October is Pinelands Month in New Jersey, the perfect time to experience and promote its natural and cultural resources. With organizations like the Pinelands Preservation Alliance hosting the Tour de Pines Bike Tour and offering cranberry tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy! It is the perfect time of year to visit with the leaves turning fall colors, cooler temperatures, and fewer insects.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, AIA West Jersey President Lauren Harris, AIA, and AIA NJ / AIA South Jersey Past President Bruce Turner, AIA, attended the 2025 Pinelands Preservation Alliance Biannual Gala at the Bishop Farmstead in Southampton, NJ. The event included honoring Pine Barrens Hall of Fame inductees, former Governor Thomas Kean, and John McPhee, author of the book “The Pine Barrens”. They also recognized their Catalyst of Change awardee, the Hopeworks organization. Lauren and Bruce had an opportunity to speak directly with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance Executive Director, Jaclyn Rhoads, PhD, their past Executive Director and current Director of Strategic Initiatives, Carleton Montgomery, and a number of the PPA staff. This engagement with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance builds off previous involvement, including a tour of their renovated/restored Louden Barn, a speaking engagement by Carleton Montgomery at a joint AIA SJ/AIA WJ event, and the participation of Mr. Montgomery on one of the AIA DE Design Awards Jury, chaired by Mr. Bruce Turner.
#FixOurParks
#SaveThePinelands