Celebrating 50 years of the Clean Water Act
MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY – The Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today that their Gala Celebration and Silent Auction will take place Tuesday, October 18, 6:00-9:00 PM at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. The evening’s Keynote Speaker is Olivia Carpenter Glenn, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Equity in Region 2 of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ms. Glenn will speak about Environmental Justice focusing on the inequity that exists in New Jersey and throughout the country regarding clean water and a healthy environment.
“The date of the Gala falls on the precise 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act,” stated Sally Rubin, GSWA Executive Director. “We are fortunate that Ms. Glenn could join us to discuss the important topic of Environmental Justice on such a fitting occasion. This piece of legislation has played an essential role in protecting the quality of our water and environment for half a century, but as Ms. Glenn will attest, there is a lot more work to be done to ensure there is equal justice and access to clean water for all.”
“We are gratified that the EPA is launching a new national office dedicated to advancing environmental justice and civil rights,” said Ms. Rubin. “The new office will oversee the implementation and delivery of a $3 billion climate and environmental justice block grant program.”
The Gala, GSWA’s largest fundraiser of the year, offers a lively cocktail hour, fine dining with a vegan meal option, a silent auction with over 100 items up for bid, and remarks from Olivia Carpenter Glenn. Guests who purchase a VIP ticket will enjoy a private reception of cocktails and gourmet hors d’oeuvres at 5:00 PM, prior to the start of the event. New this year. GSWA is offering Young Professionals, attend the Gala at half the price of a regular ticket.
Those interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the Gala, including underwriting and program advertising opportunities, may visit GreatSwamp.org or call (973) 538-3500.
GSWA is thankful to their generous Gala Underwriters: NJ American Water, Atlantic Health System, FirstEnergy, Adrienne & Reed Auerbach, Avelino Law, BASF Corporation, Dixon Energy, Eagle Cliff Real Estate Partners, Agi & Matt Krauser, PSEG, Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP, Valley Bank, and David & Lisa Welsh. Proceeds from all underwriting, ticket sales, and auction purchases support the environmental stewardship, education, water quality, and advocacy programs of the Great Swamp Watershed Association.
This year’s Gala announcement comes on the heels of a flurry of recent successful activities from GSWA. Most recently, in mid-September, a record 48 people attended GSWA’s stream assessment training session to gain a better understanding of a stream’s health. These fully trained individuals are now qualified to conduct their own visual stream assessments and contribute to the organization’s data collection and sharing process. GSWA also continues to provide environmental educational programs to students at all levels while offering public programs such as environmental speaker programs, guided hikes, and DIY workshops. Additionally, ongoing land stewardship at GSWA’s 73-acre Conservation Management Area (CMA) on Tiger Lily Lane in Harding offers pet-friendly maintained trails and open space for all to enjoy.
GSWA serves as a leading advocate and defender of New Jersey’s precious natural resources, promoting an understanding of the importance of protecting our drinking water and preserving the natural beauty of our environment.
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About the Great Swamp Watershed Association
Protecting the waters of the Great Swamp watershed region for over 40 years, the Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the water resources of the Passaic River region, from the Great Swamp headwaters to Newark Bay, for present and future generations. Through education, advocacy, science, land preservation, and stewardship, in collaboration with partners, we work to instill our communities with an awareness of water’s effect on health and the beauty of the environment, from source to sea.
For more information about the Great Swamp Watershed Association, GreatSwamp.org.