MAYOR KELLY ANNOUNCES HACKLEBARNEY TROUT UNILIMITED AWARDED AMERICAN WATER CHAIRTABLE FOUNDATION 2026 WATER ENVIRONMENT GRANT FOR INDIA BROOK RESTORATION

Mayor Kelly is proud to announce that Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited (HTU) has been awarded a 2026 Water and Environment Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation in support of the India Brook Restoration Project in the Borough. "Thank you, Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited  for your hard work on this important grant and successful environmental partnership with the Borough and our ECOSST Commission. We are grateful for the teamwork and great partnership as we continue the restoration of India Brook."

The India Brook Restoration Project, a partnership with the Borough of Mendham, focuses on improving approximately 1,800 feet of stream and adjacent riparian buffer within India Brook Park. The project includes invasive species removal, stream habitat enhancement, and the planting of native trees, shrubs, and grasses. These efforts will improve water quality, reduce erosion, enhance flood resilience, and support a sustainable cold-water trout fishery.

“This grant is an important investment in the future of India Brook and the surrounding ecosystem,” said Cris Giordano, President of Hacklebarney Trout Unlimited. “With the support of the American Water Charitable Foundation, we are advancing critical work to restore trout habitat, strengthen the riparian buffer, and engage the community in hands-on conservation. Partnerships like this allow us to create lasting environmental impact while educating the next generation of conservation stewards.”

The Water and Environment Grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. The program supports high-impact projects that advance clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate resilience, and water-based recreation.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to invest in organizations and programs that focus on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability, and water-based recreation,” said Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “We take pride in furthering American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and trusted partner in the communities we serve.”