CAMPAIGN DONORSThe New Jersey Chapter would like to thank the following leading donors to our campaign, which includes all gifts and pledges from 2014 through 2020:

BAPS Charities Mr. Jonathan Bellack Glenn Boyd and Lisa Ani Garapedian Dr. Barbara and Mr. Thomas Brummer Warren and Cathy Cooke Denise and Mark DeAngelis Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Thomas F. & Susan K. Dunn Martin Elling Estate of James K. Fetterly Estate of Frederick E. Gillen Angela and Jay Gerken E. J. Grassmann Trust Estate of Jane Gruenberg Estate of Nancy Harges Betty Wold Johnson

Johnson & Johnson F. M. Kirby Foundation Amy C. Liss Estate of Elizabeth Mead Merck Mark and Robin Opel National Fish and Wildlife Foundation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program Open Space Institute John and Margaret Post Foundation PSEG Marjorie J. Purchase

Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust Charles and Susan Snyder Marian W. Starrett Estate of Elizabeth Straubmuller TD Bank Estate of Althea Thornton Dennis M. Toft Union Foundation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Victoria Foundation Johanette Wallerstein Institute Warren County, New Jersey William Penn Foundation Robert D. Wilson Mrs. Sonia Zugel and Mr. Christian Zugel

CONTRACTS + ENDOWMENTS$4 Million

PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY AND BEQUESTS

$60 Million

PUBLIC FUNDS$12 Million

IMPACTCAPITAL$4 Million

$80 MILLION TO BE SOURCED BY

EMERGING STRATEGIES – CITIES

AND CLIMATE$8 Million

NJ LAND$21 Million

NJ WATER$16 Million

NJ COASTS$17 Million

OPERATIONS$13 Million

GLOBAL +NORTH AMERICA

$5 Million

$80 MILLION TO BE INVESTED IN

CAMPAIGN NUMBERS

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NATURE THANKS YOUThrough the Campaign for the Real Nature of New Jersey our dedicated supporters will enable The Nature Conservancy to achieve ambitious land and water protection goals.

1. This view of the Kittatinny Ridge lies within the heart of Bobcat Alley, where we will protect 3,500 acres by 2020 to connect wildlife habitat, help species adapt to climate change, and safeguard water quality. © Dwight Hiscano

3. The beneficial re-use of clean dredge materials to restore coastal marshes also creates nesting habitat for birds like this American oystercatcher. © Lisa Ferguson/The Wetlands Institute

2. Nature-based solutions will fight the effects of climate change and sea level rise to restore drowning coastal marshes, which will in turn help to protect and buffer coastal communities. © Moses Katkowski/TNC

4. Reforesting floodplains, rehabilitating headwaters and removing dams will help to decrease erosion, cool water temperatures and ensure high-quality water and habitat in the Paulins Kill. © Jeff Burian/TNC

5. An extensive, 10-year monitoring program will demonstrate the results of our rivers restoration work on water quality, while lessons learned will inform future freshwater efforts. The monitoring team included an intern through a Conservancy program that helps college students and recent graduates gain much-needed practical experience in the conservation field. © Jeff Burian/TNC

For more information about The Nature Conservancy and ways to support it, please call 908-879-7262 or email scourtney@tnc.org

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN ISSUE!

NEWJERSEYAnnual Report 2017

12

LAND RIVERS COASTSConserve 5,000 acres of critical natural places through acquisition—3,500 acres in Bobcat Alley and 1,500 in other priority areas

Improve public access to Conservancy preserves so people can experience these natural places and understand their importance

Catalyze protection of an additional 70,000 acres with partners, using a shared vision of land protection embodied in the Conservation Land Blueprint and collaboration on priorities

Restore 75 miles of river to support water quality and wildlife and address flooding

Advance major, multi-year river restoration projects, including dam removal, to improve the health of our rivers

Plant 100,000 trees in our rivers’ floodplains to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and create healthy habitat

Integrate nature-based solutions into planning in 25 coastal communities

Influence coastal dredging practices at the state and federal levels to restore salt marshes

Complete projects in 10 coastal communities that demonstrate the value and benefits of nature-based solutions

Promote stronger US/NJ policies and funding for coastal resilience

PHOTOS left to right Mark DeAngelis and family © Bernard DeLierre; Board of Trustees © Damon Noe/TNC; Wildflower Meadow at the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek © Damon Noe/TNC; Tree planting along the Paulins Kill © Jeff Burian/TNC; Shorebirds on the Delaware Bay coast © Jim Wright

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2020 GOALS

I am happy to relate that over the last fiscal year your support helped the New Jersey Chapter make tremendously important and exciting advances for conservation.

