The Hill & Dale Preserve is located in Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County. It provides magnificent and sweeping views of preserved farmland and distant mountain ranges, including Round Valley Reservoir.

The first 115 acres of the new Hill & Dale Preserve at the base of Hell Mountain were acquired by New Jersey Conservation Foundation.  Conservation Resources helped facilitate a large grant to this project from a previously collected Natural Resource Damage Settlement.    To read the press release, click here.

Project History 

New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) has been looking for a preserve in its Black River Greenway project area that would host both natural and agricultural components representative of the region. This property meets their criteria.   If NJCF could acquire this whole site, then they would intend to convert the lower agricultural land to an organic farming operation, while some of the more steeply sloping fields would be converted to conservation land for passive recreation. The hayed areas towards the top would likely be converted to warm-season grasslands, and would include hiking trails where visitors could enjoy distant views.

The property has been of critical local interest for many years, and nonprofits and the local government have sought to preserve it for over a decade.  The Garden State Greenways project identified the property as containing both Critical Resource: Agriculture and Grasslands, as well as providing a Critical Connector.  Tewksbury’s Open Space Plan identifies parcels of greater than 30 acres in size (p.140)  The plan proposes to carry out the Township’s policy to preserve open space by evaluating these parcels based on several criteria, including the following which the property meets: aquifer recharge, presence of freshwater wetland, unique wildlife and plant habitats, mature woodlands, headwater streams, steep slopes, aesthetic views and vistas, accessibility to the public, suitability for multiple types of uses, sustainability of the property’s intended use, and opportunity for preservation.  The Township plan encourages preservation of large interconnected natural areas.  Preservation of this property, nestled between the Township’s Hell Mountain Preserve and the Rothpletz farm, certainly meets this goal.  The County plan recommends collaboration with nonprofits and others in the conservation of priority lands in conservation zones.  The County Park Plan encourages protection of meadows of significant size (25 acres or more) to provide habitat to grassland bird species, and encourages 200 foot or larger buffers to streams, which would be afforded by preserving this property.  Furthermore, the Hunterdon County Planning Board identified Hell Mountain as the area in Hunterdon County with the highest Natural Resource Score, based on its groundwater recharge, significant forest cover and significant habitat for rare plant species.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation, grassland restoration

Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quantity- protection of groundwater recharge areas

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- organic agriculture

Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails

Total Project Cost:  $7,100,000

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

The New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is working with a group of farmers to  develop black oil sunflower seed as a specialty crop that can be sold as a Jersey Grown birdseed. As part of the project, NJAS trademarked a brand for the birdseed – S.A.V.E.^TM, Support Agricultural Viability and the Environment.  The project’s goals are to create a financially attractive niche crop for farmers and produce a “greener” birdseed with a reduced carbon footprint that uses product revenues to restore and manage 1 acre of grassland habitat for every 5 acres planted to sunflowers.

A significant component of the project’s attempt to reduce the crop’s carbon footprint is the use of biochar on the crops and restored grasslands.  Biochar is a charcoal-based compound that is exposed to beneficial soil microbes prior to its direct application to the soil.  The biochar is purported to help rebuild the soil’s organic layer, retain moisture, thus helping crops withstand drought, and harbor beneficial soil micorrhizae that can reduce the amount of artificial fertilizers and water that growing plants need.  By taking annual soil samples and sending them for testing, NJAS is measuring the impacts of the use of biochar on cropped soils and restoration sites. Because the biochar decomposes very slowly and is not washed or leached from the soil, its use can help “seed” excess carbon into the soil for decades or more.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- carbon-based research for sequestering carbon in the soil

Agricultural Production: Soils- soil enhancement; Local agricultural systems- promoting local birdseed crops

Biological Diversity: Habitat- create habitat for grassland bird species

Total Project Cost: $120,000

Status: Funding for the grassland restoration onsite has come from a number of sources: NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant – $52,000 (this includes the grassland restoration and start-up costs associated with initiating production of black oil sunflowers for birdseed), Merck, Inc. – $18,000 for grassland restoration, CRI/Doris Duke Charitable Foundation – $35,260 (for restoration of grasslands on Merck Tract for RPWHP project). $75,000 is currently needed for equipment, and to retain a project coordinator.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

In 2010, CRI awarded this project $2500 through its Franklin Parker Small Grant program.

