NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:56 PM Page 2

Fall/Winter | 2015

ConNews Jeersrvationey

MARCH 18, 2016 • MARk YouR CALeNdAR • MARCH 18, 2016

20TH ANNuAL Land Conservation Conference

Friday, March 18, 2016 The ken Lockwood Gorge is a paradise for fishermen, hikers, nature lovers, runners, Wyndham Garden Hotel, bicyclists and photographers – including Penny Carlson, who took this cover photo. New Jersey Conservation Foundation recently preserved land adjacent to the Gorge Trenton, NJ that protects water quality in the South Branch of the Raritan River. Read about it inside!

Your Land. Your Water. Your Food. Your Future. Join us at the Rally for a full day of 3 The Campaign for Conservation has been launched to save thousands of acres of open space and educational workshops and discussions farmland in New Jersey. centered around the theme, “The Future A Win-Win for the Palisades of Land Conservation … the Next 20 Years.” 8 A compromise reduces the height of an office building along the Palisades, preserving an iconic view.

The Hunt for Chinese Pond Mussels 13 When you’re searching for an invasive species, you hope to come up empty-handed. For information and registration, go to www.njconservation.org/rally NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 2:09 PM Page 3

Trustees

Kenneth H. Klipstein, II HONORARY TRUSTEES PRESIDENT Hon. Brendan T. Byrne Wendy Mager Catherine M. Cavanaugh FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Hon. James J. Florio Catherine Bacon Winslow Hon. Thomas H. Kean From Our SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Hon. Robert J. Wolfe Executive Director TREASURER ADVISORY COUNCIL Pamela P. Hirsch Michele S. Byers SECRETARY Edward F. Babbott Nancy Becker Penelope Ayers ASSISTANT SECRETARY C. Austin Buck Bradley M. Campbell Christopher J. Daggett Preserved land: Good for body and mind Cecilia Birge John D. Hatch Roger Byrom H. R. Hegener In today’s online world, some might say that time spent in nature is a luxury. Theodore Chase, Jr. Susan L. Hullin Jack R. Cimprich Cynthia Kellogg But a growing body of evidence shows there are measurable and significant mental Rosina B. Dixon, M.D. Blair MacInnes Clement L. Fiori Thomas J. Maher health benefits to spending time in green places like forests, parks and natural areas. Chad Goerner Scott McVay Neil Grossman David F. Moore One Stanford University study found that people who walked in natural settings were Joseph Lemond Mary W. Moore happier and more attentive than those walking in places without trees or flowers. Further Michael S. Maglio John Parker research showed why: it turns out that being in green places decreases neural activity in a Gordon A. Millspaugh, Jr. L. Keith Reed Stephen W. Parker Ingrid W. Reed part of the brain associated with harmful mental “rumination,” or brooding. Kathryn Porter Jamie Kyte Sapoch Fran Raymond Price Leslie Sauer Other studies have shown that spending time in nature boosts vitality – having both Samantha Rothman Tama Matsuoka Wong physical and mental energy – and the ability to function effectively at work. Louise Currey Wilson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR New Jersey Conservation Foundation is happy to promote this “eco-therapy” by Michele S. Byers preserving serene, natural places for relaxing and rejuvenating. This year, thanks to YOU, we preserved many such places.

Donors are giving generously to the Campaign for Conservation, which aims to New Jersey Conservation Foundation is raise $30 million to preserve thousands of acres of open space and farmland throughout a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve land and natural the state. resources throughout New Jersey for the Read on to learn about the Campaign and its lands, including a former office benefit of all. park that is being converted into a public preserve, a wooded hillside abutting the Ken Lockwood Gorge and a major expansion of the Franklin Parker Preserve in the Pine Barrens.

There are many more special places that need protection … and we’re excited to We protect strategic lands through acquisition and stewardship, promote strong land use policies, and forge enter the next phase of the Campaign for Conservation. Every gift, large and small, helps partnerships to achieve conservation goals. Since 1960, save places to connect with nature, lands that protect clean water, farms that grow our we have worked to protect the state’s farmland, forests, parks, wetlands, water resources and special places. food, and habitats where native plants and animals can thrive.

For membership information, please visit our website at Thank you to our members, friends and supporters. You are our lifeblood, www.njconservation.org or call us at 1-888-LANDSAVE. and together we can make a difference! Our mailing address is 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931. NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:56 PM Page 4

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 3

CAMPAIGN CONSEForRVATION

Your Land C Your Water C Your Food C Your Future

IN MeRCeR CouNTY, a former office park is being returned to its natural state as a new preserve. IN HuNTeRdoN CouNTY, one of the state’s top trout fishing rivers is being protected by newly-preserved land. IN THe PINe BARReNS, a large acquisition has expanded the natural ecological treasure known as the Franklin Parker Preserve. Continued on next page NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:56 PM Page 5

4 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation

(continued from previous page)

