State of the Raritan Conference and Awards Ceremony

State of the Raritan

Status and trends from across the region, where do we go from here?

Friday, June 9, 2017

Douglass Student Center, New Brunswick, NJ

9th Annual Sustainable Raritan Conference and Awards Ceremony

Our 2017 conference showcased a series of status and trends reports by Raritan stakeholders from across the region. Presentations described several decades of change in key indicators of watershed health for the Raritan River, basin and bay. And during lunch, keynote speaker, Andrew Johnson of the William Penn Foundation reflected on the strategic approach developed and applied through the Delaware River Watershed Initiative to address the same types of issues we face in the Raritan. What do these reports say about the health of the Raritan and what are the key concerns that still need to be addressed? How do we best leverage existing resources to tackle them? These are a few of the questions panelists and participants considered during this day long conference.

We also presented the 2017 Sustainable Raritan River Awards to recognize outstanding achievements in efforts to revitalize, restore and protect Raritan River resources and to make the Raritan region a premiere place to live, work and raise a family. Eight recipients were recognized. You can follow the link below to learn more about them and their good works for a more sustainable Raritan.

New at this year’s conference was a Data Blitz. The Data Blitz — a series of eleven five-minute long lightning talks — covered a broad range of topics highlighting current academic research, community actions, policy and planning efforts by stakeholders across the Raritan region. Each talk was supported by a poster, and the conference closed with a poster session and networking reception.

If you missed the conference or want to learn more about the presentations and talks, check out the links below, or contact Sara Malone for more information.

Also, watch for our announcement of next year’s conference — our 10th Annual!

Links to more information:

