Community, Climate & Conservation

Small hands, big change.

One autumn morning by Ramapo Lake, a 10-year-old asked, “If we clean here, will the birds and fish be healthier?” That child’s question became our compass: every small act builds a healthier home for all.

1,500 native trees planned (2025–2026)
12+ quarterly waterway cleanups
15 community-led micro-grants

Our through-line story: connect hands—small and large—to revive green spaces, restore nature, and grow a resilient community. We start at home in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and we welcome everyone.

Vision

Greener, more resilient New Jersey communities where people care for local nature and adapt to climate change together.

Mission & Goals

  • Support local ecosystem conservation (urban trees, forests, lakes, wetlands).
  • Boost climate resilience via tree planting, wetland restoration, and responsible waste management.
  • Connect residents, local businesses, and civic groups to run non-political, non-profit environmental actions.
  • Practice transparency: share annual outcomes and welcome community feedback.

Social Impact

  • Improve air and water quality around Franklin Lakes and nearby NJ counties.
  • Create family-friendly volunteer opportunities, especially for youth.
  • Promote simple, sustainable living habits at home.

Who We Serve

  • Local residents in Franklin Lakes and surrounding areas.
  • Community groups, youth clubs, neighborhood associations.
  • Small businesses seeking meaningful environmental CSR.

Core Programs

  1. Tree Planting & Habitat Restoration – expand shade, reduce erosion, and bring nature back.
  2. Lakes & Parks Cleanups – quarterly campaigns at lakes, creeks, and public spaces.
  3. Green at Home – guides for sorting waste, home composting, and saving energy.
  4. Community Micro-Grants – seed funding for neighborhood sustainability ideas.

How to Join

  • Volunteer – plant trees, clean waterways, help event logistics. Sign up.
  • Community Partners – propose priority locations or projects. Talk to us.
  • Donors – support with funds or in-kind items (tools, gloves, safety gear). Contact.
Upcoming

Clean-Up Day: Ramapo Lake

Date: October 12, 2025 • Time: 8:00–11:30 AM

Location: Boat launch near Ramapo Valley County Reservation, NJ

  • Team up for shoreline and kayak cleanups.
  • Sort waste (plastics, metals, organics) and log data with our simple template.
  • Kids’ eco-activity: “Find the Most Plastics” game.
  • Creative recycling demo by local high-school students.
  • Safety briefing + volunteer stories to inspire action.

We provide water, gloves, bags, and safety vests free of charge.

Why it matters

Ramapo Lake is a living classroom for our story: when small hands act, ecosystems breathe easier. Each bottle removed, each leaf protected, keeps birds and fish healthier—and our community prouder.

  • Hands-on learning for families and youth.
  • Visible, immediate impact on local nature.
  • Momentum for long-term tree-planting and restoration.

Our 2025–2026 Targets

1,500 native trees planted at 10 public sites
12+ lake/stream cleanups per quarter
15 neighborhood projects funded