The Bulk Native Seed Production Project focuses on training small growers and other New Jersey-based land trusts in the technologies and practices necessary to produce native plant seed.  This will be accomplished through an innovative, three-year collaboration between D&R Greenway and Greenbelt Native Plant Center (New York City’s native nursery) located on Staten Island.

D&R Greenway Land Trust will produce bulk seed of thirteen species of native plants at the St. Michaels Farm Preserve. The species include wildflowers such as New England aster and Joe Pye weed, and native grasses such as Indian grass and broomsedge. The project is an innovative blend of agricultural and conservation techniques and objectives. The 5.25 acres of growing fields produce seed for a blended native seed meadow mix that is genetically appropriate to the region.  The seed mix is applicable to a range of wet, mesic, and dry conditions. The seed mix is the only native plant seed mix available derived from ecotypes local to New Jersey and metropolitan New York. Local ecotypes of native species are the most successfully adapted  to conditions within their region.

The bulk seed production fields will be perennial-based, native, and utilize organic farming methods. The project will enhance soil tilth, increase rainwater infiltration, and support a diverse guild of native pollinators.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Biological Diversity:  Habitat- restoration of native plants; support of wide variety of native pollinators

Agricultural Production: Local agricultural systems- working with farmers to produce native plant seed; agricultural education; organic farming

Total Project Cost: $185,000   D&R Greenway received a $75,000 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in August 2010 – the only CIG award recommended by the NJ Office of NRCS. Matching funds have been provided by Bristol Myers Squibb, with further support from Conservation Resources.

Status: Since the project launch date on September 1, 2010, D&R Greenway has plowed and tilled six one-acre plots on which they will grow 13 species of native seeds.  The Bulk Native Seed Production Project will be the first of several innovative projects and programs that are part of a stewardship strategy and management plan for the Farm Preserve.

At the St. Michaels Bulk Seed Project, they have completed harvest of Swamp Milkweed, New England Aster, Joe Pye weed, Old Field Aster and Smooth Aster. Small quantities of Panic Grass, Broom Sedge, Early Goldenrod, and Grey Goldenrod are also being harvested.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Acquisition of the Bongiovanni land is desired to conserve / restore green space in Elizabeth and encourage environmental stewardship, children’s natural learning and community gardens.  In the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, land containing fruit trees, flowering trees, and vegetable beds together on a sizable parcel is extremely rare.

The Elizabeth Conservancy (EC) would like to preserve the Bongiovanni property, and maintain its existing trees that have graced the property for many years, while providing beauty and environmental benefits to the community. The EC intends to reintroduce native plant species on the site to attract and support native wildlife and begin re-establishing the biodiversity that once existed in our neighborhoods; then support others to do likewise.  Children’s natural learning will be encouraged on site and combined with community gardens.  Following land acquisition, a small environmental education center will replace an existing structure.   The EC ‘s goal is to model, educate, and create momentum for replication so that open green space/community gathering spots will be multiplied throughout the city.

A half acre of green space on an urban residential street can make a huge difference in quality of life, and as a model, is more easily replicated.

This project site is also valued for the well it contains, which is also extremely rare in Elizabeth. In past years it had been used for watering the family’s vegetable and flower beds.  The EC would like to preserve and use it for bed irrigation to conserve water and keep utility bills to a minimum.

Through this project the EC can begin to serve the needs of Elizabeth’s culturally diverse population by providing opportunities for urban children and adults to connect with nature, grow their own food, exercise and improve their health, increase their environmental and gardening knowledge, and strengthen their community at the local neighborhood level.   Through the successful implementation of this project the EC can reach out and assist others who would like to do similar work in their neighborhoods, and create momentum for environmental stewardship and healthier living in urban centers.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation; Physical urban climate moderation/Air quality- community greening project

Biological Diversity: Habitat- urban habitat enhancement

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- urban community gardening

Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access to green space, environmental education

Total Project Cost: $ 474,000

Status: All due diligence work has been completed on this project. The Elizabeth Conservancy has received a commitment from the NJDEP Green Acres Program for the amount of $242,713.  Matching funds are still needed in the amount of $ 182,500. The EC has a signed contract for this property.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Since the 1960’s, New Jersey counties and municipalities have worked to preserve open space.  With the emphasis on acquisition, too often municipalities are unable to properly manage acquired open space within their communities. Most municipal and county governments lack the time, expertise, and priority to manage preserved lands.  In most cases goals have not been set for what the intended conservation and/or community development purposes are for particular parcels.  Rarely is a public participation process part of this goal setting. Many local governments and organizations have expressed an imperative need for open space stewardship.

