- New Jersey Resources (NJR, Financial) celebrates Earth Day with the success of its Coastal Climate Initiative (CCI).
- NJR has committed over $1.2 million to environmental stewardship and plans to invest up to $2 million over five years.
- Key projects include habitat restoration, wildlife preservation, and educational programs in New Jersey.
New Jersey Resources (NJR), a leader in environmental stewardship, marked Earth Day by spotlighting its Coastal Climate Initiative (CCI), which aims to foster conservation and sustainability. Since its launch in 2021, CCI has been an integral part of NJR’s efforts to protect ecosystems and build resilience in New Jersey's coastal communities.
NJR has already committed over $1.2 million to various environmental projects and has pledged up to $2 million over five years from its charitable foundations. This funding supports a wide range of initiatives, notably those that improve coastal ecology, fortify community resiliency, and develop nature-based solutions to counteract climate change effects.
Prominent projects under CCI include:
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s work on the Scudder Preserve in Middletown, NJ, is supported by NJR to restore 90 acres of natural habitat. This includes a comprehensive resource inventory, a restoration plan, and an educational outreach program to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
The Clam Cove Living Shoreline Pilot Project in Long Beach Township, supported by Monmouth University's Urban Coast Institute and other stakeholders, aims to stabilize the cove's widening breach and preserve marshland, enhancing local community resilience and wildlife habitats.
In collaboration with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation, NJR aids in the preservation of the American Oystercatcher, an indicator species for healthy ecosystems, through comprehensive surveys and the development of educational curricula focused on at-risk wildlife in NJR's service area.
New Jersey Audubon is leading efforts at the Hovnanian Sanctuary in Berkeley Township to restore upland forests, enhancing climate resiliency and reducing wildfire risks while improving recreational facilities.
Further support goes to Rutgers University's Vibrant Communities Program in South Toms River Borough, focusing on sustainability initiatives to benefit the local community through a long-term landscaping master plan.
The Natural Resources Education Foundation also receives NJR's support to expand shoreline stabilization and restoration activities at The Lighthouse Center in Waretown, enhancing the diverse coastal habitat.
New Jersey Resources (NJR, Financial) continues to show unparalleled commitment to sustainability, with over 1,300 employees dedicated to energy conservation and efficiency. To learn more about NJR’s environmental efforts, visit their website at NJRSustainability.