February 2025 Water Quality Updates

 

Left to Right: Jane Rosenblatt Birkhofer, NJDEP Deputy Commissioner,
Swarna Muthukrishnan, Kaylee DiPasquale and David Zimmer,
Executive Director NJ Infrastructure Bank

Poo-llution Presentation to SEAL Students

Kaylee DiPasquale, COA's Community Science Program Coordinator, provided an insightful presentation on pollutants affecting our waterways to COA SEAL students. The students learned the various types of chemical and biological pollutants, common sources, and the harmful effects on local water systems. Kaylee also introduced COA’s impactful community science programs, including Rally for the Waterways, Beach Sweeps, and Road Salt Monitoring, inspiring students to take an active role in protecting water quality. Through advocacy, education, and policy engagement, students gained actionable ideas for addressing water quality challenges in their own towns. From participating in hands-on science initiatives to raising awareness, the session highlighted meaningful ways they can help create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Rally for the Two Rivers Receives 
Governor’s Award 

In December, COA's Rally for the Two Rivers program received the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in the Watershed Management and Water Resources category. These awards are presented during a ceremony hosted by The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and are "awarded annually to individuals and organizations that demonstrate commitment and leadership on a variety of environmental issues, including environmental justice, climate change due to pollution, sustainability, and education" (NJDEP).