prime contractors, and industry partners working across the architecture, engineering, construction, environmental, and facility management sectors. Through educational sessions, agency briefings, and networking events, attendees gain valuable insights into federal acquisition priorities, upcoming contract opportunities, and emerging industry trends.
The conference also features an exhibit hall and opportunities for one-on-one engagement with federal decision-makers and potential teaming partners. Princeton Hydro joined SAME as a sustaining member in 2018. We are excited to be exhibiting this year, so if you're attending, swing by our booth (#937)!
The American Water Resources Association's (AWRA) 2026 Annual Water Resources Conference, themed "Moving Beyond 250: Crossing Boundaries to Build a More Water-Secure Future," will examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of water resources management. As the nation's longest-running interdisciplinary water conference, the event provides a forum for exploring complex water issues through scientific, technical, regulatory, and policy perspectives.
The program will feature discussions on many of today's most pressing water resource topics, including PFAS, stormwater management, stream and wetland restoration, flood mitigation and floodplain reconnection, data and modeling, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in water resources management. With participation from researchers, engineers, planners, policymakers, attorneys, utilities, government agencies, and private-sector professionals, the conference offers valuable opportunities to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and advance innovative approaches to water resource challenges. Princeton Hydro team members will be attending and excited participate in these important conversations!
Partnerships are at the heart of successful environmental restoration and stewardship. Hosted by the Hudson River Foundation, the 2026 NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program Conference, will explore this year's theme, "Shared Work, Lasting Impact: Cultivating Effective Partnerships," examining how collaboration can advance the Harbor & Estuary Program's 2025-2035 Action Agenda while strengthening the relationships needed to address complex environmental challenges throughout the estuary. Discussions will focus on shared priorities including water quality, habitat and ecological health, public access, port and maritime issues, and community engagement.
Held at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City, the event will feature a poster presentation program highlighting research, planning initiatives, implementation projects, and community science efforts from across the region.
This conference offers a unique opportunity to learn about innovative projects and the partnerships making them possible while exploring new ways to advance restoration, resiliency, and stewardship goals throughout the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary.
The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance will bring together river advocates, environmental professionals, partners, and supporters for its annual River Revel Celebration, an evening focused on celebrating progress in river protection and restoration and looking ahead to the work still to come. The organization works statewide to advance water quality, streamflow, wildlife habitat, and investment in green infrastructure.
Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this year’s celebration and support Massachusetts Rivers Alliance’s work to protect and restore rivers and streams across the Commonwealth. Princeton Hydro also participates in the organization’s Dam Busters program, which provides resources and knowledge to support successful dam removal projects. Through this shared focus on restoring river connectivity and aquatic habitat, River Revel offers an opportunity to recognize the partnerships and collective efforts helping advance healthier, more resilient river systems throughout Massachusetts.
For more than a century, the New Jersey League of Municipalities Annual Conference has served as a hub for education, professional development, and idea-sharing among local government leaders. With more than 1,100 exhibitors, the conference is the largest municipal gathering in the country, attracting elected officials, administrators, public works professionals, planners, engineers, state agency representatives, and industry partners from across New Jersey. Held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, the conference is anticipating more than 16,000 participants and over 1,000 exhibitors.
The conference program offers hundreds of educational sessions that address many of the challenges and opportunities facing today's local governments, including resilience planning, infrastructure funding, sustainability, housing, economic growth, public safety, and technology. The conference also offers valuable opportunities for municipal professionals to earn continuing education credits, exchange ideas with peers, and learn about emerging programs, services, and best practices from across the state.
Protecting drinking water sources requires collaboration across state boundaries, sectors, and disciplines. The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Subcommittee on Source Water Protection (SSWP) serves as a forum for water suppliers, government agencies, academic institutions, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to exchange information and discuss emerging issues affecting source water quality throughout the Delaware River Basin. Established by the DRBC, the subcommittee supports the commission's broader mission of managing, protecting, and improving the water resources shared by Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and the federal government.
