Welcome to Cedar Ridge Preserve

Conservation Organizations Partner to Protect 131-Acre Cedar Ridge Preserve in Stillwater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stillwater, N.J. - February 2, 2024

In a collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Ridge and Valley Conservancy proudly announces the acquisition of 131 acres of pristine woodland, now officially known as "Cedar Ridge Preserve." This acquisition marks a significant addition to the natural heritage protected by Ridge and Valley Conservancy, bringing the total number of preserves under their stewardship to twenty-two.

Nestled a short distance from the Paulinskill Trail in the Township of Stillwater, Cedar Ridge Preserve is a haven of undeveloped raw land, boasting sweeping moss-covered limestone outcrops that warmly welcome hikers. Native wildflowers and ferns adorn the trails, leading to a dense forest of hemlock, pine, cedar, maple, and oak trees.

"Collaborating with devoted landowners who have tirelessly nurtured and safeguarded the land has been an honor. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful testament to the vital importance of land preservation. We extend our gratitude to the Nature Conservancy for their continued support in preserving these invaluable landscapes." says Susi Tilley, Executive Director of Ridge and Valley Conservancy.

The preserve is accessible via Cedar Ridge Road. Trail maps and signage are currently in development. A guided hike will be announced in the near future to introduce the public to the preserve.

"We are thrilled to celebrate another successful preservation project with Ridge and Valley Conservancy, a dedicated and trusted partner helping to advance our goals of protecting and connecting climate-resilient forests for wildlife in Bobcat Alley. Cedar Ridge Preserve is an important piece of the interconnected landscape in the New Jersey Appalachians that will now remain wild forever. We look forward to many generations enjoying the trails in this beautiful part of Stillwater, " says The Nature Conservancy's Land Conservation Manager, Tricia Aspinwall.

Ridge and Valley Conservancy extends heartfelt gratitude to the landowners, Richard Kelsky and Elenora Benz, as well as the dedicated efforts of The Nature Conservancy, whose relentless commitment made procuring Cedar Ridge Preserve possible. The financial backing provided by The Nature Conservancy, coupled with the generous support from the landowners, has played a pivotal role in successfully preserving this natural gem.

"Having managed this forest for thirty years, we chose conservation over development. We look forward to the continued good stewardship of this incredible property," said Kelsky and Benz.

Cedar Ridge Preserve stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of both organizations toward preserving and nurturing our natural landscapes. Ridge and Valley Conservancy invites the community to explore and appreciate the beauty of Cedar Ridge Preserve, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and appreciation for the wonders of nature.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kathlyn Moore, Development & Outreach Administrator of Ridge and Valley Conservancy kathlyn@ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org
(908) 362-7989

Connect with Us:

ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org

facebook.com/ridgeandvalleyconservancy instagram.com/rv_conservancy/

About Ridge and Valley Conservancy:

Ridge and Valley Conservancy is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural areas in Northwestern New Jersey. With a mission to protect and preserve the region's natural and cultural resources, RVC has successfully safeguarded over twenty-two preserves for the enjoyment and benefit of present and future generations.

Riparian Buffer Restoration Project

Thank you to TC Energy!

Ridge and Valley Conservancy would like to acknowledge and share our profound gratitude for a recent grant our organization received from TC Energy. RVC was awarded $19,000 from TC Energy for our Riparian Buffer Restoration initiative at Dark Moon Preserve. These funds will be used to restore a 6-acre buffer along the stream that runs through the preserve, a tributary of Bear Brook through which flows Category One waters.

This project will rehabilitate a landscape which was degraded by many years of prior agricultural use. The native plants installed will provide habitat for many species including beneficial insects, amphibians, and birds. Our work will enhance the existing buffer to develop and protect this ecosystem’s microclimate. As plants grow and mature, they will provide shade which will keep this stream cooler and improve conditions for fish and macroinvertebrates. These actions will also help offset the negative effects of our changing climate.

In the future, hundreds of mature trees will absorb and hold stormwater on site and erosion caused by heavy rains will decrease as shrubs and grasses add structural integrity to the shoreline. These plants will also improve water quality by slowing runoff and encouraging contaminants to settle before entering surface water.

