It’s our birthday! On July 30, 1981, our organization was born as the Morris County Parks and Conservation Foundation. Run exclusively by volunteers until 1994, our fearless leader David Epstein was the first permanent employee. Oh, how we’ve grown since then! Once the scope of our work broadened, we became The Land Conservancy of New Jersey in 2008. Over 44 years, TLCNJ has shaped NJ’s environmental policy; preserved 30,000 acres of land; undertaken ambitious restoration projects; and won many awards. Scores of our interns, staff members, and scholarship winners have gone on to impressive conservation careers in government, local and national nonprofits, environmental science research, and so much more. We couldn’t be prouder, and we’re incredibly excited for the future! Visit tlc-nj.org/our-story for a deeper dive into TLCNJ’s history. (fb)

Part of TLCNJ's core work is to help NJ towns develop open space plans and environmental resource inventories to help guide decisions that balance growth with long-term sustainability. Recently we helped Holmdel reassess the town's natural assets and vulnerabilities after two decades of suburban expansion and increasing environmental concerns. This updated ERI will serve as a guide for Holmdel officials when considering zoning, land use, and conservation policies. Learn more at the Two River Times: https://tworivertimes.com/new-challenges-expand-scope-of-holmdel-envrionmental-inventory/ (fb)