Pinelands Preservation Alliance is launching the first in a new series of Pinelands Science Forums. Our first one, Climate Change, will bring together scientists to share information about climate change impacts we are already experiencing, what we may see in the future, and how we can make changes to mitigate and adapt. The Pinelands’ unique flora, fauna, chemistry, and topography require special consideration as we work to prevent future changes and adapt to the changes already happening. This forum will bring together scientists, policymakers, non-profit organizations, agencies, and activists as we try to address one of the biggest threats to the Pinelands.
The daylong forum will take place in our renovated, two story barn. The barn is handicap accessible with an elevator to the second floor. Conference includes breakfast and lunch and a short tour of PPA’s Rancocas Creek Farm where we are practicing what we preach regarding carbon sequestration and chemical free practices. Read our White Paper on Climate Change Solutions for the Pinelands of New Jersey (2021). Presentations will be recorded and shared publicly.
Registration is closed as of May 12, 2023.
Downloads for the conference:
Pinelands Science Forum on Climate Change
Date: May 18 and May 19, 2023
Location: Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 17 Pemberton Rd, Southampton NJ 08088
Speakers represent regulatory agencies, academia and non-profits. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for all in attendance.
May 18, 2023 – Optional Field Trip
Dr. Emile DeVito, Manager of Science and Stewardship for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, will provide a tour of the Franklin Parker Preserve showing forestry and fire adaptation strategies. Participants will meet at the preserve at 3:00pm. Directions and more information will be sent by email. Check Yes or No for field trip when you register to attend the Forum.
May 19, 2023 Forum Agenda:
8:30 – 9:15 AM – Light breakfast
9:30 AM – Welcome by Pinelands Preservation Alliance
9:45 AM – Keynote Speaker – Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel, Senior Climate Scientist and the Director of Climate Science for the Climate & Energy Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists
10:30 AM – Climate Change Signs in the Pinelands
- Kirk Raper, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research – Evidence of Climate Change in the Pinelands – View PDF of presentation.
- Henry John-Alder, Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University – Importance of Micro-climates on Local Species – View PDF of presentation.
- Dr. Joanna Burger, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Rutgers University in New Jersey Rutgers University – Snakes Slithering from Climate Change – View PDF of presentation.
11:45 – 1:30 PM – Lunch and Tour of Rancocas Creek Farm.
1:30 PM – Mitigating Climate Change – Jeanne Herb, Executive Director of the Environmental Analysis and Communications Group at the Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and Co-Director of the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center. – View PDF of presentation.
2:15 PM – Panel Discussion on additional mitigation options/management.
- Dr. Ken Clark, Research Forester with USDA Forest Service – Prescribed Fire and Climate Change in the Pine Barrens – View PDF of presentation.
- Jessica Ray, Staff Scientist at Raritan Valley Community College – Coastal Resilience Projects – View PDF of presentation.
- Virginia Rettig, Refuge Manager for Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge – Planning for Migration – View PDF of presentation.
3:30 PM – Closing comments
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Cocktail Reception
Questions? Contact Jaclyn Rhoads, Assistant Executive Director at jaclyn@pinelandsalliance.org or 609-859-8860 x 118.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Partner Sponsor
Barbara Trought, Pinelands Preservation Alliance Board of Trustees
Friend Sponsors
Patricia A. Butenis, Chair Pinelands Preservation Alliance Board of Trustees
Ret., Ambassador, U.S. Foreign Service
Bill and Carol Fisher, Pinelands Preservation Alliance Board of Trustees
Ret. Architect
Nonprofit Sponsors
