Environmental champions, government officials, and community leaders are invited to join the region’s most dynamic environmental conference coming this spring to Northern New Jersey. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) will host the second annual 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. Today, March 23, marks World Climate Day! This year’s Summit takes on heightened significance, as it aligns with World Climate Day’s urgent call for climate action and also community engagement in addressing climate change challenges.
In light of this important occasion, the Summit will provide participants with ideas and help them find collaborators to assist their communities in better adapting to and responding to the impacts of climate change. Furthermore, it is expected to attract environmental leaders, public officials, and 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.
Connecting World Climate Day and the Hackensack River Nation Summit
World Climate Day compels us to reflect on our collective responsibility toward climate action. The upcoming Hackensack River Nation Summit on April 28 will carry forward the themes highlighted on World Climate Day, focusing on community engagement and also collaborative strategies to combat climate change.
Leonardo Vazquez, executive director of the Northern NJ Community Foundation, addresses environmental leaders about climate change challenges.
World Climate Day Challenges
“With climate change, we expect more intense storms and hotter summers, resulting in more flooding and oppressive heat. The Summit will provide ideas and also help participants find collaborators to work with their communities to adapt and respond better to climate change,” said Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Executive Director of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.
Captain Bill Sheehan, Executive Director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, will deliver the keynote address, “The State of the Hackensack River.” Aligned with World Climate Day, his insights will set the tone for a full day of action-oriented conversations focused on environmental stewardship and also watershed protection during a time of climate change. Captain Sheehan’s leadership on 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 Tackle Climate Change Challenges
The Summit features a comprehensive program of interactive sessions designed to engage participants in meaningful dialogue with environmental experts and peers. Each session encourages attendees to ask questions, share insights, and also build collaborative relationships. Topics include community mobilization strategies, policy influence and advocacy and progress on the Hackensack River Superfund cleanup. In addition, other topics include stormwater utilities and flood reduction solutions to address climate-driven precipitation changes, environmental art and public health, and community-engaged science initiatives. Sessions will also address how communities can prepare for and adapt to climate change and increased flooding, extreme heat events, and water quality challenges. For example, the session on stormwater utilities will help participants understand and promote a sustainable and fair method of financing strategies to reduce flooding.
All sessions are led by experts from leading environmental organizations and government agencies who are actively working on these critical issues. This interactive format ensures participants leave the Summit with actionable knowledge, adaptation strategies, and expanded networks. The complete agenda of speakers and sessions may be found online.
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 post calls for collaboration. They can request support on a wide range of environmental projects and initiatives. Whether seeking volunteers for river cleanups, building coalitions for policy advocacy, identifying partners for environmental research, or developing climate adaptation strategies to help communities prepare for more intense storms, 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 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. They include the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers NJAES. In addition, Jersey Water Works, Sustainable Jersey, Hackensack Riverkeeper, and the Rutgers Center for Environmental Exposure and Diseases are also sending speakers to the Summit. Public officials from Teaneck, New Milford, Maplewood, and Raritan will also share their perspectives on local environmental priorities. The Summit is co-designed by Fairleigh Dickinson University, Hackensack Riverkeeper, Jersey Water Works, and also New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers NJAES. Their collaboration 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
Although the Summit is open only to registered ticket holders, the Environmental Fair occurs simultaneously and remains free and open to the public. During the fair, community members learn about and connect with environmental organizations working throughout the region. Environmental organizations and agencies from across the Hackensack River watershed will exhibit. Furthermore, they will provide information about their missions and volunteer opportunities. The Environmental Fair also ensures the Summit’s impact extends beyond registered participants. The fair reaches the broader North Jersey community and empowers residents to act on climate change.
Registration and Ticket Information
Participants can register online. The NNJCF established tiered pricing to ensure accessibility for diverse participants:
- General public tickets: $80
- Government and large organizations: $60
- Small nonprofits and community volunteer groups: $40
Special early registration tiered ticket prices are available through April 15.
Hackensack River Nation
The Hackensack River Nation Summit is the signature event of the Hackensack River Nation (HRN). HRN comprises an alliance of leaders from government, nonprofits, colleges and universities, and businesses. They collaborate to protect the Hackensack River watershed and connect more people to the river. Furthermore, the NNJCF leads HRN and produces the Summit. The Foundation works in partnership with several organizations. They include Fairleigh Dickinson University and Hackensack Riverkeeper. Also, Jersey Water Works and New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute at Rutgers NJAES collaborate as partners. Furthermore, all proceeds from the Summit and Environmental Fair support NNJCF’s environmental programs. They also support those offered by the co-designing organizations. This 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, sponsorships and donations help to expand environmental, climate resilience programs throughout North Jersey. Current sponsors include M&T Charitable Foundation, Dimension Energy, EcoClean Guardians, Black & Veatch, Nishuane Group, and Princeton Hydro. Donations of any size are welcome and make a meaningful difference in protecting the Hackensack River watershed.
To make a contribution, donors can donate online. Furthermore, donors may contribute by check. Make checks payable to “The Northern N.J. Community Foundation”. In the memo line, indicate “Hackensack River Nation Summit”. Mail the check 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. In addition, information about the Summit, Hackensack River Nation, or the NNJCF may be obtained by contacting Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Executive Director of the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 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.