This report provides some highlights, and I hope it conveys a sense of the momentum toward our five-year (2015-2020) strategic plan goals—which you will find throughout this document—and fundraising campaign. Progress on both fronts makes me optimistic that, working with diverse partners, we can achieve our goal to protect the lands and waters that sustain New Jersey’s people and wildlife.

A major land-protection push in Bobcat Alley is going full steam. Along the Paulins Kill, the Rivers team has planted thousands of trees, reconnecting miles of habitat, and approached the finish line in removing a dam near the mouth of that river. Along our coasts, projects to demonstrate the value of living shorelines and other green techniques have picked up speed. And our campaign is bringing in funds to make it all happen.

That’s just the beginning! As you read this report, I hope you’ll take pride in knowing that you and people like you made all this possible. Thank you!

Yours in conservation,

Dr. Barbara Brummer

DEAR FRIENDS

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark DeAngelis, ChairMark Opel, Vice ChairGlenn BoydWarren CookeJohn DonofrioSusan DunnMartin EllingR. Jay GerkenAmy Greene

CONSERVANCY COUNCIL Anne H. Jacobson, Co-Chair Dennis Hart, Co-ChairFrancisco ArtigasBarbara Okamoto BachMichael BatemanMary W. BaumSusan M. CoanCarol CollierHans DekkerAlma DeMetropolisRobin DoughertyJeanne FoxRuss FurnariSidney Hargro

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Anne H. JacobsonValerie MontecalvoArnold PeinadoMargaret PostDavid A. RobinsonBenjamin RogersGeraldine SmithDennis ToftJim Wright

nature.org.newjersey Tweet us at @nature_NJFollow us at @nature_nj

The Nature Conservancy in New JerseyElizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center200 Pottersville RoadChester, New Jersey 07930

For more information about The Nature Conservancy and ways to support it, please call 908-879-7262 or email scourtney@tnc.org

Jennifer LakefieldThomas G. LambrixBill LeavensClaudius MaranhaoMark N. MaurielloRobert MedinaElizabeth K. ParkerJohn PostKathy SchroeherJames A. ShissiasTracy StrakaDon UllmannDan Van Abs, Ph.D.Joe WofchuckChristian Zugel

ON THE COVER Bobcat kitten © Larry Master THIS PAGE left to right Sycamore © iStockphoto; State Director Barbara Brummer © Jeff Burian/TNC; Delaware Water Gap © Jim Lukach

MAP PHOTOS clockwise Fall foliage © Jeff Burian/TNC; Bobcat © Kent Mason; Diamondback Terrapin© Mac Stone; Green Frog © Damon Noe/TNC; New oyster growth at Gandy’s Beach © Metthea Yepsen/TNC; Lost Valley in Manville © Elizabeth Schuster/TNC OPPOSITE PAGE Dock at Maurice River Bluffs Preserve © Mary Conti/TNC

Manufactured with 30% recycled content.

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WH

ERE WE W

ORK I FIN

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CIALS

WHERE WE WORK

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY’S

WETLAND HABITAT

Important land protected at our

Eldora and Indian Trail Swamp preserves

LOST VALLEY Working with the town of Manville to transform Lost Valley’s flood-damaged riverbanks into a nature park for the community

COASTAL MARSHES Using innovative techniques

to save eroding marshes and create habitat

PAULINS KILL WATERSHED Replanting floodplains, repairing headwaters and removing dams

BOBCAT ALLEY Protecting a natural lands

corridor to link the New Jersey Highlands and the Appalachians

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey ended FY17 on a high note, with a 40% increase in donations (cash and pledges) in response to our Campaign for the Real Nature of New Jersey. Total revenue was $13.5 million, 70% of which came from private contributions. The pie chart shows primary sources of revenue for operations and land protection capital. Operating expenses stood at $6.2 million, up 3% from the previous year. For more information, please contact Betsy Wullert at 908-879-7262.

