Save Our Water!

The presence of algae in lakes and rivers is natural, and algae are important parts of a healthy environment. However, populations of algae can grow out control; we call these population explosions “Harmful Algal Blooms,” or HABs, for short. HABs can quickly turn an entire lake green and kill the creatures living in the water, often leaving dead fish floating on the surface or along the shores.

HABs also pose serious health risks to people and pets: toxic substances produced by the algae become dangerously concentrated in the water. Ingesting or coming into contact with contaminated water can cause abdominal pain, headaches, rashes, and even kidney damage in people; pets can experience fatal liver or respiratory failure. Because HABs can create these serious health problems, they often lead to a ban on swimming, boating, and fishing in any affected waters.

Your donations will help us to purchase an incubator- a tool that enables us to grow small populations of algae - for our laboratory. Studying the algae we grow allows us to determine the causes of HABs, as well as the most effective ways to prevent and treat them. Additionally, we can collect and maintain populations of native algae in our incubator; if any species should happen to go extinct in our natural ecosystems, we will ensure that they have a chance of making a recovery.

Please consider making a donation now to help preserve our environment, and our healthful way of life in New Jersey.