The primary focus of FOPOS over the years has been preservation of open space. But it has become increasingly apparent that preservation of Princeton’s open space and biodiversity requires a combination of legal protection and habitat restoration. Many factors, including invasions of exotic species, fragmentation of natural areas, past plowing and removal of key predators, have created ecological imbalances that nature itself cannot mend.
In 2006, FOPOS hired Steve Hiltner as a part-time natural resources manager to work towards preserving and enhancing native plant diversity, restore habitats and conduct community outreach. Working with community volunteers, Steve has undertaken many new projects, particularly at Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve but also at local parks and schools. Today, his initiatives are continued by our new natural resources manager, AeLin Compton.
In the summer of 2008, Steve was assisted by a full-time intern, Sarah Chambliss, through the PICS intern program at Princeton University. In 2009, Princeton University student Henry Loevner worked as an intern through support provided by the Princeton Environmental Institute.
Over the past several years, Princeton resident Andrew Thornton has made a big difference at Mountain Lakes Preserve, removing countless thousands of invasive shrubs. Students from Princeton Day School, church groups and individuals from the community have all contributed to the effort to shift the balance from exotic to native species.