25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 1

follow the science

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 2

TRUSTEES

Kenneth H. Klipstein II HONORARY TRUSTEES PRESIDENT Hon. Brendan T. Byrne* Rosina B. Dixon, M.D. Catherine M. Cavanaugh FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Hon. James Florio Hon. Thomas H. Kean Wendy Mager Hon. Christine Todd Whitman SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Robert J. Wolfe ADVISORY COUNCIL TREASURER Edward F. Babbott Pamela P. Hirsch Nancy Becker SECRETARY Bradley M. Campbell Penelope Ayers Christopher J. Daggett ASSISTANT SECRETARY John D. Hatch H.R. Hegener Hon. Rush Holt Catherine Bacon Winslow Susan J. Hullin Cecilia Birge Cynthia Kellogg Roger Byrom Blair MacInnes Finn Caspersen, Jr. Thomas J. Maher Theodore Chase, Jr. Scott McVay Jack R. Cimprich David F. Moore John L. Dana Mary W. Moore Clement Fiori Hon. Maureen Ogden Chad Goerner John Parker Neil Grossman Ingrid W. Reed Douglas Haynes OUR MISSION New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a L. Keith Reed Joseph Lemond Jamie Kyte Sapoch private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve land and natural Michael S. Maglio Leslie Sauer Stephen W. Parker resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Through acquisition Tama Matsuoka Wong Fran Raymond Price and stewardship, we protect strategic lands from the Highlands to the Pine Samantha Rothman Susan Swayne Barrens to the Delaware Bayshore. We promote strong land conservation EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Louise Currey Wilson policies at the local, state and federal levels, forge partnerships to achieve Lee Yeash Michele S. Byers conservation goals, and provide support and technical assistance to partner INCLUDES ALL 2017–2018 TRUSTEES groups. Since 1960, we have helped protect more than 125,000 acres of * DENOTES DECEASED MEMBER natural areas, farms, parks and water resources.

On the Cover

The beautiful and docile corn snake, an endangered species in New Jersey, is found in the Pine Barrens. The coloration of corn snakes is highly variable, with upperparts ranging from brown to light orange or red, and brick red markings outlined in black, as seen in this close­up photo detail. Go to page 6 for a story about a unique “head start” program aimed at boosting the survival rate of vulnerable baby corn snakes during their first year. 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 3

NEW JERSEY CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP

Understanding and exploring nature through science goes back thousands of years of human history. The exciting thing is that there are still new discoveries every day! Learning about nature on preserved lands is a great way to utilize these beautiful places and find ways to better manage and protect New Jersey’s diverse natural heritage.

In this report, we’ll examine some of the ways we’re using science on our 25,000 acres of preserved land – and beyond. We’ll also feature some of the talented researchers and professors leading the work. We hope you’ll enjoy the stories and photos.

As always, thank you for your generous support of New Jersey Conservation. With the help of our members, friends and partners, our work saving land and protecting rare plants and animals will continue stronger than ever!

MICHELE S. BYERS KENNETH H. KLIPSTEIN II EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PRESIDENT

For membership information, please visit our website JOIN at www.njconservation.org or call us at 1­888­LANDSAVE. US Our mailing address is 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931. Follow us on Facebook! @njconservation 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 4

follow Living laboratories thescience for scientific study Photo by Bill Lynch by Photo 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 5

New Jersey Conservation Foundation's 25,000 acres of preserved land not only provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and protected habitat for native flora and fauna, they also serve as living laboratories for scientific research. University professors, students, science professionals and citizen scientists are studying rare and endangered species, the impacts of climate change and even the effects of fire.

The Franklin Parker Preserve in the Pine Barrens of RESEARCH PROJECTS INCLUDE: Burlington County is our most prominent living laboratory. ■ An inventory of mushrooms and other fungi at the Franklin Parker Preserve by members of the New Jersey This former cranberry and blueberry farm covers 11,379 Mycological Association; acres, or nearly 18 square miles. Only a small percentage ■ A genetic study of long­tailed salamanders in New Jersey’s Piedmont and Ridge & Valley regions by Columbia of the land was used for agriculture, and most of the old University graduate student Neha Gajendra Savant; cranberry bogs have been restored to functioning wetlands. Many plant, animal and mushroom species never before ■ Studies on how the “prescribed burning” – or controlled burning – of thousands of acres at the Franklin documented in New Jersey have been found at the Franklin Parker Preserve affects Pine Barrens habitats; Parker Preserve. ■ Research on how highways in the Pine Barrens impact the genetic isolation of Northern pine snakes, a threatened species in New Jersey; Other lands also contribute to the body of scientific research, including the Wickecheoke Creek Preserve ■ An inventory of rare and endangered species along the route of the proposed PennEast pipeline in in western Hunterdon County, near the Delaware River. Hunterdon and Mercer counties; This 4,000‐acre patchwork of preserved land straddles ■ Research into how two endangered Pine Barrens plants – American chaffseed and Pickering’s morning glory – a pristine water supply stream and is rich in plant and can be grown in greenhouses and transplanted to new sites; animal diversity. ■ A study to determine whether the odds of survival for vulnerable corn snake hatchlings can be improved by disrupting their normal hibernation; “We’re excited to provide scientists great places to conduct research, and we’re always amazed at the new discoveries,” ■ A Kean University study on the results of restoring cranberry bogs to natural wetlands at the Franklin Parker Preserve; said Michele S. Byers, executive director. “The ultimate goal ■ An inventory of rare moths in the Pine Barrens. is to better protect New Jersey’s biodiversity and our state’s rarest species.” For more information, visit www.njconservation.org

LEFT: Rustic Sphinx moth taken during a Franklin Parker Preserve “Moth Night” event

2017 Annual Report . 5 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 6

Boosting the odds for A unique research project in the Pine Barrens is aimed at improving the survival odds for baby corn snakes, which are extremely vulnerable endangered corn snakes during their first year. follow With permission from the New Jersey Endangered and Non­Game Species Program, The beautifully-colored endangered corn snake faces thescience two corn snake experts – Robert Zappalorti of many threats. Natural threats include birds of prey, foxes, Herpetological Associates and Howard Reinert from The College of New Jersey – started a coyotes, raccoons and other snakes, and man-made “head start” program for baby corn snakes. threats include road traffic and poachers. Bob, Howard and volunteers radio­track egg­ laying females and search forests – including those at the Franklin Parker Preserve – for freshly laid eggs in nests. When the eggs hatch in late summer, hatchlings are tagged with microchips just below the skin. Some hatchlings are released into the wild, not long before their winter hibernation. But the “head­start” hatchlings are kept in a warm lab and fed regularly over the winter and don’t hibernate. “They really grow a lot when they’re kept over the winter,” said Zappalorti. “By the time they’re released in the spring, they’re about twice the size of a normal snake of that age. We want to see whether this head start gives them an advantage in survivorship.” In 2016 and 2017, about 80 corn snake hatch­ lings were microchipped. Forty­three were head­started, while the rest were released into Wharton State Forest. This year, the researchers hope to head­start at least 20 more hatchlings. Only time will tell if the program works. So far, Zappalorti and his colleagues have only Corn snake eggs are incubated in laboratory recaptured one head­started young snake. conditions so that hatchlings can become part “That means they’re hard to find or subject to of an experimental “head start” program to predation,” said Zappalorti. “But if we spend improve their survival odds. more effort looking for hatchlings, we might INSET: Juvenile corn snake in head start get better returns. It’s intensive searching and program. it takes a lot of time.” Photos by Bob Zappalorti by Photos 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 7

DONORS OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR DONORS 2017 Thank you to all who contributed in 2017

Foundation $5,000 – $9,999 Losam Fund $10,000 – $24,999 Covered Bridge Trail Association Individuals Acorn Foundation Wilhelmina B. Moyer‐Ross Foundation Fund National Audubon Society Garden Club of Princeton C Fox Foundation of the Delaware Community Foundation National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Garden Club of Somerset Hills Support $100,000 and above Frelinghuysen Foundation C Margaret Parker Fund of the REI New Jersey Future Anonymous Donor $100,000 and above Union Foundation Community Foundation of New Jersey C Rancocas Conservancy $5,000 – $9,999 The 1772 Foundation, Inc. MKM Foundation Teetsel & Jacobs Charitable Fund, Township of Millstone $25,000 – $49,000 a Donor Advised Fund of the U.S. New Jersey Audubon Society The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation C The Luckow Family Foundation, Inc. Penelope Ayers Charitable Gift Trust C The Land Conservancy of New Jersey $100 – $249 Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust Robert McLean Foundation Trust Ms. Eleanor S. Campbell‐Swank Warters Family Fund of the ANJEC Peter R. and Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation C Hella and Scott McVay Fund of the Dr. Theodore Chase and Mrs. Victory Chase C C C $2,500 – $4,999 Brinkerhoff Environmental Services , Inc. C Princeton Area Community Foundation Community Foundation of New Jersey C F. M. Kirby Foundation C Emma Joy Dana * Weingart Family Fund of the Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Friends of the Rancocas The William Penn Foundation C Caroline P. Huber C $2,500 – $4,999 Community Foundation of New Jersey Bristol‐Myers Squibb Company GS Market LLC Princeton Area Community Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kellogg C The Charles E. and Edna T. Brundage Michael Huber Sportsman Club JM Sorge, Inc. River Branch Foundation The Hon. Maureen Ogden C Foundation C $250 – $499 New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Johnson & Johnson Victoria Foundation, Inc. C L. Keith and Lisa Reed C The Gelfand Family Foundation, Inc. Dobson Family Fund of the Princeton Area Ryan Automotive, LLC Pennsylvania Land Trust Association Mr. Gurdon B. Wattles $50,000 – $99,999 Sumner Gerard Foundation C Community Foundation Taft Communications PSEG McAlpin Fund of the Princeton Area Tewksbury Trail Association Rake & Hoe Garden Club, Inc., The Fund for New Jersey C E.J. Grassmann Trust $10,000 – $24,999 Community Foundation C of Westfield, NJ C The Merrill G. & Emita Hastings Foundation Catherine Bacon and Paul Winslow Pisani Family Fund of the $1,000 – $2,499 Ronald A. Curini Appraisal Company, Inc. $25,000 – $49,999 The Homestead Foundation, Inc. Michele S. Byers C CTW Foundation, Inc. The Philip and Tammy Murphy Community Foundation of New Jersey David Rago Auction, Inc. Rutgers University C Roger Byrom The Leavens Foundation, Inc. Family Foundation Red Devil Foundation EarthShare of New Jersey Seal Spout Corporation E. Fitz Art Mrs. Catherine A. M. Cavanaugh C C C Short Hills Home Garden Club Helen & William Mazer Foundation The Winslow Foundation Jack and Ronnie Cimprich C $100 – $249 Michael E. Heenehan Sierra Club‐NJ Chapter Miranda Fund of the Community Dr. Rosina B. and Mr. Richard Dixon Foundation of New Jersey $1,000 – $2,499 Coastal American Foundation Environmental Consultant Sourland Conservancy Independence Seaport Museum Antonio Osato Elmaleh C Bassett Foundation Cooper Family Fund of the Community Washington Township Land Trust Reed Family Foundation Frederick and Gael W. Gardner C The Howard Bayne Fund C Foundation of New Jersey Investors Foundation, Inc. Stone Foundation of New Jersey Neil Grossman and Nancy Wolff The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation Corbin Family Fund of the Community Land Trust Alliance The New York Community Trust Wattles Holly R. Hegener and Jon Cummings C William deCamp Jr. Fund of the Foundation of New Jersey Metropolitan Seafood Family Charitable Trust Fund The Johnson Family Community Foundation of New Jersey The Richard R. Howe Foundation Monmouth Conservation Foundation Matching Gifts Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Klipstein, II $10,000 – $24,999 Larry & Judy Cohen Foundation, Inc. Shafer & Webb Family Trust Raritan Headwaters Association David and Mary Moore C The Bacon Winslow Family Foundation Healey Family Foundation Trust For Public Land Bristol‐Myers Squibb Foundation, Inc. Eric and Patsi Sumner Mary Owen Borden Memorial Foundation The Kirk Kellogg Foundation Washington Crossing Audubon Society Carnegie Corporation of New York Bob and Barbara Wolfe C Hyde and Watson Foundation The Koven Foundation C Chubb & Son Inc. $500 – $999 Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation C W. Bryce Thompson Foundation Corporate and Cigna Foundation Cornerstone Financial Group $5,000 – $9,999 The Curtis W. McGraw Foundation C Penny and Ted Thomas Fund of the ExxonMobil Foundation Organization New Jersey Highlands Council Robert Carter Pheasant Hill Foundation C Princeton Area Community Foundation GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Normandy Real Estate Partners Mr. John P. de Neufville Rockefeller Family Fund James and Virginia Welch Foundation C Support Insurance Services Office, Inc. Princeton Hydro Clem and Joanna Fiori C Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies C C Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Harvey, Jr. The John Tyler Foundation $100,000 and above Short Hills Garden Club Merck Partnership for Giving $500 – $999 Suez Water New Jersey Richard and Catherine Herbst C The Robert L. and Jane B. Wallace Eastern Environmental Law Center Pfizer Foundation Mr. Laurance S. Rockefeller, Jr. The Halpern Family Foundation Foundation North Crosswicks Friends of Open Space Pitney Bowes Charity Giving Station Louise and Cliff Wilson Rush Holt & Margaret Lancefield Fund of the $250 – $499 Ronald Berlin Architect, PC The William Penn Foundation Matching Gifts Princeton Area Community Foundation C $25,000 – $49,000 Verizon Matching Gifts Program The Nature Conservancy Citizen Race Car