These land preservation projects With many more special places in need Mount Rose Preserve: were made possible by the early success of protection, New Jersey Conservation From Corporate Campus of the Campaign for Conservation, an Foundation entered the “public” phase of effort by New Jersey Conservation the Campaign for Conservation, which was to Public Park Foundation to raise $30 million in public kicked off on November 15 at a reception at An innovative project to convert a and private funds to preserve thousands Morven, the former governor’s mansion 1950s corporate campus in Hopewell of acres. in Princeton. Township, Mercer County, into a public The “quiet” phase of Campaign for “We hope New Jersey Conservation’s park took a big step forward with the April Conservation was launched in 2012. With members, friends and supporters will be land purchase that saved 320 acres from land prices flat for the previous few years, part of this exciting effort to create a legacy major development. The property has and an array of exciting land preservation of preserved lands throughout the state,” been named the Mount Rose Preserve opportunities available, campaign donors said Kenneth H. Klipstein II, board after a nearby historic village and ridge. responded with astounding generosity. president. “All gifts, large or small, help A partnership of a dozen public “New Jerseyans genuinely care about protect our drinking water, save lands that agencies and nonprofit organizations, led preserving what makes their home state grow our food, safeguard wildlife habitats, by New Jersey Conservation Foundation a special place,” said Michele S. Byers, and provide places where people can and the Hopewell Valley Citizens Group, executive director. enjoy nature.” worked together to purchase land located Since then, private donors have The Campaign for Conservation at the former Western Electric/AT&T given $7.8 million to the campaign, and focuses on seven geographical areas: the property on Carter Road from owner $19.3 million was received in federal, Highlands in the northwestern part of the Equus Capital Partners. state, county and municipal open space state, the Hopewell Valley in Mercer County, In a separate transaction, Mercer and farmland preservation capital grants. ’s Sourland Mountains, the County and Hopewell Township purchased This funding enabled New Jersey Wickecheoke Creek region of Hunterdon an additional 11 acres on the east side of a e r Conservation Foundation to complete County, parks and greenways in the city of Carter Road. New Jersey Conservation a n d e g 10 preservation projects totaling nearly Camden, the Pine Barrens, and the Delaware holds a right of first refusal on another V 2,000 acres. Bay watershed in southern New Jersey. 11 acres on the west side of Carter Road, I n g r i d y b o P h o t

THANk You MOUNT ROSE PRESERVE PROJECT PARTNERS! Mercer County Hopewell Township New Jersey department of environmental Protection Green Acres Program Friends of Hopewell Valley open Space Hopewell Valley Citizens Group Columbia environmental Law Clinic Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association Friends of Princeton open Space Hopewell Borough Pennington Borough Princeton d&R Greenway Land Trust Lawrence Township THe MouNT RoSe PReSeRVe IN HoPeWeLL ToWNSHIP, MeRCeR CouNTY, PRoVIdeS LANd To eXTeNd THe LAWReNCe HoPeWeLL TRAIL WHILe PReVeNTING LARGe-SCALe deVeLoPMeNT S a p o c h

J a c k THAT WouLd Add THouSANdS oF CARS To RuRAL RoAdWAYS. y b o P h o t NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:56 PM Page 6

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 5

HIkING oN THe uNPAVed LANe ALoNG THe SouTH BRANCH oF THe RARITAN RIVeR IS A PoPuLAR ACTIVITY IN THe keN LoCkWood GoRGe.

a e r NeW JeRSeY CoNSeRVATIoN FouNdATIoN ReCeNTLY PReSeRVed 50 ACReS a n d e g V oF Wooded HILLSIde PRoPeRTY ABuTTING THe GoRGe. I n g r i d y b o P h o t

where an abandoned, derelict hotel- save this land from development and blue herons, mink, kingfishers and other conference center is being demolished. protect our natural resources,” said wildlife. Walkers, joggers, hikers and The project settles years of litigation Katherine V. Dresdner, general counsel bicyclists are drawn to the Columbia Trail, brought by the Hopewell Valley Citizens for the Hopewell Valley Citizens Group. a multi-use trail crossing the Gorge; and Group challenging commercial development The Preserve will provide land for River Road, an unpaved lane hugging of the rural property. The site had received passive recreation, as well as habitat for the riverbank. preliminary site plan approval for office threatened and endangered species. It But the Ken Lockwood Gorge is more buildings totaling 800,000 square feet, provides for the completion of the Lawrence than just a pretty place; the South Branch along with roads and parking. Traffic Hopewell Trail, a 30-mile-long regional trail is a major drinking water supply source for studies found it would generate up to system for walkers and bicyclists. more than 1.5 million New Jersey residents. 4,000 commuter vehicle trips a day on the “Mercer County and Hopewell The Gorge’s water supply and region’s rural, local roads. Township provided critical leadership and recreation amenities just received addi- “Developing this land as proposed funding,” said Michele. tional protection, with the permanent would have had permanent impacts preservation of 50 acres of wooded hillside on the region, and we’re extremely Protecting the ken Lockwood sloping down to the river. grateful to all of our partners for making “The Ken Lockwood Gorge is truly one this preservation project possible,” said Gorge, a Highlands gem of New Jersey’s gems, and we’re thrilled Michele. “This was a massive collaborative The Ken Lockwood Gorge, with its to add additional lands to buffer the gorge effort to settle litigation and create a new forested hills rising steeply from the boulder- and increase public access and enjoyment,” public park.” strewn South Branch of the Raritan River, is said Michele. “The resolution of the litigation one of New Jersey’s most beautiful places. The purchase was made possible via this settlement and land purchase is a Fly fishermen cast for trout in its by a partnership including New Jersey win for everyone. It is very important to pristine waters. Nature lovers watch great Conservation Foundation, the state Green

To save the best of New Jersey’s nature, we will: CAMPAIGN • Preserve significant lands in every corner of the state For • Create an interconnected system of parks, trails, farms and open space CONSERVATION • Provide world-class access to New Jersey’s natural areas V I S I o N • Create durable collaborations with partner organizations to steward these lands NJCF NewsletterFall2015-F_Layout111/12/1512:56PMPage7 Photo by Clem Fiori 6 | N e w

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2015 NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 8

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 7 5

1 GAINING 0

2 GROUND

New Jersey Conservation

Foundation and its partners

permanently preserved nearly

1,800 acres throughout

the state to date in 2015.

