Tag: New Jersey Conservation Foundation
-
History and hiking in New Jersey are perfect together
By Michele S. Byers It’s hard to go more than a few miles in New Jersey without bumping into an historic site. The state isn’t called the “Crossroads of the American Revolution” for nothing. George Washington spent more time here than in any other state. And New Jersey has many historic sites connected to early…
-
Efforts are taking shape to address injustice to Black farmers
By Michele S. Byers Logan Davis has a dream of running his own organic farm, one that would use no-till, “regenerative” methods to enrich the soil, grow healthy foods and sequester carbon that contributes to climate change. As a young Black farmer, he faces many challenges. The vast majority of farmers in New Jersey and…
-
A bold plan: Save 30% of America’s land and oceans for nature
By Michele S. Byers In his 2016 book, “Half Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life,” biologist and author Edward O. Wilson made a strong case for preserving half the planet – both land and oceans – for nature. This, he argued, is the best way to prevent a mass extinction of species that could lead…
-
Can ‘tiny forests’ help New Jersey’s cities and suburbs?
By Michele S. Byers What is the size of about 10 car parking spots, improves air quality, attracts butterflies and other wildlife, and enhances biodiversity? It’s a “tiny forest.” While many folks think of forests as places big enough to get lost in, tiny forests can be small spots that are densely planted with native…
-
A ‘green energy job’ future spells success for New Jersey
By Michele S. Byers In his State of the State address on Jan. 12, Gov. Phil Murphy pledged to help New Jersey emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic “stronger, fairer and more resilient than before.” The pandemic has taken a terrible toll on New Jersey, and swift, expansive vaccinations will be one of the governor’s top…
-
New Jersey environmental wins and losses of 2020
By Michele S. Byers The year 2020 will go down in history as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many lives lost, lockdowns, school and business closings, economic uncertainty and political divisions. In the midst of it all we found a silver lining as New Jerseyans embraced and enjoyed parks and green spaces. The…
-
Nature in New Jersey is quite busy during winter
By Michele S. Byers Winter may seem quiet, almost like nature is taking a break. But is this true? Many animals are hibernating, lots of birds have fled to the south and plants are dormant. But you might be surprised at all of nature’s activity in winter in this state we’re in. Every day for…
-
Using science to bring back iconic American chestnut trees
By Michele S. Byers “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose …” By the time those famous lyrics were penned in 1945, most of the magnificent American chestnut forests in the eastern United States were gone, the victims of a blight that would eventually kill some four billion trees. In…
-
Stop fraudulent land conservation schemes
By Michele S. Byers Since the 1970s donations of land and interests in land, known as conservation easements, have benefited from a federal conservation tax deduction. The tax deduction incentive has proven enormously successful and popular across the nation. In fact, the conservation easement tax deduction is one of America’s most valuable tools for encouraging…