C Donors for ten or more consecutive years 2017 Annual Report . 7 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 8

2017 DONORS continued

$2,500 – $4,999 Franta Broulik Mr. and Mrs. Max Hansen Mr. Stephen W. Parker and William and Elizabeth Wolfe Humphrey Doermann John and Margo Dana C Mr. and Dr. Thomas A. Brummer C Gates and Mary Ellen Hawn C Dr. Elizabeth Parker Mr. H. Steve Yanai Susan Dorward John and Jenifer Nina Burghardt C Doug and Susan Haynes Gary and Trudy Patterson Ms. Katherine V. Dresdner, Esq. Virginia Falconer $500 – $999 Bradley M. Campbell and Katherine Hackl C Albert and Diane Horner Leslie and Eileen Quick Susan and Lowell Edmunds Pamela and Howard Hirsch Ms. Valerie B. Ackerman C Lisa Caplan C Jeffrey and Dawn Howell C Samantha Rothman and John Hankin C Chana R. Fitton and William A. Timpson Dan and Gail Kopp Julie C. Baron C Ruth Charnes C Samuel G. Huber C Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Rothpletz Robert L. Foester Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Lambert, III Ms. Jill A. Baxter Chris Chickering Susan and Tod Hullin C Louisa Sargent Christine Gallucci Joseph and Jennifer Lemond Robert and Pamela Becker Tari Pantaleo C Mrs. Sally Chubb John and Susan Jackson Ms. Leslie Jones Sauer and Mr. Gill Smith Bruce and Karin Gast C Mary and Dick Benioff C Thomas and Brenda Curnin Peter W. Jewell C Douglas M.Schleifer and Maureen M. Smyth Peter Gianetti Carol Lynn and Edward Pfeiffer Gina Berg C Lloyd and Sally Davis Edward and Margaret Kelly Mrs. Nancy Z. Schreyer Jim and Kathleen Gilbert C Kathryn A. and James M. Porter Chris and James Besanceney C Anne M. DeBevoise Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Lewis C Jeff and Mary Louise Shafer Mr. Chad Goerner John S. and Leslie V. Reed Barbara and W. Michael Blumenthal Jacqueline Strigl C Anna Drago Alexandra A. Manning Robert W. Simpson Lynda Goldschein John and Rosanne Bornholdt C Mr. K. Philip Dresdner* The Hon. Joseph H. Metelski C Sandra L. Simpson C Marfy Goodspeed and Richard Zimmer Michael Dawson and Robert Tomaselli Margot Brubaker Aili Liu and Bo Xing John and Anne Duffy C Kenneth Meyers Hunt and Margaret Stockwell C Stephen Charles Gruber C Madelyn and Dennis Dunn Mr. Thomas D. Michalenko Susan and Thompson Swayne Dr. Richard H. Colby Cathryn M. Foster and Stephen J. Hagan Lee and John Yeash Michael Connolley Landis and Peter Eaton Sally and David Mikkelsen C Mr. Pete Taft and Ms. Mara Connolly Louis and Gail Harris C Carolyn Barnes Coughlin $1,000 – $2,499 Joanne Elliott C Kurt Munkacsi and Nancy Jeffries Marianne Teetsel and Robert Jacobs C Erica L. Johanson and James V. Powers Paul N. Dackow C Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Allen Austin and Gwen Fragomen Janet and Daniel E. Murnick C Mayor Paul H. Tomasko Christy Johnson Rev. Julia S. Dawson Mr. Christopher Barr and Patricia Shanley Jane Morton Galetto Nelson Obus and Eve Coulson C Heidi Wendel Mr. Cliff Jones, II Linda Winsor Delap and Robert J. Delap Mr. and Mrs. James C. Brady, Jr. Charles and Laurel Gould C Mrs. Langdon Palmer C Michael J. White C Dr. Stephanie B. Jones Catherine Dodge

Saving the rare One of the rarest plants in the northeastern United States may be saved from extinction, thanks to determined scientists and American chaffseed experimental plantings at the Franklin Parker Preserve.

American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana) is a wild perennial in the snapdragon family and a federally­listed endangered species. A decade ago, the only known population in the northeast was along a road in Brendan Byrne State Forest in the Pine Barrens. Its existence was precarious. follow To save chaffseed, researchers wanted to grow it elsewhere. But it wasn’t as simple as collecting and planting seeds. Chaffseed is notoriously picky about where it grows. thescience It needs open, sunny areas –historically created and maintained by wildfires. Research by Dr. Jay Kelly of Raritan Valley Community College revealed that chaffseed also requires specific soil and water conditions and a “host” plant like the Maryland golden aster. Kelly and fellow researchers found a site at the Franklin Parker Preserve with ideal conditions. They collected wild seeds and germinated them in greenhouses with host plants. In 2006 and 2008, they planted 61 young plants. A decade later, they’re doing well! Since then, three more sites with suitable habitat – including one at Franklin Parker – were identified. Partnering with the NJ Forest Service and Duke Farms, Kelly collected seed in 2017 and grew 250 plants. Half were planted this spring, with the rest to be planted this fall. “Ultimately, the goal is to secure the plant so it doesn’t have to be listed (as endangered) anymore,” he said. 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 9

Watching a new During the first phase of the project, man­made water control systems like dikes and drainage canals were removed to allow wetlands forest grow branches of the Wading River to flow freely again. Flat, compacted soils were follow recontoured to add mounds and depressions A project to restore old cranberry bogs to natural wetlands was thescience for a more natural landscape. launched in 2007, shortly after New Jersey Conservation Foundation For the second phase of the project in 2008, staff and volunteers planted more than bought a former cranberry farm from Garfield DeMarco and named 25,000 Atlantic white cedar seedlings in the it the Franklin Parker Preserve. new wetlands. What has happened since? That’s what Dr. Daniela Shebitz, an environmental science professor at Kean University, wanted to find out.

Shebitz and her students studied the site and its plants, soil chemistry and water chemistry to see how the restored wetlands are faring. “What we did was look at how the cranberry bogs are progressing as functioning wetlands again,” she explained.

The researchers found that most of the Atlantic white cedars survived and are now healthy trees over 20 feet tall. Eventually, trees in this young forest could reach heights of 80 to 115 feet.

The restored wetlands habitat is maturing in other ways, too. In places where cedars weren’t planted, red maple trees have “volunteered” and are now thriving. And in drier spots – some of which get less water due to beaver activity – pitch pine trees now dominate.

“It really is special to see,” said Shebitz, who will soon publish the results of her study. “If you could fast­forward 100 years, it would be really interesting to see what happens.” Dr. Daniela Shebitz (in shirt with striped sleeves) and her Kean University students identify plants growing in restored wetlands at the Franklin Parker Preserve. 2017 Annual Report . 9 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 10

Would pipeline construction What would happen if long­tailed salamander habitat in Hunterdon County was disturbed by pipeline construction? How might this affect the harm salamanders? genetic diversity and connectivity of long­tails follow across the state? To answer these questions, we first need to figure out what the current Long-tailed salamanders, a threatened species in thescience genetic diversity of New Jersey long­tails looks like and how its distributed. New Jersey, have two main strongholds. One is in That’s what researcher Neha Gajendra Savant, western Hunterdon County near the Delaware River, a graduate student in the conservation biology and the other is in the ponds of Sussex County. program at Columbia University, wanted to find out. Savant collected and analyzed DNA samples from 266 long­tailed salamanders in the two counties. She found that those living in Hunterdon County streams have more genetic diversity than the other group. “We've been working to understand how threatened long­tail salamanders are different based on where they live,” she explained. “In Hunterdon County, where the salamanders live in streams, they are more connected and there's more variety in their genes. We think that’s because there’s a lot of flooding in Hunterdon county streams which might move salamanders and their eggs around!” “But in Sussex County,” Savant added, “salamanders live mostly in ponds and we think that makes salamanders more isolated. Understanding more about New Jersey salaman­ ders is important to figure out how to best protect these animals!” To Dr. Emile DeVito, staff biologist, these findings are a strong argument against the current pipeline route through dozens of streams and thousands of acres of preserved open space and farmland. “With climate change and diseases that affect salamanders, you want to keep as much genetic diversity as possible,” he said. “That will help the salamanders stay resilient.” Photos by Ray Hennessy Ray by Photos 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 11

