2024 was a banner year for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. We won the National Land Trust Excellence Award for our work in multiple areas, including our long-term landback project with the Ramapo Munsee people. We completed our 500th project, gave $60,000 in scholarships, fully funded our Outdoor Ambassador Program for the next three years, and grew 60,000 pounds of food in partnership with City Green.
Our members played a crucial role in these accomplishments, and you can help us keep this momentum going. There is still more work to be done. Please consider donating today to support three projects we are excited about: Split Rock Mountain access for the Ramapo Munsee tribe, expanding wildlife corridors in Bobcat Alley, and preserving uniquely precious limestone forest habitat.
Public access to Split Rock Mountain for the Ramapo Munsee tribe. Currently, Split Rock Mountain can only be accessed through private property. We have a contract to purchase this parcel, but it must be subdivided. We aim to complete the purchase in the next six months and donate the land to the Ramapo Munsee Land Alliance at closing.
Expanding wildlife corridors in Bobcat Alley. We have worked closely with Warren County, six towns, and two nonprofit partners for the past 15 years to preserve thousands of wild acres in northwestern New Jersey. These projects protect the Delaware River watershed and connect vast public lands from the Kittatinny Ridge to the Highlands so that a wide variety of animals like the bobcat have room to roam and thrive.
Preserving precious limestone forests. Limestone forests are unique and valuable, containing some of New Jersey’s most spectacular habitats and hosting many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Right now we are poised to acquire 246 acres of limestone forest that will complete a greenway 20 years in the making. We first met with the owner in 2003, negotiating with three generations of property owners until finally reaching an agreement with the grandson. Thanks to our determined staff, a huge swath of wild land connecting Paulinskill Wildlife Management Area and Swartswood State Park will be protected forever.
Even with our successes, there is still more to be done. Make your donation with the confidence that you’re directly impacting New Jersey and our shared natural heritage. If you give $75 or more before 12/31/24, you can claim a special gift of a Land Conservancy tee shirt or bandana! We remain honored to work with you to achieve more successes in the exciting year ahead. Thank you!
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