New Jersey Highlands Coalition honors environmental advocates, announces 2026 grant recipients

KINNELON BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — The New Jersey Highlands Coalition recognized individuals for their efforts to protect the region’s natural and cultural resources and announced recipients of its 2026 Small Grants Program during its annual meeting Monday, Oct. 5, at the Casino at Silas Condict Park in Morris County.

The coalition presented several awards recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to protecting water resources, preserving open space and promoting responsible development throughout the New Jersey Highlands region.

The organization also announced its 2026 Small Grants Program recipients. Since the program began, the coalition has distributed more than $500,000 to grassroots member organizations supporting projects aligned with its environmental protection mission.

During the meeting, Executive Director Julia Somers reflected on the organization’s accomplishments over the past year and credited its members, volunteers and community partners for their contributions.

“Despite our small staff, because of the Coalition’s organizational and individual members represented here today, plus the impacts of those we are recognizing with awards, and the recipients of our Small Grants Program, the strength of our advocacy voice is multiplied many times over. We are very aware of how much our effectiveness as an organization depends on and is supported by their efforts.”

2026 award recipients

The coalition recognized the following individuals for their contributions to environmental protection, conservation and community advocacy.

Wilma Frey Volunteer Award

Named in honor of Wilma Frey, who helped lead the coalition’s early work when it operated as a program of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the award recognizes outstanding volunteer contributions.

• Neil Moorcroft, Greenwich Township: Founding member of the Bloomsbury Coalition Against Warehouse Sprawl (BCAWS).

• Lee Conner, Morris Plains: Founder of Plan Better Morris Plains.

• Tracy Gordon, Hackettstown: Recognized for helping install rain gardens and distribute rain barrels in support of the coalition’s Lakes Landscape Project.

• Sara Hare, White Township: Honored for her efforts that have helped lead 18 of Warren County’s 22 municipalities to adopt ordinances prohibiting data centers. Warren County Commissioner Jim Kern attended the meeting and presented Hare’s award.

Above & Beyond Award

The award recognizes individuals who have made a measurable difference in protecting the Highlands region’s resources.

• Mayor Janice Kovach, Town of Clinton: Recognized for supporting Highlands Planning Area Conformance in her municipality and participating in the coalition’s largest annual fundraiser, Over The Edge.

• Mayor Mary Jane Canose, Bernardsville: Honored for supporting Highlands Planning Area Conformance and rallying support for the coalition’s Over The Edge fundraiser.

• Donna Macalle-Holly, Hopatcong: Recognized for her 13 years with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, where she helped residents, visitors and public officials better understand the importance of New Jersey’s largest lake to the region’s quality of life and economic stability.

Vision & Leadership Award

– Dr. Alan Hunt, Hampton Borough, Hunterdon County: Recognized for applying his expertise in watershed science and environmental regulations to protect the ecological resources of the Musconetcong River and its watershed.

Candace McKee Ashmun Capstone Award

Named in honor of the late Candace “Candy” McKee Ashmun, a prominent leader in New Jersey’s environmental movement and advocate for protecting the Highlands region, the award recognizes individuals with a longstanding commitment to conservation.

• Jim Gilbert, Green Pond and Morristown: Recognized for his leadership as the first chairman of the State Planning Commission, where he oversaw the drafting and adoption of the first State Development and Redevelopment Plan. Gilbert also served for many years on the New Jersey Highlands Coalition’s Board of Trustees.

• David Epstein, Ramsey: Honored upon his retirement as founding president of the Land Conservancy of New Jersey. During his tenure, the organization preserved more than 500 properties totaling over 30,000 acres, including 23,465 acres in the Highlands region. Epstein also served as the founding chairman of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition’s board.

2026 Small Grants Program recipients

The coalition also announced grants supporting environmental restoration, historic preservation, responsible development and community education projects throughout the Highlands region.

The 2026 recipients and their projects are:

• Sparta Responsible Development (SRD): To continue opposing the proposed Diamond Chip Warehouse and supporting Sparta Township’s Highlands Planning Area Conformance.

• Lokai Rose Foundation: To help fund an environmentally themed youth summer camp in the northern Highlands.

• Terhune Historic Settlement: To support efforts to nominate the settlement to the state and national registers of historic places.

• Ramapough Munsee Land Alliance: To support cleanup and stewardship of sacred Split Rock Mountain.

• Boonton Main Street Inc.: To remove invasive species and restore native plants in Canalside Park.

• Glen Gardner Environmental Guardians: To obtain professional services to monitor the impacts of local quarry operations on groundwater quantity.

• Trout Unlimited, Hacklebarney Chapter: To restore a Category 1 riparian corridor along India Brook in Mendham Borough.

• Friends of Mendham: To hire experts to analyze the impacts of proposed development on the Sisters of Christian Charity property and support its nomination to the state and national registers of historic places.

• Mendham Alliance for Preservation and Conservation (MAPC): To support the Whippany River Rain Garden Project.

• Plan Better Morris Plains (PBMP): To educate residents about municipal land use regulations and encourage greater participation in public decision-making processes.

• Andover Responsible Development (ARD): To support the municipality as it responds to a legal challenge involving its denial of a proposed data center.

• New Jersey Forest Watch: To support development of the organization’s website.

The New Jersey Highlands Coalition works to protect the water, natural resources and cultural heritage of the Highlands region through advocacy, education and partnerships with local organizations.

Coalition officials said the annual awards and Small Grants Program recognize the role of community organizations and individual advocates in advancing environmental protection and conservation efforts throughout the region.