A Landmark Legacy & a New Chapter begins

We have some important news to share with you regarding the leadership of our beloved organization. After more than three decades of extraordinary and dedicated service, our President, David Epstein, has announced his decision to retire in December 2026. This transition marks the end of a transformative era and the exciting beginning of a new chapter for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

A Legacy of Transformative Growth

David’s tenure has been defined by his unwavering dedication and a profound passion for New Jersey’s natural resources and the community we serve. When David became our first professional staff member in 1994, The Land Conservancy was an all-volunteer organization. Under his visionary leadership, our growth has been truly dramatic. Three decades later, we:

• Have permanently protected 30,000 acres of land, in over 500 separate transactions.

• Own and manage over 2,000 acres of natural areas and farmland.

• Established a partnership with City Green at our premier South Branch Preserve, where they have donated nearly 9,000 pounds of produce to local food pantries.

• Helped towns and counties receive $270 million in grant funds to purchase and preserve land all over the state through our highly successful Partners for Greener Communities Program.

• Are a staff of 16 with a $2 million operating budget.

• Have completed 220 open space and farmland preservation plans in New Jersey.

• Have grown our scholarship program from one $2,500 scholarship per year to awarding ten $10,000 awards to future environmental leaders this year.

This remarkable work culminated in The Land Conservancy receiving the 2024 National Land Trust Excellence Award, the most prestigious honor in our field. The Land Trust Alliance recognizes only one land trust (out of 1,281 land trust organizations!) each year with this award.

David's Enduring Vision

Over his 32 years of service, David has demonstrated a rare ability to organize, advocate, and inspire. His leadership has been characterized by his unique talent for understanding and addressing the needs of both the land and the people dedicated to its preservation. He once said, "I love the land. I love helping to preserve it, restoring it where possible and working with people who share those goals." His passion has created a strong, cohesive team dedicated to our mission and has benefited countless individuals who enjoy and cherish New Jersey's natural landscapes.

Looking to the Future: The Next Chapter

We acknowledge the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. David’s legacy provides a solid foundation for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey as we move forward, particularly with the ambitious goal he has helped set: a new campaign to preserve the next 30,000 acres.

The Land Conservancy has begun implementing our succession plan. Our board has begun a thorough and thoughtful search for our next president. Our goal is to ensure we find a leader who can not only carry forward David's vision and dedication but also propel our organization into its next phase of growth. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress.

Please join us in celebrating David’s immense achievements. We encourage you to reach out to him personally at dje@tlc-nj.org. Together, we will continue to protect and preserve the natural beauty of New Jersey for generations to come.