2017 DONORS continued

The Honorable Thomas Kean Donald Conklin Jeff and Barbara Morgan James Andrews and Amy Pearlmutter Sally and Gordon Brummer C Meghan Doody Carol M. Kleis and Rex A. Parker C John and Tracey Costanzo C Cynthia Paladino C Chris Antar Betsy H. Burgess Ms. Lisa Downs Sybil Kramer C David Crall Frank and Anne Palopoli Richard Armstrong C John T. Burgess Sandra M. Dudek William Kurtz C Tracy Cruise and Scott Daal Thomas M. Poole Judy Austermiller Dr. Joseph Burgiel Harry and Elisabeth Dugger Theresa Joy Lanuto Skip Jonas and Tricia Deering Benjamin Redditt Kevin J. Avery Charlene Burke Prof. Douglas S. Eakeley Anita and Jeffrey Liebman C William Doan C Mr. Allen Reese and Mr. Joseph M. Hengel Mr. and Mrs. James Ayers Thomas and Elizabeth Cabarle Van and Lynda Eckes Richard and Elizabeth Lilleston Russell and Joan Durbin Gabriella Risatti Edward and Cynthia Babbott Dr. Mesut B. Cakir C Tatiana Eichmann Edward and Mary Lynn Marra C Lynn and Tom Ebeling Anthony and Glorianne Robbi Alan Bacho Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Calvet Steve and Janet Eisenhauer Peggy McDonnell Walsh Catherine Errico Alan Rojer and Ellen Relkin Alix and Scott Bacon Ruth Campo C Barry and Cecilia Eldred Mr. Robert W. Messerschmidt Charles and Norma Evans C Michael and Maureen Santoro Deborah W. Bailey C Mr. Tim Carden and Ms. Amy Rosen Molly Ellsworth Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo A. Mestres, Jr. William Fine Anthony J. Scilletti, Jr. Joseph L. Balwierczak Carol G. Carlson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gordon Engel Thomas Joseph Miles Nicholas and Kristin Fiori John and Josephine Scully C Mr. Michael Baratta Mr. Robert J. Carr, Sr. Thomas and Ann Ewig Vanessa F. Mitchell and Jonathan R. Tarlin C Gregg and Jean Frankel Paul Sheahen and Maureen Huntley Scott Barnes C Woodrow Carsky‐Wilson Ellen V. Ewing Paul Mizak Keith Freehauf C Anthony Silva Marjorie Barrett Astrid M. Caruso and Roger T. Prichard Mrs. Joseph J. Fahey Bishoi Nageh The Hon. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen C Aimee and James Sousa Robert L. Barrett Calvin Carver and Anne DeLaney Jeffrey Faigle Mike and Mary O'Malley Rufus and Judy Fulton Frances Spann Richard and Connie Batherman Gladys A. Case Huck and Pamela Fairman Ashleigh Palmer Steve Gates and Julie Fox Josey Stamm Mrs. Constance Bauder Ralph Celebre and Susan Haase Peter and Shaness Farrell C Henry S. Patterson, III C Jon and Evalyn Gelhaus C Nancy Swift C Nancy H. Becker David Chandler Stan and Ellen V. Fayer Dr. and Mrs. Stanley T. Praiss C Alexandra Gerry Ms. Alice S. Tempel and Mr. Leigh Walker C William and Caroline Beidelman Charles and Jean Chapin C Dr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Fazzini Tim Riegert Dr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Goldman C Kathi and John Thonet Mary Bell Richard and Sally Chrisman Andrew Felder Kevin and Patricia Rohane David and Glenda Haas C Carol Tiffany Robert and Nancy Benz Carl Christianson Steven Fenster C Mrs. Elizabeth Schmid C Dr. Daniel A. Harris and Ms. Jane Buttars C Louise Tompkins C Bruce and Barbara Berger Tracey and C.D. Clarke Ms. Sheila Fields Bruce and Sara Schundler C Roger and Friederike Harris Alex and Sally Uhle Christian Berry Jeanne and Peter Clarke Joseph S. Filo James and Sharon Schwarz Peter D. Haugk C Dr. Daniel J. Van Abs Thomas Besselman Bill Claus Daniel and Margery Fiori Ann E. Silverman C Michael and Carol Heffler Margaret von der Linde C Mr. Ronald Bianchi Robert Clayton Roger E. Flahive and Eileen A. Mallor C Grace Sinden Robert and Sarah Hemsen C Donald and Patricia Walker Peter and Helena Bienstock Wendy and Sean Cleary James J. Flynn, Jr. Nancy Squier C Bob and Diane Holtaway Mary Walter Mr. and Mrs. Jay C. Biggins Tom and Marilyn Clendenny Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm S. Forbes Mr. Paul W. Steinbeiser Sally Ike Kathleen Ward Tom and Joanne Bintinger C Scott Clucas Anne Forbes C Patricia Stover Maryann and Robert Isham C Dr. Sara Webb Veronica Bishop C Larry and Mary Coffey C Susan F. Ford C Janice Summers C Andrew W. Johnson C Larry Wehr Pat B. Black and Carol W. English C Christine Colahan Barbara Fordyce and Robert F. Dahl Richard and Laura Szwak Ms. Arlene D Jonach Kyle Weise Mr. and Mrs. William C. Blanchard Francesco and Annette Colbertaldo William and Constance Fortenbaugh Chuck and Ravenna Taylor Martin Judd C Anne and Stephen K. West Alan and Susan Blanchette Gloria Colombo Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Francis Edith and Thomas Williams Jean S. Kahan Governor Christine T. Whitman Mr. and Mrs. Raymond M. Blinn C Jeanette and Hunter Corbin Caren and John Franzini Mr. James P. Wyse and Dr. Elizabeth Garcia Thomas and Liz Kelsey Joseph and Phoebe Wiley Martin and Anne Mozer Bloomenthal C John Costo Charles Fraser Beth Yingling C Mary E. Koether C Van and Myra Williams Aaron Bobrove Ms. Karen Cramer Deborah Freedman Todd Zimmerman and Laurie Volk C Alan and Donna L. Kunze David and Ellen Williams Ms. Carolee Bol Harden and Ailsa Crawford Maxine Friedman Karen Lavallen Elizabeth and Robert Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bond Mary Croft Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Friedman $250 – $499 Karen Linder David and Debbie Yaskulka Janet Bone Dr. William J. Cromartie Mr. and Mrs. A. Crowin Frost Thelma Achenbach C Andrew and Anya Littauer Glenda S. Yu Marisa Bonnet Walt Croom C Russell Furnari Dr. and Mrs. Richard Allen Dr. William Lupatkin and Abigail Zorn Kate Booth Julia Crum James Gaffney Grania and George Allport Mrs. Julie T. Lupatkin C Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Borden Tom and Liz Cutler‐Kreutz Lawrence and Elene Galante Roger Asselta Andy Dobson and Annarie Lyles $100 – $249 Mary Anne Borge and Jeff Worthington Rick Dabagian Michael F. Gallaway Giorgio and Simona Balzer Lisa and Marty MacCollum C Dr. Beatrice B. Abrams Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boulton W. Bruce Daniels Mr. William P. Gangel, III Laura and Jeff Barnes Thomas and Anne MacCowatt Ronald Adams Marlene Boyd Elizabeth De Cicco Matthew Garamone Jim and Carolyn Barnshaw Mr. Matthew Martin C Ed Adams Mr. and Mrs. Ted Boyer Angela De Sapio Anne and Bill Gates C Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Bonuccelli C Elizabeth G. McCutcheon Mary Allan C Beth B. Branigan C Lorilee and Paul DeBiasse Audrey and Moore Gates, Jr. Dr. Ingeborg D. Bossert Thomas McKay, III Judith A. and Frederick H. Allen C Elizabeth Breedlove C Ted and Dawn Del Guercio Barbara Geenhalgh‐Weidman Joe and TC Buchanan Jane and Peter Mercer Janet and Frank Allocca Drs. Stephen Brenner and Pam Benfield John and Nancy DeMarrais C Peter George Regina Carola Michael and Hilary Merritt C Florence Aluotto C Charles Briggs Edward and Jess Deutsch Carol Gillesberg Ann Cavanaugh Denise Milot Erik Anderson Wendy and Tim Brill Frank Discenza Pete Gitlitz C William and Wendy Clarke Robert and Veronica Mitchell C George and Meghan Anderson Dr. Robert A. Brooks Louis Discepola Marian Glenn Joseph and Jeannie Colalillo C Dr. Donald P. Mitrane C Linny and Merrick G. Andlinger William Brower Kate Dixon and Mr. Dan Wilkinson Joel and Carole Goldstein

C Donors for ten or more consecutive years 2017 Annual Report . 11 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 12

