FoHVOS.org

Hatch A Hundred Info Session
2026-01-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Historic Hunt House, 197 Blackwell Rd, Pennington, New Jersey, 08534, United States
Hatch A Hundred Info Session

American Kestrels, North America’s smallest falcon, are facing a steep population decline due to habitat loss and other environmental challenges. These incredible birds depend on open grasslands and natural cavities for nesting, but these habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Hatch a Hundred is a community-driven effort to support kestrel populations by installing and monitoring nest boxes. These boxes provide safe nesting sites, helping to stabilize and increase kestrel numbers.

Together, we can make a difference for this species in our region. You can help by volunteering as a nest box monitor or hosting a nest box on your property! Join us on Saturday January 24th to learn more. Registration required.

Register to Attend

Kestrel Nest Box Workshop
2026-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Calvary Baptist Church, 3 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ, 08525, United States
Hatch A Hundred: Kestrel Nest Box-Building Workshop

Start your Super Bowl weekend with a Kestrel Kickoff! Attend our nest box building workshop on February 7th from 1-3pm. This event is great for families looking for hands-on ways to help protect American kestrels. Kestrels rely on artificial cavities like nest boxes to rear their chicks. By building more boxes, you can help provide safe nesting sites and help to stabilize and increase kestrel numbers.

Register to attend this event! Please bring work gloves, a cordless driver and Philip’s head bit.

This program is a collaboration between Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) and Wild Bird Research Group (WBRG). Hatch a Hundred is a community-driven effort to support kestrel populations by installing and monitoring nest boxes. These boxes provide safe nesting sites, helping to stabilize and increase kestrel numbers.

Email hatchahundred@gmail.com to register

Bee-Friendly Communities with Olivia Matise, Rescheduled!
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Historic Hunt House, 197 Blackwell Rd, Pennington, New Jersey, 08534, United States
This talk will introduce the basics of native bee ecology, and what you can do to protect and create bee habitat on your own land and within your communities. Register below for this free event! Please list number of attendees in the comments section.

Olivia Matise is a Pollinator Conservation Specialist with The Xerces Society, and a Partner Biologist with the USDA NRCS. Located in Central New Jersey, Olivia provides technical assistance for pollinator conservation in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region. As an NRCS partner, she supports agricultural producers and landowners on the planning and implementation of projects to benefit pollinators and beneficial insects. She is also the co-lead for the Xerces Society Habitat Kit Program in this region.

Olivia holds a master’s degree in ecology, evolution and environmental biology from Columbia University, and conducted two research projects on bumble bee behavior and biology during both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her previous experience includes an internship with The Bee Conservancy of NYC, and she is passionate about urban ecology, community engagement with conservation, and sustainable farming.

Preserving the Sourlands & Beyond
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:30 | NJ
Curious about how your property can help support wildlife, protect clean water, and strengthen our region’s resilience? Join FoHVOS and discover how every property, no matter the size, contributes to the health of the Sourlands and the broader Central Jersey landscape.

During this program, FoHVOS Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Muccio will introduce our new Ecological Priority Model, a science-based tool designed to help landowners, municipalities, and conservation partners understand where conservation actions can make the greatest impact. Developed through the FoHVOS Community Conservation and Resiliency Plan, funded by a Land Trust Alliance & Open Space Institute Land & Climate Grant, the model highlights areas of high ecological value across 141,000 acres in 13 municipalities, including the entire Sourland Mountain region.

Participants will explore:

The data and mapping behind the model

The priority areas identified

How individual properties fit into the larger conservation picture

Whether you care for a few garden beds or many acres, your land matters and can help steward the Sourlands and beyond.

Registration is required, please register for the talk below, and indicate how many will be attending.

Register for this event!

Vernal Pool Walk
2026-03-29 10:00 - 12:00 | NJ
Vernal pools are important breeding habitat for amphibians like spring peepers, spotted salamanders and wood frogs. Unlike other bodies of water, vernal pools are temporary, usually drying up by mid-summer. On this guided hike, we plan to visit some vernal pool sites and see (and hear!) evidence of amphibian activity. We will also learn about acoustic monitoring initiatives to study frog breeding calls, and discuss the effects of the 2024 fire that occurred on the preserve. This hike will be at a leisurely pace on marked trails. Be sure to bring water and wear shoes appropriate for hiking in wet areas.Register for this event by emailing lmcnamara@fohvos.org. When sending your email, please indicate the number of people attending the hike.