Over the next two years, with the help of volunteers, RVC will plant approximately 800 plants along two-thousand feet of stream bank. This effort also provides an opportunity for local schools and organizations to study the positive effects of ecological restoration over time by measuring healthy habitat indicators such as water temperature, flow, and quality, macroinvertebrate abundance, and biodiversity.

None of this would be possible without the generous contribution from TC Energy! Keep checking the Dark Moon Preserve page for updates on this project - our first group of volunteers is already breaking ground at the beginning of September!

Introducing Millbrook Seeps Preserve

Ridge and Valley Conservancy is honored to have been part of the preservation of this property, and for the opportunity to own and steward this preserve as part of our portfolio of land within the climate corridor from Blair Creek to White Lake.

On April 27, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey (TLCNJ) acquired [and transferred ownership] of a 36-acre parcel of forested land in Hardwick that will be owned and managed by Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC) as the new Millbrook Seeps Preserve.

Millbrook Seeps Preserve is a significant parcel in the climate and wildlife corridor along the Kittatinny Ridge, part of what is known as Bobcat Alley. RVC named the 36-acre property after the many forest seeps found throughout the landscape. This unique habitat supports a diverse array of flora and fauna with several species of amphibians, including spotted and Jefferson salamanders. Combined with TLCNJ’s Yards Creek Preserve properties, it represents 337 acres out of [TLCNJ’s] 850-acre goal for Bobcat Alley. In addition, TLCNJ has its own goal to grow Yards Creek Preserve to 1,000 acres.

The objective is to preserve forests in northwestern New Jersey that would likely be developed. This protected area will help wildlife in a variety of ways: creating a corridor for wildlife to roam freely away from busy roads and residential areas; lowering water temperatures to improve quality and fight climate change; and nurturing sustainable land for animals and forests to thrive.

Many different organizations are working in concert to keep this conservation momentum going. The Millbrook Seeps project was funded by Green Acres, the Open Space Institute, William Penn Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy. This is The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s seventh land preservation project funded by the Delaware River Water Initiative.

TLCNJ’s Vice President of Land Preservation and Stewardship, Sandy Urgo, is grateful for these productive partnerships: “As conservationists working along the Kittatinny Ridge, we are very fortunate to have partners who share our vision. This area is critical to maintaining water quality in the Delaware River, and to the diverse array of species that call the ridge home. Pressure from development is intense and the time to preserve what is left is now. I know that each non-profit involved in this transaction is tremendously grateful to the William Penn Foundation for their support of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative which generously provided funding.”

Ridge and Valley Conservancy's Land Projects Manager, Doug Vornlocker, emphasized how important close collaboration amongst all stakeholders was to the acquisition process. He says, “We are excited about the latest addition to our preservation land portfolio and grateful to the partners who assisted with this property acquisition, including the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program, The Open Space Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, who took the lead on this project. This land is now preserved thanks to their energy and collaboration.”

It's also fortunate that the landowner shares a commitment to conservation. The property was sold from the estate of Clegg Stewart, with his daughter Deborah Arace helping broker the deal. Deborah says, “What a great way to honor a loved one, to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these 36 acres of woods and nature in New Jersey. My father loved that property from the moment he purchased the first lots in 1978. It has been an honor and privilege to help RVC and TLCNJ save this land. I believe more people should consider the opportunity to do the same.”

The Delaware River Basin is one of the most important watersheds on the East Coast. Fifteen million people rely on the basin for clean drinking water—including the cities of Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and New York City. It contains the Appalachian Trail and more than 76,000 acres of public land that comprise the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The ultimate goal is for the watershed to act as a carbon sink using native vegetation, mature forests of oak and hickory, and healthy soils. Conservation of this ecologically sensitive land is creating a resilient ecosystem that will better adapt to climate change while supporting diverse populations of native plants and animals. Slowly but surely, these efforts are connecting significant amounts of green forested habitat along the slopes of the Kittatinny Ridge to enable the movement of wildlife without interference by human activity.

This project was supported by the Open Space Institute’s Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund. The Fund is made possible by the William Penn Foundation’s Delaware River Watershed Initiative, which seeks to protect water quality in the Delaware River Basin.

