The public is invited to attend a free event Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Montgomery Municipal Center, 100 Community Drive, Skillman, NJ. Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) will unveil its new Ecological Priority Model. The event is co-hosted by the Sourland Conservancy.
The Ecological Priority Model is a science-based mapping tool that spans 141,000 acres across 13 municipalities in the Sourlands and broader Central Jersey region. Developed through FoHVOS's Community Conservation and Resiliency Plan — funded by a Land Trust Alliance & Open Space Institute Land & Climate Grant — the model identifies where conservation actions can deliver the greatest benefits for wildlife habitat, clean water, and climate resilience.
FoHVOS Land Steward, Kaitlin Muccio, will lead the presentation, walking attendees through the data and methodology behind the model, the priority areas it has identified, and how individual properties — regardless of size — fit into the larger conservation landscape.
"Every parcel of land in this region plays a role in the health of the Sourlands," said Muccio. "This model helps us understand where targeted action will have the greatest impact — and empowers landowners and municipalities to make informed decisions that benefit the entire community."
The program is designed for landowners, gardeners, municipal officials, and anyone with an interest in the future of Central New Jersey's natural landscapes. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how their own property connects to regional conservation priorities — and practical steps they can take to make a difference.