Preserving the Valley & Beyond
2026-04-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Hopewell Municipal Building, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, New Jersey, 08560, United States
Curious about how your property can help support wildlife, protect clean water, and strengthen our region’s resilience? Join FoHVOS, an accredited land trust in Hopewell, NJ, and discover how every property, no matter the size, contributes to the health of the Valley and the broader Central Jersey landscape.

During this program, FoHVOS Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Muccio will introduce our new Ecological Priority Model, a science-based tool designed to help landowners, municipalities, and conservation partners understand where conservation actions can make the greatest impact. Developed through the FoHVOS Community Conservation and Resiliency Plan, funded by a Land Trust Alliance & Open Space Institute Land & Climate Grant, the model highlights areas of high ecological value across 141,000 acres in 13 municipalities, including the entire Sourland Mountain region.

Participants will explore:

The data and mapping behind the model

The priority areas identified

How individual properties fit into the larger conservation picture

Whether you care for a few garden beds or many acres, your land matters and can help steward the Valley and beyond.

Register for this event by emailing lmcnamara@fohvos.org. When sending your email, please indicate the number of people attending the talk.

2026 Strike Team Conference
2026-04-15 09:00 - 16:00 | The Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 S Post Rd, West Windors, New Jersey, 08550, United States
Conference Schedule of Events and CE Credits
9 AM Check-In & Continental Breakfast
9:15 AM WelcomeMercer County ParksJenn Rogers, FoHVOS Executive Director
9:30 AM The Increasingly Dynamic State of Forest Tree Communities in New Jersey HighlandsDr. Eric Wiener, Ramapo College of New Jersey
10:30 AM New Jersey’s Battle Against Silty Pond MusselDr. Emile DeVito, New Jersey Conservation FoundationScott Churm, Princeton Hydro
11:30 PM Lunch
12:45 PM New Jersey AIS Management Plan UpdatesSamantha MacQuesten, NJ Fish & Wildlife
1:45 PM Embracing Responsible Deer Stewardship in New JerseyJoe Basralian, New Jersey Conservation Foundation
3:00PM New Jersey’s Invasive Species LegislationDr. Michael Van Clef, Strike Team Program Director

Meet the Speakers

List of Continuing Education Credits

Just Birds with Jack and Jenn
2026-04-17 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-05-01 08:30 - 10:00 | Mount Rose Preserve, Mount Rose Preserve, Princeton, NJ, 08540, United States
Join our Executive Director Jenn and local community scientist Jack, for a picturesque stroll and search for our colorful harbingers of spring at Mount Rose Preserve.

Register Today!

Community Conservation Conference
2026-04-18 08:30 - 13:00 | Hopewell Valley Central High School, 259 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington, New Jersey, 08534, United States
Join us on Saturday, April 18th for our first-ever Community Conservation Conference! This inspirational and educational half-day event is designed for homeowners and the public that are interested in and committed to at-home habitat restoration. Our keynote speaker, Doug Tallamy, is the founder of the Homegrown National Park movement, whose groundbreaking work has inspired thousands to transform their yards into thriving ecosystems. This conference will be packed with resources, inspiration and expert advice, from our presenters to exhibitors.
Exhibitors include:

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Connecting Habitat Across New Jersey (CHANJ)
Habitat Collaborative
Jared Rosenbaum
My Backyard Nectars
New Jersey Native Plant Society
Our World Our Choices
Refugia Design
Toadshade Wildflower Farm
Trillium Outside

Check out our agenda below, and register today!
FoHVOS is a pioneer in partnering with homeowners to create meaningful stewardship. Through our Community Conservation program, we’ve helped hundreds of people “bring nature home”—by offering guidance and access to native plants. After 20 years, we are excited to unveil a revitalized program that delivers even more: expanded education, practical how-to guides, and new opportunities to take action—and it all begins with this conference!
Proudly sponsored by Church & Dwight.

Want to be a conference sponsor? Find more information here.

Spring Ephemeral Walk
2026-04-22 11:00 - 12:30 | Baldpate Mountain, 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville, NJ, 08560, United States
Celebrate Earth Week with FoHVOS!

Join Conservation Biologist Kaitlin Wednesday April 22nd for a hike at Baldpate Mountain where we will search for the beautiful, but short-lived, spring ephemerals! Spring ephemerals are woodland wildflowers that bloom in the brief window between snow melt and tree leaf-out. On this guided hike, we hope to spot species like bloodroot, rue anemone, wild geranium and learn about the signs of spring. This hike will be at a leisurely pace on trails. Be sure to bring water and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

The walk will take place from 11:00AM to 12:30PM. Registration is required. For parking, drive all the way up the driveway until you reach the upper parking by the historic mansion.