These include preserved

family farms that produce

local foods, and natural areas

that safeguard clean drinking

water, provide wildlife habitat

and offer scenic beauty and

outdoor recreation.

THANk You To ouR MeMBeRS, VoLuNTeeRS ANd PARTNeRS FoR HeLPING To PReSeRVe THeSe LANdS! NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 9 NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 10

8 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 9

LLoowweerr LGLG hheeaaddqquuaarrtteerrss aa wwiinn--wwiinn ffoorrPPaalliissaaddeess

Their successful campaign high, and a three-story south wing. LG ultimately led to the creation of the will implement landscape, lighting and Palisades Interstate Park Commission. other design features to further reduce Because of the Palisades’ place in history visual impacts. and unique geological formation, the The four governors commended National Park Service later designated LG Electronics on the compromise. The them a National Historic Landmark and agreement, they said, “demonstrates that a National Natural Landmark, a rare a strong economy goes hand-in-hand dual distinction. with strong environmental protection. For decades, the Palisades towns With the construction of the new north of the George Washington Bridge sustainable, low-rise LG headquarters, acted as guardians of a national treasure, New Jersey will retain a solid corporate preserving the unspoiled view through partner along with much needed jobs and zoning laws that limited building heights tax revenues. And one of America's most to a maximum of 35 feet. visible natural and historic landmarks will In 2012, Englewood Cliffs broke be protected for future generations.” with tradition by granting LG Electronics a variance for a 143-foot office tower. A legal and public relations battle ensued. ‘Preservation Zone’ Proposed Former Governors While the Palisades vista seems Speak out secure for the time being, further protec- tion is needed to ensure its permanence. In early 2013, New Jersey State Senator Bob Smith has Conservation Foundation enlisted the aid introduced a bill (S2025) that would of four former governors – , create a “preservation zone” to protect , Thomas Kean and Christine the Palisades’ iconic viewshed. It would Todd Whitman – all of whom are current extend 2,000 feet inland from the top of honorary trustees of the Foundation. the Palisades cliffs and cap building o t

a n The four governors sent a joint letter heights at 35 feet in three Bergen County a r T y to the CEO of LG Electronics, asking for a municipalities: Englewood Cliffs, Tenafly t h o n

A n low-rise alternative that would preserve and Alpine. The governing bodies in all y b

o the integrity of the Palisades while three towns have passed resolutions in

P h o t allowing for economic development. support of the legislation. They also wrote an opinion column published by . The iconic vista of the Following nearly a year of year,” said Michele S. Byers, executive Quarrying Threats negotiations – led by Scenic Hudson, director. “Thanks to more than a century of Prompt Park Creation Please contact your state Hudson River Palisades, Natural Resources Defense Council and preservation efforts, the inspiring view of Success! Senators and Assembly New Jersey Conservation Foundation – the Palisades from the Hudson River looks In the 1880s, the Palisades were representatives and urge them which has inspired residents, an agreement was reached with LG very much as it did when Henry Hudson threatened by rock quarrying, and a As part of the legal settlement, to protect the Palisades by Electronics in June on a low-rise design anchored his ship beneath them in 1609. prominent feature known as “Indian New Jersey Conservation Foundation and supporting bill S2025/A3183. visitors and artists for for the company’s new headquarters in “The agreement to reduce the Head” was destroyed by blasting. partner groups pledged to support LG in To find your district’s legislators, Englewood Cliffs. All parties called the height of the proposed LG Electronics Englewood women and the New Jersey securing necessary municipal approvals so go to www.njleg.state.nj.us/ generations, will endure. resolution a win. building demonstrates that economic Federation of Women’s Clubs struck the new headquarters can move forward. members/legsearch.asp “The Palisades cliffs are a national vitality and environmental protection are back and launched a campaign to protect The new building design calls for a treasure, viewed by millions of people a not mutually exclusive,” she added. the Palisades. five-story north wing just shy of 70 feet NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 11

10 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation

dutch Treat: Saving Land in Historic R a p a n F r y

b Farming Community o P h o t

Located along the north shore of Cumberland County’s winding Cohansey River, the dutch Neck region is a rich mosaic of farms, tidal marshes and woodlands within Hopewell Township. Its agricultural history dates back to the late 1600s, when settlers were drawn by fertile soils and a long growing season.

Preserving Dutch Neck’s farmland community in a county which itself is the wildlife and water. and agricultural heritage has been a New heart of agriculture for the state,” noted The Cohansey River and its marshes Jersey Conservation Foundation priority Matthew Pisarski, assistant planning provide habitat for bald eagles, osprey, for many years. director for Cumberland County. And the grassland birds, migratory shorebirds We recently partnered with the Dutch Neck area, nestled in a wide bend and other wildlife. And beneath Dutch Cumberland County Agriculture of the Cohansey, may be the agricultural Neck is the Kirkwood-Cohansey Development Board, the Open Space heart of Hopewell. aquifer, which provides billions of gallons Institute and the William Penn Foundation Dutch Neck’s soils are among the best of clean water each year to residents, to permanently preserve three farms in New Jersey, and Hopewell’s far-south farmers, businesses and industry in in Dutch Neck. location on the peninsula between the South Jersey. First came the 25-acre Blew farm in Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean gives The three newly-preserved Dutch 2014. This summer, the 112-acre Roork it milder temperatures than most places Neck farms join numerous other parcels farm and 67-acre Watson farm followed. in the Garden State. of preserved open space and farmland, “In many respects, Hopewell In addition to protecting a way of life, including the state’s Cohansey River Township is the heart of the agricultural preserving Dutch Neck’s farmland benefits Wildlife Management Area. NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 12

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 11

step into nature challenge Nature Lover Blossoms in outdoor Challenge

Beth degen’s middle daughter, 11-year-old Skyler kummer, has always been an “extremely shy child” who hesitates to assert herself.