“The Open Space Institute is exceptionally proud of our role supporting the creation of MillbrookSeeps Preserve, which will safeguard critical clean drinking water within the Delaware River Watershed,” said Bill Rawlyk, OSI’s Mid-Atlantic Field Coordinator. “This project is the seventh property secured with OSI’s support by the Land Conservancy of New Jersey in the Paulins Kill watershed, an important tributary of the Delaware River Watershed. We applaud TLCNJ and the Ridge and Valley Conservancy’s vision and commitment to protecting these critical lands for clean water.”

Launched in 2014, the Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund has protected more than 21,000 acres of forested land in the Delaware River Watershed. These forests act as a natural filter for clean water in the headwater streams of the Delaware River Watershed, which provides drinking water for approximately 15 million people — including residents of Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and New York City.

RVC expands Blair Creek Preserve

This past winter, Ridge and Valley Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy closed on the purchase of ten tree-covered acres, expanding Blair Creek Preserve in Hardwick. The property is part of a large contiguous forest that ranks highest on the state’s list of critical ecosystems to protect based on water quality, rare species habitat, connectivity, and climate resilience. 

Blair Creek Preserve sits within “Bobcat Alley,” a project spearheaded by TNC to connect and protect habitat for state-endangered bobcats and other wildlife living in and migrating through the Appalachian mountain range in New Jersey; Ridge and Valley Conservancy is a critically strategic partner in the effort. Many species thrive in the large, intact forests of the region: neotropical migrating birds use them as breeding grounds, amphibians and reptiles find safe spawning habitat in their vernal pools, and bats raise young under the loose bark of their shagbark hickories.

“It’s so rewarding to know that these ten important acres will continue to exist undeveloped in their pristine condition for the survival of endangered species. Every acre matters in this unbroken forest corridor that contributes to our region’s resiliency in the face of climate change,” said Susi Tilley, Executive Director of Ridge and Valley Conservancy.  

Blair Creek Preserve is made up of two adjoining properties – Blair Creek South, which grew to 40 acres with the addition of the recent purchase, and the 515-acre original Blair Creek Preserve, which is co-owned by Ridge and Valley Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and the New Jersey Natural Land Trusts. Visitors are welcome at the preserve from dawn to dusk on marked hiking trails.

The property was sold by William and Lori Gold, passionate environmental advocates and longtime residents of Hardwick. “We are grateful for the professional staff and volunteers at RVC that worked with us every step of the way to make our vision of preserving this property a reality. We are also grateful for the expert planning and surveying of Laura Brill and husband Drew. Grateful to the Hardwick Land Use Board, its volunteers and staff for working with us and approving this project…grateful to the Warren County Planning Board for their review and approval…grateful to Green Acres and The Nature Conservancy for their assistance and financial support.” 

“From the bottom of our hearts we thank our community for recognizing the value of preserving property in Hardwick and helping us actualize our dreams,” said Gold.

“The Nature Conservancy is committed to protecting biodiversity in New Jersey, with a special focus in the Bobcat Alley area. Supporting the continued expansion of Blair Creek Preserve as a place where wildlife can move freely, and species can thrive was an easy decision for us. Our partnership with Ridge and Valley Conservancy is so important, because it multiplies what we can accomplish as we conserve New Jersey’s priority remaining lands,” said Tricia Aspinwall, Land Conservation Manager for TNC.

DEVOUR card game: a 'Design for Good' project

Exciting news! Local game developer David Mazure has selected Ridge and Valley Conservancy as the organization he plans to support with his ‘design for good’ card game project, DEVOUR. DEVOUR is a wildlife-themed 3-in-1 card game that’s perfect for educators and families alike. It features beautiful illustrations and exciting ‘duel-style’ mechanics. By backing DEVOUR on Kickstarter, you’re supporting RVC – 10% of game sale proceeds will be donated towards our conservation mission! 

We’re so grateful for this support, and we’ve had a great time getting to know David at our Hike-a-Thon and special full moon hike! Find out what David had to say about his game & conservation, and don’t forget to support the Kickstarter!

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How did you come up with the concept for DEVOUR?

When my daughter was very young, we used to play the classic card game "War," and soon grew tired of it, as most folks do, and thought War would be better with animals instead of normal cards. 

Why choose animals from this geographic region?

For two reasons: DEVOUR was largely inspired by my daughter's curriculum and environmental sustainability values instilled in her from Ridge & Valley Charter School, and any artist or designer knows to 'create what they know.’ And I know animals in my bioregion better than any others because I encounter many of them on a daily basis!

