Heather Fenyk was raised in Minnesota and, after her time at the University of Iowa, moved to New York City where she became involved in Hudson River restoration projects. An avid and experienced traveler, Heather attended Rutgers to study transportation, bicycle, and pedestrian planning. This experience led to Heather receiving a doctorate in civic science, and has shaped her work in various community projects, and specifically with the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership.

Bill Schultz grew up at the lower end of the Raritan River in Perth Amboy. He narrates his life relative to the water that was around him, and also reflects on the important interactions with water that shaped his relationship to water preservation now. After several moves around the country, Bill came back to the area and spent twenty-nine years in public services. He founded the Raritan RIVERKEEPER program in 1998. Bill discusses his role as a Raritan Riverkeeper, and how he would like people’s perceptions of the Raritan River to change.

Jeff Dement loved fish and the natural world since he started fishing in Monmouth County at the age of five. He was the Program Director for Marine and Fish Tagging Program at the American Littoral Society. Jeff narrates his life through the bodies of water that he lived by and that were important to him.

Joe Mish has lived his entire life near the Raritan River. Throughout his life experiences, Joe’s interests and studies revolved around the biodiversity and importance of the wildlife of the River. For over fifteen years, he has written a column called “Along the South Branch” for Branchburg News. During the interview, Joe pulls from memories to contextualize the importance of the past, present, and future of the Raritan River.

Eric Ekoue was born and raised on the Ivory Coast, and left two years into his Biology, Chemistry, and Geology studies to come to the US where he studied at Essex County College. Eric’s path led him to the Watershed when he began working at the Newark Water Plant, and had led him to his career. As an expert in his field, Eric discusses the City of New Brunswick’s Water Utility, and the need for all of us to conserve and protect our water sources.

Brian Smith is a teacher at North Star Academy in Newark. He has lived in New Brunswick since 1991, when he came to Rutgers to row on the crew team. He has lived on the canal since 1997, and chose to raise his kids there because of their access to the water. Brian discusses his life on the Raritan, his love for the area, and also the various storm experiences he has had living so close to the river.