Conference Presentations

Welcome
- Sara Malone and Dr. Carrie Ferraro, Welcome and Rutgers on the Raritan
Status and Trend Reports
- Dr. Richard Lathrop, State of the Raritan Report, Volume 1 and Updates
- Dr. Jay Kelly, Assessing Forest Health in Central New Jersey: Effects of Deer and Invasive Plant Species
- Jeffrey L. Hoffman, Status of Raritan Groundwater Resources
- Kimberly A. Cenno and Jack Pflaumer, 2016 NJDEP Integrated Water Quality Report
- Elizabeth Schuster, Scoping for a Healthier Raritan Watershed for Nature and People
- Isabelle Stinnette, Habitat Restoration Projects and Opportunities in the Raritan
Keynote Address
- Andrew Johnson, An Overview of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative: Alignment and Collaboration to Accelerate Conservation and Measure Impact
Panel and Audience Discussion, Where do we go from here? (summary comments)
Data Blitz – Eleven Lightning Talks
- Daniel Mayer, Restoring Duke’s Brook: A Story of Collaboration
- Mike Stepowyj, Sediment Survey of the Lower Raritan River
- Meredith Comi, Citizen Science Monitoring for Pathogen Indicators Along the NJ Raritan Bayshore
- Mara Tippett, It’s Time to Test your Well! What Motivates Homeowners to Monitor Their Drinking Water?
- Zoe Linder-Baptie and Alexa Schatzmann, Locally Driven Policies to Help Improve Water Quality in the Raritan River Basin
- Dr. Beth Ravit and Sandra Meola, Microplastic Pollution in the Raritan River
- Dr. Aamani Rupakula, Anaerobic Biodegradability of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Raritan River Sediments
- Dr. Josh Kohut, Introducing Rutgers Students to NJDEP Sampling and Quality Control Standards
- Dr. Margaret Christie and Jennifer Walker, Impacts of Sea-level Change and Human Activities in the Raritan River
- Brittany Musolino, A River-Friendly Vision for the Raritan Basin
- Anthony Vastano, Raritan River Fish Cam
Poster Session
- Daniel Mayer, Duke Farms – Dukes Brook 2017 CREP Restoration
- Mike Stepowyj, Sediment Survey of the Lower Raritan River
- Meredith Comi, Citizen Science Monitoring for Pathogen Indicators Along the NJ Bayshore
- Mara Tippett, It’s Time to Test your Well! What Motivates Homeowners to Monitor Their Drinking Water?
- Zoe Linder-Baptie and Alexa Schatzmann, Locally Driven Policies to Help Improve Water Quality in the Raritan River Basin
- Dr. Beth Ravit and Sandra Meola, Microplastics in Urban Freshwaters: Conduit for Persistent Organic Pollution
- Dr. Josh Kohut, Introducing Rutgers Students to NJDEP Sampling and Quality Control Standards
- Dr. Margaret Christie and Jennifer Walker, Impacts of Sea-level Change and Human Activities in the Raritan River
- Brittany Musolino, A River-Friendly Vision for the Raritan Basin
- Alex Ambrose w/Krasnuk, Walker, Weber and Viera, Mapping the Physical and Historical Features of the Lower Raritan
- Rosy Tucker w/Kapagantula, Gilardi, Schumm, Ray and Hudyha, Flood Inundation Modeling for the Raritan River
- Ian Baker w/Hess, Huang, Kerr, Nausbaum, Purus and Warina, Raritan River Real-Time Hydrological Observatory
- Daryl Krasnuk, Improving Watershed Health Through Habitat Restoration and Storm Water Management in the Raritan River Basin
- Daryl Krasnuk, Urbanization and Groundwater Recharge in the Raritan River Watershed
- Dr. Nicole Fahrenfeld, Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants in New Jersey Surface Water
- Susan Welkovits, Raritan River Park Connector Trail (poster), Raritan River Park Connector Proposed Trail (handout)
- Dr. Kristi MacDonald, Biodiversity Initiatives to Protect Water in the Upper Raritan Region
- Subhasis Giri, Assessing Land Use Intensity on Stream Health Using Macro-Invertebrates
- Anthony Vastano, The Raritan River Fish Cam: A Live View of Fish Passage on the Raritan River
- Angela Gorczyca, Waiting 2 – 3 Days to Swim in a Stream After a Rain Event May Increase Safety: Raritan Headwaters Dips into Bacteria Monitoring
- Dr. Jie Gong, Inundation Risk Information System (IRIS) Viewer: A Convergence of Big Spatial Data and Cloud Computing for Flood Mitigation
- Alex Mossavir, Where the Pipe Ends: The Fate of PPCPs in the Raritan River Watershed
- Samuel Wieczerzak, Characterization of PPCP-degrading Microbes in River Sediments

Thanks to our Sponsors

Multi-year Sponsors

Bald Eagle Level Sponsor

Osprey Level Sponsors

In Memory of

Ann McGovern Suydam

Special Thanks to

Chancellor Richard Edwards, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Dean James Hughes, Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

Dean Robert Goodman, Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

The Sustainable Raritan River Initiative is independently funded. For information about how to support our efforts, contact Sara Malone at sara.malone@rutgers.edu or by calling 848.932.2720. Thank you!

Photo Credit: “Aerial view of the Raritan River Bridge at left with Old Edison Memorial Bridge paralleling it, in Middlesex County on the Garden State Parkway of New Jersey”, from Tichnor Brothers Collection, Boston Public Library, digitalcommonwealth.org

