On April 28, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Student Union Building will transform into a hub of environmental advocacy as it hosts the Hackensack River Nation Summit 2026. Organized by the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF), the conference aims to unite approximately 200 leaders, public officials, and innovators in a shared mission to restore and protect the vital Hackensack River watershed.
The summit serves as the cornerstone event for the “Hackensack River Nation,” a collaborative alliance dedicated to improving the ecological health of the river and increasing community access to its natural resources.
The event kicks off with a keynote address by Captain Bill Sheehan, executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper. His presentation, titled “The State of the Hackensack River,” will provide a high-level overview of the river’s current ecosystem and outline the vision for its future.
Throughout the day, attendees will participate in interactive sessions led by experts from institutions such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Rutgers New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute, and local municipal leaders. Critical topics on the agenda include:
- Progress on the Hackensack River Superfund cleanup.
- Strategies for stormwater utility management and flood reduction.
- Community-engaged science and advocacy.
- The intersection of environmental art and public health.
New to this year’s summit is the ECOllab, a networking platform designed to turn discussion into action. Participants can use this platform during the event to post calls for collaboration, find volunteers for cleanups, identify research partners, or build coalitions for policy advocacy. The NNJCF intends for this tool to foster long-term partnerships that continue well beyond the conclusion of the one-day summit.
While the summit itself requires registration, the NNJCF has ensured the event remains inclusive through an Environmental Fair. Held concurrently at the same location, the fair is free and open to the public. It will feature exhibits from numerous environmental organizations throughout the region, offering community members a chance to learn about local volunteer opportunities and ongoing conservation efforts.
Registration is now open, with tiered pricing. For more information, a full agenda, and to secure a ticket, click here.
