May 17, 2023

Issue #20 - Browser View

FoHVOS Board of Trustees in favor of Invasive Species Legislation

On Monday, May 15, a coalition of conservation organizations sent four letters to elected officials including the Senate President, Assembly Speaker, and Minority leaders, with each copied to the committee chairs, bill sponsors and co-sponsors. The senate committee hearing is expected May 22

The organizations strongly request that the Senate and Assembly leadership, move bill S2186/A3677 which “Prohibits sale, distribution, or propagation of certain invasive plant species without permit from Department of Agriculture; establishes NJ Invasive Species Council” through committee and enable it be enacted into law.

FoHVOS signed onto the letter both as the FoHVOS organization and as a participant of New Jersey Forest Stewardship Task Force Invasive Species Subgroup. Click photo below for 2022 bill discussions.

Chat GPT Weighs In On

Invasive Species Legislation

Since Artificial Intelligence has been in the news a lot, we figured we'd get in on the fun. Since FoHVOS is actively involved with supporting Senate Bill 2186 to legislating invasive species restrictions.

We asked chatGPT, "Write a paragraph about the benefit of legislation restricting invasive species. Focus on the environmental benefits." Here is the unedited response:

"Legislating against invasive species is essential to protect the delicate balance of our ecosystems and preserve native biodiversity. Invasive species pose a significant threat to the environment, as they can outcompete and displace native species, disrupt natural food chains, and alter the structure of entire ecosystems. They can cause habitat degradation, leading to a loss of plant and animal species diversity. Invasive species can also negatively impact ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling and pollination, which are vital for the health and sustainability of natural environments. By implementing legislation, we can establish measures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, conduct early detection and rapid response efforts, and promote responsible practices in trade and transportation. Through legislative action, we can safeguard our fragile ecosystems, maintain ecological resilience, and protect the invaluable environmental services they provide."

Pennington Borough

Pennington Day

Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10:00-4:00 p.m.

Come visit the FoHVOS Booth on Pennington Day! Our Board Trustees can't wait to see you!

FoHVOS' NJ Invasive Species Strike Team & East Amwell Twp. Environmental Commission/Green Team

Sustainability Series #3

ZOOM

Monday, May 22, 2023, from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Join the East Amwell Twp. Environmental Commission/Green Team for a talk/Q&A on managing and removing invasive plants in your yard with

Dr. Mike Van Clef of the FoHVOS Invasive Strike Team. All ages, all welcome. ZOOM details will follow the day before. Register now!

Princeton Public Library

The Alchemy of

Old-Growth Forests

Community room & Youtube

Monday, May 22, 2023, from 6:00-7:15 p.m.

Joan Maloof, founder, and director of the Old-Growth Forest Network, explores the science and alchemy of old-growth forests and makes a compelling case for their protection. Joan Maloof, Ph.D., is professor emerita of biological sciences at Salisbury University. In addition to "Nature's Temples: A Natural History of Old-Growth Forests," her books include "Treepedia" and "Teaching the Trees." Come out or Youtube-in to learn more on how to protect old-growth forest.

Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) of New Jersey

Free Washington Crossing Park Historic Walking Tour

Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd. Titusville, NJ 08560

Sunday, May 28, 2023, from 1-2:30 p.m.

The (WCPA) of New Jersey works to preserve, enhance and advocate for the park and the history it represents. The Association strives to educate citizens and enrich their quality of life through knowledge of and exposure to the park. On the day of the tour, there will be 4 tour stops which will be at the: Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum, Sullivan Drive & Continental Lane Marker, Stone Barn, and The Overlook. The tours are free, but donations are encouraged. You reserve your spot below!

FoHVOS' NJ Invasive Species Strike Team & Ridgeview Conservancy

Community Stewardship Field Workshop

Ridgeview Woods, 211 Ridgeview Rd Princeton, NJ 08540

Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

This event is perfect for private citizens performing stewardship on both public and private lands. It will be held at Ridgeview Woods thus featuring Ridgeview Conservancy Youth Stewards who will demonstrate how they are working to transform formerly impenetrable forests ridden with invasive species, into enchanting public trails featuring native species. All who enjoy and want to protect and restore forests are welcome - volunteer stewards, students, families, private landowners, and all ages. The event is free; so sign up below!

Glenmoore Farm & NakedFeet Events

RainbowMoon 3rd Annual Fest

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023 AT 10:00 AM

Glenmoore Farm & NakedFeet Events Present the 3RD Annual Summer Outdoor Festival Event of the Year in Hopewell NJ with area dancers, artists & musicians! Celebrating local and regional musicians, artists and crafts, wellness activities and workshops, unique merchandise, and quality food vendors. FoHVOS will be leading nature hikes at the event!

FoHVOS' NJ Invasive Species Strike Team

Strike Team Potluck Social

Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Purely for fun, enjoy eating wild (and foraged) recipes while spending time with colleagues, private landowners, hunters, and stewardship volunteers from around the state. If you aren’t a forager, please show your shopping skills by bringing some interesting eats. Last year we had some great dishes made from native and invasive species and a few hunters showed up with fresh venison dishes! You never know what you'll get to try! Our Potluck Social will be held at a private residence located in Hopewell Township. The event is free, but you need to register so we can plan for the right number!

Let's Cycle NJ, Sam McCoy Scholarship Fund, FoHVOS OEA

2023 Juneteenth Freedom Ride

Saturday, June 17, 2023, 8:30, 9:00, and 10 am start times

The third annual Freedom Ride starts at Mercer County park and travels around Mercer County including Hopewell Valley.

2023 Juneteenth Weekend

Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 12:00-8:00 p.m.

African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, Outdoor Equity Alliance, Legislative District 15, and Mercer County Park Commission present our third Juneteenth Weekend.