Sources of Operating and Capital Revenue

Hyper-HumusBobcat Alley

Blair CreekWetlands

Raritan River

Lost Valley/Manville

TNC NJ Field Office

TNC Southern NJ Office

Linwood

ColumbiaDam

Gandy’sBeach Fortescue

AvalonRing Island

West Wildwood

Eldora

Indian TrailSwamp

GANDY’S BEACH Where we installed an experimental oyster reef breakwater; we’re now working on other living shoreline projects with West Wildwood and Linwood

PRIVATE DONORS70%

GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND

CONTRACTS5%

INVESTMENT INCOME

5%

PRIVATE CONTRACTS, MITIGATION

AND OTHER20%

KEY • Land conservation projects• Freshwater conservation projects• Coastal resilience projects

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By the Numbers Bobcat AlleyOne-third now protected, including three TNC preserves

511 acres conserved since our campaign began

3,500 acres goal by 2020

Protecting Bobcat Alley

LAND

THIS PAGE left to right Bobcat Alley © Jim Wright; Bobcat inhabiting “Bobcat Alley” © Jim Thomson OPPOSITE PAGE clockwise Family enjoying the poetry trail at the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek © Adrianna Zito-Livingston/TNC; New picnic area at Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve © Scott Sherwood/TNC; 35-acre addition to our Eldora Preserve © Mike Shanahan/TNC

In this most densely populated state, our forests, floodplains, meadows and mountains play a fundamental role in safeguarding our drinking water, cleaning our air, providing spectacular recreation and sustaining the wildlife we love. Given the forecast that all land in New Jersey will be either developed or conserved by mid-century, we must act collaboratively, wisely and without delay to protect the places most important for people and wildlife.

The Nature Conservancy and our partners seek to protect a critical land corridor between the Appalachians and the Highlands. We call the 32,000-acre corridor “Bobcat Alley” because of the vital habitat it provides for New Jersey’s last remaining wild cats. Saved from the brink of extinction in the 1970s, bobcats are still endangered in New Jersey. To ensure a thriving population, we must protect the large areas of forested land they need to roam, hunt and breed. Protecting Bobcat Alley not only connects habitat, which

will help species adapt to climate change, but also protects water quality in the Paulins Kill, a Delaware River tributary. One-third of the corridor is already protected and includes three Nature Conservancy preserves. Our goal is to conserve another 3,500 acres by 2020. Since we launched this effort, we have protected more than 500 acres, including 128 acres this past year. With five acquisitions now underway and new projects on the horizon, we are well on our way to meeting this goal!

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Southern New Jersey Land Protection In August 2016, the Conservancy completed a 16-year effort with Middle Township in Cape May County, during which we have added over 675 acres to our Indian Trail Swamp Preserve. The latest acquisition consisted of more than 50 separate lots totaling 45 acres in this preserve that protects rare Cape May Lowland Swamp and important stopover habitat for migrating birds.

We recently added 35 acres to our 900-acre Eldora Preserve, where our Southern New Jersey Office is located. The parcel contains forested habitat along a tributary of West Creek, which drains into Delaware Bay. Its conservation helps to provide a place for salt marshes to migrate as sea level rises.

Stewardship Year-round stewardship keeps our preserves in good condition for wildlife and human visitors. Ongoing projects include removing invasive species and maintaining and expanding visitor amenities. This year, we completed major improvements to the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek, featuring a picnic pavilion, wildflower meadows, art easels, and an extensive trail system, including a poetry trail with nature-inspired quotes. Also in the Cape May area, upgrades to our Lizard Tail Swamp Preserve include a new entrance kiosk and a bike rack. We also installed a new picnic area at Johnsonburg Swamp Preserve in Bobcat Alley. This is all part of a continuing effort to make our preserves more inviting, educational and friendly to visitors.

