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Dear Friend,

June has been a beautiful month so far.  I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the Pines.  There are some great things happening in June - here you go!

Life Science Field Training Institute for Teachers

Date: June 22^nd to June 25^th

Time is running out - only four spaces left.  You must be able to pick up your free field supplies this Saturday.

Join us for virtual field lessons and investigations that will enhance your curriculum and build your confidence in teaching outside. Each field method will be presented live and with videos. Discussions and data analyses will take place via Google Classroom. All participants receive field study supplies to use for the week that are yours to keep thanks to funding from the Bonazzi Foundation for the Promotion of Science Education. The only cost is a $50 registration fee that is refunded to you after successful completion of the course.  There will be a socially distanced kayak trip in the Pine Barrens with Pinelands Adventures! 

Pinelands Adventures is Open!

Pinelands Adventures is now open for canoe and kayak trips on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The staff and crew have new procedures to ensure you have a safe river trip in the Pinelands.  Trips are by reservation only.  Reserve your spot today and get away from things for a while.

Land & Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was permanently authorized in 2019 to help supply federal funds for open space acquisition that are used locally.  Some of the lands that are preserved in the Pinelands were acquired using LWCF money.  Although the funds are authorized now, that does not guarantee that the $900 million put into the LWCF account every year will be spent on conservation. Over the 55 years of the program, billions of dollars have been siphoned from the fund for other non-conservation purposes. In fact, this past fiscal year 2020, only $495 million was appropriated to LWCF—far short of full funding, and yet the highest amount in 15 years.

So, what can you do to help the fight to #FundLWCF? Hearing from the people who love our public lands, are impacted by LWCF in their home communities, enjoy having open space in their cities and towns, like having their drinking water protected, and want to secure access to lands and waters for recreational activities are all important voices for the cause. Contacting your Members of Congress, via phone, email, social media, etc, are great ways to participate.