Sourland Conservancy

06/17/2026

The Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is putting on a show in our native garden! 🌺🐦This gorgeous native vine is a true stunner — and a beloved nectar source for ruby-throated hummingbirds and native bees, and a host plant for the Spring Azure and Snowberry Clearwing moth. 🌿

What native vines are growing in your yard?

Our native garden wouldn't have been possible without the vision and dedication of Peni Macmeekin, a group of hardworking volunteers, and generous support from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey.

Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program
Native Plant Society of New Jersey

06/15/2026

Advocacy Alert: Protect Cat tail Brook, and a 200-Year-Old Bridge, in Hillsborough ‼️

Montgomery Road carries more history than most people realize. Spanning Cat Tail Brook along that road is Hillsborough's oldest documented stone bridge — a single-arch fieldstone structure built in 1825 by local craftsmen, still standing and still in service after more than 200 years. It is one of the oldest bridges in New Jersey.

Now, a planned chip/seal paving project on Montgomery Road raises concerns on two fronts.

Cat tail Brook is a C1-designated stream, one of New Jersey's most protected waterways, that feeds into Rock Brook, also C1. Chip/seal applications involve petroleum-based materials that could send harmful runoff directly into this sensitive watershed and increase stormwater impacts on these fragile streams.

And the bridge itself: we don't yet know what increased traffic loads or changes to road surface and drainage could mean for a 200-year-old structure that has never needed to be replaced. That question deserves an answer before work begins.

We recognize road maintenance is an essential municipal responsibility. We're asking that protecting these streams, and this irreplaceable piece of Hillsborough's history, be part of the plan.

Hillsborough Township residents: please email Mayor Catherine Payne and the Township Committee and ask them to pause this project until a proper environmental and structural review can be completed.

📧 Mayor Catherine Payne: [email protected]

📸 Thank you to Jeff Gates for this beautiful shot of this historic bridge!

06/12/2026

This beautiful Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina) seems like the perfect rest stop for this hardworking pollinator! 🐝

🌸 What's blooming in your native garden?

Photo courtesy of Dave Cucchiara

06/11/2026

Advocacy alert: Please call your local legislators and ask them to support Senate Budget Resolution #302 and Assembly Budget Resolution #990, to fully fund NJSOC (https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/district-map)!

On Monday, June 15th, ANJEC will be hosting a virtual Hour of Action for NJSOC at 12pm. We encourage you to take part in this iniative to help NJSOC get it's funding restored. Click this link to register: https://secure.givelively.org/event/association-of-new-jersey-environmental-commissions/hour-of-action-save-the-new-jersey-school-of-conservation

06/09/2026

Events like this one don't happen without members like you. 💚

In March, we had an event with Kaitlin Muccio of FoHVOS, who shared her new Ecological Priority Model—a science-based map showing how 141,000 acres across Central Jersey connect to protect wildlife, clean water, and our climate. It was exactly the kind of community conversation we love to have.

Your membership helps us keep bringing programs like this to the Sourlands community. Grow with us in 2026. sourland.org/donate

06/07/2026

🌿 Keynote Speaker Spotlight: Doug Tallamy, Ph.D. 🌿

We are honored to welcome Doug Tallamy, Ph.D., as the keynote speaker for this year’s Native Plant Conference!

Doug is the T.A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in the native plant and ecological landscaping movement. Over a 45-year career, he has authored more than 120 research publications and inspired countless homeowners, gardeners and conservationists to rethink the role their landscapes play in supporting biodiversity.

In his keynote presentation, How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard, Doug will answer some of the most common questions he receives from readers and audiences. Drawing from decades of research and experience, he will share practical ways each of us can help restore ecosystem function in our own communities.

Whether you manage acres of habitat or a small backyard garden, this keynote will leave you inspired and empowered to make a meaningful difference for nature.

Register today at bhwp.org for the Native Plant Conference!

📍Delaware Valley University Life Sciences Building
📅Friday, June 12

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

🌍 Happy World Environment Day!

This year's theme, "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," is a reminder that nature knows how to heal. It just needs our help.

The Sourland Mountain region spans roughly 90 square miles of contiguous forest in central New Jersey, one of the largest remaining forest blocks in the region. It provides carbon sequestration, stormwater filtration, groundwater recharge, and habitat connectivity for hundreds of species.

At the Sourland Conservancy, we show up to help — planting native trees, flowers, and shrubs, building community partnerships, and advocating for the forest. None of it happens without our supporters, partners, and volunteers. Thank you. 🌿

Grow with us in 2026. sourland.org/donate

Photo courtesy of Jeff Gates and Yvonne Kunz

06/03/2026

🔔 Ring, ring, ring! Did you know it's World Bike Day?

The perfect excuse to show off this year's Sourland Spectacular swag item: a bike bell! 🚲

Registration is now open for the 2026 Sourland Spectacular — taking place September 19th at the Watershed Institute. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting back in the saddle, come ride with us through one of central New Jersey's most beautiful landscapes.

Register today ➡️ sourlandspectacular.com/registration
Early bird registration ends on Tuesday, September 1!