A small but critical 454-acre land acquisition by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in New Jersey is helping safeguard wildlife in one of the most developed regions of the Appalachian Mountains. Known as “Bobcat Alley,” this corridor in Warren and Sussex counties allows animals like state-endangered bobcats, black bears, and red foxes to migrate through a fragmented landscape.
Launched in 2014, the Bobcat Alley Initiative originally aimed to protect 32,000 acres, with TNC securing 60% and partnering with local groups for the rest. So far, 13,000 acres have been preserved, with an additional 1,529 acres protected by allies. Recently, TNC tripled its goal to 96,000 acres to connect New Jersey’s corridor with protected lands in New York and Pennsylvania.
The latest additions include 189 acres in Knowlton Township and 248 acres in Hampton Township—a two-decade conservation priority. These areas feature mature forests, rolling hills, and vital habitats for species like gray foxes, barred owls, and brook trout.
“We’re building Bobcat Alley piece by piece in a state where land is scarce and expensive,” said Barbara Brummer, TNC’s New Jersey State Director. The project relies on partnerships to preserve these natural areas for wildlife and communities.
The Kittatinny Ridge and Southern Highlands, key parts of the corridor, provide clean drinking water and refuge for native species. However, the Southern Highlands face higher development risks, underscoring the urgency of conservation. With all of New Jersey’s land expected to be developed or protected by 2100, TNC’s efforts are a race against time to secure a future for the region’s wildlife.
