Press Releases
Funding supports stream restoration and watershed protection in Morris County
CAMDEN, N.J. – JUNE 9, 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and New Jersey American Water, in support of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, are proud to name Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited Chapter a recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program.
“Thank you to the American Water Charitable Foundation for this honor and for supporting our work at India Brook,” said Henry Bayard, Conservation Coordinator, Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited. “This grant will help advance our riparian buffer and stream restoration efforts while also creating the next generation of conservation stewards through hands-on community involvement and education. We are grateful for this partnership and the lasting impact it will have on both the ecosystem and those who care for it.”
Located in Morris County, the organization will use the $10,000 grant to support Phase III of the India Brook Restoration Project. Efforts include stabilizing approximately 1,800 feet of stream bank, restoring native riparian vegetation, reducing erosion and sedimentation, and installing educational signage to promote awareness of stream ecology and conservation practices.
“Providing safe and reliable water is what we do, but giving back to the communities we serve is part of who we are,” said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. “Through the Foundation’s Water and Environment Grant Program, we're proud to invest in local organizations that protect our water resources, educate future stewards and strengthen communities across New Jersey."
The India Brook Restoration Project is a multi-phase initiative developed in partnership with the Borough of Mendham, Raritan Headwaters Association, Trout Unlimited, and other community organizations. Phase III builds on prior work to remove invasive species and establish native plantings, while expanding restoration efforts and engaging volunteers, students, and local residents in hands-on conservation activities.
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. In 2026, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded over $179,000 to ten nonprofit organizations across New Jersey American Water’s service area.
"The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to support eligible nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact across New Jersey," said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "Funding for Water and Environment grants support projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation."
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation, here.
New Jersey American Water presents a $10,000 American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant to Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited. Pictured left to right: Alex Traut, president, Rotary of the Mendhams; Mendham Borough Council Land Use Committee Chair Michael Peters, Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited; Neil Henry, Rotary of the Mendhams; Jim Herder, Ridge and Valley Trout Unlimited; and Shealynn O’Toole, senior source water protection program manager, American Water.
Learn more about New Jersey American Water's community impact, here.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
New Jersey American Water Media Contact:
Damarah Brown
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
Damarah.Brown@amwater.com
American Water Charitable Foundation Media Contact:
awcfmedia@amwater.com