But a new, more confident Skyler – one who adores hiking, exploring the outdoors and planning trips – emerged this summer after her family accepted our Step Into Nature Challenge. It all started when New Jersey Conservation Foundation challenged individuals and families to get outside, get in shape and have an adventure. The challenge could be anything that motivates you to improve your health and enjoy nature … hiking in the woods, identifying bird species, bicycling, kayaking, climbing mountains, and so on. For their challenge, Beth and her three daughters decided to explore a dozen parks and preserves across the state. To Beth’s surprise, sixth grader Skyler fell in love with the challenge and couldn’t get enough. They hiked Hacklebarney State Park in the Highlands, visited Sunset Beach and Cape May Point parks, canoed and picked blueberries in the Pine Barrens, climbed Barnegat Light, saw historic sites at , discovered trails at Cheesequake State Park, sailed on the schooner A.J. Meerwald (New Jersey’s official tall ship) and much more. According to Beth, Skyler took charge, choosing the agenda for family outings. “She has a huge map of New Jersey on her wall. She researches the parks, prints out the maps and plans our routes. She’s our little navigator.” By the end of summer, the family had long since surpassed their challenge of visiting 12 parks. But they have no plans to stop. “Before the challenge I didn’t realize how much I Iike to explore the state parks of New Jersey,” said Skyler. “One of the parks that I’m planning for the future is Stokes State Forest.” “We want to make it a point to get to all 40-plus state parks and

forests,” added Beth. “The Step Into Nature Challenge has been fantastic e n

for us. Skyler is such a shy kid, and this has really helped her break out d e g t h e B

of her shell.” y b Some of the other Step Into Nature challenges included tagging o 50 turtles for research, identifying 100 different bird species while hiking P h o t 100 miles, kayaking in six different places, learning to identify 15 wild Skyler Kummer enjoys climbing on rocks edible plants, and 10 hours of swimming. along the river at Hacklebarney State Park.

It’s easy to join New Jersey Conservation Foundation Become a Member Today! online – visit the website at www.njconservation.org/donate.htm NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 13

12 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation

PeNNeAST PIPeLINe BATTLe eSCALATeS

The fight to keep pipelines off environmentally-sensitive lands intensified this fall, as the Penneast natural gas consortium officially filed its pipeline application with the Federal energy Regulatory Commission, or FeRC.

PennEast is proposing to build a 36-inch compressed gas pipeline along a proposed 118-mile pipeline route from Luzerne County, Pa., to Mercer County, N.J. In New Jersey, the route would cross more than 4,000 acres of preserved open space and farmland in Hunterdon and Mercer counties, along with the property of over 500 private homeowners, and 31 pristine streams with the state’s highest water quality designation. New Jersey Conservation Foundation and its partners are opposing PennEast, due to the unacceptable impacts to preserved lands and natural resources, and the lack of a comprehensive review to determine whether the gas is needed or better alternatives exist.

Growing Opposition

For more than a year, the vast majority of New Jersey homeowners along the PennEast pipeline route have objected Tom Gilbert – strenuously to the proposal. One hundred percent of New Jersey municipalities Campaign Director for Energy, along the route passed resolutions against Climate & Natural Resources the pipeline, and federal, state and county officials from both parties are speaking Tom Gilbert brings more than 20 years of experience out against it. directing successful land preservation and environmental Tom Gilbert, who started in June as Campaign Director for Energy, Climate advocacy campaigns at the federal, state and local levels. Prior to joining New and Natural Resources with New Jersey Jersey Conservation Foundation, he served for seven years as senior conservation Conservation Foundation, is coordinating finance director for the Trust for Public Land, a national nonprofit. As part of that efforts to fight the pipeline. role, he chaired the New Jersey keep It Green Coalition, which worked to secure “Having spent many years working to voter approval of two statewide open space funding measures: an open space pass state and local ballot measures to bond referendum in 2009 and an open space constitutional amendment in 2014. ensure continued funding for open space Previously, he served as executive director of the Highlands Coalition, where he and farmland preservation efforts in New worked closely with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and others to pass Jersey, I felt compelled to join the fight to federal and New Jersey state legislation protecting critical lands and drinking protect our precious preserved lands from water sources in the Highlands. He is also a founding board member of the this new threat and to help move the state New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. forward on a better path to clean energy,” he said. NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 14

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 13

Hunterdon and Mercer County residents affected by the proposed Penneast pipeline made their feelings known at a protest in late September in delaware Township.

YOU CAN HELP!

