More than nature lovers

We’re not just tree huggers (though we do love our trees)! Protecting, promoting, and preserving the Sourland Mountain Region requires a wide range of talents and expertise, and that’s exactly what our board and staff bring to the table.

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[ Our Mission ]

Our mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the unique character of the Sourland Mountain Region of Central New Jersey.

A shield-shaped emblem with a forest scene inside, featuring tall trees and small bushes on the ground.

Protect

We work to protect the Sourland Mountain region’s ecology through stewardship of natural resources and advocacy through effective citizen action.

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Promote

We promote the use of environmental best management practices and build awareness of cultural heritage through education and effective communications.

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Preserve

We advocate for the preservation of the historic and ecological qualities of the Sourland Mountain region.

[ Values ]

What Guides Us

Our values shape every decision, action, and partnership — ensuring our mission stays rooted in community, respect, and the unique spirit of the Sourlands.

Miniature model of people planting and caring for trees in a garden bed.

Inclusion

We believe that everyone should play a vital role in the decisions of their communities.

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Respect

We understand that there is a wide divergence of regional interests and stakeholder needs and that effective change is born from a positive discourse of ideas.

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Knowledge

We aspire to increase the understanding of the unique character of this region.

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Diversity

We value the collective, rich heritage of our Sourland community.

[ Our History ]

The Story of the Sourland Conservancy

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In 1986

Robert Garrett gathered a group of concerned residents around a kitchen table to discuss the growing threat of unsustainable development in the Sourland region.

This meeting led to the creation of the Sourland Regional Citizens Planning Council, a grassroots effort dedicated to protecting the Sourland Mountain and its unique ecosystem.

Over the Years

The organization evolved — publishing influential works, advocating for environmental protections, and engaging the community through education, events, and conservation initiatives.

In 2013

The organization became the Sourland Conservancy, reflecting its broader mission beyond planning to active stewardship and preservation.

Today

The Sourland Conservancy continues its vital work, from advocating to preserving natural and historic resources to protecting and restoring the region’s fragile ecosystem. With the support of dedicated volunteers and advocates, we remain committed to safeguarding this irreplaceable landscape for generations to come.

[ Vision ]

The Sourlands as a refuge of cultural and natural diversity

A vibrant, protected landscape where ecological integrity and human well-being go hand in hand. We envision the Sourlands as a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife, a stronghold for clean air and water, and a haven of natural beauty and peace for all people.

A bird perched on a thorny branch, surrounded by tangled, leafless twigs.
Young fox standing on forest ground, looking down, surrounded by foliage and dirt, with soft brown and gray fur.

Rooted in rich cultural heritage and guided by a spirit of stewardship, the Sourlands will remain a place where communities connect with nature, history, and one another — ensuring that future generations can experience its wonders, breathe its clean air, drink its pure water, and find renewal in its forests, fields, and streams.

A white woodland flower with a green center and yellow stamens growing among brown fallen leaves.
Close-up of a black salamander with yellow spots on a leaf in a natural environment.

[ Our Team ]

Our team brings together passionate experts from diverse fields - science, technology, arts, business, and public policy - all united by a shared mission: to protect and restore the Sourland Mountain Region.

Meet Our Team

Laurie Cleveland

Executive Director

Laurie joined the Sourland Conservancy’s staff in 2015 to help connect people with nature – and each other. An active member of the local community, Laurie works to partner with local, regional, and national organizations to implement education, advocacy, and stewardship initiatives to Save the Sourlands. During her time at the Conservancy, she has spearheaded a number of initiatives raising the visibility, effectiveness, and impact of the organization’s work – including an ongoing goal of planting 10,000 trees per year to mitigate the impact of the ash crisis. Additionally, Laurie serves as secretary of the Hopewell Borough Economic Development Committee and is a member of the advisory board of the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM). In her spare time, Laurie enjoys photography, reading, gardening, and exploring the Sourland trails.

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Our members inspire me every day – people of all ages from different backgrounds come together to share, learn, and honor each other.

  • Robert Aluck

    Robert Aluck

    Stewardship Director

    Growing up on Long Island, Robert’s love for nature began early. With 10 years in federal fisheries management, he joined Sourland Conservancy in 2022 to focus on local wildlife. He enjoys fishing, family time, and studying native species.

  • Kristen Lombardo

    Kristen Lombardo

    Director of Development

    Kristen joined the Sourland Conservancy in December 2025. Prior to joining the organization, she served as Manager of Operations at the Historical Society of Princeton. A lifelong New Jersey resident, Kristen currently lives in Ewing with her husband and two adult children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and gardening

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    Sharon Landstrom

    Stewardship Coordinator

    A lifelong New Jersey resident, Sharon blends her love for nature and art with a degree in Art History. After interning in 2022, she returned to help improve local habitats. She enjoys backpacking the Appalachian Trail and rock climbing.

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    Sofia Fuentes

    Marketing & Communications Specialist

    Sofia, a 2020 TCNJ grad, brings marketing expertise and a passion for NJ’s natural beauty. Since 2022, she’s been helping protect the Sourlands through creative outreach. In her free time, she’s traveling, reading, or out in nature with friends.

Our Board

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    Cliff Wilson

    PRESIDENT

    Cliff is now a full-time musician, having retired from a career in information technology. He served as president of the Sourland Conservancy’s Board of Trustees for four years, leading the organization’s transition from an all-volunteer organization to one with full-time staff. A 22-year resident of Sourland Mountain, he now lives in Princeton.

