The Watershed Institute

A) science - science is at The heart of The Watershed Institute's environmental leadership. Across The region, we collect key data on The health of our streams and on other environmental factors. We distribute The information to citizens and officials in central new jersey, and work with them to address pollution of our water supplies and waterways. Our geographic information system combines scientific data with mapping systems to help local governments and citizens understand The environmental issues facing our communities and help plan for a better future. B) advocacy - for six decades, The Watershed Institute has led The fight to preserve our region's water and land. We engage local and state officials, urging them to strengthen environmental protections, improve planning and zoning, and make better informed decisions about our future. We work cooperatively with local towns through our project for municipal excellence, and speak out against development proposals that would harm The local environment and our quality of life.

Conservation - from our 950-acre Watershed reserve in hopewell to locations across The region, volunteers and staff are engaged in projects that protect and restore natural habitats. We have also helped "grow" other important regional organizations over The years. In The 1980's, we helped launch The d&r greenway land trust and The northeast organic farming association of new jersey. Our Watershed reserve hosts The honey brook organic farm, now The largest community-supported organic farm in The nation. Through our Watershed Institute, we help build other Watershed groups across The state.

Education - The Watershed Institute serves more than 10,000 children and adults through nearly 400 education programs and events each year. Our programs inspire an appreciation of The wonders of nature and explain what we can do to protect our environment. Our teacher workshops train educators to incorporate The environment into their curriculums, while adult education programs teach strategies to reduce The environmental impacts of your home and business. At our nature center, you will discover an assortment of exhibits and a collection of small creatures. Surround yourself with butterflies (in season) at The kate gorrie memorial butterfly house.