This year, the Sourland Conservancy has reached an amazing milestone by planting 10,000 trees in the Sourland Mountain Region in New Jersey.
One of these trees, a special oak, was planted at the Somerset County Sourland Mountain Preserve by Arturo Barrett, a hardworking intern at the Conservancy.
Arturo has spent months helping with tree planting, setting up protective fences to keep deer away, removing harmful plants, and leading volunteer groups.
Arturo’s tenure with the Conservancy ends when he takes on a new role at Acadia National Park in Maine.
During his time with the Conservancy, he helped restore and connect the forest with nature.
Commendably, his efforts have helped the local environment and supported a greener future for the area.
The Sourland Conservancy works to protect and restore the Sourland Mountain Region, which has faced major challenges in recent years.
More than one million trees in the region have been lost to the emerald ash borer, a destructive insect.
Since 2020, the Conservancy and its volunteers have planted over 50,000 trees and shrubs to help recover from this loss.
They also use smart, science-based methods to address current problems and prepare for future ones.
This restoration work is important for many reasons.
The forest provides a home for wildlife, cleans the air and water, and helps control flooding.
And over 800,000 people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania depend on the Sourlands for clean drinking water.
Forests also reduce carbon pollution, which helps fight climate change.
The Conservancy’s work is essential for the survival of the forest and the wildlife that depends on it.
The Sourlands are home to 57 species of animals and plants at risk of extinction.
Like the one Arturo planted, oak trees are especially important because they support hundreds of insects and birds.
The Conservancy encourages people to plant native trees in their yards to help provide food and shelter for wildlife.
The Conservancy installs fences to keep deer from eating young trees and remove invasive plants that threaten the growth of native trees.
And the hard work of staff, volunteers, local businesses, and community members has made this progress possible.
The Sourland Mountain Region covers about 90 square miles and is an important natural area.
But unfortunately, it faces many threats, including overdevelopment, invasive species, and too many deer.
These issues harm the forest’s ability to perform its functions, such as filtering air and water and providing shelter for wildlife.
And that’s why the Conservancy’s work is so urgent.
Reaching the milestone of planting 10,000 trees this year is just one part of a bigger goal.
Since 2020, the Conservancy has planted more than 50,000 trees and shrubs.
By restoring the forest, the Conservancy is making the environment healthier and stronger for everyone.
The Conservancy also encourages people to take small steps in their own yards to help the environment.
Planting native trees and removing invasive plants can make a big difference.
So, if you want to learn more or help out, you can visit the Sourland Conservancy’s website at sourland.org.
There, you’ll find information about their projects, volunteer opportunities, and ways to make a positive impact on the environment.
Together, we can continue restoring the Sourland forest and creating a better future for the region.