GOAL2015-2020Conserve 5,000 acres of critical natural places through acquisition statewide

KEY CAMPAIGN

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By the Numbers Bobcat Alley

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Headwaters — In the headwaters area known as Hyper-Humus, altered by decades of peat mining, the need is to reforest floodplains and repair the hydrology. With the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Conservancy has been overseeing studies to inform a restoration plan. Staff initiated outreach to the community, as the site is popular for outdoor recreation. Planning to

design the rehabilitation of nearly 1,000 acres along two miles of river will begin soon.

Floodplains — To repair damaged floodplains, 8,000 more native trees and shrubs were planted along the Paulins Kill, bringing the total to 32,000 in the ground since the restoration program began in 2012. Reconnected stretches of natural floodplain now span nearly 15 miles, helping reduce erosion, filter runoff, store carbon and cool the water as air temperatures increase.

River flow — In our push to remove the Columbia Dam just before the Paulins Kill’s juncture with the Delaware River, we facilitated

RIVERS Changes in New Jersey’s natural landscape from centuries of development, farming and resource use directly affect the quality of our water. Deforested floodplains convey sediment into our rivers, paved surfaces drain polluted stormwater into our streams, and dams—more than 2,000 of them—disrupt fish migration and water flow, altering the health of entire river systems. To safeguard precious water resources, we are working to restore our local rivers, streams, headwaters and floodplains.

THIS PAGE left to right River channelization at Hyper-Humus © Jim Wright; Columbia Dam © Jeff Burian/TNC

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By the Numbers

32,000 trees and shrubs planted since 2012

20 water quality monitoring locations

75 acres acres of restored floodplain being maintained

Restoring Lost Valley In the Raritan River watershed, a much larger and more urbanized watershed, we are pursuing floodplain restoration to help urban areas incorporate nature into solutions that improve water quality, habitat and quality of life. Initial assessment identified the often-flooded town of Manville as a prime opportunity to demonstrate a nature-based restoration approach. The objective is to restore a publicly owned “buy-out” section of the floodplain known as “Lost Valley,” where homes repeatedly devastated by flooding were bought and removed, for use as a nature park. With our support, the town has formed a Green Team and is working toward certification by the Sustainable Jersey program.

Lightning Bug Hollow In 2015, Christine Hepburn and Kenneth Martin worked with the Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC) and The Nature Conservancy to protect land surrounding their Warren County home. The sale included both a 150-acre conservation

easement and direct purchase of land that is now part of RVC’s Lightning Bug Hollow Preserve, located within Bobcat Alley and the Paulins Kill watershed. When Ms. Hepburn learned that TNC’s work included both land protection and floodplain restoration, she contacted staff about planting trees along a tributary of Blair Creek running through the easement area. According to Ms. Hepburn, “walking the site with TNC staff and hearing that we could create a small ‘model of diverse, native, riparian habitat’ was inspiring. It’s been an honor to work with The Nature Conservancy and a joy to provide improved habitat for wildlife.” To prepare the site, she had invasive species removed and planted a native seed mix to reduce erosion. TNC and RVC staff then planted 125 native trees and shrubs along the streambank.

Collaborations like this are essential to our goals to plant 50,000 trees in the Paulins Kill and protect 3,500 more acres in Bobcat Alley—and to our ultimate goal of healthy forests and rivers for both nature and people.

surrender of the dam operation license, completed plans for removal, and applied for permits. The project will reconnect 20 miles of mainstem and tributaries with the Delaware, improving water quality and allowing native species like shad access to historic spawning grounds for the first time in more than 100 years.

THIS PAGE left to right Millstone River, adjacent to the future Lost Valley Nature Park © Ellen Creveling/TNC; Christine Hepburn on restored riparian habitat at Lightning Bug Hollow © Jeff Burian/TNC

GOAL2015-2020Improve 75 miles of river

KEY CAMPAIGN

Proving that it works — Our fledgling measures and monitoring program continued at 20 locations, where we are monitoring water quality and sampling for aquatic species. With a 10-year commitment to monitoring, we are demonstrating and documenting improvements to water quality and using that knowledge to guide river restoration going forward.

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Using Nature to Protect Our CoastsThe Chapter has been focusing on getting innovative projects on the ground to demonstrate why using nature-based techniques to protect our shorelines makes sense for both people and nature.

