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Applied Science

Freshwater

Fresh water is one of our most important natural resources. Over two decades, The Conservation Fund’s Freshwater Institute has become one of the nation's premier research and development facilities dedicated to the sustainable use of water. From a state-of-the-art campus in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, the Freshwater Institute's staff combines applied research, engineering design, and economic development strategies to demonstrate a new vision of conservation that achieves a balance between economic and environmental goals.

Recognizing the value of clean water resources, the Freshwater Institute works with government, industry, nonprofits and individuals to shape sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions to water resource management.

Utilitizing a variety of approaches, our work can be categorized into three broad areas:

  • Applied Science - finding answers through the spirit of research, experimentation, and discovery.
  • Conservation Engineering - applying engineering and conservation principles to implement practical solutions.
  • Training and Education - sharing knowledge with present generations so that they may leave a positive legacy for those in the future.

To learn more about how the Freshwater Institute applies science to advance conservation goals or to support the Institute's work, visit www.freshwaterinstitute.org.

Featured Projects

Freshwater Solutions: Restoring Pacific Salmon

State and local agencies across the country turn to the Freshwater Institute for its innovation and expertise in rearing cold water fish, including Pacific salmon. By engaging the Institute’s modeling, planning and design services, communities are able to meet habitat and species conservation goals and use their limited water resources efficiently.  Read more>

Jefferson County Green Infrastructure Assessment, WV

Jefferson County, WV is imperiled by fragmented patterns of growth that disrupt normal ecosystem functions, community vitality, and limiting future opportunities. The continued protection of the County’s diverse natural and rural landscapes, and economic vitality rely on the conservation of its unique ecological and cultural geography.   Read more>

National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center, Maine

  Read more>

White River National Fish Hatchery Partial Water Reuse System Design and Construction (Bethel, VT)

White River NFH participates in the stock mitigation and reestablishment of Atlantic salmon in the Connecticut River watershed. An engineering review, evaluation, and planning study was completed at the hatchery in 2002 to identify priority needs and develop detailed conceptual recommendations for facility improvements. The construction of two partial water reuse systems for the hatchery was completed in 2005 following the recommendation that was made in the planning study.   Read more>
Spotlight: Applied Science
White River National Fish Hatchery

White River NFH parital reuse system

 

2005 Association of Conservation Engineers Carl V. Anderson Award of Merit Project

 
 

Two partial water reuse systems were designed and constructed utilizing existing infrastructure to augment the hatchery's limited water supply. The two systems allow the hatchery to raise upwards of 200,000 Atlantic salmon smolts for recovery efforts in the Connecticut River watershed using just 640 gpm of well water.
How the Fund Can Help You

From government agencies to corporations, from private landowners to land trusts and local communities, the Fund's partners seek our expertise to:

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