GIRLS FOR GREEN INVITE ALL TO PEDAL FOR PRESERVATION on June 18th
On a sunny Sunday morning in May the “girls for green” gathered at the Denville Farmers Market to tell market-goers about the work of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey and to encourage shoppers to sign up early for their highly popular annual fundraiser, Pedal for Preservation, to be held this year on Saturday, June 18.
This family-friendly bicycle ride has grown over its five year existence from 65 riders to nearly 500. Last year’s riders converged from 92 towns in 15 different New Jersey counties. The organized ride, which has been hailed as “extremely well-organized”, “cheerful”, and “not to be missed” is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Columbia Trail.
The Market was an appropriate venue since The Land Conservancy of New Jersey works to protect our drinking water supply and to preserve many types of “open space” including the remaining farms that are key to providing residents with fresh, locally sourced produce. The Land Conservancy has helped to preserve over 50 farms, including 11 in 2015. This year three farms in Warren County, Shiloh Hill Farm of Frelinghuysen Township, the Schanzlin Farm of Harmony Township, and the Walburn Hay Farm of White Township, will be able to continue into the future due to the efforts of The Land Conservancy and its supporters.
Thanks to Market Manager, Liisi Lascarro, the volunteers were provided with a table and canopy from which to spread their message and enthusiasm. Catherine Lowe, Abigail Rokicki, Jacqueline Williams, and Madison Williams of Denville joined Judith Brown of Green Pond to encourage riders, hikers, and other volunteers to sign up for the 5th Annual Pedal for Preservation. Judith Brown first learned of the work of The Land Conservancy when the organization helped to preserve land adjacent to Green Pond Mountain protecting Craigmeur Cliffs. Madison Williams attends Morris Knolls High School while her sister Jacqueline,
Catherine Lowe, and Abigail Rokicki are classmates at Riverview Elementary. “I have been coming to the Denville Farmers Market with my parents since it opened,” explained Abigail. “Helping the farmers who are here and protecting the environment is so rewarding. And volunteering for The Land Conservancy is such a blast! We can’t wait until June 18 to Pedal for Preservation!”
Cyclists will start and finish at West Morris Central High School on Bartley Road in Chester. For the second year in a row a guided hike in nearby Schooley’s Mountain Park is being organized for non-cyclists. Opportunities to volunteer are also available for both those who want to pedal as well as those who would prefer to pitch in without their bicycle.
All proceeds from the 5th Annual Pedal for Preservation will benefit The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s land preservation work. Participants can increase their impact by encouraging friends and family to sponsor their ride. To learn more and to register online visit tlc-nj.org/ride or contact Events Manager Rhonda VanAntwerp at 973-541-1010, x24.