To learn more about Penneast and other pipeline proposals in New Jersey, visit our website at r u s c h i n www.njconservation.org/currentissues.htm. B o b e r t R y b o s P h o t NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 15

14 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation

Hunting invasive mussels … o k m a n r B and hoping not to find them S u s a n y b o P h o t

A small band of mussel No, they weren’t foraging for a new Chinese pond mussels were most gourmet food. In fact, they hoped to come likely introduced in Hunterdon County hunters methodically prowled up empty-handed. years ago at a fish farm in Raritan the shorelines of creeks These “hunters” were staff members Township. and volunteers tasked with tracking down For 35 years, a fish farmer imported and ponds in Hunterdon Sinanodonta woodiana, a species of carp fingerlings from China, raised them freshwater mollusk commonly known in eight spring-fed ponds and sold the County this past summer as the Chinese pond mussel. grown fish to wholesalers in New and fall in search of As the name suggests, this mussel York’s Chinatown. is not native to North America. It’s native In 2007, when he decided to freshwater mollusks. to China and eastern Russia, and its discontinue his business, New Jersey larvae “hitchhike” in the gills of live fish Conservation Foundation acquired shipped to fish farms overseas. Once the 51-acre property as part of the established in a new location, it crowds Wickecheoke Creek Preserve. out native mussels. NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 16

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 15

a A Piney Brew? M r k v i c a n d e r x A l e

y The New Jersey Pine Barrens are a botanist’s dream, with many rare b o and iconic plants. But would the plants taste good in beer? That’s what P h o t Gene Muller, owner of the Somerdale-based Flying Fish Brewery, wanted to find out. The stewardship staff soon Last summer, Muller took a hike through the Franklin Parker Preserve discovered invasive bighead carp in with Russell Juelg, our Pine Barrens land steward and educator, and the ponds. In 2010, we began efforts Becky Free of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. to eradicate bighead carp. But there was an unpleasant surprise, noted Muller said afterward that he’s hoping to cook up a special Pine Stewardship Director Tim Morris: Barrens brew flavored with goldenrod, wintergreen and pine needles, “We noticed clam-like mollusks in using a culture made with wild yeasts gathered from the preserve. the ponds that none of us recognized.” We contacted the New Jersey After the recipe gets government formula approval, he added, Flying Invasive Species Strike Team for help, Fish can brew it for late winter/early spring release. We’ll drink to that! and they consulted with other experts. In the meantime, check out the Franklin Parker Preserve for yourself! Eventually, the mollusks were identified through DNA testing as Sinanodonta To doWNLoAd A TRAIL MAP, Go To woodiana. It was the first time the www.njconservation.org/franklinparkerpreserve.htm. species had been documented in North America. The chemical applied to the ponds to eradicate bighead carp also killed most of the Chinese pond mussels. However, some mussels survived, and shells were found immediately downstream. Earlier this year, the Invasive Species Strike Team surveyed the Wickecheoke Creek watershed and developed a plan to eradicate any additional live mussels. As of mid-October, staff and volunteers had covered about seven miles of streams. So far they haven’t logo found any live mussels, but they’re happy to come up empty-handed. “It’s rewarding to be involved in an effort that lets us know our waterways are safe from the threat that this species presents,” said Strike Team volunteer Ed Leydon, a retired attorney. “Out of 12 native species e of freshwater mussels in New Jersey, F r e c k y nine are classified as endangered, B y b threatened, or as a species of special o

concern. They certainly don’t need P h o t any competition from Chinese Russell Juelg of NJ Conservation Foundation, left, gives a tour of the pond mussels.” preserve to Barry Holsten and Gene Muller of Flying Fish. NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 17

16 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation

New Jersey Conservation Foundation welcomes new members and gratefully acknowledges donors who made contributions between thank January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2015. With your support, we will you! work hard to preserve and protect New Jersey's natural lands.

