2019 Accomplishments

·   On February 19, 2019 the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously passed a resolution to acquire nearly 8000 acres of land surrounding the Forked River Mountains capping off a nearly 27 year effort to have this unique wilderness area preserved as open space.

·   Volunteers removed over 22 tons of trash during our 26th Annual Spring Cleanup.  To date, more than 712 tons of debris have been removed from the vast Pinelands forest surrounding around the Forked River Mountains.

·   Hosted an annual meeting of stakeholders with representatives from over a dozen agencies and non-profit organizations to discuss ongoing open space acquisition efforts as well as land stewardship and management needs within the Forked River Mountain area.

·   Sponsored and participated in a variety of educational events, like the Pine Barrens Jamboree, to promote a greater awareness about the importance and significance of the Forked River Mountain area.

·   Continued to publish our newsletter, Forked River Mountain Views, and update our website to report on our activities and educate the public about conservation and stewardship efforts in the area.

·   Conducted general cleanup and maintenance along our hiking/interpretive trail and at our four main preserves. The total of all the land (and water and wildlife) protected in our preserves stands at just over 106 acres.