2017 DONORS continued

Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Goodfellow Mr. Glen R. Jaggard Naomi Lonergan Helen G. Oien C William Russell Mark Szutarski C Roe W. Goodman Sandra Jakubowski Mr. James M. Lukenda Glenn Oleksak Dr. Frederick H. Russell Dr. Melissa S. Tassinari Roby Goodwin Daniel L. Jassby C William B. Lum Alfred Olivi Jill and Carl Sammarco Becky Taylor Ms. Anne S. Gralla Carol Jee Ms. Jennifer Lykes Peter Ostberg Andrew and Wendy Sanford Christopher J. Teasdale Mr. W. Preston and Ms. Ann H. Granbery Wendy Jegla Daniel Lynch John R. Otterson Jamie and John Sapoch Dr. Pauline Thomas and Mr. Fredric Bell Melanie E. Gray and David N. Rubin Bob and Florence Jennes Deanna Z. Macek Patrick and Susan Palmer Floyd Saums Craig Thompson Mr. Bruce Green Ms. Janet C. Jessel C Pamela and Roland Machold C Dr. Charles W. Paul C Christine and Bruce Savage C Margaret Thompson Louise Gross Carol Johnson C Peter Macholdt and Kathy Fedorko Dr. Karl H. Perzin Nelson and Nancy Schaenen Lise Thompson Michael Gross Dr. Julia Johnson Kenneth L. MacRitchie Joy Petzinger C Albert Schagen Joan Thuebel C Gale and Bob Grossman Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Z. Duke Joseph Maraziti Henry Pfeiffer C Randi and Eric Scher Anne Tilney Henry and Doris Gutsmuth Molly and Bill Jones Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Marino Jarred Phillips Terry Schmidt Emily Tinalli George and Ann Hackl William L. Keefauver Valerie Marks Louis and Teri Piancone Marjorie A. Schmidt Mr. David R. Topham Barbara Haertlein Nan and Robert Keohane C Steven and Karen Martino Kathryn Renee Pierro Betsy Schnorr C Katherine Tozour Helen H. Haines Matthew W. Kester Thomas G. McBride C Virginia K. Pierson C Judith Schoenherr Cynthia and William Treene Tom and Constance Halliwell C Francis Khoury Sarah and Robert McClanahan C Mr. Sharath Bhaskar Pillai Sadie Schoss C Ms. Anne Troop Ms. Amy Hansen Christoph and Flora Kimmich Susan and Joseph McGrath David Piscitelli Mr. and Mrs. Alan Michael Scott Ms. Elie Porter Trubert Mr. and Mrs. Mark Harms C Phoebe Weseley and David King James and Karen McGregor Dr. Mark Plummer Mona Shapiro Lan‐Jen Tsai Marion Harris Charles Klein C Joe McKenzie Lisa J. Pollak Charles F. Shaw, III Joan Luckhardt and Bob Tucker C Helen Hartkopf Carol M. Klevans Evelyn McKinley Jill Porter Ms. Deborah Shea Mr. and Mrs. Eric Turnquist Tim Hartman David and Anita Knechel Lindsay McNamara Gerald and Susan Post Jackson and Rebecca Shepard C John and Jill Turpin Mr. Jason Hasftad Mark Kneece Daryl E. Mecklem and Kathleen A. Howard C Mr. and Mrs. Earle M. Post James A. Shissias Tom Unger Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Hauser Michael M. Knox and Barbara J. Bristow Bruce and Linda Meier Charles Post Drs. Donald and Lynn Siebert C A. James and Jane Van Haasteren C Eric Hausmann Lawrence Koplik and Sarah Roberts Roger D. Mellick, III David and Joan Powell C Scott Sillars Joanna Vandenberg Mrs. Harold H. Healy, Jr. Tom Koven Edward Menchaca Frances L. Preston Elizabeth Silvernail Patricia Vaughan Stephen Heller Steven B. Krakauer C Irene Mendelson C Bri Primiani Shary and Gary Skoloff Mr. Jeffrey D. Vernam C Dennis Heller Dr. Deirdre Kramer Paul and Karen Mengden C Colleen and Allen Prince Al Smith Peter Villa Carl Hemmingsen Ms. Joan M. Kugelmann and Mr. Arthur Phair George Merck Hilary Prouty Richard and Monica Smith Ms. Jacqueline M. Vnencak Lawrence Henderson Jason Kurtz Cynthia Merwin Ms. Ellen Quinn Dr. Pamela J. Smith Anna M. Voordeckers C Robert D. Hendler Joann R. Lambiase Thomas Messineo Harold Quinn Mary Smith Robert and Linda Walden Mary Herberich C Martha Land Deborah Meyer C Beverly Railsback Thomas Smith Sara B. Waldron Alan M. Hershey C Bob and Mary Lane Susan Michniewski C Carole Rains Susan Smith Ruth Walker Mr. Lee W. Himmelmann Steven E. Lane Frank Miller Joann S. Ramos David Snope William and Andrea Wallace C Doug and Janice C. Hiple Henrietta W Lang C Danya Miller C Lisanne L. Renner and Adam S. Grace C Horace Arthur Somes, Jr. Ms. Joan F. Walsh C Ellen and Stuart Hochberger Shawn and Jennifer Lange Ms. Alison E. Mitchell and Mr. Chris Keep Kriss Replogle Dr. Peter Speth and Mrs. Helge Speth The James M. Walton, Jr. Family Ms. Hollace A. Hoffman Susan W. Lauffer and Donald E. Lauffer Richard and Lorraine Mnich C Dr. George Reskakis Roger and Joyce Spingarn Robert and Geralyn Ward Robert and Tracy Hofstrom C Cheryl Lechtanski Liza and Schuyler Morehouse Renee Resky Fran and Marie St. John Esther Warner Janet Holbrook Mary D. Leck Mr. and Mrs. A. Perry Morgan, Jr. Vera Reybitz Mr. Scott D. Stanford C Ron and Linda Wass Chad Holloway Maurice Lee Samuel and Joyce Moulthrop Fred and Laura Rhodes Michael Stanton Fred Weber David Holman David Lee Gene Muller Jean L. Rich Ms. Helen B. Stathis Weshnak Family Foundation Basil and Rilda Hone C Andrew T. Rowan and Andrea E. Lehman Holly Muller Karen Richards C Edward Stavenick Mr. and Mrs. Bruce F. Wesson Eleanor V. Horne Marie Leithauser Kathy Murphy Anita and Keith Richmond Karl Stehle Peter Wester Jason Howell Stephen Leitner Raymond and Nancy Nadaskay Charles Rivera Peter and Senedu Steidinger Neil Whitman Gayle Chamberlin Hoyt C Drs. Will and Mary Leland Polly and John Nelson Mr. and Mrs. John J. Roarty Vera C. Stek Ms. Rosemarie Widmer Mark Huddell and Kerry L. Miller C John and Lydia Lenaghan Ms. Susan Ann Newberry Jan Robbins Ms. Anne Stephano Gloria Wilczynski Thomas and Gloria Huey C Edwin and Judith Leonard Dr. and Mrs. Allan W. Newcomb Benjamin Paul Rochat Mr. Robert E. Stewart Suzanne Wilder Sonya Hulbert Leigh A. and Cody L. Letsinger Mr. and Ms. John T. Newell C Elizabeth Roedell Todd and Denise Stires Mr. Jeffrey B. Wills, Jr. Bernadette Hunsicker Gilles Leyorrel Drs. Michael and Carol Newlon Jennifer Lublin and David E. Rojer Gail Stock Glenn and Dawn Witherspoon Travis and Margaret Hutchinson Paige and Elizabeth L’Hommedieu C Elyn Nimmo Rebecca Rome Ms. Eliane M. Swanson Elsa Wood Bart and Lorraine Jackson Anne E. Lightburn William and Judy Ninke Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rooney Russell and Lois Swanson Patrick and Leslie Wood C John and Carol Jackson Carol B. Lipman Mary Jo Nutt Mr. Mark Rothstein Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sweeney Susan Yardley Wood Brian T. Jaeger Joseph Logan Thomas Ogren John and Paula Runnells Mrs. Angele Macy Switzler Brann and Ellen Wry

12 . New Jersey Conservation Foundation C Donors for ten or more consecutive years 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 13

Discovering rare mushrooms That’s why dedicated mycologists – those who study mushrooms and other fungi – in the Pine Barrens can visit the same site repeatedly and always follow make new discoveries. “With fungi, you may have only one day – Mushrooms by nature are ephemeral. thescience or even one hour,” said New Jersey mycologist Jenifer “Nina” Burghardt. “They’re very One day there’s nothing, and the next day a patch fleeting.” of ground may be covered. Then they’re gone. Burghardt and her husband John, also a mushroom expert, make regular forays to the Franklin Parker Preserve in the Pine Barrens. Over the past year, they and fellow members of the New Jersey Mycological Association have been working to create an inventory of fungi at the preserve.

So far, they have identified 782 species, 170 of which have never been identified in New Jersey before.

Some fungi grow only in certain habitats, such as boggy areas, and some are even more particular. “Many fungi are tree specific,” noted Nina. “Some fungi only like conifers and some are very specific and only like American white cedars.”

The Burghardts and their colleagues visit Franklin Parker Preserve every month of the year to discover what changing weather conditions will yield. “The more you go, and the more people you go with, the more you’ll find,” said Nina.

To learn about the New Jersey Mycological Association and its mushroom forays throughout New Jersey, go to www.njmyco.org. Photo by Christopher Magarelli Christopher by Photo 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 14

Studying endangered Dr. Joanna Burger of Rutgers University and her graduate student Kelly Ng are currently working on pine snake behavioral studies. Kelly pine snakes is observing the behaviors of nesting female follow adults, and hatchlings as they leave the nest. Pine snakes like to nest in small sand dunes The Franklin Parker Preserve and surrounding protected state forest lands the scattered within the forest. The exact nature of provide the perfect opportunity to research endangered and threatened science nest site selection is unknown. Some nests are dug on bare sand, but most have heather or reptiles. The state-threatened northern pine snake is now the subject of studies grasses holding the sand together. Many females which may be helpful in developing conservation strategies that will aid their visit the same nest site year after year. Do young females become more selective about nest sites long-term survival. as they age? What can land managers do to make nest sites safe from predators, off­road vehicles and other disturbances? When pine snakes hatch, they are on their own. They dig themselves up from nests and poke their heads out, observing their surroundings for the first time. Perhaps they are detecting preda­ tors, the nearest safe hiding places, or imprinting on the nesting location. When they crawl away, they usually seek refuge beneath vegetation. Kelly is documenting their behavior using video cameras and long hours of observation. This research will lead to better understanding of pine snakes and how nesting sites can be man­ aged to make them as productive as possible.

Isabel DeVito, 17, has been interested in pine New Jersey Conservation biologist Dr. Emile snakes all her life. Now a high school senior at DeVito, Herpetological Associates, students from the Pingry School, she is working on a DNA the Rutgers Environmental Stewardship Program, study of pine snakes. Inset: Isabel at age 3 and a cast of dedicated volunteers are now with her father, New Jersey Conservation staff radio­tracking adult pine snakes in the Franklin biologist Dr. Emile DeVito. Parker Preserve to find winter hibernation and nesting locations close to busy highways. Many snakes are killed as they attempt to cross highways, and traffic may be isolating populations into “islands” between highways. Dane Ward, formerly of Drexel University, and Isabel DeVito, a high school senior, are conducting DNA studies of pine snakes near highways and building a database to show whether snakes living on opposite sides of high­ ways are becoming genetically isolated. Even if isolation isn’t serious yet, at some point traffic may become so heavy that snakes on opposite sides of the road won’t be able to breed unless safe passages beneath highways are provided. 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 15

