Residential Community Conservation
Restoring Hopewell Valley’s Natural Heritage – One backyard at a time!
The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) has established Residential Community Conservation, a free service to FoHVOS members. Residential Community Conservation supports stewardship efforts of all members regardless of property size or membership level.
Many in our community want to support the natural diversity of our native plants and wildlife but do not know how to start. Our natural heritage is hampered by problems including overabundant white-tailed deer and invasive species. FoHVOS mitigates these negative impacts through active stewardship that protects and restores biodiversity. The Residential Community Conservation program extends these efforts to all Hopewell Valley homeowners seeking to implement sound ecological stewardship practices.
Our goal is to have 10% of Hopewell Valley households become Residential Community Conservation partners. Learn about the benefits of becoming a partner, and how you can join today to protect the beauty and nature of Hopewell Valley.
Who can be a Community Conservation Member?
Homeowners, farmers, and businesses can all participate regardless of the size of the property. All lands are important to the ecological health of the Valley.
Why be a Community Conservation Member?
Ecological Stewardship Consultation
Once you become a member, FoHVOS staff visit your property to guide and assist in enhancing the natural beauty and ecological value of your land. Our staff can offer advice on the following stewardship topics:
Native Plant Gardens
Forest Restoration
Wildlife Conservation
Deer Management
Invasive Species Management
FoHVOS Native Plant Sale
Every year FoHVOS organizes a Native Plant Sale in the spring and fall for members to purchase native flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses and more in bulk at wholesale prices.
The Spring Native Plant Sale has ended.
Fall Sale coming up in August!
Plant Sale pick-up instructions
Become a Community Conservation Member Today!
To join, click the button below and donate at the Community Conservation membership level or above for a free home consultation.
After joining, schedule your free home consultation by emailing info@fohvos.org with “Residential Community Conservation” as the subject. We look forward to working with you to enhance the beauty and ecological value of your land.
Residential Community Conservation In Action
- 286 Hopewell households have join, encompassing 3,870 acres of land – that’s greater than the acreage of all FoHVOS properties!
- 66 households have signed the Landscape Planting Pledge committing to not purchase invasive plants.
- 68,300 native plants for plantings in residential gardens and landscaping.
- See some amazing projects current Residential Community Conservation participants have done to steward the Valley, right in their backyards! – Want your property to be highlighted? Email photos and a short write-up to info@fohvos.org.
“…we felt like we were involved with a community of people taking the time to help each other and our natural resources. We are so impressed and thankful to FoHVOS for their commitment and accessibility.“
Residential Community Conservation Member
Community Conservation Residential Map
Further Resources
- How to Use New Jersey Native Plants in Your Backyard – Jersey Friendly Yards
- “A Guide to Restoring the Little Things That Run the World” – presentation by University of Delaware entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy, hosted by Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College & Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Chapter
- Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database
- Homegrown National Park
- Microhabitat Program Incubator – Village & Wilderness, Oak Bluffs MA