This fall season has come with several environmental issues, including statewide wildfires, above-average temperatures, and, now, historically low precipitation rates. On November 13th, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) released a statement that issued an official drought warning for the state of New Jersey. Keep reading for more details about the drought warning in New Jersey and how residents can conserve the water supply during this time.
What to Know
Following a series of wildfires that have burned across New Jersey, NJDEP Department Commissioner Shawn M. Latourette signed an Administrative Order on November 13th, 2024, authorizing a Drought Warning designation for the state of New Jersey.
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This follows a hearing on November 12th, when the NJDEP met with water suppliers and New Jersey residents to discuss the current water supply conditions and develop management options.
New Jersey is currently experiencing a meteorological drought caused by periods of low precipitation and high heat. According to a statement released by NJDEP Commissioner Latourette and Governor Phil Murphy, climate change is the cause of this meteorological drought and a number of environment-related issues.
“Climate change is driving our record low precipitation and above-average temperature recorded statewide in September and October,” Commissioner LaTourette said in a statement. “This combination of events has resulted in decreased streamflow and groundwater levels, which harms our available water supplies.”
The Drought Warning is the next step in formally preserving the state’s available water supply and reducing the chances of more severe water shortages. This allows the Department of Environmental Protection to direct water transfers across the state, control releases from reservoirs, and modify the flow rate in streams and rivers.
In addition to the Administrative Order, the Department of Environmental Protection is actively cooperating with water suppliers to evaluate the current conditions and ensure they are thoroughly informed about the situation.
Water Conservation Tips
Governor Murphy and the NJDEP encourage New Jersey residents to take preemptive measures to conserve the water supply. Residents should:
- Allow lawns to go dormant for the season.
- Shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.
- Use only a watering can to water plants or allow them to go dormant for the season.
- Instead of a hose, use a broom to sweep the sidewalk.
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes and replace toilets with low-flow versions, which can save around 11,000 gallons annually.
- Upgrade showerhead to low-flow versions. This can save 7,700 gallons of water per year.
- Upgrade faucets or install faucet aerators, which saves approximately 16,000 gallons of water per year.
“It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide,” Governor Murphy said in the release.
Visit the NJDEP website to stay informed on further news and alerts regarding the drought warning in New Jersey.
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Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
The city of Montclair has developed a great community over the years. Opportunities to engage with culture, music, well-being activities, the environment, and more. Montclair is also filled with non-profit organizations that are working to ensure everyone in the community can feel included and a part of the greatness. This work cannot be done without the support of volunteers. Whether it's giving back monetarily, with time, or with skills, there are over a dozen opportunities to give back in the community. Read on to find out more about how to support these Montclair organizations.
Aging in Montclair | Online
Since its founding in 2015, Aging in Montclair (AIM) has been the proud voice of older residents of the Montclair area. Its programs support and educate its 600+ members and provide the social connections that are so important as we age. Membership is free, and AIM invites all residents age 55 and older to join. Contributions will help AIM shape solutions to meet the needs and concerns of our community. Learn more about AIM here.
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Advocates for Children New Jersey | 35 Halsey Street #2, Newark
Advocates for Children New Jersey (ACNJ) work to help children thrive. They are aware that children cannot vote, have no political influence, and cannot communicate with state leaders. That's where ACNJ steps in. The Newark-based group works with local, state, and federal figures and leaders to create change to benefit the children of New Jersey. To get involved click here.
CASA for Children of Essex County | 212 Washington Street Room 912, Newark
CASA for Children of Essex County specializes in serving children placed in foster care. CASA aka "Court Appointed Special Advocates" helps children find safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA's values are rooted in believing that children in foster care deserve equal opportunities to thrive. To get involved click here.
The Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing
The Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing veteran facilities across New Jersey. The organization's mission is to provide subsidized housing for veterans in need, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to live. Currently, the Foundation is working on rebuilding American Legion facilities in five towns: Westfield, Montclair, Emerson, Hoboken, and South Amboy. These efforts will result in the creation of 150 housing units for veterans who need a home. To learn more about the organization's work and how you can support its mission, visit the website here.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
In New Jersey alone, over 1.1 million people are food insecure. The Human Needs Pantry has been able to add over 1,000 additional homes to service during this time of need. Through the help of generous donors and volunteers’ residents in need in Montclair and neighboring Essex County towns are able to pick up food or have a home-delivery grocery service. Close to 3,000 groceries are donated weekly throughout the area. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Jazz House Kids | 347 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Founder Melissa Walker was prepped to be a lawyer before opportunities in music kept showing up all around her. She attributes her ability to follow her heart and be a jazz artist to great mentors in her life. Now, through Jazz House Kids, Melissa is providing students with the opportunities she had by mentoring them. Jazz House Kids combines music, mentoring, education, and leadership to help serve students in the community who may face a financial gap in being involved with music. Her program opens opportunities to learn and grow with music. Jazz House Kids also hosts the Montclair Jazz Festival annually. Support from donors is needed to keep her “little wishes” going. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Jersey Cares | 290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue Suite #1320, Livingston
Jersey Cares is on a mission to increase the level of volunteer involvement in the state of New Jersey. Since 1993 this organization has been dedicated to the community to partner with volunteers of all areas. From environmental conservation to education, and more, Jersey Cares can provide opportunities in various areas of interest. To learn more click here.