Ray King and Deborah Scoblink Olivia Verdugo Meg and Tom Gorrie New Members Michael W. Klein Donald Vonderschmidt James and Barbara Griffin Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2015 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kuchinski Jeanne Walden Neil and Nancy Grossman Mary Ann and John Leahy John Watson Gordon and Llura Gund Thomas Lederer Barbara and James Webb Oliver Hamill Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Adams Mary Leskovsky Rachel Webster Alex and Laura Hanson Patti Allen Harvey Lester Ginny, Todd, & Emily Whitaker Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Harris Carleen Baily Richard Levandowski Ms. Ro Wilson The Merrill G. & Emita Hastings Foundation Mary Ellen Balady Gordon and Katja Lewis Sherri and Teodoro Zangari Hatch Mott MacDonald Gail and William Baumbach Andrew and Karin Lloyd William Zick Gates and Mary Ellen Hawn June Bente Susan D Lockwood Ali and Waldburg Zomorodi Mary Ann and Michael Heenehan Mary Beth Boland Peter Macholdt and Kathy Fedorko Holly R. Hegener and Jon Cummings Ellen Bonacarti Kelly Martin Gary Hinesley Vladislav Botvinnik Roger Martindell $500 and Above Ray and Jane Hostetter Meg Bracelin Suzanne McCarthy Caroline P. Huber Debra J. Bradley Frank and Martha McDougald Gifts Charlie and Lucia Huebner Ruth Breglia Ellen McGowan Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2015 Susan and Tod Hullin Jennifer Bucalo Joseph and Suzanne McGuire Sally Ike Lisa Carril Bruce and Linda Meier John and Carol Jackson Acorn Foundation Woodrow Carsky-Wilson Herman Melton Barbara J. and Roger W. Jacobs Kate Adams and Duke Wiser Bryan and Allison Christian Wendy Milligan Dinesh and Alexandra Jain Millicent Anisfield Laurie Cleveland Richard Moseley Peter W. Jewell Penelope Ayers Christina Codianni Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mount JM Sorge, Inc. Edward and Cynthia Babbott Barbara Coe Drs. Lauri and John Mulvey Johanette Wallerstein Institute Mary and Dick Benioff Horea and Florina Craitar Mitchell Neider Betty W. Johnson John Bent Patty Cronheim Deirdre and Garrett Ogden Peter R. and Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation Chris Besanceney Ms. Maureen Crowley Shoshana Osofsky The Kirk Kellogg Foundation Mr. and Mrs. James C. Brady, Jr. William and Andrea D'Angelo Michael Paul Carol M. Kleis and Rex A. Parker Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Adam and Amy Darrow Elwood and Jacqueline Phares Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation Mr. and Dr. Thomas A. Brummer Jeremy and Sue Dayner Leslie Potter Dan and Gail Kopp Jennifer Bryson and John McGahren John Delaney Bob Reichman Sybil Kramer Roger Byrom Mr. and Mrs. Robert Denby Anita and Keith Richmond Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Lambert, III Carol G. Carlson Douglas Dixon Ann Ricker Richard M. Lawrence Mrs. Catherine A. M. Cavanaugh Georgette Dorsky Gabriella Risatti Lawrence Township Conservation Ruth Charnes Robert and Sue Dupre Benjamin Rochat Foundation, Inc. Dr. Theodore Chase and Mrs. Victory Chase Dawn Durain Barbara Rose Macys Corporate Giving Melanie and John Clarke Marylou Ferrara Daniel Rose Wendy Mager and Eric Monberg William and Wendy Clarke John and Patricia Flanagan John and Paula Runnells Helen & William Mazer Foundation Kenneth and Marilyn Cummings Mr. Robert Fuller Daniel and Lori Saporito Elizabeth McGrail Mrs. Lillie R. DeBevoise Catherine Gilbert Corey Schade Scott and Hella McVay William D. deCamp, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Gilbert Janet Schuring Honorable Joseph H. Metelski Barbara Delafield Mark Gofton and Amy Ann Gallo Deborah Scoblionkov Ms. Susan Michniewski and Dr. Rosina B. and Mr. Richard Dixon Ralf Graves Susan Shaughnessy Mr. Douglas A. Meckel Carrie and Francis Dyckman John M. Gregg Lois B. Swanson Sally and David Mikkelsen Peter and Landy Eaton Thomas Haines Becky Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Mills Lynn and Tom Ebeling Susan Hamburger Lauren Theis Joan and Sandy Millspaugh Joanne Elliott Vivian Hanson Dr. Mark Thomas Vanessa F. Mitchell and Jonathan R. Tarlin Clem and Joanna Fiori Joseph H. Highlands Elizabeth Thompson Monmouth Conservation Foundation Ms. Alison J. Flemer Gery Juleff Melissa Tremel Avril Moore Randolph Floyd Allyson Junkermeier Kathryn Trenner David and Mary Moore Robert L. Foester Mrs. Loretta M. Kamieniecki James and Susan Trowbridge Liza Morehouse Frederick and Gael W. Gardner Eric and Jennifer Kayne Nancy Tweed Kurt Munkacsi and Nancy Jeffries The Gelfand Family Foundation, Inc. Steve Kazakoff Cheryl Uhlig Elise W. Murray Alexandra Gerry Ryan Kennedy Kyle L. Van Arsdale Music Together, LLC Mr. Chad Goerner Wayne Kenney Todd Van Gordon The Nature Conservancy NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 18

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 17

Nelson Obus and Eve Coulson Ted and Penny Thomas Carolyn Carr Judy and Oye Olukotun The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation R. David and Constance Collin Tributes Mrs. Millicent L. Palmer Michael Dawson and Robert Tomaselli Stephanie Ebken Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2015 Tari Pantaleo Louise Tompkins Michael and Suzette Fisher John and Maja Parker Mr. and Mrs. Adrian D. Trevisan Robert H. and Marie Fox Tim and Sandra Perkins Dr. Lynda Gail Tussey Joseph and Sara Lynne Gonzalez-Rivas Michele S. Byers Mr. and Mrs. Theodore S. Peyton Vargo Associates Surveying Judy and Randy Ivens Clem and Joanna Fiori Pheasant Hill Foundation Mr. Robert J. Vogel and Ms. Carrie A. Kitze David Ingrey Glenn and Maria Hauser Kathryn A. and James M. Porter Dr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Volpe Armen and Mary Kachoogian Betty Ann Kelly Frances L. Preston W. Bryce Thompson Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Knight, Jr. David and Mary Moore Howard Pronsky and Joseph Maurer Margaret Warters Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lloyd Mary Jane Moore PSEG Fred and Elizabeth Weber Dean and Nancy Lurker Louis and Teri Piancone Ralph and Laura Pugliese Louise and Cliff Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Craig Matthews Karen A. Richards Raritan Headwaters Association The Winslow Foundation Joseph and Patricia Mignon Greg and Carol Romano Joan and Robert Rechnitz William and Elizabeth Wolfe James and Aretta Muir Julia and Daniel Somers Helen Reed Woman's Club of Westfield, Inc. Joann Nehr Kathleen Ward L. Keith and Lisa Reed Aili Liu and Bo Xing Jason Porod Bob and Barbara Wolfe Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust Tom and Carol Pugsley Emile DeVito Mr. Laurance S. Rockefeller, Jr. Liz Siminoff William and Elizabeth Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. William S. Roebling Howard and Doris Smith Memorials Amy S. Greene Rosemont Foundation Elizabeth Stautberg Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2015 Staff of Amy S. Greene Bill Carmean and Nancy Ross Timothy and Barbara Stewart Environmental Consultants, Inc. W. Rodman Ryan Mary E. Walsh Vanessa Sandom and Carl Seiden Greg Romano James Cross Jack and Janice Warren Daniel and Lori Saporito Dorothy Wills Dr. Daniel A. Harris and Ms. Jane Buttars Short Hills Garden Club Erika Haaf William and Marge Wooley Dr. Scott Kalish Grace Sinden John Patrick Fitzgerald Barbara Wright William Tomai The Sprocket Foundation Ryan Fitzgerald Dana J. Lesnever Peter and Cynthia Kellogg Robert and Lisa Stockman Robert W. Kent, Sr. Arnold Lesnever Mr. and Mrs. B. Michael Pisani Hunt and Margaret Stockwell Robert and Joyce Angiuoli Jacqueline Strigl David and Nancy Bailin Peter Scofield Maureen Ogden Mr. and Mrs. Thompson Swayne Barnegat Light Yacht Club Stanley and Patricia Barry Mr. and Mrs. B. Michael Pisani Kathy Bradley Alexandra Tatnall Mr. and Mrs. Richard Binetsky Jackie Parker Beth A. Cupo Paul W. Taylor Joanne Bordner Janet Dudar The Reynolds Family Fund Inge Breves Sandra and Daniel Grzybowski Jane Takacs join NeW JeRSeY CoNSeRVATIoN FouNdATIoN!

