Environmental champions, government officials, and community leaders are invited to join the region’s most dynamic environmental conference coming this spring. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) will host the Hackensack River Nation Summit 2026 on Tuesday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fairleigh Dickinson University in the Student Union Building located at 1000 River Road, Teaneck, New Jersey. The Summit is expected to attract approximately 200 environmental leaders, public officials and also business innovators, who are united by a shared commitment to protect the Hackensack River watershed and connect communities to one of North Jersey’s most vital natural resources.
Hackensack River Nation Summit to Open with Powerful Keynote
Captian Bill Sheehan, executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, presents the keynote address, The State of the Hackensack River, at Hackensack River Nation Summit 2026.
Captain Bill Sheehan, Executive Director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, will deliver the keynote address, “The State of the Hackensack River”. His insights will set the tone for a full day of action-oriented conversations focused on environmental stewardship and watershed protection. In addition, Captain Sheehan’s leadership in river advocacy will provide attendees with a compelling vision on the status of the river and for the future of the Hackensack River ecosystem.
Interactive Sessions Featured
The Summit features a comprehensive program of interactive sessions designed to engage participants in meaningful dialogue with environmental experts and peers. Furthermore, each session encourages attendees to ask questions, share insights, and build collaborative relationships. Topics include community mobilization strategies, policy influence and advocacy and progress on the Hackensack River Superfund cleanup. In addition, other topics such stormwater utilities and flood reduction solutions, environmental art and public health, and community-engaged science initiatives are explored. All sessions are led by experts from leading environmental organizations and agovernment agencies who are actively working on these critical issues. This interactive format ensures participants leave the Summit with actionable knowledge and also expanded networks. For the complete agenda of speakers and sessions, visit the Summit’s webpage.
The ECOllab: A New Collaboration Platform
New this year, the Summit features the ECOllab, an innovative networking initiative designed to foster environmental collaboration and partnership. Through the ECOllab, Summit participants can post calls for collaboration and support on a wide range of environmental projects and initiatives. Whether seeking volunteers for river cleanups, building coalitions for policy advocacy or identifying partners for environmental research, participants can connect with fellow attendees during lunch breaks and between sessions. This platform transforms the Summit into a hub for launching new environmental partnerships and also initiatives that will extend far beyond the day of the event.
Nationally and Regionally Recognized Speakers and Partners
The Summit brings together leading voices in environmental protection and watershed management. Speakers represent prestigious organizations, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers NJAES, Jersey Water Works, Sustainable Jersey, Hackensack Riverkeeper, and the Rutgers Center for Environmental Exposure and Diseases. Public officials from Teaneck, New Milford, Maplewood, and Raritan will also share their perspectives on local environmental priorities and initiatives. The Summit’s co-designers include Fairleigh Dickinson University and Hackensack Riverkeeper. In addition, Jersey Water Works and New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers NJAES design the Summit. This partnership ensures the program reflects the expertise and priorities of leading academic and nonprofit institutions in the region.
Free Environmental Fair: Open to the Entire Community
Students attend the Environmental Fair and meet exhibitors at the Hackensack River Nation Summit.
Although the Summit is open only to registered ticket holders, the Environmental Fair takes place at the same time and location. The Fair is free and open to the public. The Environmental Fair provides an opportunity for community members to learn about and connect with environmental organizations working throughout the region. Environmental organizations and agencies from across the Hackensack River watershed will exhibit and provide information about their missions and volunteer opportunities. The Environmental Fair ensures the Summit’s impact extends beyond registered participants to reach the broader North Jersey community.
Registration and Ticket Information
Participants can register online. The NNJCF established tiered pricing to ensure accessibility for diverse participants. General public tickets are available for $80, while government and large organizations can purchase tickets for $60. Small nonprofits and community volunteer groups are offered tickets at $40.
Hackensack River Nation
The Hackensack River Nation Summit 2026 is the signature event of the Hackensack River Nation (HRN). An alliance of leaders from government, nonprofits, colleges and universities, and businesses comprise HRN. These leaders collaborate to protect the Hackensack River watershed and connect more people to the river. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation leads HRN. The NNJCF produces the Summit in partnership with key organizations such as Fairleigh Dickinson University and Hackensack Riverkeeper. Furthermore, Jersey Water Works and New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers NJAES serve as partners.. All proceeds from the Summit and Environmental Fair support environmental programs offered by the NNJCF. In addition, this provides support for the program’s co-designing organizations. This also ensures the event generates direct benefits for environmental initiatives throughout the region.
Sponsorships and Donations Welcome
The NNJCF actively seeks sponsors and donations to support the Hackensack River Nation Summit 2026. In addition, the Foundation wants to expand environmental programs throughout North Jersey. Current sponsors include M&T Charitable Foundation, Dimension Energy, EcoClean Guardians, and Black & Veatch, Nishuane Group, as well as Princeton Hydro. Donations of any size are welcome and also make a meaningful difference in protecting the Hackensack River watershed.
To make a contribution, donors can donate online or send a check made payable to “The Northern N.J. Community Foundation”. In addition, note “Hackensack River Nation Summit 2026” in the memo line. Mail the donation to Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 102, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact the NNJCF at 201-568-5608 or nnjcf@nnjcf.org.
For more information about the Summit, Hackensack River Nation, or the NNJCF, contact Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Executive Director of the Foundation. He may be reached at leo@nnjcf.org or 201-568-5608 extension 2. To learn about sponsorships, donations, or the NNJCF, call 201-568-5608 or send an email to nnjcf@nnjcf.org.