	September 2017
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7 Rutgers Coop. Extension Master Gardeners Orientation Rutgers Coop. Extension Master Gardeners Orientation Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: September 7, 2017 - 8:30 pm Description: Have you considered becoming a Master Gardner? We offer both daytime and evening classes. Come to these sessions to learn what it takes. The program officially starts on Sept. 14 and 15. The class is open to all New Jersey residents. $425 tuition fee covers books and materials. To RSVP or for more information call 732-398-5278 ________________________ Master Gardener Program Announces New Classes for 2017-2018 A new season of Master Gardener classes will be starting soon at the Middlesex County EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, located at 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. The Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. This is a year-long program that includes lectures and hands-on learning. Lecture classes meet for three hours once per week from mid-September through mid-April and include some outdoor time in a County park. The “hands-on” garden portion of the class meets weekly from April through mid-September (every other week in summer). During these sessions, new students will create and care for demonstration vegetable and herb gardens. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is offering both daytime and evening sessions for the lecture portion of this program. Optional orientation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 for the Thursday evening class and 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8. for the Friday morning class. The program officially starts on Sept. 14 and 15. The class is open to all New Jersey residents. Topics covered in the program include: sustainable gardening techniques; composting; creative methods of conserving resources and horticulture therapy. The program also requires participants to volunteer some hours of service toward Extension projects, activities and events throughout the year. "Growing your own plants, vegetables and flowers can beautify your home, provide tasty produce and even reduce stress and improve health," said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “To learn the newest techniques and get the best out of your garden, register now for one of these informative sessions.” “Middlesex County has always been committed to preserving its environment and its natural beauty,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “Joining the Master Gardener program is a great way for residents to live a healthier lifestyle and take part in that commitment.” There is a $425 tuition fee, which covers books and materials. Those interested in joining the program can call the EARTH Center at 732-398-5262 for more information or visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search Master Gardeners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. More details... •	8 Rutgers Coop. Extension Master Gardeners Orientation Rutgers Coop. Extension Master Gardeners Orientation Starts: 9:30 am Ends: September 8, 2017 - 11:30 am Description: Have you considered becoming a Master Gardner? We offer both daytime and evening classes. Come to these sessions to learn what it takes. The program officially starts on Sept. 14 and 15. The class is open to all New Jersey residents. $425 tuition fee covers books and materials. To RSVP or for more information call 732-398-5278 ________________________ Master Gardener Program Announces New Classes for 2017-2018 A new season of Master Gardener classes will be starting soon at the Middlesex County EARTH Center in Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, located at 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick. The Master Gardeners are community volunteers trained in earth-friendly gardening and environmental principles. This is a year-long program that includes lectures and hands-on learning. Lecture classes meet for three hours once per week from mid-September through mid-April and include some outdoor time in a County park. The “hands-on” garden portion of the class meets weekly from April through mid-September (every other week in summer). During these sessions, new students will create and care for demonstration vegetable and herb gardens. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is offering both daytime and evening sessions for the lecture portion of this program. Optional orientation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 for the Thursday evening class and 9:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8. for the Friday morning class. The program officially starts on Sept. 14 and 15. The class is open to all New Jersey residents. Topics covered in the program include: sustainable gardening techniques; composting; creative methods of conserving resources and horticulture therapy. The program also requires participants to volunteer some hours of service toward Extension projects, activities and events throughout the year. "Growing your own plants, vegetables and flowers can beautify your home, provide tasty produce and even reduce stress and improve health," said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “To