Ringoes, NJ  – Planning is in full force for the 18th Annual Sourland Mountain Festival! 

The “SMF”, presented by Unionville Vineyards will be held on Saturday, July 15th, from 3:00 – 8:30 pm with the VIP Experience provided by The Ryland Inn. Attendees can expect live music by favorite Central NJ bands, local food, craft beer, wine and spirits, mountain history, and family activities. The Lenape Nation will give the blessing of the Mountain; a truly special - and important - experience to witness. The NJ Snake Man will be bringing a few slithery friends which kids and families will surely enjoy.  Proceeds benefit the Sourland Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the history and ecology of the Sourland Mountain region of Central New Jersey. Tickets are available - and selling - NOW with early bird pricing. Visit www.sourlandmountainfest.com/tickets to snatch up yours!

The backbone of the Sourland Conservancy has always been its volunteers; they ensure that  Conservancy’s events and programs are enjoyable, safe, and fun for all attendees.  One the two yearly, anchor fundraising events for the Conservancy is the Sourland Mountain Festival.  Besides the pride of helping fundraise for the Conservancy, volunteers get free admission, food, refreshments, a sweet tee and a GREAT TIME all at the beautiful Unionville Vineyard, one of NJ’s premier wineries.

“Safety is an important part of any Sourland Conservancy event, especially at the Mountain Festival” said Co-Chairs Suzanne Parsons and Alison Kavchok.  “Our 60+ volunteers braved a hot summer day last year, running various shifts to ensure everything ran at its best (the attendees noticed it, too) and that everyone had a good time. We see nothing but seasonable temps and a sunny day for this year’s Sourland Mountain celebration!” 

Sara Thibeault([email protected]) , is this year’s Best Volunteer Coordinator.  She will oversee volunteers at the check-in hub, and coordinate assignments at the Festival.  Folks can register now to volunteer by visiting: www.sourlandmountainfest.com/volunteer 

Attendees will also enjoy delicious foods, local crafts and services vendors as well as educational exhibits featuring the Conservancy’s partner organizations. Kids can sign-up for the Scavenger Hunt, see live amphibians that are sure to delight young and old and get up close to animals that give a glimpse into the rich farming community that encompasses the Sourlands. From our volunteers to our sponsors and vendors who represent the businesses within the region, attendees can experience what makes the Sourland Region such a special place. There really is something for everyone at the Sourland Mountain Festival!

Proceeds from the Sourland Mountain Festival will support the Sourland Conservancy’s mission to protect, promote and preserve the unique character of the Sourland Mountain region. The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. It encompasses a complex ecosystem of forest, wetlands and grasslands, and is home to an incredibly rich diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered. The forest is especially important as a breeding area for migratory songbirds, particularly those who nest only in large wooded areas. 

The US Forest service estimates that over one million trees are dying in the region due to an invasive insect, the emerald ash borer. This loss will impact the forest’s ability to prevent flooding, filter drinking water, produce oxygen, sequester carbon, and provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. The Conservancy is working to plant trees on public and private lands—and protect them from deer browse. Last year, SC volunteers and staff worked with its partners to plant over 10,000 trees in public parks and preserves throughout the region!  Visit www.sourland.org.