2017 DONORS continued

Dr. and Mrs. John Wunderlich Anne L. Gaus Rozalyn Sherman Richardson Buist Caroline P. Huber Elaine and Stanley Yablonski Anthony and Beverly Ann Glockler George and Pamela Sherman Jean Buist Earle John and Susan Jackson In Honor Of Mr. Franklin R. Yandach, Jr. Stewart and Rita Golding Allan D. Smith and Gail L Smith Sandra Jakubowski K. Philip Dresdner Fred Bartenstein Hal and Natalie Zenner Alice Perkins Gould Mrs. Michael L. Smith Katherine V. Dresdner, Esq. Lorine and James Jen Donald Zimmerman, D.D.S. Glen Green Warren Sobelsohn Mrs. Valerie Kent Janet and Daniel E. Murnick Patricia Zucca Marietta Guertler Anne and John Standley S.J. Gordon Mrs. Margaret B. McMath Michele Byers Mr. and Mrs. Les Guile Joan M. Stein Michele S. Byers Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo A. Mestres, Jr. Francesco and Annette Colbertaldo Robert and Marlene Haiken Ms. Lois K. Stewart John S. Eddy Elaine and John Mulhern Bette and Lonnie Hanauer Juris and Nancy Svarcbergs Ann Oberrender Noyes and Mrs. Langdon Palmer Beryl Doyle Individual Bryan and Kay Hannigan Gerard A. Sweeney Nicholas Noyes Kathryn A. and James M. Porter Lois K. Stewart Support for 10 Lynn Harrington Arthur C. Thomas Martha Worth Oberrender Hilary Prouty John Dunphy Ms. Jean E. Houvener Jeanne Toal Katherine A. and James M. Porter Vera Reybitz Jennifer Jones Theodore E. Jones Arthur Tuchfeld Juli Towell Mary Ann Sarni or More Years Jeanne Eisele Robert Kanner Annette Tyler Catriona Shafer (Up to $99) The Hanssler Family Doris F. Forshner Karen D. Kelleher Lynn R. Uhrig Dr. Ingeborg D. Bossert Linda Smith Richard E. Kent Raymond S. Veghte Storytelling Arts, Inc. Bill Flemer IV and Louise Hutner Ethel W. Ashenfelter B. Melvin Kiernan Gilbert Wald Frederick Jessel Alex and Sally Uhle Louise Gross Janet Jessel Edward and Lillian Babson Emily Kingsbury Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Walker Shafer and Webb Family Trust Peter and Cynthia Kellogg Mr. and Mrs. Fred Berghahn Carl and Ann Klemme Daniel Wall Judy Jessel Dr. and Mrs. John Wunderlich Mr. B. Michael Pisani Doris Bergquist Gary and Heide Krakauer Mac and Wendy Walsh Janet Jessel Eileen Reiss Maureen Ogden Dennis Bertland Dr. Robert X. Kucharski Ms. Mai B. Watts and Mr. Peter Lacoux Violet Gillies Evelyn and Behram Bharucha Jeffrey and Arlene Laderman Barbara R. Weeks Edward Meharg Mr. B. Michael Pisani Wendy and Sean Cleary Charles Post Lawrence Bilder Mr. Lawrence LaFevre Rosanne M. Weiss Maureen and Dan Vellucci Ed Pfeiffer Ruth Blaser Marlene Larson Miriam Wolin Gordon A. Millspaugh Carol Lynn Pfeiffer JoAnn Bowman Virginia L. Laughlin Henry F. Wood, Jr. Thelma Achenbach Glenna Ann Simpson Robert and Valerie Brewster John B. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. L. Brewster Young Gregory Adey David A. Burchett, Jr. Eileen Reiss Stuart and Helen Brunet Philip and Charlotte Lo Buono Robert A. and Elsa B. Zelley Mr. and Mrs. Graham Argent‐Belcher Michele S. Byers Lynn Lipsey Mr. and Mrs. A. Dean Burling Pat and Rocco Lovascio Jeffrey A. Zonenshine and Marcia Minuskin Giorgio and Simona Balzer Kathleen Crawford Robert and Barbara Wolfe Robert and Carol Butera Bill Marshall Mr. and Mrs. Grosvenor Blair Lou Ann Eader John T. Burgess Sandra and Stanley Christman Louis Matlack Mr. and Mrs. William C. Blanchard Wendy Jegla Betsy H. Burgess Raymond F. Clark Patrice J. McCoy Susan B. Boyle Amy T. Ko Susan W. Lauffer and Donald E. Lauffer Mr. Michael D. Conca and Margaret W. Merklin Estates Mr. William D. Bruen, Jr. William Lester William and Elizabeth Wolfe Ms. Cheryl D. Sperber Sidney and Miriam Moss Michele S. Byers Robert W. Simpson Clients of Ronald Berlin Architect, PC: Alastair Edward Coxey Frederick Mueller Estate of C. Austin Buck Robert Carter Dr. Melissa S. Tassinari Binnie and Zoe Brookes, Virginia Dwan, Gerald and Beverly Dalzell Walter Nerlick, Jr. Estate of David Rutherford Mrs. Catherine A. M. Cavanaugh Ester Yanai Achilles and Jennifer Paparsenos, Kian Jill Devlin Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Parkhurst Estate of Eleanor Wisner Gural Lucy A. Chubb H. Steve Yanai Esteghamat and Amy Craft, Claire Roberts, Carolyn and Nelson Dittmar Emmett M. Partain, III Estate of Frank Eggert Alice E. Corjescu Emily Mackie, Colleen Goggins, James Baxter, James and Marie Donnelly Mr. Stephen J. Paschik Estate of Lillie DeBevoise Helen Dieterly Peter and Linda Sciarra, Ulrich Frevert. Ms. Jeanne R. Eisele Estelle Perry Estate of Mary Lou Curran Dr. Rosina B. and Mr. Richard Dixon Robert Berlin Richard Erler James and Linda Pierro Estate of Rose M. Bracco Humphrey Doermann Mr. and Mrs. Evald R. Eskilson Sandra J. Polk Estate of Ruth S. Gleason Catherine Errico Ms. Madeline A. Etzold William and Noreen Postman Valerie Erwin Elisabeth Evans Drs. Adam and Monica Potkay Far Hills Country Day School Gail Ewin Joseph Prati In Memory Of William and Constance Fortenbaugh Rita S. Fand James A. Quinn Mr. and Mrs. A. Crowin Frost Don’t see your name? Let us know! William and Donna Fischer Jens Riedel Mr. W. Preston and Ms. Ann H. Granbery Those who donated in 2018 will be included in next year’s annual Franklin and Sarah Flaherty Paul Riley Eva S. Beekman Nancy B. Carringer Thomas and Olga Hance Stephen and Lillian Fogle Mr. and Mrs. James L. Rosenthal Gates and Mary Ellen Hawn report, so stay tuned! Douglas and Barbara Ford Walter and Penelope Rothaug C. Austin Buck Jesse Higgins Share your thoughts and questions with Kathleen Ward, Director of Ms. Doris F. Forshner William D. Rummler Anne Tilney Ellen amd Stuart Hochberger Development and Communications, at [email protected] Patricia N. Fowler Ms. Elizabeth Sands Wayne and Mary Frey Mr. and Mrs. Randy Santoro

2017 Annual Report . 15 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:20 AM Page 16

Mr. and Ms. John T. Newell Hunt and Margaret Stockwell Beth Nichols Jacqueline Strigl Charles and Marnie O’Connell Elizabeth Sutte For The Hon. Maureen Ogden Russell and Lois Swanson CAMPAIGN CONSERVATION Thomas Ogren Susan and Thompson Swayne Judy and Oye Olukotun Richard and Laura Szwak YOUR LAND, YOUR WATER, YOUR FOOD, YOUR FUTURE Open Space Institute Mr. and Mrs. Pete Taft Scot D. Pannepacker and Taft Communications Heidi S. Wilenius Alexandra Tatnall For 58 years, New Jersey Conservation Foundation has been dedicated to strategically and steadfastly conserving New Jersey's special places. In November 2015, we Tari Pantaleo Becky Taylor launched the Campaign for Conservation: Your Land, Your Water, Your Food, Your Future to secure $30 million in private and public funds to preserve key properties Mr. Stephen W. Parker and Christopher J. Teasdale throughout New Jersey. Thank you to the 325 individuals and organizations who helped us meet our goal to save 13 signature properties across New Jersey! Dr. Elizabeth Parker Ted and Penny Thomas Michael Paul Tewksbury Land Trust The William Penn Foundation Elizabeth Thompson The 1772 Foundation, Inc. Jack and Ronnie Cimprich Gregg and Jean Frankel Ray and Jane Hostetter Carol Lipson Tim and Sandra Perkins Lise Thompson Acorn Foundation Silvana Clark Mr. Robert Fuller Caroline P. Huber Andrew and Anya Littauer Elwood and Jacqueline Phares Kathi and John Thonet Kate Adams and Duke Wiser Melanie Clarke Frederick and Gael W. Gardner Charlie and Lucia Huebner Cate and James Litvack Virginia and Robert* Pierson James and Barbara Tiesi James Andrews and Amy Pearlmutter William and Wendy Clarke Mr. James B. Garland Thomas and Gloria Huey Andrew and Karin Lloyd Dr. Mark Plummer Kathryn Trenner Anonymous Donor Laurie Cleveland Steve Gates and Julie Fox John and Carol Jackson Losam Fund Ralph and Jane Porpora Mr. and Mrs. Adrian D. Trevisan Mr. and Mrs. Howard P. Aronson Barbara Coe Anne and Bill Gates Gretchen Jaeckle Andrew and Cynthia Love Kathryn A. and James M. Porter James and Susan Trowbridge Penelope Ayers Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Cole Kate Geiringer Dinesh and Alexandra Jain Andy Dobson and Annarie Lyles Leslie Potter Mr. and Mrs. Eric Turnquist Edward and Cynthia Babbott Conservation Resources, Inc. Alexandra Gerry Erica L. Johanson and James V. Powers Lauren Maccarone Joseph and Evelyn Prather Dr. Lynda Gail Tussey Catherine Bacon and Paul Winslow Joyce Copleman Peter Gianetti and Sheryl Riley Barbara Johnson Lisa and Marty MacCollum Frances L. Preston Adrienne Tymiak and David Ackerman Mary Ellen Balady Jeanette and Hunter Corbin Dan and Lisa Ginsberg Ms. Betty W. Johnson Peter Macholdt and Kathy Fedorko Hilary Prouty Kyle L. Van Arsdale Julie C. Baron Lorraine Cosumano Sophie and Curtis Glovier Christy Johnson Wendy Mager and Eric Monberg Ralph and Laura Pugliese Victoria Foundation, Inc. Robert L. Barrett Patty Cronheim Susan Gnall Mr. David W. Johnson Roger Martindell Lee Ann Quenault Peter Villa Laura Bartels Tracy Cruise Mr. Chad Goerner Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Z. Duke Helen & William Mazer Foundation Mr. Martin J. Rapp Joseph and Carolyn von Meister Dr. William Baumbach Sally and Michael Culhane Ron and Nancy Goldfuss Mr. Maitland Jones and David H. McAlpin, Jr. Joan and Robert Rechnitz Jeanne Walden David Beard CTW Foundation, Inc. Meg and Tom Gorrie Ms. Susan Hockaday Victoria McCrink L. Keith and Lisa Reed Mr. and Mrs. John D. Wallace Mary and Dick Benioff Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Daggett Charles and Laurel Gould Gery Juleff Frank and Martha McDougald Amy and Jay Regan Kathleen Ward June Bente William and Andrea D’Angelo Barbara Greer Caroline Katmann Jennifer and John McGahren The Reynolds Family Fund William C. Ward, Jr. Chris and James Besanceney Michael Dawson and Robert Tomaselli John M Gregg Mr. and Mrs. Stanley N. Katz Elizabeth McGrail Karen A. Richards John Watson Peter and Helena Bienstock Nick Decker James* and Barbara Griffin Steve Kazakoff Tim and Nancy McDermott River Branch Foundation Barbara and James Webb Mr. and Mrs. John C. Biggins Kate and Robert Del Tufo Mr. Neil Grossman and Nancy Wolff Patrick Kelley Charlotte and George McLaughlin Robert Wood Johnson Fred and Elizabeth Weber Scott Bills Barbara R. Delafield Gale and Bob Grossman Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kellogg James and Patricia McPherson 1962 Charitable Trust Rachel Webster Mr. and Mrs. Clifford W. Blanchard John Delaney Henry Guy Ryan Kennedy Scott and Hella McVay Mr. and Mrs. William S. Roebling Jeffrey Weinstein Barbara and W. Michael Blumenthal Katharine Denby John and Joan Hall Robert W. Kent* Roger D. Mellick, III Mr. William H. Rolls Mr. and Mrs. James O. Welch, Jr . Mary Beth Boland Edward and Jess Deutsch Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Halsey Nan and Robert Keohane Herman Melton Greg and Carol Romano Caron Wendell Andrea M. Bonette Douglas Dixon Oliver Hamill and Kate Webb Michael W. Klein Susan Michniewski Barbara Rose Peter Wester Mary Owen Borden Dr. Rosina B. and Mr. Richard Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Max Hansen Carol M. Kleis and Rex A. Parker Sally and David Mikkelsen Bill Carmean and Nancy Ross Ginny, Todd, & Emily Whitaker Memorial Foundation Georgette Dorsky Alex and Laura Hanson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Klipstein, II Angus Miller Mr. and Mrs. Benson T. Ross Clarissa and Alan Willemsen Bristol‐Myers Squibb Company Anna Drago Harbourton Foundation Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation Jane Miller Samantha Rothman and John Hankin The David and Ellen Williams Hank and Laura Brucker Mr. K. Philip Dresdner* Dr. Daniel A. Harris and The Koven Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Mills Teresa Sanchez‐Lazet Foundation C. Austin* and Marguerite Buck Ms. Katherine V. Dresdner, Esq. Ms. Jane Buttars Richard Kraeuter Joan and Sandy* Millspaugh Vanessa Sandom and Carl Seiden Brooke Williams Kevin Burkman Robert and Sue Dupre Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Harris Kevin and Leslie Kuchinski Ms. Alison E. Mitchell and Adam Seiden Harry and Joannah Wilmerding Ms. Michele S. Byers Dawn Durain Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Harvey, Jr. Anton and Alison Lahnston Mr. Chris Keep Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Seigle Louise and Cliff Wilson Roger Byrom Carrie and Francis Dyckman Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Hauser Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Lambert, III Avril Moore Jamie and John Sapoch Susan Wilson Bradley M. Campbell and Landis and Peter Eaton Gates and Mary Ellen Hawn Ms. Janet K. Laughlin Liza Morehouse Daniel and Lori Saporito The Winslow Foundation Katherine Hackl Lynn and Tom Ebeling Mrs. Nora E. J. Hayes Lawrence Township Conservation Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mount Scott Schaub Bob and Barbara Wolfe Mr. Tim Carden and Ms. Amy Rosen Cindy Ehrenclou H. James and Carol Herring Foundation, Inc. Holly Muller Brian Schmult and Barbara Goun William and Elizabeth Wolfe Lisa Carril Joanne Elliott Alan M. Hershey Mary Ann and John Leahy Drs. Lauri and John Mulvey Lorraine Shiarappa Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Woodrow Carsky‐Wilson Laurie Emde Joseph H. Highlands The Leavens Foundation, Inc. The Philip and Tammy Murphy Grace Sinden Foundation Ms. Sandra J. Carty Jacqueline H. Evans Pamela and Howard Hirsch Ms. Elizabeth Lempert and Family Foundation Christine and Richard Smith Mr. James P. Wyse and Finn and Emily Caspersen Marylou Ferrara Lincoln and Sarah Hollister Mr. Kenneth Norman Elise W. Murray The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Dr. Elizabeth Garcia Mrs. Catherine A. M. Cavanaugh Clem and Joanna Fiori Perri Hom Joseph and Jennifer Lemond Music Together, LLC Julia Snyder Glenda S. Yu Dr. Theodore Chase and Jan and Ron Flaugher Betsy Hoover Virginia and Clark Lennon Prof. Jim Myers Chris Soucy Mr. Jerome Zeldis and Mrs. Victory Chase Ms. Alison J. Flemer Hopewell Valley Citizen’s Group Harvey Lester Suzanne Nash Mr. Richard Speedy Mrs. Sharon Stamn Ms. Carol Cherry Randolph Floyd The Horizon Foundation Richard Levandowski Ned and Greenie Neuburg Grove Stafford William Zick Christian Family Peter and Jennifer Fontaine for New Jersey Gordon and Katja Lewis Lee and Sydney Neuwirth Robert and Lisa Stockman Ali and Waldburg Zomorodi

