Here are just a few things RVC accomplished in 2024 with the help of our supporters, volunteers and partners!
Assisted in the preservation of 274 acres of land, expanding our commitment to protecting open spaces.
Installed a Pollinator Pocket Meadow and planted an additional 430 trees, for a total of 1,229 trees planted since 2023.
Maintained trails and restored ecologically sensitive areas, ensuring our preserves thrive.
Hired our first full-time Land Projects and Stewardship Manager, increasing our ability to care for our lands.
Introduced our first employee benefit, a 401(k) plan, supporting the well-being of our team.
landscapes & legacy
For over 30 years, Max and Ingrid Klein have been pillars of Ridge and Valley Conservancy, their unwavering support shaping the very landscape of our mission. From their kitchen window, they enjoyed a breathtaking view that tells the story of their dedication—a tapestry of preserved lands including Blair Creek, Sunset Ridge, Birch Ridge, Lightning Bug Hollow, and Millbrook Seeps. This view is more than just scenery; it is a legacy, a testament to their belief in the power of conservation.
“Our work would not have been possible without Max and Ingrid’s steadfast contributions,” shared RVC’s Executive Director. “Their generosity over the decades has helped us keep going, ensuring we could pay for essentials like insurance, legal fees, and office rent. It’s because of supporters like them that we can preserve these beautiful places for future generations.” Thanks to Max and Ingrid, the view from their kitchen window—and countless others—stands as a living legacy of what steadfast support can achieve.
partnering for preservation
Assisting landowners in finding the best preservation options
Our organization not only works to protect land for our own ‘portfolio’, but also assists landowners to protect their land through other means and with the help of other organizations. For example this year, RVC received a real estate listing from one of its trustees, sparking an exciting opportunity for conservation. Upon mapping the 28-acre parcel, RVC discovered that the land borders Stokes State Forest, making it an ideal candidate for park expansion. Recognizing its potential, RVC reached out to the listing realtor and swiftly made an offer, including a clause that would allow the contract to be assumed by the State of New Jersey.
RVC then engaged with the Green Acres State Direct Program, which showed immediate interest in the property. Soon after, Green Acres matched RVC’s initial offer, enabling the parcel to enter the state acquisition process. The transfer is expected to close by the end of the year, ensuring the land will be preserved for future generations to enjoy as part of Stokes State Forest. This successful collaboration highlights the vital role partnerships play in conserving and expanding New Jersey’s natural landscapes.
Spotlight on Dedication
Volunteer to Board Member
After moving from Stillwater to Hardwick, Eric Svendsen was searching for a way to connect with his new community. Encouraged by his wife’s online search, he discovered Ridge and Valley Conservancy and quickly found it to be a great fit. “In Stillwater, I had been part of the Township Environmental Commission, and I missed giving back to the community I lived in,” he shared. “RVC is a perfect fit for me.”
With a lifelong passion for environmental issues and a degree in Environmental Studies, Eric's commitment to conservation runs deep. That passion led him to identify RVC as a potential candidate for much-needed funding for an environmental project in 2023. As an Environmental Analyst with TC Energy and member of their Community Action Team, he helped point RVC to a grant to support a Riparian Buffer Restoration initiative. Since 2023, RVC has planted more than 1,220 trees at Dark Moon Preserve as part of this project.
Volunteering with RVC also deepened his understanding of the organization and its mission, ultimately inspiring him to join the board in July 2024. “It is a privilege and honor to serve on the board,” he says. He hopes to see RVC continue to expand the acreage preserved in the community and often encourages others to get involved. “There’s a great sense of achievement in doing something for nature and others.”
For this dedicated conservationist, spending time outdoors brings a unique sense of peace. “I can lose myself in the woods, where the only thing that matters in that moment is watching the woodpecker or listening to the sounds of the waterfall I am sitting next to.”
RVC is grateful for the passion and commitment of volunteers like Eric, whose dedication help drive our mission forward.
choosing conservation over development
cedar ridge preserve
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.
"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.