The Watershed Institute, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to preserving the waters of central New Jersey, employs multifaceted and interdisciplinary strategies to engage local communities in environmental stewardship. Our initiatives are designed to resonate with diverse community members—from children to retirees—fostering a holistic understanding of water quality and sustainability.
Central to our outreach is the River Friendly Program, which recognizes individuals, businesses, and schools for their commitment to environmental practices through a certification program. This initiative not only highlights community efforts but also incentivizes further engagement in sustainable practices.
Our volunteer water quality monitoring program, StreamWatch, empowers participants to act as citizen scientists. This data is a valuable resource which bolsters statewide regulatory initiatives as well as educational programs for students in middle school, high school and beyond.
Our Environmental Youth Leadership Program targets young people in Hightstown, NJ, providing education on local waterways, effective advocacy strategies, and navigating local government. A notable outcome of this program is the creation of a water story, which not only serves as a learning opportunity but also contributes to the town’s efforts towards sustainability certification.
Our experience shows the importance of engaging the public at multiple levels—science, government, and sustainability—and promoting community-led actions through educational initiatives. We prioritize developing accessible strategies for community engagement, thereby making science and policy relevant to everyday lives.
Through these interdisciplinary initiatives we seek to connect local communities with their environment while serving diverse audiences. Our efforts demonstrate that community engagement in environmental stewardship can empower individuals, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward their local ecosystems. Ultimately, our programs connect communities to relevant science and policy for people at all stages of life.
This presentation will explore our approach, share successful outcomes, and inspire participants to consider similar strategies in their own communities.