COASTS

THIS PAGE left to right Beach restoration behind oyster breakwater at Gandy’s Beach © Moses Katkowski/TNC; Site of a future living shoreline restoration in Linwood © Tom Flynn/TNC OPPOSITE PAGE left to right Monitoring at marsh restoration site in Avalon © TNC; Thin-layer placement of clean dredge materials for marsh restoration © TNC

Almost two-thirds of our coastline is at High or Very High risk of erosion. With more than half our state’s population living in coastal counties and the impacts of climate change growing, we need to address challenges that impact our habitats and communities alike. The Conservancy is pioneering innovative, nature-based techniques to work in concert with traditional infrastructure, like bulkheads, to strengthen our coastlines against erosion, flooding and sea level rise. Demonstrating success and engaging partners will help spread the use of these techniques, reducing risks and sustaining rich habitat that makes our coasts such valuable assets.

Seeing Results from an Experimental Oyster Reef Breakwater

In Fall 2016, we completed installation of a half-mile, experimental oyster reef breakwater at Gandy’s Beach Preserve on Delaware Bay to demonstrate how nature-based infrastructure can protect the coastline and improve habitat. After less than a year, post-construction monitoring showed 750,000 baby oysters, 71% of which survived the winter and are growing rapidly. More oysters will start growing on the reef every summer! Monitoring also shows a 50% reduction in wave energy at low to mid-tide. Sand building up behind the structures is a promising sign that the reef can help sustain important horseshoe crab beaches. Staff has continued to promote regulations that allow more oyster restoration in New Jersey’s waters.

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Blue Carbon Climate change affects all we do. In addition to helping people and nature adapt to a changing climate, we are exploring the power of natural systems to absorb carbon. Our “Blue Carbon” feasibility study is designed to find out if marsh restoration—an efficient way to store carbon—can generate enough carbon credits to be sold on the voluntary carbon market at a good enough price to cover a portion of the restoration costs. Phase I of the study told us what type and how large such projects would need to be. Phase II is looking at specific sites for technical and financial feasibility.

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By the Numbers

750,000 baby oysters counted at new reef

60 acres of “drowning” marsh built up

17 communities benefiting from our Restoration Explorer

GOAL2015-2020

Integrate nature-based solutions into planning in 25 coastal communities

KEY CAMPAIGN

Saving “Drowning” MarshesWhile experimental projects using clean dredge material to build the elevation of drowning marshes were being completed in Avalon and Ring Island on the Atlantic Coast and Fortescue on Delaware Bay, Conservancy staff monitored the sites and installed equipment to determine whether the increased elevation can compete with sea level rise. Many restored areas showed good vegetation growth and the homecoming of turtles, birds and other marsh dwellers. Monitoring new techniques is incredibly important to document the benefits to the marsh and promote future projects.

Building Living Shorelines Coastal communities have benefited from our web-based Restoration Explorer to identify projects to increase the resilience of their shorelines. West Wildwood took on a natural shoreline project to stabilize a marsh peninsula that protects 40 homes. While the borough worked on engineering and design, the Conservancy has been exploring funding. In Linwood, the Chapter brought the town, Stevens Institute of Technology and community groups together on a project using native vegetation and bio-degradable fiber logs to build up degraded marsh. Stevens began design work, and the Chapter and local officials pursued funding.

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I am very happy to announce the

Campaign for the Real Nature of

New Jersey! The overarching goal

of this campaign is to accelerate the

development and implementation

of innovative ways to protect our

lands, water, wildlife, and coasts,

on the ground and in collaboration

with partners.

Our ambitious campaign will fuel

all of this great work, and I

want to thank each and every

member and donor for your generosity! As a father to three young children, and as a

conservationist and avid fisherman, I feel strongly about the importance of investing in our

state’s—and our world’s—future, and in the quality of our forests, waterways, and coastlines.

I’m so proud to lead this campaign—our Chapter’s largest to date—as both Campaign Chair

and Board Chair, working side-by-side with a generous and dedicated group of Trustees and

campaign volunteers. Together, we will protect and restore the real nature of New Jersey: the

forests, rivers, beaches, salt marsh, and wildlife that give us so much and that we all treasure!

What an exciting time for The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey!

