New Jersey has the fourth smallest area of any U.S. state at just 8,722 square miles, yet it is the most densely populated in the nation, with large suburbs of both New York City and Philadelphia. It is no wonder, then, that 93.8% of its communities are classified as urban by the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 14% above the nationwide average. This makes the concept of urban conservation critical in our small but mighty state.

Cities are an essential part of New Jersey’s vitality. Beyond being vibrant cultural and economic centers, they reduce sprawl and habitat conversion, and their residents have a lower carbon footprint—important positive contributions as we face climate challenges and species loss. But many cities also struggle with inadequate and aging infrastructure, traffic, industrial waste and short-sighted development that replaced habitat along rivers and other important green spaces with concrete. These factors worsen air and water pollution, heat and flooding, contributing to human health problems and putting a strain on plants and animals.  

Many cities are home to emerging communities, where people of lower income have for too long disproportionally borne the brunt of polluted air and water. Changing climate conditions intensify these impacts. The Nature Conservancy’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends includes addressing the conservation needs of people living urban areas in New Jersey.