Junior League of Montclair-Newark | 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
The true lifeline behind any organization, non-profit, or association is the volunteers. The Junior League of Montclair-Newark works to help develop and cultivate volunteerism amongst women in the community. The group of volunteers that are formed through this organization promotes education, health, wellness, literacy, and arts for children. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Keep Creating Art Wellness Center | 408 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This nonprofit art center is dedicated to the inclusiveness and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their abilities and levels of experience. The spot hosts various art classes and workshops for both children and adults. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Kids Helping Kids | 229 Midland Avenue, Montclair
The name of this non-profit is really all that needs to be known to understand the scope of the work. Kids Helping Kids engages middle and high school students in service projects that directly support underserved kids in the area. Since its inception, over 65,000 students have benefitted from this partnership across 139 schools through the help of over 5,200 volunteers. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Kids in Cleats
While this organization houses its roots here in New Jersey, its effects are felt globally. Over 46% of children living in the African country of Cameroon live below the poverty line, living with HIV/AIDS, and/ or experiencing malnutrition. Kids in Cleats was created by Julio Tasse, a native of Cameroon who was able to overcome the odds of success through the sport of soccer. He now uses his talents and love for the sport as a vehicle to help children rise out of the current situation. Proper soccer fields, community centers, and coaching staff are provided to help break the cycle of poverty. Support is needed locally and internationally. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Ambulance Unit | 95 Walnut Street, Montclair
This nonprofit, independent first responders organization has operated out of Montclair since 1953 and is staffed around the clock, 365 days a year. Montclair Ambulance Unit "[believes] in providing professional, responsive, patient-first care and [is] dedicated to being a community based, industry leading, emergency medical service organization," as per the organization's website. This organization is separate from the Montclair Township, which means it relies purely on local fundraising. The end-of-the-year fundraiser is happening now and has reached 32% of its $300,000 goal. See here to donate to the Montclair Ambulance Unit.
Mental Health Association of Essex + Morris | 33 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Mental health is often highly stigmatized in society and the media. The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is working to reverse this stigma and provide support to those living with mental illness as well as their caregivers. Through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and services, the organization is working to achieve its mission. Case management services, suicide prevention work, and housing opportunities are just a small sample of the community work of this organization. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Fund for Women | 41 Watchung Plaza, Montclair
Originally known as the Young Colored Women’s Christian Association, this organization was founded by African-American women who came to Montclair in search of education, employment, and opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name, but it joined forces with women of all backgrounds and became a prominent force in the community. Since its inception, the Montclair Fund for Women has given over $800,000 in grants to provide opportunities to women. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair History Center | 108 Orange Road, Montclair
The Montclair History Center is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the preservation, study, and appreciation of local history. It was originally founded in 1965 to save the Israel Crane House, a Federal Revival-style landmark home built by a local entrepreneur in 1796. The MHC educates the community on local history and its importance through programs, advocacy, and exhibits. It shares the stories of the various persons and groups that have and continue to shape Montclair. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation | 228 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Recreation, community, and education are essential to childhood development. Through various programs, the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is able to provide a positive environment for children in the community. The year-long program, Project Oasis, is broken up into two seasons and focuses on closing the achievement gap among African-American youth. These services are only made possible by the support of volunteers, mentors, and donors. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Township Animal Shelter
Montclair Township Animal Shelter cares for and adopts homeless animals in Montclair with the support of Montclair Township and the Friends of the Montclair Township Animal Shelter (FOMTAS). FOMTAS is all volunteer-run and all of the money raised supports the animals at the shelter. The shelter was responsible for almost 1,000 animals in 2021 and Friends of The Montclair Animal Shelter (FOMTAS) paid for much of their care. It also raised money and paid for a renovation of the shelter to benefit the animals. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Pound Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Hundreds of animals need adoption across the state of New Jersey. For over 41 years, the Pound Animal Welfare Society has been helping place homeless animals. PAWS does not have a facility to house animals in need, but the support of generous volunteers makes the work possible. In addition to fostering animals, supplies are needed. Learn more here on how to get involved.
The Montclair Inn | 27 Hillside Avenue, Montclair
Affordable housing for senior citizens that includes food, mobility access, wifi, and more can be difficult to secure. For some time, the Montclair Shared Housing Association has been providing this opportunity while fostering a great community. All residents have access to a private bedroom, kitchen appliances, a semi-private bedroom, three meals a day, a laundry facility, wifi, and community space. While residents do have a monthly rental fee, services, and amenities are made possible in large part by donors. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Toni’s Kitchen | 73 South Fullerton Avenue
Toni’s Kitchen is an organization that has provided the community in need with food resources. Toni’s Kitchen now provides 20,000+ meals every week which is an increase of 4,300 pounds per week since 2019. Because of the support of generous donors and volunteers, 800+ families are no longer worrying about the next meal. Learn more here on how to get involved.
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Van Vleck House + Gardens The Montclair Foundation | 21 Van Vleck Street
Similar to many of Montclair’s residents of today, the founders of Van Vleck House came to the area to move away from the hustle of New York City. Since 1868 the Van Vleck House has provided a beautiful garden refuge. Over the last two and a half decades the board of management has overseen the hard work and support of volunteers that keep up with the house and gardens. The gardens are open 365 days a year for meetings, retreats, fundraisers, and more. Learn more here on how to get involved.
