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Princeton NJ Non-Profit Press Releases

Sourland Stewards: Protect and Restore Local Ecosystems

August 20, 2025 (Hillsborough, NJ) - The Sourland Conservancy proudly announces the launch of their new Sourland Stewards recognition program, Certified Sourland Habitat, and the first recipient of the new certification, Ina Sivriver of Hillsborough, New Jersey!

"Six years ago, our yard was all grass and nonnative plants," said Ms. Sivriver. "As I learned about the benefits of landscaping with native plants, we began to remove the burning bush and other invasives and replace them with native shrubs like blueberry that have gorgeous fall color and also produce flowers and berries to provide pollinators, birds, and us! Every spring and fall, we add a few more plants. Now, I collect seeds and start plants from cuttings and share them with my neighbors." 

The Certified Sourland Habitat recognition program was created by Hopewell Valley Girl Scout, Tabitha Webster, as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. The program invites residents to take meaningful action to create a healthy habitat in their backyards and businesses to preserve and protect the unique Sourland Region ecosystem.

"I wanted to empower people to realize that even small actions, like planting native species or reducing pesticide use, are super important for the environment. I'm so excited to complete my Gold Award with a project that helps protect the Sourlands and inspires others to get involved," said Tabitha Webster.

The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, recognizing exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and lasting community impact. Fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, which often leads to college scholarships, advanced career opportunities, and recognition from institutions across the country. Projects must address a real issue, show measurable impact, and create lasting change.

Tabitha just graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School and plans to attend Skidmore College in the fall. During her time at the high school, she was a leader of her school's environmental club and co-wrote a monthly newsletter about sustainable fashion. She has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, this Gold Award being her final hoorah. Tabitha started the project in April of 2024 when she met with Laurie Cleveland, Sourland Conservancy's Executive Director, for the first time. Since then, she has put in over 80 hours of work into this program. 

To help make the program a success, Tabitha enlisted the help of local experts for their advice and feedback. This panel included Juanita Hummel, Ina Sivriver, Kirsi Bhasin, Andrew Plunkett, Rosalind Doremus, Peter Betz, and her project advisor, Laurie Cleveland. 

"A project such as Tabitha's that encourages neighbors to come together to create larger areas of contiguous healthy habitat in their own yards," said panelist, Juanita Hummel. "This is an effective way to educate people about the importance of native plants and insects and help communities become part of the solution to a serious ecological problem," 

The Sourland Mountain Region is a critical ecological area in Central New Jersey, home to a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are threatened. The Sourland Stewards program was developed in 2014 to extend the Conservancy's mission by offering a platform for residents to actively support conservation efforts at home. 

The Sourland region has lost more than one million trees since 2020 due to an invasive insect, the emerald ash borer," said Laurie Cleveland, Sourland Conservancy's Executive Director. "The Conservancy's staff, volunteers and community partners are working diligently to restore ecosystem health. One-third of the region is privately owned, so residents make a real impact by planting native plants and trees at home: providing critical food and shelter for birds and butterflies, connecting green spaces, and reducing flooding downstream. We are truly grateful to Tabitha and her team for creating this wonderful program to support and acknowledge this important work." 

The program involves three tiers of participation, each one being more involved than the last. Beginner gardeners through native plant masters are encouraged to participate! Each level has its own set of requirements and increasing levels of commitment. Actions include going to a native seed swap and reading a book about the importance of environmental stewardship, to building a mosquito trap. After completing any of the levels, participants receive a certificate and have the option of purchasing a yard sign to proudly share their accomplishments!

Tabitha hopes that people from all across the region will take part in the program by making simple, sustainable changes at home or in their communities. She encourages anyone who wants to build community while also supporting the local ecosystem to join! 

Sourland Stewards is open to all; no prior experience required. To learn more, volunteer, or participate in an upcoming event, visit https://sourland.org/preserve/ or join the Sourland Stewards Facebook Group.

About the Sourland Conservancy

The Sourland Conservancy works to protect, promote, and preserve the unique character of the Sourland Mountain Region. Through education, advocacy, and stewardship, the Conservancy supports healthy ecosystems and engaged communities in Central New Jersey. To learn more about the Conservancy or the Sourland Stewards program, visit www.sourland.org.

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