[ Project ]

Rainbow Hill

Rainbow Hill Preserve is home to one of the few thriving native understories in the Sourlands—a rare sight in a region overwhelmed by an estimated 125 deer per square mile. In March 2023, Sourland Conservancy Stewardship Crew volunteers cleared invasive plants from around young native saplings to give them room to grow. With few native seedlings able to survive deer browse, this work was essential to help the next generation of forest take root. Thanks to the Simcha Rudolph Charitable Fund for generously supporting this innovative project!

Group of people planting trees in a forested area with small saplings in black pots and orange markers on the ground.

To protect this regrowth, the Sourland Conservancy partnered with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation in April 2023 to install a deer exclosure.

Nearby, staff and volunteers planted …

2,500 trees

Nighttime scene with firefighters and fire trucks, one person using a hose to spray water on the ground near trees in a field, illuminated by artificial lights.

When drought hit, the Amwell Valley Fire Department saved the planting by delivering much-needed water—an incredible show of community support.

In 2025

Restoration efforts expanded further when the Sourland Conservancy joined forces with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (NJCF) and the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) to improve riparian habitat along a tributary of the Neshanic River. This collaborative project transformed another section of former farmland into a growing riparian buffer.

People working outdoors in a forest planting or repairing a wire fence, with trees and parked cars in the background.

Each organization brought vital support:

A chain-link fence with green trees and bushes in the background.

The Conservancy provided fencing and protective cages

Person wearing gloves and a jacket, holding a potted green leafy plant in a garden or outdoor area.

RHA supplied native trees and shrubs

Person wearing work boots and work pants using a chainsaw to cut a tree branch in a grassy outdoor area.

NJCF offered land access and materials

Black background with white topographic contour lines and a dashed line representing a path or boundary.

The project was funded through a grant from RHA, written and submitted by NJCF, as part of a regional initiative to restore streamside ecosystems.

By the end of the day, the team had:

Green number '200' over black background.

Three miniature trees with different colored leaves on a square base with sand and grass patches.

Planted 200 native trees and shrubs

Large green number 74 on a black background.

Miniature landscape with a tree, rocks, and sand enclosed by a circular fence.

Set up 74 protective cages

A large, bold number four in light green color with black outlines on a black background.

Toy miniature model of a fenced yard with three evergreen trees, divided into four sections with different surfaces: black asphalt, beige sand, gray gravel, and white snow.

Installed four 10x10-meter exclosures

After months of preparation, 20 dedicated volunteers joined the team on planting day. Guided by experts from RHA and NJCF, volunteers planted along the streambanks and inside protective exclosures. Sourland Conservancy interns helped install additional planting zones throughout the site.

People working in a botanical garden or research area among green plants and trees, with some trees supported by wire frames.

This successful start is just the beginning.

The Conservancy and its partners plan to return this fall to expand the planting area and double the impact—continuing our shared mission to protect clean water, support wildlife, and restore the health of the Sourlands.

Volunteer Opportunities

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Illustration of a forest with evergreen trees and a dark sky above.