Tide Gauge Project

Stafford Township's Tide Gauge Resiliency Project

Image: Stafford Township receives a $5,000 grant from Atlantic City Electric’s Sustainable Communities Program, administered by Sustainable Jersey. In image left to right: Kristin McEvoy, Director of External Affairs, Atlantic City Electric, Matthew von der Hayden, Township Administrator. Amy Otte, Township Council Member, Nora Robinson, Confidential Assistant. Rae Baldwin, Confidential Assistant, Bob Henken, Mayor of Stafford Township and Randall Solomon, Executive Director, Sustainable Jersey.

A Collaborative Effort

The Tide Gauge Project was made possible through a $5,000 grant from Atlantic City Electric’s Sustainable Communities Program, administered by Sustainable Jersey. The program supports municipalities advancing open space preservation, clean water access, and environmental resiliency. Stafford was one of only seven municipalities selected in the year of 2024, with additional support generously provided by Manasquan Bank.

Installation was led by researchers from Drexel University, with hands-on collaboration from local student professionals from MATES Academy, as well as Stafford Township's dedicated Department of Public Works employees. The New Jersey Coastal Coalition also provided technical assistance, further underscoring the regional commitment to shared environmental goals.

“Thank you to Atlantic City Electric and Sustainable Jersey for funding Stafford Township’s grant application. As Mayor, I have tried to look to the future of the Township with our plans and projects. Without grants like this, we would not be able to do more for the community, as we have done. We look forward to putting the tide gauge in place and using that data for future projects and grants that we apply for, thank you!” – Robert Henken, Mayor, Stafford Township, Ocean

Image (left): Dr. Montalto & Dr. Shakya install the tide gauge with assistance from Stafford Department of Public Works staff.

Why a Tide Gauge?

Understanding how tides move through lagoon networks, such as those surrounding Barnegat Bay, is critical for preparing for flooding, storm surge, and sea level rise. Yet, these networks are not as thoroughly studied as open coastlines. The new gauge provides real-time data on tidal fluctuations, enabling more precise modeling of water movement and helping the Township prepare for and adapt to climate-related challenges.

Tide Gauge Data

Drexel University and MATES are utilizing the data in many of their broader projects.

Here is the month of October 2025;

A Broader Vision for Resiliency

The Tide Gauge Project is just one part of Stafford Township’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Through its partnership with Sustainable Jersey and the leadership of the Stafford Township Green Team, the Township has implemented projects that include:

Local water quality improvements
The development of a community-wide Resiliency Plan
Inclusive health and wellness programming through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign
Rain barrel and composting workshops, cleanups, and public engagement efforts through the annual Green Fair

Image (right): Dr. Shakya poses next to the installed tide gauge

Tide Gauge Ribbon Cutting Celebration

On a cloudy but meaningful day, Stafford Township proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the successful installation of our first community tide gauge on 10/29/25. Representatives from Sustainable Jersey and Drexel University joined Township officials and project partners to recognize this significant step toward greater coastal resiliency. The event highlighted the power of partnership in addressing climate-related challenges and underscored the value of data-driven planning. We extend our sincere thanks to project partners for their continued support and for joining us to mark this exciting accomplishment.

Looking Ahead

As climate-related events become more frequent and intense, Stafford Township remains committed to resilience, sustainability, and collaboration. The Tide Gauge Project is a perfect example of what’s possible when municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and private-sector partners work together toward a common goal: a stronger, healthier, and more prepared community.

To learn more about Stafford’s initiatives, visit our News & Spotlights page or check out our partners:

A Special Thanks to our Regional Partners

Save Barnegat Bay remains a vital part of the larger regional effort to protect and restore water quality in the Barnegat Bay watershed. Their ongoing advocacy and scientific work help inform the broader environmental strategy that efforts like this tide gauge support.