16 . New Jersey Conservation Foundation *denotes deceased members 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 17

Impact of prescribed burns In February and March 2017, New Jersey Conservation collaborated with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to conduct prescribed burns studied in Pine Barrens on about 1,800 acres of the Franklin Parker Preserve. The purpose was to reduce the risk of follow wildfires and renew iconic Pine Barrens habitat. The burns, and their aftermath, were of great Fire is essential in maintaining the ecology of the Pine Barrens. thescience interest to researchers. The fires burned the But in the absence of wildfires – which are suppressed to protect lives tops off shrubs and scorched mature trees. The new openings in the forest canopy let more and homes – fires on natural lands must be planned, or “prescribed,” sunlight through, allowing plants previously shaded out to re­emerge. under controlled conditions. According to Russell Juelg, senior land steward with New Jersey Conservation and instructor of the Pinelands Plant Course, botany student Lan­Jen Tsai found white­fringed orchids growing in the burn area. Another student, Robyn Jeney, is monitoring a popula­ tion of Knieskern’s beaked­rush that hadn’t been documented before at the Franklin Parker Preserve. Researchers are also studying a wildflower known as turkey beard, a member of the lily family, to see how it’s benefiting from the additional sunlight. In one experiment led by Dr. Daniela Shebitz of Kean University, five patches of turkey beard were fenced to find out how well these plants survive with and without deer browsing. Another unanticipated effect of the burn was to encourage “dodders,” parasitic plants that grow on shrubs like blueberries, huckle­ berries and sheep laurel. After the fires, Juelg said, dodder vines began attacking the tender new shoots of the shrubs whose tops had burned off. He and Lan­Jen are monitoring them to see which plants win out. Dr. Nicholas Skowronski of the U.S. Forest Service brought a team of international researchers to learn about the behavior of fires and how they spread. They caught embers in Magarelli) Christopher by Photo pans to determine how far they traveled and if they were still burning when they landed. They A member of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service supervises a prescribed burn at the used thermometers with GPS trackers to collect Franklin Parker Preserve in March 2017. temperatures throughout the burn site, and also collected three­dimensional wind data to INSET: Turkey beard plant in bloom. find out how the fire’s heat affected air flow. Photo by Tim Morris by Photo 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 18

LEFT: Corn grows on part of the former Diocese of Trenton property in Hamilton Township.

NEARLY 1,700 ACRES 2017 PRESERVED THROUGHOUT CAMDEN COUNTY GAINING THE STATE GATEWAY PARK 3, 4, 5 GROUND 4+ acres, City of Camden These three properties along Admiral Wilson Boulevard were transferred to the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA) from the Delaware River Port Authority to become part of Gateway Park along the Cooper River. Additional parcels in Gateway Park were preserved in 2018. The soon‐to‐be 25‐acre park will be managed by New Jersey Conservation in partnership with the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, providing outdoor recreation, environmental education, river access, wildlife habitat and scenic enjoyment.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

CAPE VIKING DEVELOPMENT 477 acres, Middle Township New Jersey Conservation assisted with the early efforts to preserve this property and congratulate the Nature Conservancy and American Littoral Society in their acquisition of this excep‐ tional forest habitat as an addition to the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. The land is classified by the state as a Natural Heritage Priority Site, providing habitat for barred owls, Eastern tiger salamanders and Copes gray tree frogs. The property is largely surrounded by preserved open space and farmland.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

SHEPPARDS MILL GIRL SCOUT CAMP 424 acres, Greenwich Township New Jersey Conservation advocated and helped build public support for this acquisition by the New Jersey Green Acres Program. The property is an outstanding forest with a 50‐acre Photo by Tim Brill by Photo 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 19

Upper Pittsgrove celebrates over 10,000 acres of preserved farmland in June 2017. A press conference was held at the 65­acre Brooks farm, which put the town­ ship over the 10,000­acre mark. New Jersey Conservation has helped to preserve 13 farms in Upper Pittsgrove totaling 1,197 acres.

PICTURED: Michael Brooks; NJ Senate President Stephen Sweeney; Salem County Freeholder Benjamin Laury; Upper Pittsgrove Township Mayor Jack Cimprich; NJ Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher; Salem County Freeholder Director Melissa DeCastro. Photo by Fran Rapa Fran by Photo

lake that is part of the Burden Hill forest complex. The Girl Scoutwere purchased using New Jersey Conservation’s funding fromJOHNSON organization owned the property for many decades and kept the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources 45 acres, Delaware Township the forest and habitat in excellent natural condition. It is criticalConservation Service, and Readington Township’s funding fromNew Jersey Conservation purchased this property from two bald eagle habitat, with old growth trees, high biodiversity the State Agriculture Development Committee. members of a local farming family that had owned it for over and few invasive species. 60 years. Grover Johnson and his sister‐in‐law, Alice Johnson, HIGGINS 3 wanted to see it remain undeveloped and open to the public 152 acres, East Amwell Township for walking and hiking. It is now part of the Wickecheoke Creek HUNTERDON COUNTY This property in the Sourland Mountains is part of a new preservePreserve, an ever‐growing patchwork of more than 1,100 acres that eventually will include over 1,200 acres. The property of preserved open space and farmland. Funding came from New COLE contains farm fields and woodlands, with panoramic mountainJersey Green Acres and Hunterdon County grants to New Jersey 21 acres, Readington Township views. The new preserve is open to the public for passive Conservation. The New Jersey Water Supply Authority covered In the late 1700s, a German indentured servant named Casper recreation, including, hiking, horseback riding, birding and a portion of the ancillary costs. Berger repaid his debt, became a free man and settled in the nature observation. New Jersey Conservation acquired the land village of Readington. Eight generations later, the farm is in thewith the assistance of East Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, same family. And it is likely to remain a family farm, now that New Jersey Green Acres Program, Raritan Headwaters, 1772 the land is permanently preserved. The development rights Foundation and Hunterdon Land Trust. 2017 Annual Report . 19 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 20

2017 GAINING GROUND continued

KLIPSTEIN, DAVID & TARA 6+ acres, Tewksbury Township MERCER COUNTY OCEAN COUNTY

A vision for a 10‐mile trail winding through Tewksbury’s rural CHOWDHURY PALMER countryside and connecting preserved parks and farms is now 32.8 acres, Hamilton Township 0.08 acres, Lacey Township a step closer to reality. New Jersey Conservation provided technical assistance to our longtime partner, the Tewksbury New Jersey Conservation assisted Mercer County in preserving The donation of a small, undeveloped parcel expands the nearly Land Trust, to help them acquire 5.5 acres of farmland on the this farmland along Sawmill Road. The farm is in the Crosswicks 4,000‐acre Candace McKee Ashmun Preserve at Forked River east side of Old Turnpike Road and a 2,100‐foot pathway Creek watershed, and its soils are 14 percent Prime and Mountain. Over the years, New Jersey Conservation has received easement across an adjacent residential property. The land and 85 percent Statewide Important, the two highest classifications many similar donations of small parcels. pathway easement connect to other preserved lands. Funding of soil quality for agricultural production. came from grants to the Tewksbury Land Trust from Green Acres DIOCESE OF TRENTON and Hunterdon County. 19 acres, Hamilton Township SALEM COUNTY Once proposed for a cemetery and mausoleums, the property SARGENT at the edge of the North Crosswicks village historic district is BROOKS 5 acres, Tewksbury Township 65 acres, Upper Pittsgrove Township now permanently preserved as open space. The property was The “greenbelt” surrounding historic Oldwick village was acquired by Save Hamilton Open Space from the Diocese of New Jersey Conservation helped permanently preserve this part enhanced by the donation of a 5‐acre conservation easement Trenton and is nearly surrounded by preserved farmland and of the Dusty Lane Farm, owned by Michael Brooks. Salem County on the south side of Hill & Dale Road. The property includes a open space. It will be used for passive public recreation such as purchased the development rights in partnership with New trail that could eventually connect to the nearby Hill & hiking, bird watching and nature observation. Agriculture to Jersey Conservation, the State Agriculture Development Dale Preserve. attract grassland bird and pollinator habitat will continue on a Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural section of the property that has been farmed for hundreds of Resources Conservation Service, Upper Pittsgrove Township SKALSKI years. Funding came from a Green Acres grant to Save Hamilton and Pittsgrove Township. 48 acres, Tewksbury Township Open Space, Mercer County, a North Crosswicks Friends of Open Space grant and private donations. The property will be HARRELL New Jersey Conservation bought the development rights on 48 transferred to North Crosswicks Friends of Open Space who will 89 acres, Upper Pittsgrove Township acres of the historic Finderne House Farm. The horse farm will own and manage it. continue in private ownership, but future uses are limited to The Harrell farm was preserved by Salem County with the help agriculture. The farm is located near the Cold Brook, which helps of New Jersey Conservation’s federal Farm and Ranch Lands DIOCESE OF TRENTON Protection Program grant from the U.S. Department of protect water quality and wildlife habitat. The easement will be 13 acres, Hamilton Township held by Hunterdon County. Funding was provided by the U.S. Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. It is As part of a package deal with the Diocese of Trenton, the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation comprised of 100 percent Prime, Statewide Important and purchase of the 19‐acre property was bundled with a separate Service, the State Agriculture Development Committee and the Unique soils – the highest classifications for soil quality – and 13‐acre property with frontage along Doctors Creek. This 1772 Foundation. therefore contributes to the agricultural viability of the area. It property, which has wetlands and steep slopes, is a bald eagle is contiguous to other preserved farmland and is in close foraging area and will be kept in its natural state to protect proximity to several other farms preserved by New Jersey wildlife. It is now owned and managed by Hamilton Township. Conservation. The farm also contains a tributary to Kettle Run, Funding came from a Green Acres grant, a grant from Mercer a headwater stream of Oldmans Creek. County and funds from Hamilton Township.

