The Watershed Institute
The Watershed Institute has been protecting water and the environment in central New Jersey for 75 years through conservation, advocacy, science, and education. Its 1,000-acre reserve features hiking trails, a LEED-Platinum certified center, and diverse programs including StreamWatch, a nature camp, and a butterfly house.
Services
The Watershed Institute offers a wide range of services focused on water conservation, advocacy, science, and education. Key offerings include the StreamWatch program for monitoring local streams, the Watershed Nature Camp providing outdoor experiences for children, and the Watershed Academy for High School Students that immerse students in environmental investigations. Additionally, the institute provides green infrastructure projects such as rain gardens and porous pavements and hosts professional development workshops for teachers to promote best practices in science and environmental education.
Facilities and Amenities
The Watershed Institute's Watershed Center is LEED-Platinum certified and includes modern classrooms, exhibit halls with live animal displays, a laboratory, and conference rooms. The reserve spans nearly 1,000 acres of diverse landscapes, offering more than 10 miles of hiking trails, including a 0.7-mile fully accessible raised boardwalk. The facilities also feature a Kate Gorrie Butterfly House, Wargo Pond which supports a diverse ecosystem, and the Fairgrown Organic Farm, which offers CSA farm shares and pick-your-own crops.
Annual Events
The Watershed Institute hosts a variety of annual events aimed at raising funds and awareness for their conservation and education initiatives. Notable events include the annual Solstice Trail Run, the Butterfly Festival, Stream Cleanups, and the Watershed FEST. These events not only provide opportunities for community engagement but also help promote the institute’s mission of keeping water clean, safe, and healthy.
Education Programs
The Watershed Institute runs numerous educational programs designed to foster environmental stewardship. The Watershed Center hosts hundreds of educational programs and events annually. The institute offers a StreamWatch Schools program that involves students in water quality monitoring. Moreover, the Watershed Nature Camp offers outdoor day camp experiences for children, while the Watershed Academy for High School Students provides immersive environmental investigations. The institute also conducts professional development workshops for teachers.
Conservation Efforts
The Watershed Institute is heavily invested in conservation efforts across central New Jersey. Their work includes dam removal projects to restore natural water flow and improve habitats. Their reserve is a haven for some of the oldest trees in the region and diverse wildlife such as foxes, coyotes, and flying squirrels. They also engage in green infrastructure projects, including rain gardens and porous pavements, to manage stormwater runoff and improve local water quality.