Mark DeAngelis

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CAMPAIGN HEROES CAMPAIGN CABINET Appointed by our Board of Trustees, the Campaign Cabinet is leading the charge

for the Campaign for the Real Nature of New Jersey.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The New Jersey Chapter Board of Trustees volunteer their time, expertise and

passion for conservation to help The Nature Conservancy carry out our mission.

They are also some of our most dedicated supporters. Each and every one of our

Trustees has increased their commitment to the Conservancy for this campaign,

whether through outright gifts and pledges, planned gifts, in-kind services—or all

of the above! Trustees are not only investing in our on-the-ground conservation

work in New Jersey, but also work in the Caribbean, Australia, sustaining North

American fish populations, and innovative digital marketing efforts. “The way

our Trustees have stepped up to lead by example for this campaign is such an

inspiration to me and my staff,” says New Jersey State Director Barbara Brummer.

“With their leadership, the Campaign for the Real Nature of New Jersey will

deliver tremendous conservation impacts in our state and around the world.”

Mark DeAngelis, Chair Alma DeMetropolis Susan Dunn

Martin Elling Valerie Montecalvo Mark Opel

Margaret Post Dennis Toft

BOARD OF TRUSTEES left to right State Director Barbara Brummer with New Jersey Chapter Trustees Susan Dunn, Mark DeAngelis, Glenn Boyd, Mark Opel, Warren Cooke, Jay Gerken, Geraldine Smith, Amy Greene, Anne Jacobson, Ben Rogers, Arnold Peinado and Jim Wright. Not pictured: John Donofrio, Martin Elling, Valerie Montecalvo, Margaret Post, David Robinson and Dennis Toft.

12

LAND RIVERS COASTSConserve 5,000 acres of critical natural places through acquisition—3,500 acres in Bobcat Alley and 1,500 in other priority areas

Improve public access to Conservancy preserves so people can experience these natural places and understand their importance

Catalyze protection of an additional 70,000 acres with partners, using a shared vision of land protection embodied in the Conservation Land Blueprint and collaboration on priorities

Restore 75 miles of river to support water quality and wildlife and address flooding

Advance major, multi-year river restoration projects, including dam removal, to improve the health of our rivers

Plant 100,000 trees in our rivers’ floodplains to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and create healthy habitat

Integrate nature-based solutions into planning in 25 coastal communities

Influence coastal dredging practices at the state and federal levels to restore salt marshes

Complete projects in 10 coastal communities that demonstrate the value and benefits of nature-based solutions

Promote stronger US/NJ policies and funding for coastal resilience

PHOTOS left to right Mark DeAngelis and family © Bernard DeLierre; Board of Trustees © Damon Noe/TNC; Wildflower Meadow at the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek © Damon Noe/TNC; Tree planting along the Paulins Kill © Jeff Burian/TNC; Shorebirds on the Delaware Bay coast © Jim Wright

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2020 GOALS

I am happy to relate that over the last fiscal year your support helped the New Jersey Chapter make tremendously important and exciting advances for conservation.

This report provides some highlights, and I hope it conveys a sense of the momentum toward our five-year (2015-2020) strategic plan goals—which you will find throughout this document—and fundraising campaign. Progress on both fronts makes me optimistic that, working with diverse partners, we can achieve our goal to protect the lands and waters that sustain New Jersey’s people and wildlife.

A major land-protection push in Bobcat Alley is going full steam. Along the Paulins Kill, the Rivers team has planted thousands of trees, reconnecting miles of habitat, and approached the finish line in removing a dam near the mouth of that river. Along our coasts, projects to demonstrate the value of living shorelines and other green techniques have picked up speed. And our campaign is bringing in funds to make it all happen.

That’s just the beginning! As you read this report, I hope you’ll take pride in knowing that you and people like you made all this possible. Thank you!