learn the newest techniques and get the best out of your garden, register now for one of these informative sessions.” “Middlesex County has always been committed to preserving its environment and its natural beauty,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “Joining the Master Gardener program is a great way for residents to live a healthier lifestyle and take part in that commitment.” There is a $425 tuition fee, which covers books and materials. Those interested in joining the program can call the EARTH Center at 732-398-5262 for more information or visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and search Master Gardeners. Rutgers Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. More details... End of Summer Party - North Beach, Sandy Hook End of Summer Party - North Beach, Sandy Hook Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: September 8, 2017 - 11:30 pm Description: American Littoral Society End of Summer Party - North Beach, Sandy Hook, NJ Fri Sep 8th 6:30pm - 11:30pm North Beach - Sandy Hook - NJ, Sandy Hook - Gateway National Recreation Area, 128 S Hartshorne Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732, USA Join us at the Beach! A fabulous party to benefit the American Littoral Society and the Sandy Hook Foundation. Dancing under the stars to a live band, Lusty Lobster raw bar and chilled Maine lobsters, grilled buffet and salads, fabulous silent auction. Held at the exclusive North Beach on Sandy Hook, overlooking the beautiful NY skyline. Tickets begin at $150. Contact Laurie Bratone at laurie@littoralsociety.org for more information. More details... • •	9 Sourland Spectacular Bike Ride Sourland Spectacular Bike Ride Starts: 12:00 am Ends: September 9, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: For more information: http://www.sourlandspectacular.com/ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is this event for mountain bikes or road bikes? The event is designed for road bikes, and the routes include only paved roads. Many mountain bikers would find it enjoyable as well. You may ride any human-powered contraption permitted by law. Electric bikes are OK, too. What time does the ride begin? Riders may start between 7:00 and and 10:00 am, and should plan their start time so that they can finish the route in time for lunch at the Otto Kaufman Center. Those taking the 63-mile route should plan to start between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. Those taking the 51-mile ride should start no later than 8:30 am, and those taking the shorter routes should get started before 10:00 am. Registration will remain open until 10:00 am. How are the routes marked? Arrows will be affixed to the roads, marking every turn. The four routes are marked using different color arrows. Are cue sheets provided? Yes. Draft cue sheets will be available for download from the Routes Page. Note, however, that routes are subject to change due to unexpected circumstances such as road closures, or the whims of our route designers. What time is lunch served? Riders will not want to miss the amazing lunch being served at the Otto Kaufman Community Center between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Do I have to register in advance? Advance registration is very helpful to the planners of the event and we strongly encourage you to register in advance if you plan to attend. We will accept registrations on-site on the day of the event. However, swag items will be provided only for those who register in advance by August 28. Also note there is a discount for those who register in advance. What if it rains? You will get wet. The event will proceed rain or shine, and there is no rain date. If I can’t make it, can I get a refund? No, but you may transfer your registration to another rider. Although we cannot provide a refund we can assure you that you have contributed to a very good cause. What is the Sourland Conservancy? The Sourland Conservancy is a non-profit organization working to protect the ecological integrity, historical resources and special character of the Sourland Mountain region. What’s so special about the Sourland Mountains? The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. The sparsely populated area is home to an incredibly rich diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered. More details... •
10 Seine the Bay Day 2017 Seine the Bay Day 2017 Starts: 10:00 am Ends: September 10, 2017 - 3:30 pm Description: Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Seine the Bay Day in 2017 Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:30pm Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:30pm Visit the Bayshore Regional Watershed Council's Website at http://www.restoreraritanbay.org/ for more information. More details... Boyd Park Scavenger Hunt Clean-up Boyd Park Scavenger Hunt Clean-up Starts: 10:00 am Ends: September 10, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership Boyd Park Scavenger Hunt Clean-Up September 10 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm What is the most common type of litter in Boyd Park? Is there more paper or plastic in the grass? How many cigarette butts can you find? How many bottle caps? What is the most unusual item hiding