Nature teaches us that there is sustainability in diversity. A healthy ecosystem contains a wide array of plants and animals working in concert with water, fungi, and other natural resources to survive and thrive. Taking a page from Mother Nature, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has a 42-year legacy of tackling climate change and protecting natural resources on several fronts: preservation, restoration, education, and planning for the future.
Every year we choose several projects where resources are needed most. Each represents a different facet of our mission. Before our fiscal year ends on June 30, we need to raise enough money to keep these projects going. A donation today will help ensure the latest projects will come to fruition next year and beyond.
Protecting the Pequannock Watershed
The nearly pristine expanse of the Pequannock Watershed provides drinking water for Newark’s 310,000 residents and countless others in surrounding communities. The City of Newark has been acquiring properties here for over a century, building a 35,000-acre watershed that nourishes our communities in more ways than one, since these lands are also open to the public for fishing, hunting, hiking and other recreational activities. Newark was never able to purchase every property in this vast region that spans Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has taken up the task of preserving the remaining privately owned lands—nine over the past 20 years, three of which comprise our 370-acre Pequannock Watershed Preserve. We have an agreement to purchase another remarkable 46-acre property on the edge of the watershed, but we need to raise $70,000 to put us over the top.
Preserving Farmland
You probably know that New Jersey’s agricultural heritage is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. The Land Conservancy has preserved more than 100 New Jersey farms, because we understand that in addition to the cultural and environmental benefits, agriculture is an economic engine that helps New Jersey thrive. We are now working to permanently preserve six farms covering 400 acres in six different communities in Warren and Sussex counties to help protect New Jersey’s supply of fresh, locally grown food. We need to raise $15,000 to cover expenses to permanently preserve this land so it is not at risk of being developed.
Growing Scholarships
In the face of ever-present threats to local and global green spaces, it’s imperative that we encourage more young people to become advocates for land preservation, stewardship, and education. Ensuring our communities and planet can thrive is work that must be done collectively. Our scholarship program directly benefits future environmental leaders with
awards to five college students each year. For 37 years The Land Conservancy has been growing this program, starting with a single $4,000 scholarship. Since then, we have provided a total of $367,500 in scholarships to 67 students pursuing degrees in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, park administration, and related fields. Our current goal is to raise $10,000 and increase the amount we give to a total of $50,000 over five scholarships.
Please consider joining us in shaping the future of New Jersey’s landscapes by making a donation. We can only complete this work with the support of people like you. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helps us keep our state healthy and beautiful!