North Jersey RC&D Council recognizes this need within the communities served and has the unique ability to assist municipalities in achieving open space goals. Due to the wide array of partnerships, connections, and in-house knowledge of staff and board members, North Jersey RC&D Council can help municipal and county governments plan and implement community open space goals.

To implement the Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) program, North Jersey RC&D Council can offer a comprehensive package of services to municipal and county governments. These services can incorporate topics such as:  renewable energy production, local food systems, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered protection, invasive species management, water quality enhancements, and stormwater management.  Assistance in implementation will include volunteer training, documentation, grant writing, partnership developments, and technical advice. Ultimately, the Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) program will be based on a “fee for service” structure. This will allow for program sustainability and long-term assistance to local governments.

Critical habitat and land cannot only be protected or set aside. Now, it is crucial to manage open space for specific practices and goals, to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. The Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) Program provides an enormous ecological service or conservation value to municipalities and counties for a reasonable price.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Aid municipalities in open space management including: public participation, alternative energy production, reduced maintenance plans, community agriculture, outdoor recreation, invasive species removal, stormwater management, riparian mitigation, and Sustainable Jersey Certification.

Total Project Cost: $20,650

Status: Currently, the Stewardship of Open Space (SOS) program is in the planning stages, and hopes to launch the program in 2010.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.

1)     Develop the first Jersey Grown birdseed as certified by the NJ Department of Agriculture.

2)     Provide an alternative, “greener” birdseed with a reduced carbon footprint.

3)     Develop birdseed as a niche agricultural crop that is more lucrative than alternative crops for farmers

4)     Generate enough revenue from birdseed sales to create and maintain one acre of grassland habitat for every 5 acres of sunflower planted for birdseed.

The birdseed produced is marketed under the S.A.V.E. brand – Support Agricultural Viability and the Environment – which was created specifically for this product.  The S.A.V.E. birdseed is a “greener” alternative for several reasons.  Most sunflower seed used for birdseed is grown in the Upper Midwest and must travel over 1500 miles to reach New Jersey shelves; S.A.V.E. birdseed is produced locally by New Jersey farmers.  The S.A.V.E. birdseed also contributes directly to conservation; the requirement of creating and maintaining at least one acre of habitat for every 5 acres planted to sunflower is a key difference between this and other brands.  Finally, as part of the project, the farmers are using biochar, an experimental soil amendment of carbon in the form of charcoal that may allow crops with a neutral or perhaps even negative carbon footprint to be produced. (Carbon neutral or negative crops are those that draw more carbon from the atmosphere than is released through their production.)

In its first two years, demand for this seed was high, and supply was well short of demand.  The greatest problems related to increasing supply have been an inability to expand the production beyond the original group of farmers to increase the total acreage planted. Such an expansion would allow the New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) to take advantage of better, more productive soils, and locate the crop in locations with lower deer densities.  However, expanding acreage and bringing new farmers into the project requires a small capital investment. One key need is for a machine to bag the S.A.V.E. birdseed and the ancillary equipment and materials to support this operation. Currently none of the farmers participating in the S.A.V.E. project has a bagger capable of handling the growing demand and new farmers have communicated that this is a significant obstacle to them joining the program. It will be very difficult to expand the base of farmers without a readily available bagger for the birdseed they produce. Therefore, NJAS proposes to buy a S.A.V.E. birdseed bagger and a trailer to make it mobile and make it available via loan to all farmers in the program. This will work similar to the native warm season grass drill that NJAS owns and also loans to farmers to help them with habitat restoration projects.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- biochar amendment for soil; local seed production lowers carbon footprint

Agricultural Production: Soils-soil enhancement; Local agricultural systems- sustainable farming and support of New Jersey farmers

Biological Diversity: Habitat- maintenance of habitat for grassland birds

Total Project Cost: $24,200 needed for purchase of bagging equipment, a trailer, and ancillary supplies

In 2009, CRI awarded NJAS a $3,500 grant for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.

