Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association Honors River-Friendly

Businesses and Residents

The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association (SBWMA) is pleased to announce its most recent River-Friendly Certification recipients.  This year, two businesses and seven residents in the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed were awarded River-Friendly certifications.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Hopewell Campus, and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc., Skillman, were formally presented with their certifications at SBMWA’s annual Butterfly Festival on August 12, 2006.

Both companies have done exceptional jobs in addressing River-Friendly goals outlined for their campuses.  Among other activities, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company installed over 300 linear feet of riparian plantings, reduced fertilizer use, and hosted two tours of the campus for teachers involved in SBMWA programs.  Actions taken by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc. included reducing pesticide use by 54%, creating over 4 acres of natural areas, and airing internal television broadcasts to provide environmental facts and tips to employees.

Residents from Hopewell, Montgomery, and Princeton were also certified as River-Friendly.  They have implemented practices such as reducing the use of chemical pesticides, conducting soil tests to determine fertilizer needs, planting native vegetation, and installing rain barrels to conserve water.

The River-Friendly Certification Program is designed to guide landowners, such as businesses, golf courses, and residents, in becoming better environmental stewards to protect and preserve the local environment. 

Through funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency, SBMWA was able to partner with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA) and South Branch Watershed Association (SBWA) to expand the River-Friendly Program throughout the entire Raritan Basin.  Through the program, SBMWA, NJWSA, and SBWA staff work with participants, in their respective watersheds, to develop specific goals for each participant that: protect and improve water quality; conserve water; enhance wildlife habitat; and educate others.  Once participants complete the goals, they receive the River-Friendly Certification.

If you live or work in the Raritan Basin and are interested in learning more about the River-Friendly Program, please contact SBMWA, NJWSA, or SBWA.  More information can also be found on the SBMWA website at http://www.thewatershed.org/river_friendly_program.php.