Dear Friends,
Together, as we face this unprecedented uncertain time, we cherish our connections with family and friends. Until the threat of COVID-19 diminishes, the health and safety of our staff and their families, our members and our community are our top concern. However, our mission, to protect the water and other natural and cultural resources of the Highlands, continues because the conservation of the Highlands is as essential as ever for our present and future.
At this time, the NJ Highlands Coalition remains open with staff working remotely and meeting regularly by video conference. This has required some adjustment and forced us to postpone our much anticipated 2nd Northwest New Jersey Rivers Conference. In accordance with State recommendations to contain the outbreak, we have also rescheduled the Hackettstown Scavenger Hunt & Pub Crawl and the Highlands Brewfest. We will be sure to share the new dates as soon as we have confirmation. Until then, we are considering alternative ways to champion and celebrate the Highlands region from home; see our suggestions below.
Recently, when walking in the woods behind my house, I was reminded that nature is unfazed by the pandemic that has so profoundly altered our day to day routines. It is spring and my garden is gradually awakening with color and life. There is a chorus of peepers, pollinating bees and insects are busy and buzzing about, a hawk screeches overhead. I relax and take deep breathes of fresh, clean air. Soon I am revived and reminded that, for all the things that nature and the Highlands provides, we should all be grateful.
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