Status:  In its first year, the S.A.V.E. birdseed has been a highly successful product generating a lot of interest from consumers and selling out quickly.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.

CRI has awarded Grow It Green Morristown several grants for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $5000 in 2009, $3500 in 2010, and $5000 in 2011.

Grow it Green Morristown facilitates the construction and management of community gardens in Morristown. They are responsible for the Early Street Garden, and the Urban Farm at Lafayette. Currently, they are working on a third: the Gran Fondo Community Garden.

The Urban Farm at Lafayette serves as a living classroom for the children of the Morris School District, as well as the local community.  One recent summer the Farm donated over 1,500 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Interfaith Food Pantry, and Market Street Mission. This educational Urban Farm is located at the Lafayette Learning Center on Hazel Street, in one of Morristown’s most diverse neighborhoods and one of the most economically challenged areas of Morris County.  When Grow it Green Morristown acquired the site, it was in ill-repair, with defunct play equipment and broken bleachers. The play structures were given new life, as they were re-purposed into trellises and arbors;  an old baseball backstop became a shade house where students work at potting benches.  The entire garden was fenced with a very attractive 7.5 foot fence via a generous grant from CRI’s Franklin Parker Small Grant Program. Grow it Green Morristown provides educational opportunities to the District, as well as to the general public.

Grow It Green Morristown is working to expand community gardens in economically challenged neighborhoods throughout Morristown. This organization is a leader in the national school and community garden movement as it follows a unique approach, creating a private/public partnership to accomplish mutual goals of education, outreach and environmental stewardship.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Agricultural production: Local food systems- urban gardens & farms

Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- agricultural education

Total Project Cost: $44,000

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

]]> http://www.njconservationexchange.org/morristown-community-gardens/feed 0 http://www.njconservationexchange.org/isles-community-gardens http://www.njconservationexchange.org/isles-community-gardens#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 17:34:58 +0000 admin http://theconservationexchange.org/?p=319 CRI has provided continued funding for this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants Program:

2007- $4,000

2008- $4000

2009- $5000

2010- $3500

2011- $7500

Isles’ Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative fosters self-reliance and goes beyond emergency food assistance by providing residents with the skills to grow their own food and improve their nutrition. Low-income Trenton residents face significant barriers to healthy nutrition and food security. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 21% of Trenton’s population lives below the poverty level. As a result of such poverty, more than 60% of Trenton school district students (Pre-K to 12) are eligible for free and reduced lunch. In addition, according to a recent Community Food Assessment completed by Rutgers University, there are challenges related to education and eating behaviors that contribute to poor nutrition; few people surveyed were concerned about eating healthy and many either did not know how to cook or preferred to eat pre-prepared meals.

By participating in Isles’ Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative, low-income families are able to gain greater food security, stretch food budgets and obtain fresh and nutritious produce. Specifically, the Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative benefits the residents of Trenton in three major ways by:

• Providing access to fresh vegetables and improving nutrition. Isles’ community gardens provide access to fruits and vegetables that are low calorie and nutrient rich.
• Stretching food budgets. Studies report that every $1 invested in a community garden plot yields approximately $6 worth of vegetables. In a 2006 survey, Isles’ community gardeners reported an average savings of about $200 dollars per year, per gardener.
• Strengthening community fabric. Isles’ gardeners report that sharing food with friends, families and neighbors is one of the important reasons that they grow produce.

Isles has more than 25 years of experience in supporting community gardeners. Currently, Isles supports more than 27 community gardens and 10 school gardens. The Community Gardening and Nutrition Education initiative addresses the critical issues of hunger relief and nutrition, urban beautification, and open space preservation throughout Trenton. Isles provides technical and organizational assistance to help residents transform neglected parcels of urban land into gardens, parks and playgrounds. Additionally, Isles works with schools to create on-site gardens and to help teach horticulture and nutrition to local students.

