Recap of the March 5, 2025 WRWAC Meeting
A Night of Learning and Inspiration at the WRWAC March Meeting
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee (WRWAC) hosted its monthly Action Committee meeting at the Morris County Library in Whippany, NJ. The evening kicked off at 5:45 PM with pizza and mingling, followed by the official meeting at 6:00 PM. The highlight of the night? A captivating presentation by Len Fariello of Wildlife Preserves, a renowned author and expert on the Whippany River.
Len Fariello took us on an in-depth journey through the history of the Whippany River, exploring how human activity and development have shaped its course and impacted its watershed and the delicate ecosystem that depends on it. His talk was a perfect blend of storytelling and science, offering attendees a richer understanding of this vital natural resource that provides drinking water to over a million people in northern New Jersey.
Missed the meeting? No worries! Len’s presentation is available to watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/PETZEtEIvSA. Whether you’re a history buff, an environmental enthusiast, or just curious about the river flowing through our communities, this video is well worth your time.
About Len Fariello and Wildlife Preserves
Len Fariello is no stranger to the Whippany River. As an author of a celebrated book on its history and a key figure at Wildlife Preserves—a private, nonprofit dedicated to conserving natural areas—he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Wildlife Preserves protects approximately 4,500 acres of land in New Jersey (and manages another 9,500 acres), including 160 acres in Westchester County, NY. Their mission aligns closely with WRWAC’s: preserving open spaces, wildlife, and habitats for future generations. Len’s presentation underscored how interconnected our actions are with the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystem—a call to action we can all take to heart.
The WRWAC Mission: Preserving, Protecting, and Maintaining the Watershed
For those new to WRWAC, this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization has been the steward of the Whippany River Watershed since 1999. Covering 69.3 square miles in Morris County, the watershed feeds the 16-mile-long Whippany River, a critical part of the Buried Valley Aquifer system. WRWAC’s work—ranging from river cleanups and streamside restoration to water quality monitoring and educational outreach—ensures this resource remains healthy and sustainable.
The March 5 meeting was just one example of how WRWAC brings the community together to learn, discuss, and act. With monthly meetings featuring guest speakers like Len Fariello, annual events like the Whippany River Cleanup (mark your calendars for March 22, 2025!), and countless volunteer-driven projects, WRWAC is making a real difference.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to contribute to the effort to preserve, protect, and maintain the Whippany River Watershed? Here’s how you can join the WRWAC mission:
- Attend a Meeting: WRWAC hosts public Action Committee meetings on the first Wednesday of each month (except January, July, and August) at 5:45 PM at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave, Whippany, NJ 07981. Can’t make it in person? Join via Zoom! Check www.wrwac.org for the latest schedule and details.
- Volunteer: From river cleanups to tree plantings, WRWAC relies on community volunteers. Visit the “Programs Projects Events” section on their website to see upcoming opportunities.
- Donate: Support WRWAC’s work by making a donation or shopping through AmazonSmile, where 0.5% of your eligible purchases can go to WRWAC. Every little bit helps fund their vital projects!
- Spread the Word: Share Len Fariello’s YouTube presentation (https://youtu.be/PETZEtEIvSA) with friends and family to raise awareness about the Whippany River’s history and importance.
Looking Ahead
The March 5 meeting was a reminder of why WRWAC’s work matters—and how much we all have to gain by protecting our watershed. Len Fariello’s insights into the river’s past and present challenges inspired us to think about its future. Together, we can ensure the Whippany River remains a thriving lifeline for our communities and the wildlife that call it home.
For more information about WRWAC and how to get involved, visit www.wrwac.org. Let’s keep the momentum going—see you at the next meeting!
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