Press Releases
Funding supports riparian buffer restoration and education initiatives in Raritan Township
CAMDEN, N.J. – JULY 1, 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit 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 Hunterdon Land Trust a recipient of the Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program.
Funding will support riparian buffer restoration at the Hunterdon Land Trust’s Dvoor Farm preserve through the planting of native trees and shrubs. These efforts are designed to help reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, stabilize streambanks and improve water quality while enhancing wildlife habitat along the Walnut Brook stream corridor. In addition to restoration work, the grant will support community education and outreach initiatives focused on protecting local waterways. Programming will include hands-on demonstrations, guided stream walks and practical education on water conservation, native landscaping and runoff reduction.
“We are deeply grateful for support from the American Water Charitable Foundation for our efforts to advance clean water, habitat restoration and environmental education within the Walnut Brook watershed,” said Emily Dunn, executive director of Hunterdon Land Trust. “The work funded by this grant directly supports our mission to foster healthy ecosystems and communities in the Hunterdon County region.”
Hunterdon Land Trust will engage volunteers in tree planting and stewardship activities, fostering community awareness and long-term environmental responsibility. The Dvoor Farm site serves as a community hub, enabling the organization to reach a broad audience through programs such as Stewardship Saturdays, where local volunteers come together to support ongoing conservation efforts.
“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 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 more than $179,000 to 10 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 supports projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation."
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here.
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 nonprofit 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