The November 18 meeting will be held virtually via Zoom Webinar at 10am and feature a presentation from Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro, who will discuss Princeton Hydro's ongoing research exploring the use of drone-based remote sensing technology to help predict harmful algal blooms (HABs) in reservoirs throughout the Delaware River watershed. The study integrates drone imagery, water quality monitoring, and predictive modeling to improve HAB detection and support proactive reservoir management.
How do we turn water quality data into meaningful action? That's the question at the heart of the 32nd Annual Maryland Water Monitoring Council (MWMC) Conference, themed "Connecting the Drops: Watersheds, Data, and People." The conference will bring together water resource professionals, researchers, policymakers, students, and community scientists to explore the relationship between monitoring, data analysis, and watershed stewardship. Through presentations, poster sessions, and discussions, attendees will examine how information can be used to support restoration efforts, improve water quality, and strengthen community engagement.
This year's program will highlight a variety of topics, including watershed and bay restoration, community science, blue carbon, salt impacts, lakes, stormwater, and groundwater. Dr. Fred Lubnow, Senior Technical Director of Ecological Services at Princeton Hydro, will present during the conference, sharing his expertise alongside other leaders in water resources science and management. As communities face increasingly complex environmental challenges, events like the MWMC Conference play an important role in advancing the science and partnerships needed to support healthy and resilient watersheds.
The 2026 Jersey Water Works Annual Conference, themed "Driving the Change: Shared Action for New Jersey's Water Future," will examine the challenges and opportunities facing water systems across the state as communities work to address aging infrastructure, lead service line replacement requirements, PFAS regulations, combined sewer overflow improvements, and long-term affordability concerns. Hosted at NJIT in Newark, the conference will bring together more than 250 state and local decision-makers, utility leaders, engineers, planners, advocates, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable water solutions.
While the full agenda and speaker lineup are still being finalized, attendees can expect engaging discussions focused on resilient infrastructure, asset management, financing strategies, water affordability, and collaborative approaches to improving water systems statewide. The conference will also offer continuing education opportunities and highlight the collective impact of the Jersey Water Works collaborative in advancing practical solutions for New Jersey's water future. Princeton Hydro is proud to sponsor this important event. We hope to see you there!
We’re excited to showcase the achievements of five team members whose recent successes highlight their dedication and excellence in their respective fields, embodying the innovative spirit and expertise of Princeton Hydro. Please join us in congratulating our team members on their professional milestones and the added value they bring to both our team and our clients!
Charlie is a licensed professional engineer experienced in surface water hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analysis, including modeling streams, hydraulic structures, floodplains and stormwater systems in 1D/2D HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS & HydroCAD. He is also a certified floodplain manager familiar with FEMA Letter of Map Revisions and No-Rise Certifications. He has designed and prepared detailed construction drawings and specifications for a variety of stormwater management and green infrastructure systems, including rain gardens and underground infiltration beds. He is proficient in GIS tasks and applications, such as utilizing lidar and landcover data. Charlie also has experience in stream restoration and fluvial geomorphology, including graduate courses on the subject.
To become a licensed commercial drone operator, Charlie was required to pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test and apply for and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. To maintain his license, he is required to update his drone registration every 36 months as well as retake and pass the Aeronautical Knowledge Test every 24 months. The commercial drone pilot license, issued by the FAA, grants permission to conduct commercial drone operations in the United States.
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.
As a commissioned Notary Public, Mike is now authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify certain documents. Notaries play an important role in helping prevent fraud by verifying identities, ensuring signers are acting willingly, and serving as impartial witnesses during the execution of important legal and business documents. This achievement further strengthens Mike's role as Business Administration & Compliance Manager at Princeton Hydro, where he supports regulatory compliance, policy development, and the smooth operation of administrative processes across the organization.