What does 'design for good' mean, and why is it important to you?

Design for Good is any design project that ultimately benefits the community in some manner. I try to instill this ideology in my own students because I think that everyone should think about how their own work will affect the community; in hope that we will all wish to benefit our communities. In my opinion, the best way to make this happen is to lead by example.

Why did you choose RVC as one of the organizations you're supporting?

Brainstorm Games tries to instill the "think globally by acting locally" mantra and RVC is our most local organization that helps protect almost all of the animals in DEVOUR (or at least their habitats!).

Why do conservation and nature matter to you?

We need to be good stewards of the land in order to have land for future generations to enjoy and especially, to learn from.

What was the game design & development process like?

Exhausting. It turned out to be way more work than I expected. The great news is that we still enjoy playing DEVOUR even after spending hundreds of hours playing it already! The other good news is that we have already begun development on the next version of DEVOUR, which will focus on another bioregion. 

It was a pleasure working with my family. It gave us something constructive to do during pandemic lockdown. And, it was also a pleasure working with several of my current and former students in creating DEVOUR.

Why is it important to you that the game have educational value?

As a teacher myself, I understand the value of making education in the classroom fun and when you can learn at home that’s even better! Using games to teach helps make learning more enjoyable, can increase student participation, fosters social learning, motivates students to take risks, and ultimately increases their confidence.

What are your future plans for DEVOUR?

Once the Kickstarter is fully funded we will get started on manufacturing the game and attending every board game convention we possibly can. Meanwhile, we will be hard at work developing DEVOUR, the desert version.

Summer happenings at RVC

We hope you’re having a wonderful summer and spending plenty of time outside! We’ve been busy working on conservation outreach, and putting together a fall hike-a-thon fundraiser that we hope you’ll attend. Save the date on September 24, and stay tuned for more information and a link to register!

Kittatinny Workshops: community outreach & collaboration

Ridge and Valley Conservancy co-hosted two community conservation workshops with The Nature Conservancy as part of our Appalachian Trail Viewshed Initiative. This initiative will increase our capability to preserve the Appalachian Trail Landscape and the Appalachian Valley and Ridge region and is funded by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Wild East Action Fund.

The public workshops held last month and in April were attended by more than 60 people, including government officials, local open-space committee members, and concerned citizens interested in environmental preservation.

Conservation experts presented on the ecological significance of the Kittatinny Ridge and Valley region, preservation funding, and an ongoing local preservation project. The final presentation provided a look at the New Jersey Conservation Blueprint, a public mapping tool that will help conservation stakeholders focus their efforts on the most critical sites.

Attendees broke into small groups following presentations to discuss conservation concerns and goals in their own communities. Their feedback from this and future sessions will be incorporated into our conservation plans moving forward. We are excited to continue these community conversations.

If you or your organization is involved in conservation and interested in participating in future workshops, please contact lynda@ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org.

Thank you to our presenters: Lynda Tower, Ridge and Valley Conservancy; Tricia Aspinwall, The Nature Conservancy; Dr. John Hasse, Rowan University; Bill Rawlyk, Open Space Institute; Sandy Urgo, The Land Conservancy of NJ; and the workshop committee members who made the event possible.

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Landowners and their legacy

We met with local landowners who expressed interest in making land preservation a part of their lasting legacy. The event was hosted by RVC trustee Chris Hepburn, who spoke about her personal journey to preserve Birch Ridge Ravine and Lightning Bug Hollow. Our legal counsel, Matt Dank, and estate lawyer Jennifer Skarda-McCann shared information about the process and benefits to landowners of incorporating conservation into their estate and legacy plans. Participants enjoyed the views protected in perpetuity through RVC action, asked each other important questions, and learned from each other.

If you or a family member is interested in learning more about supporting land preservation through planned or legacy giving, you can find more information here, or contact susi@ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org

We did it! Blairstown Open Space Campaign

Ridge and Valley Conservancy raised the $12,000 needed to protect the open space in Blairstown, NJ, as a park.

Ridge and Valley Conservancy preserves open space in northwest New Jersey. We committed to this project because we couldn’t bear to see this incredible community asset in jeopardy.

We have high hopes for the property, including active recreation, pollinator habitat, waterfront access, and more. Thank you to the conservation-minded supporters who stepped up to donate the first $6,000 and Thorlabs, who matched our supporter's efforts!