20 . New Jersey Conservation Foundation 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 21

19 PROJECTS • 1,693 acres

LICCIARDELLO 122 acres, Pilesgrove Township The State Agriculture Development Committee preserved this farm along the Oldmans Creek in March 2017. Working with several partners, New Jersey Conservation helped the landowner to identify and evaluate various options before choosing farmland preservation.

STRANG 159 acres, Alloway and Upper Pittsgrove Townships New Jersey Conservation assisted the landowners in preserving this farm through the State Agriculture Development Committee Direct Easement Purchase Program. The property is comprised of 100 percent Prime and State Important farmland soils. 2017 PUBLIC FUNDING PARTNERS

Camden County NJ Water Supply Authority Camden County Municipal Utilities Mercer County Authority (CCMUA) Salem County Cumberland County State Agricultuzre Delaware River Development Port Authority Committee (SADC) East Amwell Township Upper Pittsgrove Township Hamilton Township USDA Natural Resources Hunterdon County Conservation Service (NRCS) NJDEP Green Acres Program US Fish & Wildlife Service 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 22

2017 OUR POLICY TEAM WORKS TO DEFEND NEW JERSEY’S LAND, LAUNCH OF THE POLICY WATER, AIR AND WILDLIFE. Principles to Preserve Land, Air, UPDATE Water and Wildlife

Former governors Brendan Byrne, Tom Kean, Jim Florio and Christie Whitman, widely known for their environmental advocacy and achievements, joined former Congressman Rush Holt and former Assemblywoman Maureen Ogden to ask New Jersey’s congres‐ sional delegation to stand up for and defend Principles to Protect our Public Lands, Water, Air & Wildlife. Nine of our 14 delegation members signed on, including both Senators Menendez and Booker, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, and Congressmen Lance, Norcross, Pallone, Pascrell, Payne, and Sires. Action alerts to our members on conservation issues resulted in thousands of letters to congressional representatives urging them to adhere to the principles as they voted on key pieces of legislation throughout the year. New Jersey Conservation took action on the Principles – to protect and defend public lands – by urging New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation to oppose legislation that further weakens environmental review of natural gas pipelines and other fossil fuel infrastructure. Seven of New Jersey’s twelve House members opposed the bill (H.R.2910). It was approved U.S. Senator Cory Booker, center, signs the “Principles to Protect our Public Lands, Water, Air, & Wildlife” by the House but never taken up by the Senate. at a ceremony in April 2017. Surrounding him are, from left, Elliott Ruga of the NJ Highlands Coalition, Amy Hansen and Alison Mitchell of New Jersey Conservation, Ed Potosnak of the NJ League of Conservation Voters, former NJ To learn more about the Principles, Assemblywoman Maureen Ogden, Mike Pisauro of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, Tom Gilbert go to www.njconservation.org/ of New Jersey Conservation and Bill Kastning of Monmouth Conservation Foundation. EnvironmentalPrinciples.htm.

22 . New Jersey Conservation Foundation 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 23

NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGES LG HEADQUARTERS BALLOT QUESTION GROUNDBREAKING STAFF

A huge success this year was the overwhelming passage of We celebrated the groundbreaking of LG’s new corporate Michele S. Byers, Executive Director the statewide ballot measure dedicating all funds from Natural headquarters on the Palisades in Englewood Cliffs. The new office Jennifer Amorese, Development & Communications Coordinator Erica Arlès, Administrative Assistant, Land Acquisition & Stewardship Resource Damages settlements to the protection and restoration is the result of a settlement with LG and our partners after a Alix Bacon, Regional Manager, Western Piedmont of natural resources. These funds have historically been used successful campaign to prevent the high rise building originally pro‐ Mark Barrick, Information Technology / Office Manager Tucker Birmingham, Camden Fellow to preserve important lands, but a portion of the money has repeat‐ posed that would have marred the iconic landscape of the Palisades. Tim Brill, Central Jersey Project Manager edly been diverted to plug holes in the State budget. Passage of Jack Brownstein, Camden Fellow Marcus Burrell, Camden Fellow Question 2 this year – which had the support of nearly 70% Beth Davisson, Project Manager, Black River Greenway of voters – will ensure that all funds resulting from pollution ONGOING ISSUES Justin Dennis, Camden Land Steward Emile DeVito, Ph.D, Manager of Science & Stewardship settlements will be dedicated to environmental protection and Kavon Eslambolchi, Camden Fellow restoration. Wilma Frey, Senior Policy Manager Jane Gardner, Campaign Project Assistant PIPELINE PROJECTS Tom Gilbert, Campaign Director – Energy, Climate & Natural Resources Olivia Glenn, South Jersey Regional Manager CLEAN ENERGY REPORT The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection denied Amy Hansen, Policy Analyst PennEast’s premature application for permits. PennEast continues Maria Hauser, Personnel Manager / Executive Assistant Steven Jack, Associate Land Steward On September 28th, Rethink Energy NJ and New Jersey to press for the unneeded pipeline, seeking court approval to Russell Juelg, Senior Land Steward Conservation released a new report, New Jersey’s Pathway to Clean condemn and seize nearly 150 properties in New Jersey, including William Lynch, Assistant Director, Education Programs & Communications Lisa MacCollum, Assistant Director of Land Acquisition Energy, detailing several affordable options for the state to reduce 50 preserved properties. Kelly Martin, Development Associate emissions from the electric sector 50% by 2030, to meet the Melanie Mason, Land Steward Despite enormous public opposition, the Pinelands Commission Alison Mitchell, Director of Policy long‐term emissions reduction targets under the Global Warming and NJ Board of Public Utilities approved both the South Jersey Stephanie Monahan, Pine Barrens Regional Manager Response Act. Timothy Morris, Director of Stewardship Gas and Southern Reliability Link pipelines through the Pinelands Marie Newell, Project Coordinator, Acquisition National Reserve. The approvals now face legal challenges by the Tanya Nolte, GIS Manager Sandy Stuart Perry, Staff Writer Pinelands Preservation Alliance and other partners. Francis Rapa, Regional Manager, Delaware Bay Watershed GREEN IN ’17 Karen Richards, CPA, Director of Finance & Administration Heidi Marie Roldan, Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager We were an active partner in the Green in ‘17 initiative, a MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC LANDS Greg Romano, Assistant Director & Director of Statewide Land Acquisition collaborative effort spearheaded by NJ League of Conservation Gerard Sauchelli, Associate Land Steward Neha Savant, Herpetologist Voters to educate the gubernatorial candidates and the Governor We called on the incoming Murphy administration to advance a Susan Schmidt, Administrative Assistant / Receptionist elect about current environmental issues. We then contributed comprehensive planning process for the management of public Bill Scullion, Land Steward, South Jersey Connor Stone, Special Project Manager our expertise to the “Environmental Agenda ‘18” which lays out lands. Comprehensive planning based upon current science is Laura Szwak, Director of Outreach & Education specific policy recommendations for the new administration. needed to protect the state’s rare animals, plants and critical Ingrid Vandegaer, Manager, Highlands Region Kathleen Ward, Director of Development & Communications habitats, as well as scenic, historic, and recreational resources. Allison Williams, Easement Steward

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.

2017 Annual Report . 23 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 24 Photo by Janet Goehner­Jacobs Janet by Photo

The Franklin Parker Conservation Excellence Grants provide funding for nonprofit conservation organizations working in New Jersey. The grants are designed to enhance FRANKLIN PARKER CONSERVATION proficiency in land conservation, develop long-term viable programs, and support creative, 2017 EXCELLENCE GRANTS innovative projects that can serve as models for other communities and projects. Since its inception in 1989, the Franklin Parker Conservation Excellence Grants Program, GRANT 21 PROJECTS; previously administered by Conservation Resources Inc., has awarded more than $1,729,571 AWARDS TOTAL AWARDED $52,825 for 449 nonprofit conservation projects throughout the Garden State. Funding for the grants is provided by Victoria Foundation and Mary Reinhart Stackhouse Foundation.

BROOKDALE PARK CONSERVANCY $2,500 D&R GREENWAY LAND TRUST $3,000 FRIENDS OF HOPEWELL VALLEY OPEN SPACE $5,000 Brookdale Park Section Goes Native! Ecotone Shields Forest in Cedar Ridge Preserve Updating Invasive Species Tracking App The project will engage students from Montclair State University D&R Greenway will create a buffer, or ecotone, between forest The Friends will contract with the University of Georgia to update to remove invasive plants and plant native vegetation and return and meadow habitats in their 216‐acre preserve. A transition area and improve the NJ Invasive Species Strike Team data collection, a section of this Essex County park to the original design by with native sun‐loving shrubs and small trees between the open management and distribution system, the cornerstone of all Strike Frederick Law Olmsted. meadow and forest will buffer the forest and avoid negative Team activities. The app has been downloaded to over 6,000 phones! edge effects. CONSERVE WILDLIFE FOUNDATION OF NJ $3,000 FRIENDS OF PRINCETON OPEN SPACE $1,400 Bat Behavior Becomes Less Mysterious DELAWARE RIVERKEEPER NETWORK $2,000 Children Explore a Neighborhood Forest The grant will fund an assistant to help Conserve Wildlife Foundation Videos Feature Innovative Urban Preservation Activities The Friends have used previous Franklin Parker grants to improve staff lead a team of volunteers in gathering more comprehensive The Network will produce a minimum of 4 videos that highlight the forest environment of their Mountain Lakes Preserve. They now information about bat species’ habitat choices and distribution stories about innovative preservation projects taking place in more plan to invite youth groups to spend a day in the forest. Grant funds using acoustic surveys. developed areas in New Jersey. will be used to purchase nets, gloves and other outdoor equipment.