Whether it’s farmland, woodland But we can’t do it alone. As a private, not-for-profit or wetland, New Jersey Conservation We need members to help organization, we rely on donations from Foundation protects open spaces us save lands at risk. members who care about preserving in your towns, cities and the places New Jersey’s precious land and you love to visit. resources for future generations.

Help keep nature in New Jersey! Join New Jersey Conservation Foundation to preserve land and natural resources. BeCoMe A MeMBeR TodAY. Visit our website at www.njconservation.org/donate.htm NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 19

18 | New Jersey Conservation Foundation

CReATuRe FeATuReS: Helping rare animals

From salamanders to bobcats, from bats to pine snakes, New Jersey is full of threatened and endangered animals.

Documentary filmmaker Jared Flesher wants to raise awareness of these critters … and we want to help! This past summer, we entered into a partnership with Jared to help secure financial support for “The Creature Show,” a new internet video series about the Garden State’s threatened and endangered animals. “New Jersey has salamanders, bats, snakes, birds, turtles and many more species that are struggling due to habitat loss, invasive species, diseases and climate Jared Flesher shoots footage for a change,” explained Michele Byers, executive director. “Jared believes that by telling Creature Show episode on Pine Barrens their stories, more New Jerseyans will come to appreciate these unique and snakes during a visit to the Franklin fascinating creatures and support efforts to help them.” Parker Preserve. To view The Creature As the Creature Show’s fiscal sponsor, New Jersey Conservation Foundation will Show and learn more about the project, accept funds to support The Creature Show. We’ll also help The Creature Show reach visit www.creatureshow.com. Also

a larger audience and provide filming locations, such as the Franklin Parker Preserve S c h u l e r involved in filming is cinematographer

in the Pine Barrens. t i a n Christian Schuller of Morristown.

“I think the missions of The Creature Show and New Jersey Conservation C h r i s y b

Foundation are closely aligned, which are to preserve biodiversity in New Jersey,” o

said Flesher, a resident of East Amwell Township in Hunterdon County. P h o t

BACk To SCHooL Chainsaws, marketing plans and more

do you know how to fell a tree with effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. of Sourland Conservancy, requested that a chainsaw … without getting hurt? Other 2015 workshops included the network convene to discuss pending developing a marketing plan, managing state legislation on commercial deer Dozens of land trust staff members wetlands, presenting financial information harvesting. The result was a list of and volunteers now know, thanks to to nonprofit boards, and using storytelling recommendations to improve the bill, specialized training offered through the to communicate conservation messages. to be shared with legislators. One New Jersey Land Trust Network. At the workshop on “Developing a participant from the NJ Farm Bureau “The best thing is that we can now Marketing Plan,” Rutgers communications noted this is an issue where farmers and choose almost any tree and make it fall professor Dr. Matthew Weber offered a conservationists share mutual goals and wherever we need it to fall. Safely and custom marketing plan developed by his can work in partnership. confidently!” said Bill Scullion, one students. This saves organizations the The Network partnered with graduate of the chainsaw course. time and expense of doing their own, and on several Knowing how to properly use a chainsaw gives students practical experience with educational programs. “We value our is essential for Bill, a land steward at New real clients. partnership with The Watershed Institute, Jersey Conservation Foundation’s South The Highlands Coalition was one of a program of Stony Brook-Millstone Jersey preserves. the nonprofits to take advantage of this Watershed Association,” says Laura Szwak, Chainsaw training was just one of a opportunity. “We are looking forward to New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s dozen workshops offered in 2015 by the the process and the end result. Thanks for Director of Education & Outreach. Land Trust Network, which organizes making this happen for us!” said Highlands Thanks to Victoria Foundation for continuing education for those who Coalition Executive Director Julia Somers. supporting the Network’s programs, and steward, acquire and defend New Jersey’s The Land Trust Network also acts as a making them affordable and accessible to land and water. Programs are also forum for discussion and problem-solving. New Jersey’s conservation nonprofits. designed to improve the efficiency and Caroline Katmann, Executive Director NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:57 PM Page 20