Yours in conservation,

Dr. Barbara Brummer

DEAR FRIENDS

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark DeAngelis, ChairMark Opel, Vice ChairGlenn BoydWarren CookeJohn DonofrioSusan DunnMartin EllingR. Jay GerkenAmy Greene

CONSERVANCY COUNCIL Anne H. Jacobson, Co-Chair Dennis Hart, Co-ChairFrancisco ArtigasBarbara Okamoto BachMichael BatemanMary W. BaumSusan M. CoanCarol CollierHans DekkerAlma DeMetropolisRobin DoughertyJeanne FoxRuss FurnariSidney Hargro

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Anne H. JacobsonValerie MontecalvoArnold PeinadoMargaret PostDavid A. RobinsonBenjamin RogersGeraldine SmithDennis ToftJim Wright

nature.org.newjersey Tweet us at @nature_NJFollow us at @nature_nj

The Nature Conservancy in New JerseyElizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center200 Pottersville RoadChester, New Jersey 07930

For more information about The Nature Conservancy and ways to support it, please call 908-879-7262 or email scourtney@tnc.org

Jennifer LakefieldThomas G. LambrixBill LeavensClaudius MaranhaoMark N. MaurielloRobert MedinaElizabeth K. ParkerJohn PostKathy SchroeherJames A. ShissiasTracy StrakaDon UllmannDan Van Abs, Ph.D.Joe WofchuckChristian Zugel

ON THE COVER Bobcat kitten © Larry Master THIS PAGE left to right Sycamore © iStockphoto; State Director Barbara Brummer © Jeff Burian/TNC; Delaware Water Gap © Jim Lukach

MAP PHOTOS clockwise Fall foliage © Jeff Burian/TNC; Bobcat © Kent Mason; Diamondback Terrapin© Mac Stone; Green Frog © Damon Noe/TNC; New oyster growth at Gandy’s Beach © Metthea Yepsen/TNC; Lost Valley in Manville © Elizabeth Schuster/TNC OPPOSITE PAGE Dock at Maurice River Bluffs Preserve © Mary Conti/TNC

Manufactured with 30% recycled content.

CAMPAIGN DONORSThe New Jersey Chapter would like to thank the following leading donors to our campaign, which includes all gifts and pledges from 2014 through 2020:

BAPS Charities Mr. Jonathan Bellack Glenn Boyd and Lisa Ani Garapedian Dr. Barbara and Mr. Thomas Brummer Warren and Cathy Cooke Denise and Mark DeAngelis Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Thomas F. & Susan K. Dunn Martin Elling Estate of James K. Fetterly Estate of Frederick E. Gillen Angela and Jay Gerken E. J. Grassmann Trust Estate of Jane Gruenberg Estate of Nancy Harges Betty Wold Johnson

Johnson & Johnson F. M. Kirby Foundation Amy C. Liss Estate of Elizabeth Mead Merck Mark and Robin Opel National Fish and Wildlife Foundation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program Open Space Institute John and Margaret Post Foundation PSEG Marjorie J. Purchase

Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust Charles and Susan Snyder Marian W. Starrett Estate of Elizabeth Straubmuller TD Bank Estate of Althea Thornton Dennis M. Toft Union Foundation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Victoria Foundation Johanette Wallerstein Institute Warren County, New Jersey William Penn Foundation Robert D. Wilson Mrs. Sonia Zugel and Mr. Christian Zugel

CONTRACTS + ENDOWMENTS$4 Million

PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY AND BEQUESTS

$60 Million

PUBLIC FUNDS$12 Million

IMPACTCAPITAL$4 Million

$80 MILLION TO BE SOURCED BY

EMERGING STRATEGIES – CITIES

AND CLIMATE$8 Million

NJ LAND$21 Million

NJ WATER$16 Million

NJ COASTS$17 Million

OPERATIONS$13 Million

GLOBAL +NORTH AMERICA

$5 Million

$80 MILLION TO BE INVESTED IN

CAMPAIGN NUMBERS

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NATURE THANKS YOUThrough the Campaign for the Real Nature of New Jersey our dedicated supporters will enable The Nature Conservancy to achieve ambitious land and water protection goals.