24 . New Jersey Conservation Foundation 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 25

LEFT: Second grade students from Haddonfield Friends School enjoy environmental science programs in Saddler’s Woods, one of the hands­on activities funded by the Franklin Parker RIDGE AND VALLEY CONSERVANCY $2,500 WAGNER FARM ARBORETUM FOUNDATION $600 Conservation Excellence Grant. Implementing the Management Plan Invasive Plant Removal in Children’s Garden for Pine Pond Preserve In the process of replacing invasive plants with native plants, the

The management plan for the Conservancy’s Pine Pond Preserve Foundation will offer education programs to families about how GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED ASSOCIATION in Frankford, Sussex County will be based on the results of a this activity is beneficial to the environment. The Arboretum is in (GSWA) $2,400 botanical survey funded by the grant. Warren Township, Somerset County. Salamander Habitat Created and Explained GSWA will create three vernal pool habitats and design new inter‐ SADDLER’S WOODS BERGEN SWAN $2,500 pretive natural history signs throughout their Conservation CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION $2,500 Organizational Support Management Area in Harding. Engaging the Public in Stewardship of Old Growth Forest Bergen SWAN (Save the Watershed Action Network) celebrates Fifteen acres of urban old growth forest in Saddler’s Woods, Haddon 30 years of preserving and protecting the reservoir region of Township, Camden County will be restored while engaging the HUNTERDON LAND TRUST $2,025 the Hackensack River Watershed next year. To assist this all‐ community in hands‐on activities like removing invasive plant Improving Bird Habitat at Dvoor Farm volunteer organization in recovering from a tragic loss of leadership, species and cultivating native species. The Land Trust will remove invasive species and plant native species the grant will fund a part‐time assistant to rebuild membership to create a healthy vegetated buffer along the Walnut Brook in and support. order to attract a variety of birds. SOURLAND CONSERVANCY $2,000 Support for the Sourland Stewards ISLES, INC. $2,500 The Sourland Stewards are volunteers trained to carry out ecological Cleaner and Greener Vacant Lands in Trenton restoration. The habitat restoration project supported by this grant 2017 INTERNS With previous Franklin Parker grants, Isles cleaned up nearly 150 will take place at Baldpate Mountain in partnership with the Friends vacant lots in Trenton with labor supplied by neighborhood of Hopewell Valley Open Space and Mercer County Park Commission. volunteers. Isles will offer recreational programs on some of these lots and engage neighborhood residents to become stewards. SOUTH JERSEY LAND AND WATER TRUST $1,000 DANNY LOGATTO ASHVIN KUMAR Developing a Management Plan for New Preserve MONMOUTH CONSERVATION FOUNDATION $2,500 Drew University Rowan University The Trust recently took ownership of a 73‐acre property in Carneys Winter 2017 Summer 2017 Farmland Owners Encouraged to Keep Farming Point, Salem County. The grant will assist with developing a Rally NJ Conservation Established farmers and owners of farm assessed land in Monmouth management plan and marking property boundaries, in Nonprofit Directory County will share strategies for keeping land in agricultural or conformance with accreditation requirements. AMANDA COLOMBO conservation use rather than development. St. Peters University ADAM PALMER STONY BROOK-MILLSTONE Winter 2017 Ursinus College MONTGOMERY FRIENDS OF OPEN SPACE $1,400 Fall 2017 WATERSHED ASSOCIATION $4,000 Rally Trail Kiosk and Signs Invite People to Explore Stewardship Work The Friends will install a kiosk and trail markings for a multiple use Acquiring 19 Acres on Mt. Rose Ridge CHRISTINA ALLEX trail. The signs will invite the public to explore and learn about the A Franklin Parker grant last year assisted with the soft costs in Morris County JUSTIN ARNOLD Community College Colorado State University importance of natural areas. acquiring this property. The property is adjacent to the 930‐acre Watershed Preserve and contains habitats recognized by Hopewell Winter 2017 Summer 2017 PINELANDS PRESERVATION ALLIANCE $2,500 Township to be among the most environmentally sensitive and Rally FPP Stewardship biologically diverse in the area. and Research Report Volunteers Corps for the Pinelands BRINT BARKER The Alliance will organize a network of 300 volunteers to assist Georgian Court University CONNOR STONE public and nonprofit managers with projects that deter activities TEWKSBURY LAND TRUST $2,500 Fall 2017 Pennsylvania State Univ. such as dumping, poaching and off‐road vehicle use. Trail Training for Land Trusts Somerset Open Space Plan Fall 2017 A segment of a ten‐mile trail system developed by the land trust and FPP Stewardship Work Rally and Somerset RARITAN HEADWATERS ASSOCIATION $5,000 needs to be moved and improved. The grant will be used to hire Open Space Plan Accreditation Assistance a consultant to do the trailwork. Other conservation groups will The grant will pay application fees and a consultant to help the be invited, through the NJ Land Trust Network, to learn basic organization with their first‐time accreditation process. trailbuilding techniques with the consultant.

2017 Annual Report . 25 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 26

FINANCIAL 2017 POSITION DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31 2017 (1) 2016 (1)

Assets 2017 Support and Revenue Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,880,298 $2,807,966 $13,445,396* Investments 13,261,177 10,449,752 Unconditional Promises to Give, net 554,803 838,469 1%  Individuals 46% Note Receivable – 100,000 7% 1%  Foundations 20% Beneficial Interest in Split Interest Agreements 283,168 201.709  Government Grants for 7% 4% Land and Easements 36,569,773 35,579,940 purchase of land and Other Assets 223,898 134,558 46% easements 14% 14%  Estate Gifts 7% Total Assets $53,773,117 $50,112,394  Contributed Services 7%  Organizations 4%  20% Investment Income 1%  Other 1% Liabilities and Net Assets

Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 199,236 $290,363 2017 Expenses and Land Purchases Refundable Advances 243,000 – $12,255,174* Total Liabilities $442,236 $290,363

4% 4% Net Assets  Program Grants Unrestricted 46,150,321 42,999,805 6% and Contributions 37% Temporarily Restricted 7,074,286 6,715,952  Program Management 31% 37%  Permanently Restricted 106,274 106,274 18% Purchase of Land 18% Total Net Assets 53,330,881 49,822,031  Purchase of Easement 6%  31% Management and General 4% Total Liabilities and Net Assets $53,773,117 $50,112,394  Fundraising 4%

(1) Extracted from the December 31, 2017 audited financial statements *Unaudited financial information To receive a copy of the complete audited financial statements and notes, 26 . New Jersey Conservation Foundation please send a request to [email protected] 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 27

Members of the Red Oak Society

Leaving a legacy Fredrick A. Allis* Nicholas and Eleanor English* Elizabeth C. Ohly* Eveyln Arcuni* Walter Brooks and Franklin E. Parker* Carl Austin Dorothy Stewart Evert* Cyril dos Passos* for future Edward F. Babbott Sarah P. Fiske* Harry F. Peters, Jr.* Ira H. Beckman* Elizabeth Ernst Fosbinder* Robert Pierson* Louis C. Bodenheimer* Barbara Galli* Virginia Pierson David Bolger Elizabeth K. Gardner* Elizabeth Potter* generations Andrea Bonette Margaret Gardner* Joann S. Ramos Louise Bossert* Joan C. Gilson Elizabeth B. Reed JoAnn Bowman Ruth Gleason* L. Keith and Lisa Reed The Red Oak Society was founded in 2011 to recognize those who Rose M. Bracco* Alfred R. Gnam* Allen Reese and donate to New Jersey Conservation Foundation through planned giving. Zella Brady* Elsie B. Grove* Joseph M. Hengel C. Austin Buck* Stephen C. Gruber Timothy C. Riegert We thank the conservation-minded members of the Red Oak Society Ann H. Bumsted* Eleanor Gural* William N. Rogers who are preserving New Jersey’s natural resources and lands for Michele S. Byers Thomas B. Harvey Gregory Romano future generations. Sylvia S. Campbell* Nora E.J. Hayes David Rutherford* Ogden B. Carter* Harold Healy* Anna L. Salvato* To become a member of the Red Oak Society, please let us know if you Nancy Castleman* Elizabeth D. Healy Walter and Patricia Savage* wish to support New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s mission by: Catherine A. M. Cavanaugh John S. Hirschoff* Betsy J. Schnorr ■ Giving through your will or charitable trust Sophia Chroscinski* Roberta F. Holden* Raymond Schulley* Tillie Chwat* Donald and Beverley Jones* Diane P. Schwarz* ■ Giving through IRAs, qualified retirement plans, insurance or Jack and Ronnie Cimprich Elizabeth S. Jordan* Joan S. and deLacy Seabrook* donor advised funds Francis and Elizabeth Coles* John and Susan Karlin* Betsy B. Shirley* ■ Gifts of conservation easements, cash, securities and real estate Beryl Robichaud Collins* Evangeline MacKay H. Keasbey* Katherine Smith To discuss how your planned gift will help ensure the permanence Jean K. Colvin* Larry and Barbara Keller* E. Esty and Helen Stowell* John Connolly* Robert W. Kent* Mark Thomas of preservation, contact Kathleen Ward, Development Director, Warren P. Cooper* Samuel W. Lambert Ted and Penny Thomas at 908-997-0723 or [email protected]. Mary Lou Curran* Frances E. Land* Althea Thornton* While it is not necessary to advise us in advance that you have William D. Dana* Eleanor R. Lawrence* Benjamin W. Tucker, Jr.* included New Jersey Conservation Foundation in your estate planning, Rev. Julia S. Dawson Vera Lazar Mary Upmeyer* we encourage you to let us know of your plans so that we may thank you Michael Dawson and Caryl Leong and Donna Paino Artemis Vardakis* and learn more about your interests. If you wish to add us in your will Robert Tomaselli Larrabee C. Lillie* Nan Hunter Walnut* Lillie R. DeBevoise* Kenneth W. Lloyd* Ruth Creighton Webster* or estate plan, please use the following listing: New Jersey Conservation William D. deCamp* Donald MacGuigan* Catherine Welsh* Foundation/170 Longview Road / Far Hills, NJ 07931. Hugo and Margaret Kenneth MacRitchie Dorothy Moran Werner* Our tax identification number is 22-6065456. deNeufville* Robert McLean* Clarissa Willemsen Joseph Dlugach* Kristina Miller Muriel Williams* Nelson C. Doland, Jr.* Winifred C. Millikin* Virginia T. Williams* Theodore M. Edison* Gordon A. Millspaugh, Jr.* Louise Currey Wilson Ann O. Edison* David F. and Mary W. T. Moore William T. Wyman Frank Eggert* Edward Mullen* Esther Yanai* Richard W. Elberson* Sigrid S. Nagle* Robert L. Zion* Charles and Eleanor Engel Maureen Ogden *denotes deceased members 25283_Layout 1 9/18/18 9:21 AM Page 28

NEW JERSEY CONSERVATION FOUNDATION Bamboo Brook | 170 Longview Road | Far Hills, NJ 07931 www.njconservation.org

Ask the right questions, and nature will open the doors ‘‘ to her secrets. – ‘‘ C.V. RAMAN