Hackensack Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and restoring the Hackensack River Watershed. Founded in 1997, it operates through a four-pronged strategy of environmental action, advocacy, education, and litigation. The organization provides representation for the natural living resources of the Hackensack River, focusing on the environmental quality of the ecosystem and the quality of life for its inhabitants. Activities include conducting eco-cruises and operating paddling centers for recreational access, organizing volunteer river cleanups to remove debris, and engaging in formal and informal environmental education programs. Hackensack Riverkeeper also acts as a citizen steward, promoting sustainable development and working with agencies to identify and address pollution sources, and pursuing legal action when necessary to enforce environmental laws.
