The Sourland Conservancy works to protect the Sourland Mountain region's ecology through stewardship of natural resources and advocacy through effective citizen action. They organization promotes the use of environmental best management practices and builds awareness of cultural heritage through education and effective communications.  They advocate for the preservation of the historic and ecological qualities of the Sourland Mountain region. Here is a look at upcoming events presented by the organization.

Thursday, January 13 at 7:00pm, Winter Seed Sowing Workshop (in-person in Hillsborough): Come learn about growing native plants! Participants will receive a hands-on demonstration and take home native seeds to grow beautiful plants at home. All materials are included in the registration cost. Participants will gain knowledge on cold stratification, habitat requirements of these native plants and the animals that these plants support. Led by Rachel Mackow, co-owner of Wild Ridge Plants, Carolyn Klaube, Stewardship Director of the Sourland Conservancy, and Laurie Cleveland, Executive Director of the Sourland Conservancy. Registration costs $25, sign up via sourland.org/events/

Tuesday, February 1 at 7:00pm, Amphibian Crossing Guards Training (virtual): Ensure the survival of some of the Sourland region’s most important and fragile species. Help the salamanders and other amphibians safely cross the road as they migrate to their natal vernal pools. On rainy evenings from late February through March, teams of local volunteers will be serving as “Crossing Guards” – slowing traffic, moving amphibians across the road, and collecting data about the migration. Join this training to help in the migration, sign up via sourland.org/events/

Thursday, February 10 at 7:00pm, The ABCs of Birding in the Sourlands: Identifying Winter Backyard Birds (virtual): The Sourland region, designated by National Audubon as a continental IBA (Important BirdArea) attracts many different birds each season. This talk is a great way for beginner birders to get started on the basics of bird identification is to study the ones in their backyards. Information will be provided on how to safely attract and feed birds in your yard, and how you can become a citizen scientist by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) a week later! Sign up via sourland.org/events/

Sourland Mountain Fest Committee is seeking a co-chair and volunteers. The Sourland MountainFest is one of the Sourland Conservancy's yearly signature fundraising events, which unfortunately we have not been able to host for the past two years due to COVID. We are working hard to make the festival possible next year, but need help. Do you know someone excellent at coordinating events/parties? Let us know!  Please send a note to Suzanne Parsons SMF Chair, Sourland Mountain Festival via mountainfest@sourland.org with the subject line “SMF Co-Chair”. Learn about the festival by visiting sourlandmountainfest.com

Join the Stewardship Crew! Join us the first and third Friday of each month to get outside and do some stewardship work across the Sourlands. Email sourlandstewards@sourland.org to let us know if you will be there and to confirm the location. Please wear sturdy shoes, thick gloves, and clothes you don't mind playing in the briars in. If you have eye protection, it would be a good idea to wear it in case you poke yourself with a stick while working.