New Jersey Conservation Foundation | 19

Welcome New Trustees Staff

New Jersey Conservation Foundation welcomes Neil Grossman of Lebanon Township and Joseph Lemond of Warren Township to the Board of Trustees. Michele S. Byers, Executive Director erica Arlés, Administrative Assistant, A licensed professional Joe is a partner at Land Acquistion & Stewardship planner in the state of Herold Law, PA in Mark Barrick, Information Technology/ New Jersey, Neil holds Warren Township, Office Manager a Masters in Urban where he has practiced Alix Bacon, Regional Manager, Western Piedmont Planning degree from law for more than 20 Scott Breeman, Easement Steward New York University. years in the trusts and Previously, he worked estates area, including Tim Brill, Central Jersey Project Manager Neil Grossman on Wall Street as charitable gift planning. Joseph Lemond Sarah Carden, Membership Coordinator managing partner of He earned a bachelor’s Beth davisson, Project Manager, Ward, Grossman & Co., a New York and degree in economics and English from Black River Greenway American Stock Exchange member firm. Rutgers College, a law degree from the emile deVito, Ph.d, Manager of Science Neil and his wife and daughter live on a University of Pennsylvania, and a master of & Stewardship preserved horse farm in Lebanon Township. law in taxation from New York University Prior to moving there in 1997, he served as School of Law. Joe is a past chair and Wilma Frey, Senior Policy Manager a Township Council and Planning Board Executive Committee member of the Tom Gilbert, Campaign Director – member in the township of Mahwah. Tax Law Section of the New Jersey State Energy, Climate & Natural Resources Neil has spent more than 20 years serving Bar Association, and a member of the olivia Glenn, Regional Manager, South Jersey Metro on land trust boards; he currently is a board Section of Taxation of the American Bar Amy Hansen, Policy Analyst member and treasurer of the Hunterdon Association. Joe also serves on the boards Maria Hauser, Personnel Manager/ Land Trust. of the Bonnie Brae School and the Summit Executive Assistant Medical Group Foundation. Steven Jack, Land Steward Chris Jage, Assistant Director, South Jersey Meet Jack Sapoch, Babbott Fund Intern Russell Juelg, Land Steward William Lynch, Events Coordinator

From there, I was treated to a medley Lisa MacCollum, Assistant Director “I saw more of New Jersey than of Land Acquisition I previously knew existed” of work experience. I participated in a Land Trust Network roundtable, toured Alison Mitchell, Director of Policy Jack Sapoch of Hopewell, a student at the Franklin Parker Preserve with donors, Stephanie Monahan, Development Assistant Bates College, found plenty of variety in his looked at a prospective property in Tim Morris, Director of Stewardship work with us last summer as a Babbott Fund Vineland, photographed sites threatened intern. Jack tells about his experiences: by the PennEast pipeline and attended a Marie Newell, Project Coordinator, Acquisition “I didn’t want to town hall meeting. Tanya Nolte, GIS Manager waste my summer being With policy analyst Amy Hansen I Sandy Stuart Perry, Communications Manager indoors and beholden to observed lobbying firsthand at the State sedentary tasks. I wanted House in Trenton, while with Marie Newell I Lauren Ramos, Development & Outreach Coordinator new experiences, I assisted with the stewardship of trails along Francis Rapa, Regional Manager, wanted to meet new the Wickecheoke Creek and the search for Delaware Bay Watershed people, and I wanted to invasive Chinese pond mussels. karen Richards, CPA, Director of Finance push myself out of my Truly, I got to experience a little bit of & Administration comfort zone. So I went everything, and for that I am grateful. I saw Greg Romano, Assistant Director & with what I care about: more of New Jersey than I previously knew Director of Statewide Land Acquisition local parks and existed and have come to appreciate what a Gerard Sauchelli, Land Steward preserved lands. New beautiful state I live in. I walk away with a Jersey Conservation deeper appreciation for that beauty, as well Susan Schmidt, Administrative Assistant/Receptionist Foundation turned out as a better understanding of the powers Bill Scullion, Land Steward to be a wonderful fit. that are threatening it.” eileen Swan, Policy Manager I got the opportunity to dip my toes The Babbott Fund was established into many different waters. Under the in honor of Edward F. Babbott, a former Laura Szwak, Director of Outreach & Education purview of Laura Szwak, I compiled compre- New Jersey Conservation Foundation Ingrid Vandegaer, Regional Manager, hensive notes on Franklin Parker Grant trustee who served for 44 years. The goal Highlands Region nominees and helped find a venue for the of the internship program is to train young kathleen Ward, Director of Development 2016 NJ Land Conservation Rally. leaders in the field of land conservation. & Communications NJCF Newsletter Fall 2015-F_Layout 1 11/12/15 12:56 PM Page 1

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Join our e-mail List We’d like to have your e-mail address so we can keep you updated on New Jersey Conservation Foundation news, programs and events. Please send your e-mail address to [email protected] or call 1-888-LANdSAVe (1-888-526-3728).

MARCH 18, 2016 • MARk YouR CALeNdAR • MARCH 18, 2016

20TH ANNuAL New Jersey Land Conservation Conference Friday, March 18, 2016 Wyndham Garden Hotel, Trenton, NJ

Join us at the Rally for a full day of educational workshops and discussions 20162016 centered around the theme, “The Future 2 of Land Conservation … the Next 20 Years.”

For information and registration, go to www.njconservation.org/rally