1. This view of the Kittatinny Ridge lies within the heart of Bobcat Alley, where we will protect 3,500 acres by 2020 to connect wildlife habitat, help species adapt to climate change, and safeguard water quality. © Dwight Hiscano

3. The beneficial re-use of clean dredge materials to restore coastal marshes also creates nesting habitat for birds like this American oystercatcher. © Lisa Ferguson/The Wetlands Institute

2. Nature-based solutions will fight the effects of climate change and sea level rise to restore drowning coastal marshes, which will in turn help to protect and buffer coastal communities. © Moses Katkowski/TNC

4. Reforesting floodplains, rehabilitating headwaters and removing dams will help to decrease erosion, cool water temperatures and ensure high-quality water and habitat in the Paulins Kill. © Jeff Burian/TNC

5. An extensive, 10-year monitoring program will demonstrate the results of our rivers restoration work on water quality, while lessons learned will inform future freshwater efforts. The monitoring team included an intern through a Conservancy program that helps college students and recent graduates gain much-needed practical experience in the conservation field. © Jeff Burian/TNC

For more information about The Nature Conservancy and ways to support it, please call 908-879-7262 or email scourtney@tnc.org

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN ISSUE!

NEWJERSEYAnnual Report 2017

CAMPAIGN DONORSThe New Jersey Chapter would like to thank the following leading donors to our campaign, which includes all gifts and pledges from 2014 through 2020:

BAPS Charities Mr. Jonathan Bellack Glenn Boyd and Lisa Ani Garapedian Dr. Barbara and Mr. Thomas Brummer Warren and Cathy Cooke Denise and Mark DeAngelis Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Thomas F. & Susan K. Dunn Martin Elling Estate of James K. Fetterly Estate of Frederick E. Gillen Angela and Jay Gerken E. J. Grassmann Trust Estate of Jane Gruenberg Estate of Nancy Harges Betty Wold Johnson

Johnson & Johnson F. M. Kirby Foundation Amy C. Liss Estate of Elizabeth Mead Merck Mark and Robin Opel National Fish and Wildlife Foundation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program Open Space Institute John and Margaret Post Foundation PSEG Marjorie J. Purchase

Robert Wood Johnson 1962 Charitable Trust Charles and Susan Snyder Marian W. Starrett Estate of Elizabeth Straubmuller TD Bank Estate of Althea Thornton Dennis M. Toft Union Foundation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Victoria Foundation Johanette Wallerstein Institute Warren County, New Jersey William Penn Foundation Robert D. Wilson Mrs. Sonia Zugel and Mr. Christian Zugel

CONTRACTS + ENDOWMENTS$4 Million

PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY AND BEQUESTS

$60 Million

PUBLIC FUNDS$12 Million

IMPACTCAPITAL$4 Million

$80 MILLION TO BE SOURCED BY

EMERGING STRATEGIES – CITIES

AND CLIMATE$8 Million

NJ LAND$21 Million

NJ WATER$16 Million

NJ COASTS$17 Million

OPERATIONS$13 Million

GLOBAL +NORTH AMERICA

$5 Million

$80 MILLION TO BE INVESTED IN

CAMPAIGN NUMBERS

4 53

21

NATURE THANKS YOUThrough the Campaign for the Real Nature of New Jersey our dedicated supporters will enable The Nature Conservancy to achieve ambitious land and water protection goals.

1. This view of the Kittatinny Ridge lies within the heart of Bobcat Alley, where we will protect 3,500 acres by 2020 to connect wildlife habitat, help species adapt to climate change, and safeguard water quality. © Dwight Hiscano

3. The beneficial re-use of clean dredge materials to restore coastal marshes also creates nesting habitat for birds like this American oystercatcher. © Lisa Ferguson/The Wetlands Institute

2. Nature-based solutions will fight the effects of climate change and sea level rise to restore drowning coastal marshes, which will in turn help to protect and buffer coastal communities. © Moses Katkowski/TNC

4. Reforesting floodplains, rehabilitating headwaters and removing dams will help to decrease erosion, cool water temperatures and ensure high-quality water and habitat in the Paulins Kill. © Jeff Burian/TNC

5. An extensive, 10-year monitoring program will demonstrate the results of our rivers restoration work on water quality, while lessons learned will inform future freshwater efforts. The monitoring team included an intern through a Conservancy program that helps college students and recent graduates gain much-needed practical experience in the conservation field. © Jeff Burian/TNC

For more information about The Nature Conservancy and ways to support it, please call 908-879-7262 or email scourtney@tnc.org

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN ISSUE!

NEWJERSEYAnnual Report 2017