Ridge and Valley Conservancy's ongoing success in conservation depends on partnerships with local governments, non-governmental organizations, landowner relationships, and you, our grassroots support system.

Blairstown Board of Education Property previously slated for sale

RVC News, Early May Events and More

Spring is springing and so is RVC!

Our April 28th newsletter is fresh off the presses. Learn about all of our early May events: attendi an invasive and native plants webinar, cheer on our birding team in the World Series of Birding and find opportunities to enjoy nature. Want to be an Agent of Change? We can help you with that too!

2020 Ridge and Valley Views

The Winter 2020/2021 issue of Ridge and Valley Views offers highlights of this year’s activity, updates on staff and leadership changes, information on Muckshaw Ponds, and a beautiful poem from one of our RVC members. We hope that you enjoy it.

Click here to read our year-end wrap up in the 2020 Ridge and Valley Views.

Land Trust Alliance "Field Notes from the Mid-Atlantic"

Land Trust Alliance

"Field Notes from the Mid-Atlantic"

FEATURED LAND TRUST

Ridge and Valley Conservancy's new partnerships to steward a preserve and farm

Earlier this spring, the accredited Ridge and Valley Conservancy in New Jersey assumed ownership and stewardship of Muckshaw Ponds Preserve, a 534-acre nature preserve and farm, from The Nature Conservancy. The property includes 201 acres of limestone-rich, interconnected ponds that are home to rare and endangered plants. The preserve is public and the hiking trails are currently being renovated.

 In partnership with RVC, the Foodshed Alliance leases Muckshaw Farm and launched the Sustainable Agriculture Enterprise program. The program makes preserved farmland accessible to farmers at affordable long-term leases, which was TNC’s intention for the farm. 

One of the farms on the site, Munsee Three Sisters Medicinal Farm, offers opportunities for the community to learn and engage in the experience of Native American farming. RVC and the founders of the farm, Ramapough Lunaapee Nation Turtle Clan Chief Mann and Michaeline Picaro, are currently exploring other ways to collaborate for the benefit of the farm and the Ramapough Culture and Land Foundation. Farmers' donations to Foodshed Alliance's LocalShare program will also support food pantries in the area.

Excerpted from Land Trust Alliance, Field Notes from the Mid-Atlantic, 7/31/2020

RVC Happenings Late July

Check out July 22nd newsletter to learn about upcoming “Agent of Change” opportunities, AKA volunteer days, Where the Crawdads Sing book club meeting, and request to show us the beauties of the natural world through your eyes.

Click here to get all the details in our July 22nd newsletter.

RVC Begins LTA Accreditation Renewal Process

Ridge and Valley Conservancy is applying for 
the renewal of its accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a program of the Land Trust Alliance.

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Ridge and Valley Conservancy is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of its accreditation. A public comment period is now open. RVC greatly values the input from our community members. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please click here.

Summer is Here!

Welcome to Summer -Summer is here! RVC has in-person and virtual opportunities to celebrate the season together.

RAISE YOUR HAND! RAISE OUR SPIRIT!: First 2020 Volunteer Day is July 11th at Dark Moon Preserve.

READING TOGETHER, VIRTUALLY: Book club to read “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Details for next book club meeting inside.

SUMMER SOLSTICE MAGIC: Check out the video of bagpiper Laura Fagan heralding in summer in Limestone Ridge Preserve.

From volunteers to bagpipers to book clubs, check it out!

Click here to get all the details in our June 25th newsletter.

RVC Wrenegades take 1st Place

The 2020 RVC Wrenegades took 1st place in the World Series of Birding despite unprecedented conditions. Read about their results, including threatened and endangered species spotted in our latest newsletter.

Don’t forget RVC is working with Wilde Ridge Plants to provide an online plant sale for all of your native planting needs. Delivery will be in Blairstown on 6/20. Sale closes on 6/18.

RVC book club meets on 5/22 to continue its discussion of Overstory.

Click here to get all the details in our May 20th newsletter.

Going Green with RVC

Happy Earth Day 2020! Here are four ways you might Go Green with RVC: Share Your Greens; Eat Your Greens; Plant Your Greens; and Read Your Greens. We hope you enjoy.

Click here to read the April 22, 2020 newsletter.