We are seeking your comments! Sourland Conservancy and the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum are applying to the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program for a grant to help fund the acquisition of the True Farmstead, at 183 Hollow Road, Skillman, NJ, as a historical, natural, and recreational resource. We want to hear your comments about this project! Please click the link below and complete a very brief survey.

Sourland Niche Blog

What was THAT?

What was THAT?

I was on my morning walk, a 2-mile round trip along my road. I stopped near what I like to call the five-acre woods and waited for my subject to arrive – birds in flight. I had been practicing lately and any subject would do. I noticed a bunch of titmice (or is it...

I’m No Tree Hugger

I’m No Tree Hugger

By Laurie Cleveland |  Am I a tree-hugger? No. I haven’t earned that title. I’ve never tied myself to a tree, bulldozer, or chain link fence. I’ve never put my life in mortal danger for any cause. Though I’m a child of the 60’s, I’ve never even been arrested! I try to...

My Dog’s Friendly!

My Dog’s Friendly!

By Laurie Cleveland | One day last summer I was walking my dog on a Sourland Region trail when we noticed a large dog barreling down the trail without a human in sight. “Hello!” I shouted. “Is this your dog?” No answer. “Hellooooo!” At this point, my dog (who had been...

Hiking with Coffee

Hiking with Coffee

By Laurie Cleveland | I have a standing date with a friend to hike once a week before work. This sounds pretty impressive, I think. “Hiking” calls to mind rugged terrain, snow-capped peaks, and backpacks. These early morning hikes require less gear and more coffee....

Winter Sowing

Winter Sowing

By Laurie Cleveland and Carole Fay | I grew up on a farm, and I’ve been growing vegetables as long as I can remember. When I developed an interest in native plants, I naturally thought that growing weeds on purpose would be simple - they’d been volunteering in my...