in the bushes? Join the LRWP and coLAB Arts on Sunday September 10, 10-noon for a River Health Workshop and “Scavenger Hunt” Clean-up of New Brunswick’s Boyd Park! This event is coordinated in conjunction with the DIY MARKET at Rock New Brunswick. DIY Market is an open air marketplace that celebrates the creativity and spirit of the New Brunswick music scene. It is being held in Boyd Park, alongside a day-long homegrown New Brunswick music festival. Visit www.lowerraritanwatershed.org for more information. More details... • •	11	12 NJ Landscape Project Training and Info Session - Webinar NJ Landscape Project Training and Info Session - Webinar Starts: 3:30 pm Ends: September 12, 2017 - 4:30 pm Description: Designed to guide strategic wildlife habitat conservation, the Landscape Project is an interactive ecosystem-based mapping tool that assists government agencies, planners, conservation groups, the public and others in making decisions that will protect imperiled and special concern wildlife. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) offers training and information sessions on the Landscape Project at locations throughout the state. This Webinar will provide a convenient and environmentally friendly way for attendees to participate remotely. A Landscape Project information session will include an overview of the Landscape Project mapping method and applications and cover the updates and enhancements to the project, while the training will provide participants an opportunity to use GIS "hands-on" to access habitat maps for threatened and endangered wildlife species. Please Note: Access to ArcGIS software is required in order to complete the ArcGIS exercise included in this Webinar. Participants with access to ArcGIS software will have to download the Landscape Project GIS files prior to the start of the Webinar in order to complete the ArcGIS exercise included in the Webinar. Files can be downloaded from DEP's Bureau of GIS at http://www.nj.gov/dep/gis/landscape.html To Register for the Webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9006624594551418371 More details... Central Jersey Trout Unlimited General Meeting Central Jersey Trout Unlimited General Meeting Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: September 12, 2017 - 10:00 pm Description: General Meeting Tuesday, September 12, 2017 There are no General Meetings during the months of July and August. Next General Meeting will be on September 12, 2017. We hope to see you there! Meeting will start at 7:30 with pizza and soda and the business meeting begins at 8:00. Meeting Location American Legion Hall 137 New Market Road Dunellen, NJ Meetings starts at 8 PM Non Members are always welcome! More details... • •	13	14 NJ Planning Summit 2017 NJ Planning Summit 2017 Starts: 2:30 pm Ends: September 14, 2017 - 7:30 pm Description: NJ Planning Summit 2017: Moving Forward in an Uncertain World September 14, 2017 Bell Works Holmdel, New Jersey There has been little to no focus on statewide land use planning since 2010. With the governor and all 120 seats in the New Jersey Legislature up for grabs, we have an opportunity to articulate a land use planning and economic development agenda for all of the candidates to consider. The 6th Annual New Jersey Planning Summit will offer us that opportunity. In an interactive “Town Hall” format, PlanSmart NJ has invited each of the gubernatorial candidates to participate in this important event. Following the presentations we will open the floor and engage as a community to discuss what we’ve heard and to collectively offer our ideas and recommendations. Our discussion will be compiled and presented to each of the candidates as a planning and economic blueprint for the future. We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, September 14 to be a part of this conversation. http://www.plansmartnj.org/events/summit-2017/ More details... Watershed Tools for Local Leaders - Arsenic Watershed Tools for Local Leaders - Arsenic Starts: 3:00 pm Ends: September 14, 2017 - 5:00 pm Description: Informing Residents of the Health Effects of Arsenic in Drinking Water & the Need to Test and Treat Private Wells Thursday, September 14, 3-5pm 314 State Route 12, Bldg. #3, Flemington, NJ 08822. Presenters: Raritan Headwaters, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, NJ DEP, and Hunterdon County Division of Public Health Services Much like annual preventative health screenings, an annual well test is an important part of maintaining good health. Arsenic is a natural but toxic element that is found in well water throughout the watershed. Municipal government, local doctors, and the media play an important role in providing information to residents in areas at high risk for well water contaminants such as arsenic. Workshop participants will learn more about the health effects of arsenic, how arsenic enters the water supply and what tools are available to better inform residents on how to safeguard their drinking water through testing and treatment. Presenters include experts on the topic from Raritan Headwaters, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, NJDEP, and the Hunterdon County Division of Public Health Services. To register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eedme3hc143a9b6b&oseq=&c=&ch= For more info: Kristi McDonald, Raritan Headwaters, (908) 234-1852, kmacdonald@raritanheadwaters.org More details... Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Meeting Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Meeting Starts: 8:00 pm Ends: September 14, 2017 - 10:00 pm Location: Hall Place, Hall Pl, Keyport, NJ 07735, USA Description: Monthly Meeting of the Bayshore Regional Watershed Council The watershed council is an all-volunteer organization. Since 2000, we have been dedicated to improving water quality and restoring wildlife habitat along Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay. Please consider joining the watershed council. Membership is always free. We depend on the time and generosity of volunteers for everything we do. Join us for a watershed meeting. Meetings are always informal and a great way to learn about your watershed. We meet the second Thursday of every month at 7:30pm inside Keyport Borough Hall located on Front Street. www.restoreraritanbay.org More details... • • •	15	16
17	18 World Water Monitoring Day Picnic - LRWP/coLAB Arts World Water Monitoring Day Picnic - LRWP/coLAB Arts Starts: 5:30 pm Ends: September 18, 2017 - 7:30 pm Location: Boyd Park, New Brunswick, NJ 08904, USA Description: Join the LRWP and coLAB arts to celebrate with an after-work picnic (5:30-7:30pm) along New Brunswick’s Boyd Park waterfront! Bring your dinner (or something to share). We’ll supply beverages, paper products and dessert. RSVPs requested: hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org The event will include water quality monitoring demos (ph, salinity, phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, turbidity, dissolved oxygen), project updates on the Rail-Arts-River and “frames” sculptural installation, picnicking and a Raritan River “story slam” with coLAB Arts. Want to participate in the Story Slam? We are looking for 4-5 people to tell their stories about the Raritan River at our September 18 event. Do you have a special, original Raritan River story to share? Let us know by August 31! We’ll then make arrangements for you to work with coLAB’s Dusty Ballard and John Keller who will help you prepare to tell your story on stage. This must be a personal, true story, that happened to you where you are the central character and it should somehow relate to the Raritan River or Lower Raritan Watershed. Though we love fiction, we’re interested in the truth. Your truth. Spill all of the details! Stories must be within a 4-to-8-minute time frame. Tell ONE story with a beginning middle and end containing a series of events that grow to a climax. Though we love stand up comedy, this is not a stand up set. We’re only interested in the thoughts, feelings, and emotions you experienced through this ONE story from your life that you’ve prepared. Contact hfenyk@lowerraritanwatershed.org if interested in the Story Slam, and to RSVP. More details... Turning Data into Action - Protecting the Navesink River Turning Data into Action - Protecting the Navesink River Starts: 6:30 pm Ends: September 18, 2017 - 8:30 pm Description: Turning Data Into Action Strategies for Protecting the Navesink River Monday, September 18 6:30pm-8:30pm (Registration begins at 6:00 pm) Huber Wood Environmental Center 25 Brown's Dock Road (Locust) Middletown Township Join the professional staff from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) Water Resources Program and ANJEC Staff: Ensure new development is in compliance with stormwater management regulations. Review checklists for site plan applications and training on the E-Tool: Asking Right Questions in Stormwater Review. Learn to take data from collection tools such as Navesink River pathogen pollution reports or Rutgers's Impervious Coverage Assessment Action and implement changes through ordinances. Township staff, officials, planning board/environmental commission members and interested public invited. Please register by September 12: Registration fee: $20 (includes light supper and workshop materials) If your commission/committee is on the ANJEC Workshop Plan, there is no charge to attend. To register: email ANJEC or call 973-539-7547. Funding for this program is provided by Mary Owen Borden Foundation In support of Rally for the Navesink, a project of Clean Ocean Action More details... • •	19 Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership Membership Meeting Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership Membership Meeting Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: September 19, 2017 - 9:30 pm Description: Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership Alan Godber - agodber@turbousa.com We plan to hold a Membership Meeting on Tuesday, September 19th at 7:30PM, at the Milltown Senior Center as normal. Speaker and topic to be announced. In the next few months we expect to have a speaker to talk about research he is doing at Rutgers University on a Fish Camera to be used to study fish in the Raritan River and other locations. We also expect to have a talk later in the year about the critical importance of "Lichens" by an expert from the New York Botanical Gardens. We also have some other topics being considered for the remainder of