FAQs

• What is a watershed?
  A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular body of water, such as a stream, river, pond or lake. A watershed is not determined by political boundaries, but instead is shaped by nature’s hills and valleys.
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• Do we really drink water from the Stony Brook or Millstone River?
  If you live in central New Jersey your water likely comes from the lakes, streams, rivers and groundwater in the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed, or a combination of these sources, supplemented by water from the Raritan River and reservoirs in the Highlands.

  In the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed all streams, rain and snowmelt go to the Millstone River. The Millstone River starts in Millstone Township, Monmouth County and flows north joining with the Stony Brook in Princeton, Mercer County. It ultimately connects to the Raritan River in Franklin Township and Manville Borough, Somerset County. Some of that water is withdrawn from the river at that point, treated and then piped into homes and businesses throughout central New Jersey.

• Do I live in the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed?
  The Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed spans five counties and 26 towns. See our map to learn more about the region we cover.

• What does the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association do?
  The Watershed Association protects clean water and the environment throughout the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed. Founded in 1949, we are one of central New Jersey’s first environmental groups. We protect clean water and the environment through a combination of conservation, advocacy, science and education.
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• Where is the Watershed Reserve and what can I do there?
  The 860-acre Watershed Reserve is located at 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington NJ and is open dawn to dusk. It offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails and features the Buttinger Nature Center and Kate Gorrie Butterfly House.
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• When is the Nature Center open?
  The Buttinger Nature Center is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Come visit our animals and displays, and check out the Nature Center Shop. The Kate Gorrie Butterfly House is open dawn to dusk in season (June through September).

• Can I bring my dog for a walk on the trails?
  Our trails are for foot traffic only, pets must be leashed at all times, no smoking or lighting fires is permitted, and picnicking is allowed in designated areas where there are tables (trash is carry in, carry out). For maps and more information, click here.

• Who should I call if I have an environmental problem in my town?
  Visit our Staff page for a breakdown of our staff by department.