Register today!

Just Birds with Jack and Jenn
2026-04-24 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-05-08 08:30 - 10:00 | Baldpate Mountain, 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville, NJ, 08560, United States
For nearly 20 years, birding the driveway of Baldpate has almost been its own rite of spring for our local nature enthusiasts. Join our Executive Director Jenn and local community scientist Jack, for a picturesque stroll and search for our colorful harbingers of spring, all the way to the summit of the mountain. In addition to filling our forests and souls with song, these neotropical migrants played an important role in the preservation of Baldpate. BYOB: Please bring your own binoculars.

Register today!

Spring Ephemeral Walk
2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 | NJ
Celebrate Earth Week with FoHVOS!

Join Land Steward Alyssa Saturday April 25th for a hike at Woosamonsa Ridge (2025 Trail of the Year Winner!) where we will search for the beautiful, but short-lived, spring ephemerals! Spring ephemerals are woodland wildflowers that bloom in the brief window between snow melt and tree leaf-out. On this guided hike, we hope to spot species like bloodroot, rue anemone, wild geranium and learn about the signs of spring. This hike will be at a leisurely pace on trails. Be sure to bring water and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

The walk will take place from 11:00AM to 12:00PM. Registration is required. There is limited parking on site.

Register today!

FoHVOS Annual Ted Stiles Memorial Hike
2026-05-03 09:00 - 11:30 | Baldpate Mountain, 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville, NJ, 08560, United States
FoHVOS is hosting the Ted Stiles Memorial Hike at Baldpate Mountain. The hike is held in honor of former FoHVOS president Ted Stiles whose vision helped preserve thousands of acres in Hopewell Valley.

Join one of three 90-min hikes, each focusing on a different topic and led by FoHVOS staff and volunteers. All hikes begin at 9 am. At the end, all groups will meet at the historic lodge for coffee and doughnuts and community discussion.

Register today!

Birds of Baldpate Walk
2026-06-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Baldpate Mountain, 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville, NJ, 08560, United States
For nearly 20 years, birding the driveway of Baldpate has almost been its own rite of spring for our local nature enthusiasts. Join our Partnerships Manager Lindsay and local community scientist Jack for a picturesque stroll and search for our colorful harbingers of summer. BYOB: Please bring your own binoculars.

Register today!

Preserving the Valley and Growing Backyard Biodiversity
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Hopewell Municipal Building, 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, New Jersey, 08560, United States
Curious about how your property can help support wildlife, protect clean water, and strengthen our region’s resilience? Join FoHVOS, an accredited land trust in Hopewell, NJ, and discover how every property, no matter the size, contributes to the health of the Valley and the broader Central Jersey landscape.

During this program, FoHVOS Executive Director Jennifer Rogers will introduce our new Ecological Priority Model, a science-based tool designed to help landowners, municipalities, and conservation partners understand where conservation actions can make the greatest impact.

Developed through the FoHVOS Community Conservation and Resiliency Plan, funded by a Land Trust Alliance & Open Space Institute Land & Climate Grant, the model highlights areas of high ecological value across 141,000 acres in 13 municipalities, including the entire Sourland Mountain region.

Participants will explore:

The data and mapping behind the model

The priority areas identified

How individual properties fit into the larger conservation picture

Whether you care for a few garden beds or many acres, your land matters and can help steward the Valley and beyond. Join a growing network of residents who are taking meaningful action to support wildlife, restore habitat, and make our region more resilient — one yard at a time.

Register Today!

Birds of Baldpate Evening Walk
2026-07-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Baldpate Mountain, 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville, NJ, 08560, United States
Join our Partnerships Manager Lindsay and local community scientist Jack for a picturesque stroll and search for our colorful summer songbirds.

Register today!

FoHVOS Annual Gala
2026-09-27 15:00 - 19:00 | Glenmoore Farm, 105 Pennington - Hopewell Road, Hopewell, New Jersey, 08525, United States
Join us for the 2026 Annual FoHVOS Gala In The Weeds: Honoring Dr. Michael Van Clef on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at Glenmoore Farm with music by A Little Bit Off. From 3-4 pm, we will hold our VIP “Science and Champagne” Poster Session and our program will run from 4-7 pm.
