(HOPEWELL, NJ) -- Local businesses, big and small, are helping the Sourland Conservancy protect, promote and preserve the largest contiguous forest in central New Jersey. Sourland Mountain, located between the city of Lambertville and Hillsborough Township, is a 90 square mile hard diabase ridge that is one of the three major areas of unbroken habitat in NJ (The Pine Barrens and the Highlands being the other two).
The Sourland Mountain region provides critical habitat for a rich diversity of plant and animal species. It is an important stopover point for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway and supports many endangered species. The Mountain has also been a refuge for run-away slaves and a hiding place for those fleeing the law – or the British. Revolutionary war battles were planned there and the infamous Lindbergh baby kidnapping occurred on the Mountain.
The Sourland Conservancy is the only organization dedicated solely to the protection and preservation of the Mountain and local businesses are coming on board to help. These companies know that that their support helps sustain the Sourland Mountain's natural beauty, unique ecology and rich heritage. They also have the opportunity to involve their employees in active support through the Conservancy’s volunteer program.
There are a wide range of companies getting involved. Bristol-Myers Squibb has provided grants, volunteers and professional help to the Conservancy. The Ryland Inn provides the VIP service at the Sourland Music Festival, with support from local farmers and Volvo pf Princeton, Coldwell Banker and Secure Retirement Strategies. The Princeton Record Exchange, the outdoor equipment cooperative REI and Hunterdon Healthcare are among those helping to promote the Festival. Sourland Cycles, Sourland Mountain Spirits, the Bank of Princeton, Kilbourne and Kilbourne, The Brothers Moon and The Bent Spoon are Sourland Conservancy Business Partners.
Savvy business owners know that the Sourland Mountain has an important role in making this area such a great place to live and do business. It provides healthy leisure opportunities, a chance to get away from the stress of everyday life and enhances the quality of life for those communities based in and around it. As Mike Barasch of Coldwell Banker Realty put it, “It’s not just that I personally love having the Mountain on my doorstep. It really enhances the attractiveness of the area and that is why we are supporting the great work of the Conservancy.”
Many of these companies will have a presence at the Sourland Music Festival on June 23rd at the Hillsborough Country Club Visitors will enjoy great music, wonderful food, lots of activities for kids and an opportunity to learn more about the Sourlands! Details and tickets at www.sourlandmusicfest.org.