By Steve Saddlemire, Earth and Climate Ministry

One of UUCWC’s best-kept secrets is our participation in The Watershed Institute (Pennington, NJ) River Friendly program. The program is open to nonprofits, individuals, and local businesses who seek to keep our region’s water supply clean and healthy.

We were awarded Gold-level status in 2020 because of our strong policies and practices regarding watershed protection. 

Led by the Earth and Climate Ministry (ECM), the implementation of the River Friendly program addresses a collection of more than 16 guidelines intended to enhance our environmental stewardship. 

Sound or “green” eco-friendly activities include lawn mowing practices (reduced areas and frequency to maintain a meadow area), stream bank maintenance, reduced use of plastics, conservation-minded maintenance of our grounds, sponsorship of environmental education programs, participation in area cleanups, advocating and applying green energy initiatives and more.  

Each initiative is monitored by a member of ECM, and corrective action is taken as required. If you would like to participate in UUCWC’s environmental leadership, contact earthministry@uucwc.org