Mike holds an MBA from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Penn State University. Before joining Princeton Hydro, he served for 20 years in the United States Air Force as a KC-10 Extender Boom Operator. During his military career, Mike's responsibilities extended far beyond flight operations. He managed global logistics missions and oversaw the training, certification, and compliance requirements of aircrew personnel, ensuring operational readiness and adherence to strict regulatory standards. Following his retirement from military service, Mike spent four years as a Senior Manager at Verizon, where he led initiatives focused on business transformation, process improvement, and strategic planning.
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.
Ryan is a Geotechnical Engineer in our Geosciences group and an FAA-Certified Drone Operator whose work blends engineering, technology, and creativity to support our projects. He works on a wide range of projects, contributing to foundation design, embankment stability and settlement modeling, technical report preparation, and laboratory soil testing. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Rowan University in 2022 and joined Princeton Hydro in April 2023. His interest in engineering began in high school through participation in a STEM club, where he developed a passion for creative problem-solving and infrastructure design.
Ryan was recently featured in our “A Day in the Life” blog series. Click here to learn more about his work.
Our Director of Marketing & Communications Dana Patterson Grear has been appointed to the Pinelands Alliance Board of Trustees and the Yale School of Environment (YSE) Alumni Association Board.
The Pinelands Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for New Jersey's Pinelands through conservation, education, and community engagement. Its board and leadership team includes both staff and trustees who guide its mission and programs.
Founded in 1913, the YSE Alumni Association advances the school's mission by fostering strong connections among alumni, students, and faculty while strengthening engagement across the YSE community. The Alumni Association Board plays a vital role in providing alumni perspectives, recognizing outstanding alumni achievements, supporting student recruitment and mentorship, and expanding the reach and impact of YSE worldwide.
Dana brings extensive experience in science communication, stakeholder engagement, marketing, and digital media strategy. As a member of Princeton Hydro's Senior Leadership Team, she helps shape the firm's strategic direction, brand, and public engagement efforts. She leads communications, media relations, digital marketing, business development support, and outreach initiatives that advance the firm's mission and strengthen connections with clients, communities, and partners. Her ability to translate complex environmental challenges into compelling and accessible stories has helped elevate public awareness, foster stakeholder collaboration, and support conservation efforts throughout the region.
Dana holds a MEM from YSE and a BS in Chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University. At YSE, her studies focused on communication strategies related to climate change and wildlife conservation. She served as a Teaching Fellow for the YSE's Science Communications with Impact course, helping students develop effective approaches for engaging diverse audiences through science-based storytelling and human-centered communication.
For the 2026 New Jersey Coastal & Climate Resilience Conference, Dana led a digital storytelling demonstration, titled “Launching an Interactive ArcGIS StoryMap for Public Outreach.” Click here to learn more.
The Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) designation, awarded by the Wildlife Society, is a highly regarded professional credential that demonstrates advanced education, training, and experience in wildlife biology. Fewer than 2,000 wildlife biologists across the United States and Canada hold this certification, reflecting a high standard of professional achievement in the field. In his role at Princeton Hydro, he works on a diverse range of natural resource management and restoration projects and wildlife monitoring and conservation initiatives. He also specializes in wetland science and delineation, ecological inventories and assessments, regulatory compliance, and habitat and vegetation management planning.
Eric has a MS in Ecology and BS in Wildlife Science from Penn State University. During his time at Penn State, Eric studied state-listed endangered breeding birds, landscape ecology, forest management, and forest ecology, developing a particular expertise in ornithology. His academic and research experience provided a strong foundation in wildlife conservation, habitat management, and ecological assessment.
Eric recently traveled to 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. Click here to read more about Eric's work on this project and take a look at some of the beautiful wildlife photos he captured.
Our staff is composed of individuals with academic training and extensive project experience in stormwater management, geotechnical investigation, hydrology and hydrogeology, aquatic and wetland ecology, fishery biology, population and community dynamics, GIS, environmental design and environmental risk analysis. Our staff’s unique perspectives are apparent in the innovative nature of many of our projects, especially in the disciplines of aquatic and wetland ecology, environmental engineering and watershed management. Click here to learn more about our team!
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!
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PRINCETON HYDRO
PRINCETON HYDRO