this year. More details... •	20	21	22	23 Waackaack Creek Clean-up Waackaack Creek Clean-up Starts: 10:00 am Ends: September 23, 2017 - 12:00 pm Description: Bayshore Regional Watershed Council Public Clean-ups along Raritan Bay & Sandy Hook Bay in 2017 Saturday, March 11, 2017 Comptons Creek Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Meeting Location: 19 Broadway, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Saturday, April 22, 2017 Mouth of Many Mind Creek Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Meeting Location: 5 Avenue A, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 Sunday, May 6, 2017 Mouth of Flat Creek Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Meeting Location: Brook Avenue, located off Front Street, Union Beach, NJ 07735 Saturday, September 23, 2017 Waackaack Creek Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Meeting Location: Near 130 Church Street, located near Creek Road, Keansburg, NJ 07734 Saturday, October 21, 2017 Chingorora Creek Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Meeting Location: TBD Sunday, November 19, 2017 Matawan Creek, River Gardens Park Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm Meeting Location: Near 400 Riverdale Drive, Cliffwood Beach, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07735 Horseshoe crab Monitoring & Tagging Dates: Training: Thursday, April 28, 2017 7:00pm – 8:00pm Bayshore Waterfront Park DATES & TIMES TO MONITOR & TAG HORSESHOE CRABS IN 2017 WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 STARTING AT 8:30PM THURSDAY, MAY 25 STARTING AT 8:00PM FRIDAY, JUNE 9 STARTING AT 8:45PM FRIDAY, JUNE 23 STARTING AT 8:00PM Seine the Bay Day in 2017 Sunday, June 11, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:30pm Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:30pm Visit the Bayshore Regional Watershed Council's Website at http://www.restoreraritanbay.org/ for more information. More details... •
24 Volunteer Day at Schiff Volunteer Day at Schiff Starts: 9:00 am Ends: September 24, 2017 - 11:00 am Location: 339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945 Description: September 24, 2017 (Sunday) 9-11 am Volunteer Day at Schiff Schiff Nature Center 339 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham, 07945 Please join Schiff members, staff, and volunteers as we embark on an outdoor land steward project to improve the Schiff Natural Land Trust. Our volunteer work days are great for teens, adults, church groups, service groups, scout troops, or anyone else looking to earn community service or environmental karma credits! Come lend a hand with trail maintenance, fence repair, invasive species removal, native plant garden maintenance, and home repair. Wear weather appropriate clothes, sturdy work boots, and yard gloves. We will provide water, snacks, and insight into the importance of the preservation work we do here at Schiff. Ages 15+, please. Schiff membership is encouraged, but not required. Please register in advance so that we know you are coming! If you have questions, please emailtom@schiffnaturepreserve.org Contact: 973-543-6004 More details... Raritan River Festival - Boyd Park Raritan River Festival - Boyd Park Starts: 12:00 pm Ends: September 24, 2017 - 5:30 pm Description: The annual Raritan River Festival and Rubber Duck Race will return on September 24 to Boyd Park! Enjoy a day of live music, environmental exhibitors and activities, entertainment for children, cardboard canoe races, pony rides, a beer garden, food vendors and more. The day is capped off with The Beez Foundation's Rubber Duck Race into the Raritan River to raise money for pediatric brain cancer research. Admission is FREE and open to all! Please join us fo this family-friendly summer event! More details at https://www.facebook.com/raritanriverfestival/ More details... • •	25 Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: September 25, 2017 - 9:30 pm Location: 50 Polhemus Ln, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, USA Description: Meetings of the Somerset Raritan Valley Sewerage Authority are held the fourth Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the Authority conference room located in the Administrative Office. Open session meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and there is an opportunity for public participation. Anyone from the public wishing to be heard should arrive promptly for the start of a meeting as the public participation portion is early on the agenda. http://srvsa.org/ More details... Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority Meeting Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority Meeting Starts: 7:30 pm Ends: September 25, 2017 - 9:30 pm Location: 290 River Road, Princeton, NJ Description: Authority Board Meeting Schedule A RESOLUTION SETTING REGULAR MEETING DATES FOR THE STONY BROOK REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2016 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT Resolution No. 2015-78 BE IT RESOLVED by the Stony Brook Regional Sewerage Authority: That the regular meeting day of the Authority be held on the fourth Monday of each month, except in November, when it will be held on the second Monday, and June and December when the meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month. http://www.sbrsa.com/ More details... • •	26	27 Climate Change Policy in NJ - Conference Climate Change Policy in NJ - Conference Starts: 8:30 am Ends: September 27, 2017 - 4:00 pm Description: SAVE THE DATE! Climate Change Policy in New Jersey: Advancing Opportunities to make New Jersey Safer, Greener, Healthier and More Prosperous Hosted by the New Jersey Climate Adaptation Alliance. Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Coach Barn at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. More information about the conference will be posted and a registration link will be available here in mid-July. Mindy Lubber, President and CEO of CERES (www.ceres.org) will be joining as a keynote speaker. Event flyer available here. More details... RMRFCC Meeting RMRFCC Meeting Starts: 7:00 pm Ends: September 27, 2017 - 9:00 pm Location: TBD Description: The Raritan & Millstone Rivers Flood Control Commission meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm at various municipal buildings, unless otherwise noted. The purpose of the Commission shall be to foster the design, construction and long-term mitigation for the effective flood control measures for the prevention and alleviation of flooding within the basins of the Raritan and Millstone Rivers, State of New Jersey through actions in the following priority areas: Communication / Education Legislation Policy http://www.rmrfcc.org/ More details... • •	28	29 Duke Farms - ANJEE Autumn Conference Duke Farms - ANJEE Autumn Conference Starts: 8:30 am Ends: September 29, 2017 - 5:00 pm Description: ANJEE Autumn Conference: From Inspiration to Impact in the Outdoors Overview The Alliance for NJ Environmental Education (ANJEE) is excited to present a day full of programs for educators at Duke Farms, a model for environmental stewardship and a more sustainable future. Our autumn event will feature a variety of outdoor sessions designed to educate and inspire. Explore natural history with local experts in birding, animal tracking, plant ID and more. Learn the secrets of amazing outdoor teachers who will share their tried and true techniques. Investigate NGSS aligned lesson plans, designed specifically for outdoor education. Try your hand at primitive skills or learn to carve a lovely linden leaf! Early Bird Attendee $50 (Before June 15, 2017) Regular Attendee $60 (after June 15, 2017) Pre and Post Conference Tour Schedule (Advance registration is required to attend these tours.) Farming Operations & Community Garden - 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM Meadow Walk to the Orchid Range - 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM Birding at Duke Farms - 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM Sustainable Technology at the Orientation Center - 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM Big Tree Walk - 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM Waterfall Walk - 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM Interested in exhibiting at the conference? Exhibitor registration is $75 (includes one table and one attendee.) Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anjee-autumn-conference-from-inspiration-to-impact-in-the-outdoors-tickets-31068694301 More details... •	30 National Public Lands Day National Public Lands Day Starts: 12:00 am Ends: September 30, 2017 - 11:59 pm Description: National Public Lands Day Celebrate Something We All Share: Our Public Lands From our neighborhood parks or beaches to our nation’s awe-inspiring national parks, public lands of all sizes and varieties are the places where we live, learn, play, exercise, and relax. In fact, over 30% of America’s land is public land. Now it’s your turn to give back! NEEF National Public Lands Day (NPLD), sponsored by Toyota Motor North America, is the nation's largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Through NPLD, NEEF works to connect people to public lands in their community, inspire environmental stewardship, and encourage use of public lands for education, recreation, and general health. Bring your family, friends, students, or coworkers to spend the day outdoors giving back to your community by pulling invasive species, maintaining trails, picking up trash, and more. Your work will help ensure our public lands continue to be beautiful places for all to enjoy! To encourage people to join in and visit their public lands, NPLD is a fee-free day for all federal public lands and many state parks. Whether you volunteer on NPLD, enjoy some boating, hiking, fishing, or camping, or simply learn more about your public lands and the plants and wildlife that live there, we invite you to take this day to enjoy the great outdoors and celebrate the lands that give us so much. Follow NEEF on Twitter (link is external) (link is external)and Facebook (link is external) for the latest updates and engage with the community through the hashtag #NPLD. Learn more about how outdoor activity impacts our health, and how our public lands and wildlife are impacted by a changing climate. #NPLD is happening on September 30th, 2017! Stay tuned for registration information, partners, sites, and more! More info: https://www.neefusa.org/public-lands-day More details... •