New Jersey Conservation Foundation

“Within the the bylaws, the executive committee shall, except as otherwise provided by law, have and exercise all the powers of the board during the intervals between the meetings of the board, and shall fix its own rules of procedure.”

“The board of trustees were given a copy of the 990 form before it was filed. The director of finance reviewed key elements of the form at a board meeting and answered questions.”

“The board and the staff are required to complete annual conflict of interest statements. Any conflicts or potential conflicts are discussed at a meeting of the board of trustees and read into the minutes. If a conflict or potential conflict arises, the party is required to recuse him or herself from the discussion and voting on the subject.”

“During the budgeting process, a subset of the executive committee of the board of trustees reviews the salary of the executive director and compares it to similar organizations.”

“Summary financial statements are presented in the annual report. Full financial statements are available upon request.”

“A connected landscape: nature in your neighborhood preserve the natural areas and lands of new jersey, including forests and farms, wetlands and meadows, and ensure quality access to these natural resources for all. 1,623 acres preserved! In 2023, we preserved 14 properties across new jersey with our partners, including family farms and natural areas that safeguard clean drinking water, produce local food, and provide wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation. Rainbow hill at sourland mountain preserve we celebrated the opening of a new 1,150 acre preserve in the foothills of the sourland mountain. This site features woodlands, farm fields, an 8-acre lake and several tributaries to the neshanic river. A new system of trails provides opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and birding. Cohanzick nature reserve - we helped the nonprofit native american advancement corporation purchase 63 acres of forested property, once the ancestral homeland of the nanticoke lenni-lenape. This land, now known as the cohanzick nature reserve, adjoins nj conservation's much larger burden hill preserve and will be used for conservation, education and cultural events. More 2023 successes expanded our menantico creek preserve in cumberland county to 685 acres with the addition of 85 forested acres; assisted the borough of frenchtown in establishing a new 71-acre preserve that will protect native habitat and provide space for passive recreation; and helped preserve 16 acres along the south branch of the raritan river in readington and raritan townships, creating a green corridor that will serve to protect the watershed, and soon restore access for migratory finfish to 10 miles of river upstream of the property. Stewarded over 27,000 acres of land - including 22 preserves and 75 miles of trails as well as 144 conservation and farmland easements totaling over 6,000 acres. Established a native pollinator meadow at the hill & dale preserve in lebanon township; and designed and installed a trail system at the rainbow hill preserve in the sourlands. Climate change impacts: taking action now to advance natural solutions preserve lands that will protect new jersey's natural resources and communities from climate change impacts, and develop natural solutions to climate change through innovative land management practices on forests, wetlands and farmlands. Worked to develop and promote draft state legislation to implement the forest stewardship task force recommendations, including establishment of carbon reserves on state lands, clear rules governing forest management, and measures to reduce the deer population and address invasive species. Advancing this legislation is a 2024 priority. In partnership with the foodshed alliance, we provided low-cost, long-term land leases to historically underserved farmers on preserved farmland. The farmers have committed to using sustainable, climate-friendly agricultural practices that will enhance carbon sequestration, reduce chemical use and improve water quality. More 2023 successes we planted 5,000 atlantic white cedar trees to restore a bog within the franklin parker preserve into naturally-functioning wetlands. This newly established cedar swamp will provide critical habitat for barred owls, tree frogs, and state-endangered timber rattlesnakes. We blew the whistle when the nj division of fish & wildlife destroyed 15 acres of protected wetlands at the glassboro wildlife management area in gloucester county. We are now working to ensure the site is properly restored, and the state takes steps to ensure that such mismanagement of public lands never happens again. We expanded our michael huber prairie warbler preserve in the pine barrens by 50% with the acquisition of an adjacent 691-acre former cranberry farm. With more than 65 acres of mature cedar forest, this preserve will be a critical resource for carbon sequestration. An engaged citizenry that reflects new jersey's diverse communities: rally for”

“Other professional fees: program service expenses 501,281. Management and general expenses 4,938. Fundraising expenses 163,571. Total expenses 669,790.”

“Change in value of land, buildings and easements -179,991. Change in value of split interest 22,324.”

“The process has not changed from the prior accounting year.”