Across Central New Jersey, communities are embracing conservation initiatives to restore natural spaces and connect people with the environment. With protected land becoming increasingly scarce, these efforts aim to tackle ecological challenges while fostering a sense of shared responsibility. From turning residential lawns into wildlife habitats to innovative public spaces that manage stormwater, local programs are leading the charge for a greener future.
One such effort is a proposed stewardship plan at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), which would restore campus ecosystems and engage the local community. While the plan is not yet in action, it reflects a broader movement toward local conservation and sustainable living.
TCNJ’s campus spans 289 acres in Ewing Township. While it is unclear exactly how much of that land will be dedicated to the stewardship plan, the proposals suggest a considerable portion would be affected. With plans to restore natural habitats, manage invasive species, monitor contamination in campus lakes, and implement deer management strategies, the project has the potential to reshape key ecological areas.
The proposed plan spans a 10-year timeline and offers a long-term vision to curb invasive species, improve biodiversity, and create an ecologically vibrant campus. However, its full implementation hinges on future grant funding and continued administrative support. A $50,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation helped jumpstart the effort, but further financial backing is needed to support projects like large-scale native plantings and fencing to protect vegetation from deer overpopulation.
Behind the plan is a deeper push to transform TCNJ into a living laboratory for sustainability. According to Dr. Miriam Shakow, an anthropology professor involved in the effort, the initiative grew from a workshop that brought together students, staff, and scientists from Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) to discuss sustainable landscaping. That collaboration led to a grant supporting four student interns in drafting the land stewardship plan.
Community engagement is a key component. During Earth Month, TCNJ is hosting invasive plant removal events in the ecological study forest near Armstrong Hall, guided by FoHVOS scientists and volunteers. The college’s “Campus as a Living Lab” Instagram shares upcoming events and ways to get involved. The Environmental Club and the Environmental Sustainability Council — both open to students, staff, and faculty — have been important partners in shaping and supporting the effort.
Students like political science major Sydney Eltringham are also pursuing smaller grants to fund parts of the project, such as deer-proof fencing and targeted tree planting.
FoHVOS and TCNJ hope to finalize the stewardship plan this spring and are holding a public presentation on April 25 to gather input from students, faculty, and staff. If endorsed by the Environmental Sustainability Council in June, the plan could begin its first phase of implementation in the upcoming academic year.
The plan outlines four core focus areas:
- Deer management: Installing exclosures to protect native plants from overgrazing.
- Invasive species control: Removing or managing harmful species that threaten local ecosystems. Invasive species classified as Action Code 1 will be eradicated, while Codes 2 and 3 address lower-risk species that still require strategic management.
- Habitat protection: Safeguarding natural areas for wildlife by protecting native species and introducing new ones to improve biodiversity.
- Contamination monitoring: Addressing harmful algal bloom (HAB) contamination in lakes Ceva and Sylva, with additional focus on shoreline and habitat stewardship along Shabakunk Creek. The plan may also expand student participation in monitoring campus water bodies.
One innovative component of the plan is a proposed program to help homeowners convert lawns into wildlife-friendly habitats. It also emphasizes the importance of interpretive signs and accessible trails to encourage education and engagement.
“Trails are really important because it allows easy access for people to enter these areas, like it gets a clear path of where you can go,” said Kaitlin Muccio, land steward with FoHVOS.
At TCNJ, the stewardship initiative would also create opportunities for student internships, volunteer projects, and inclusive programming aimed at involving underrepresented groups in environmental work.
“This project is an opportunity for people not normally in the stewardship or science field to gain access to see parts of the job that are related to this field,” said Muccio.
“We’re not separate from land. We use it every day. We walk on it every day. I think stewardship is a really great opportunity to not only increase the ecological health of these areas but also increase human health and human well-being,” she added.
Similar conservation efforts are already underway across the region. Organizations like The Watershed Institute, the Passaic River Coalition, and the Sourland Conservancy lead volunteer-driven initiatives year-round. For example, The Watershed Institute — located on nearly 1,000 acres in Hopewell Township — works to protect waterways, restore habitats, and educate the public. Volunteers regularly help remove invasive species and maintain ecological trails. The long-running StreamWatch program allows trained volunteers to monitor local water quality and contribute to citizen science.
Further north, the Passaic River Coalition has safeguarded more than 1,000 acres of open space since 1969. Their work not only protects habitat but also reduces flooding and improves access to nature.
This weekend, the Watershed’s annual stream cleanups will continue in six area municipalities. Other local Earth Day events will offer residents hands-on ways to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and contribute to regional habitat restoration.
Whether on college campuses, in backyards, or across public preserves, conservation efforts in Central Jersey continue to gain momentum — powered by collaboration, community, and a shared commitment to the land.