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    Quinton Zondervan

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Quinton is the Policy Director at Run On Climate, and a former City Councillor in Cambridge, Massachusetts (2018-2023). Quinton currently serves as board chair at Climate XChange, and for many years led the board of Green Cambridge. Quinton worked for many years as a technology entrepreneur in software, biotech, medtech and cleantech.

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    Tiffany Bai

    SECRETARY

    Tiffany is a project manager and GIS Specialist at Mott MacDonald. She serves on the Conservancy’s Development, Business Partner, Mountain Fest, and Spectacular Committees. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and volunteering for other organizations such as The Watershed Institute, Musconetcong Watershed Association, and Wild Bird Research Group.

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    Mark Meade

    TREASURER

    Mark is a seasoned CFO and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience helping privately held businesses scale sustainably. A Lambertville resident, he brings a passion for conservation, transparency, and financial stewardship to the Conservancy, where he serves as Treasurer. Mark enjoys hiking, cycling, enjoying the local community, as well as volunteering at the Delaware Valley Food Pantry in Lambertville.

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    Steve Bales

    Steve Bales is an architect who earned his Master’s Degree from NJIT. He started in construction building passive/hybrid solar houses and brings with him considerable expertise in Green Building approaches and environmentally sensitive design. He has worked on large projects for several Fortune 500 companies including Pfizer, Honeywell and Google.  Living in the Sourlands since 2001, he has been involved with the Township Sustainable Steering Committee and the Environmental Commission.

  • Travis Blanks

    Travis is an executive leader in the environmental services and waste management industry, currently serving as Area Vice President at Interstate Waste Services, Inc. Blending professional expertise with a passion for the outdoors, he is a dedicated advocate for environmental stewardship. Travis is honored to bring his commitment to sustainability and operational leadership to the Sourland Conservancy Board, where he looks forward to contributing to the organization’s vital mission.

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    Bhavini Doshi

    Bhavini Doshi is an experienced attorney with over 17 years practice in energy, infrastructure, and environmental law. As Head of Legal for Aggreko IPP Solutions – North America, she oversees all legal functions for the company across the U.S. Bhavini has previously served on several boards, including the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the Atlantic-Cape Community College Foundation, and contributed on strategy, governance and community engagement. She is honored to support the Sourland Conservancy, serving on the Governance Committee.

  • Morolake Esi

    Morolake is a Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience leading global HR teams across the pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology sectors. She partners with executive leaders and boards to strengthen leadership, talent strategy, and organizational effectiveness in both corporate and nonprofit environments. She previously served as HR Chair for the Board of Princeton Alliance Church and volunteers as a career coach with Housing Initiatives of Princeton. She enjoys exploring local parks, spending time outdoors and playing pickleball.

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    Paul Gehris

    Paul is a marketing and sales executive with over 30 years of experience and has held senior roles for various organizations with U.S., Europe and Global responsibilities. He is an active hiker and has participated in and led numerous backwoods backpacking adventures. Paul and his wife live in Bucks County Pennsylvania and are frequent visitors to Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain, which has contributed to his interest in the success of the mission of the Sourland Conservancy.

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    Lynne Oleski

    An accounting and finance executive, Lynne worked as a CPA in the financial services industry leading teams in financial reporting, controllership, forecasting, and internal control. She also led strategic transformation initiatives with a focus on operational efficiency, organization design, change management, and continuous improvement. Lynne serves on the Conservancy’s Budget & Finance and Governance Committees.

  • Rashika Ranchan

    Rashika is a strategic leader with global experience across impact investing, philanthropy, and policy in the US, UK, Singapore, and India. She has worked with leading funding institutions, including the National Lottery Community Fund, UK, Better Society Capital, MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, and the American India Foundation. A USTA team tennis player and classical singer, she also founder of the Art of Indian Music program. She is excited to bring her experience, passion, and perspective to the Sourland Conservancy Board.

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    Sneha Salgam

    Sneha is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Pennington and a resident of New Brunswick. She focuses on helping individuals, families and business owners plan and invest towards their long-term financial goals. Prior to joining the Board, she previously volunteered with the Conservancy through the Development Committee, creating business partnerships in the community. In her free time, Sneha enjoys traveling to different cities and mountain ranges, and spending time exploring the Sourlands.

Honorary Trustees

  • Jim Amon

  • Chris Berry

  • Robert and Stephanie Harris

  • Scott & Hella McVay

  • Rush Holt

  • Sandy Simpson

  • Chris Sturm

Emeritus Trustees

  • James Andrews

  • Fran Bartlett

  • Ken Bogen

  • Andrea Bonette

  • Jennifer Bryson

  • Kevin Burkman

  • Tracy Carluccio

  • Charlie Clark

  • Bob Cibulskis

  • Joel Coyne

  • Steven Davison

  • Dante DiPirro

  • Deb Fabricatore

  • Marian Fenwick

  • Marylou Ferrara

  • Joanna Fiori

  • Jerry Haimowitz

  • Judy Jengo

  • Gary Johnston

  • Tim Johnson

  • Gery Juleff

  • Tom Kilbourne

  • Marcia Maguire

  • Beverly Mills

  • Dan Pace

  • Veronique Oomen

  • Tom Seessel

  • Patricia Sziber

  • Roger Thorpe

  • Cathy Urbanski

  • Peg Van Patton

Join us in protecting the Sourlands — your voice, time, or donation can help preserve this vital ecosystem for generations to come.