What began in 1960 as a grass roots organization has grown into one of the nation’s most effective land conservation organizations. NCJF has helped protect more than 100,000 acres of New Jersey farmland, forest, and natural areas – from the cedar swamps of the Pine Barrens to the urban parks of Newark and Camden, from the forests of the Highlands to the marshland of the Delaware Bay.

NJCF has also been at the forefront of every key legislative initiative to protect farmland, forests and water quality throughout the state, including the current effort to renew funding for the Garden State Preservation Trust.

As a leader in the passage of historic legislation to protect the Pine Barrens and other important natural lands in New Jersey, NJCF was influential in bringing about the Pinelands Protection Act, the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act and every Green Acres bond initiative.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation 's preserved lands are open to the public where you can go hiking, bird-watching, bicycling, picnicking, photograph nature and enjoy outdoor fun with the family. Some preserves have spots for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other non-motorized water sports. You can find a list of their properties on their website.

Throughout the year, NJCF leads educational programs and activities such as organic gardening workshops, swamp walks (that despite the name are really a lot of fun) nature photography workshops, kids activities, night time sky watches and guidance on how you and your community can become involved in preserving natural lands.