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Hello Friends,
We need your help to permanently protect the headwaters of Black Run Preserve!
Twenty years ago, the Black Run Headwaters in Evesham Township, Burlington County were formally recognized as one of the most pristine subwatersheds of the Rancocas Creek in a New Jersey Pinelands Commission scientific report. Comprised of uplands rich with pines, oaks, and blueberries, and a variety of wetlands, the densely forested property safeguards drinking water, protects threatened wildlife, sequesters carbon, and enhances climate resilience. This protected open space raises nearby property values and increases opportunities for residents to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of recreation in nature. Despite mounting evidence of its ecological value, this land has remained vulnerable to the development of nearly 300 residences!
Today, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Pinelands Alliance, Friends of the Black Run Preserve, and Rancocas Conservancy are excited to be on the threshold of permanently preserving this ecologically important property, but we need your help!
New Jersey Conservation Foundation has entered into a binding sales contract with the current landowner to acquire the 835-acre Black Run Headwater property, and Evesham Township has agreed to take ownership of the property to be added to its existing 1,300-acre Black Run Preserve.
Significant public funding has been awarded to this massive acquisition project, and we can see the finish line coming into view. The last remaining challenges are to raise funding to cover the necessary transaction costs associated with the acquisition and to ensure that the future stewardship and management of the entire Black Run Preserve has a strong foundation.
We know that this landscape is inherently valuable, and we know that many residents, neighbors, and visitors to the existing Preserve have been deeply involved in advocating for the permanent protection of the Black Run Headwaters. Please join us in this final push to meet our financial needs to be able to bring this project to a joyful, reverberating close!
Our four organizations are partnering to raise these critical funds by the end of the year. By acting now to contribute to the protection of the Black Run Headwaters, together we will ensure that this 835-acre gem continues to provide cleaner air and water, healthy habitats, climate resilience, and greater access to nature for all.
Your gift today will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of preserve visitors, plants, and wildlife. To make your contribution please visit njconservation.org/blackrun/.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, feel free to email Robyn Jeney, South Jersey Regional Manager, at robyn.jeney@njconservation.org.
THANK YOU for your support!
Jane Dean, FBRP President on behalf of
Allison Mitchell, Executive Director
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
The FBRP is a registered nonprofit organization under the IRS section 501(c) 3.
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