This initiative is consistent with Isles’ mission to foster more self-reliance in healthy, sustainable communities in the following ways: (1) residents become more self-reliant by growing their own fresh produce; (2) residents improve their health by learning about and practicing better nutrition habits; and (3) residents practice sustainability by restoring vacant urban land to productive use.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Urban climate moderation- community greening project

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- groundwater recharge, reducing runoff

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- urban gardens & farms, nutrition education

Total Project Cost:  $171,000

Status: Currently, Isles’ Community Garden Initiative consists of 27 community gardens and 10 school gardens. Isles is dedicated to building 2 more community gardens within the coming year.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

]]> http://www.njconservationexchange.org/isles-community-gardens/feed 0 http://www.njconservationexchange.org/dvoor http://www.njconservationexchange.org/dvoor#comments Tue, 19 May 2009 16:10:57 +0000 admin http://theconservationexchange.org/?p=303

In 1999, The Hunterdon Land Trust (HLT) acquired title to the Dvoor Farm, a 40 acre historic farmstead in Raritan Township.

The Dvoor Farm is a perfect illustration of the evolution of New Jersey’s agricultural community throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The property, with its wealth of agricultural accessory buildings, is architecturally significant and provides a critical connection in a greenway of preserved land along the Mine Brook in Raritan Township. In the long term, the HLT hopes to make the farm a self-sustaining public resource by restoring and reusing the buildings and property for public use, while generating income to support the restoration and maintenance of the buildings and ensuring responsible stewardship of the land.

Specifically, this historic landmark can be used as a public education center and demonstration farm based on the community supported agriculture model, to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resource protection. The HLT is working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NJ to develop  plans for sustainable farming of the land, and for public access to Dvoor Farms’ offerings. The farm lies within a grenbelt of preserved land along the Mine Brook. Long term plans include linking the farm to other community resources through walking trails, which will provide the public more opportunities to visit the farm. Public educational workshops are also envisioned.

To make the Dvoor Farm Project a success, the Hunterdon Land Trust has identified the following goals:

• Maintain the buildings in serviceable condition and prevent further deterioration;
• Create a master plan for future use of the farm as a public resource;
• Maximize public access to the farm;
• Establish stakeholder and volunteer groups to assist in restoration, maintenance, and planning efforts.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- community supported agriculture, farmer’s market, organic agriculture, sustainable farming, nutrition education

Total Project Cost: $225,000

CRI has provided funding for the Dvoor project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $4,000 in 2007, and $4,000 in 2008.

Status: The Hunterdon Land Trust acquired the Dvoor Farm in 1999. They are seeking funds to restore and maintain the historic farm buildings, and turn the farm into a public education center and demonstration farm. The condition of the buildings has been evaluated, and immediate and long-term repairs and mainteance issues have been identified.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

]]> http://www.njconservationexchange.org/dvoor/feed 0 http://www.njconservationexchange.org/treekeepers-nursery-and-eves-community-greenhouse-and-gardens http://www.njconservationexchange.org/treekeepers-nursery-and-eves-community-greenhouse-and-gardens#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 19:05:18 +0000 admin http://theconservationexchange.org/?p=276

Heart of Camden is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to restoring dignity and quality of life to the historic Waterfront South neighborhood in the City of Camden. As part of their mission, they have developed a strong environmental stewardship and restoration program focused on urban greening, air pollution mitigation, and the revitalization of blighted sites.

The Waterfront South Tree Nursery was established to create a functional greenspace from a vacant lot and ensure a source of trees to be planted throughout the neighborhood.  Since its initial establishment 72 trees have been grown there and planted out into the local park and 72 new seedlings have planted in the nursery.  An irrigation system has been installed.  Ongoing planting out and replanting as well as maintenance of the nursery and general improvement of the site continues.

Funding is sought for the continued development of the TreeKeepers Nursery. This will include site preparation, containers, equipment, media and signage.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Physical urban climate moderation/ Air quality- community greening project, street trees; Carbon sequestration- aforestation

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- groundwater recharge, reducing runoff; Water quality- riparian buffers

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- community gardens, nutrition education, sustainable farming, farmers market

Total Project Cost: $50,000

CRI has provided funding towards this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants Program: $5,000 in 2006, $3,000 in 2007, and $3,000 in 2008.

Status: Funds are still needed for educational materials, improved signage, pot-in-pot tree nursery planting mix, and sidewalk rehabilitation.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

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