Author: Sean Kane-Holland
Join United Spinal for this discussion group series on aging with a disability. This series will be held every 4th Wednesday of the month from 7-8pm ET.
Participation is free but those interested must register for the group talks.
Those interested can register using this link – Rolling Through Life: Aging with a Disability – United Spinal Association
WHEN: September 19, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 P.M.
WHERE: Highlawn Pavilion, West Orange, NJ (Rain or Shine)
Join us for an evening under the stars as we celebrate the people and organizations behind New Jersey’s Nature Accessible for All initiative.
We’re building a movement of people and organizations committed to making parks and natural areas accessible for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. Launched in 2021 by the Pinelands Alliance, this initiative is now a statewide initiative supported by nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
Learn more about Nature Accessible for All during a very special evening at the Highlawn Pavilion and join the movement.
We are excited to announce that Broadway and television Ali Stroker will receive the Nature Accessible for All Inspiring Individual Award at this event. Stroker is unable to attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, but a special video will be shown.
Stroker made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s 2015 revival of Spring Awakening. Stroker won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as ‘Ado Annie’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts, disabled or not, is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations into Your Opportunities.”
Tickets are $250 each and include music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entrée stations, fine wine, craft beer, and a dessert and coffee bar. Enjoy lively conversation and inspiration as we work together to make nature more accessible for all people! Your ticket is tax deductible minus the fair market value of $193.
Cocktail Attire requested.
The event will be held in a tented venue that is wheelchair accessible. For questions, contact Sean Kane-Holland at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or by phone at (609) 859-8860 ext. 117.
Make a Donation
Funds raised from this event benefit Nature Accessible for All, a collaboration of people and organizations determined to improve access to nature for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. If you can’t attend please consider making a donation.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join the movement to make parks and natural areas in New Jersey accessible to people with disabilities and movement challenges. Become a sponsor and celebrate the people and organizations working to improve nature access in New Jersey!
You can download the Sponsorship form here.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Joan Rechnitz
Food & Beverage
Patricia A. Butenis, Chair of the Pinelands Alliance Board of Trustees – Ret., Ambassador, U.S. Foreign Service
Friends
Partner’s for Health Foundation
Charles Chapin, former Trustee Pinelands Alliance
Thank you to our Nature: Accessible for All partners! The entire list of partners can be found on our website.
The General Assembly Needs to Hear From You Now – Pass Bill A5321!
The New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) existence is entirely on the line. We are in the very final hours of state budget negotiations in Trenton the School of Conservation is calling all nature advocates to call and ask the General Assembly to pass bill A5321. This bill is critical for the restoration of their campus, to serve and educate the thousands of students and teachers that visit NJSOC annually.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and the General Assembly need to hear from you RIGHT NOW! Please call the General Assembly’s office at 609-847-3500, and ask them to pass bill A5321 in tonight’s vote.
Thank you for you continued support, standing up for our kids, our environment, and our future.
Check out the Bill – NJ Legislature
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has is seeking to spread the word about the FY27 Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The draft FY2027 PA TIP–the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program–which was recently released by the DVRPC, includes the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit and Circuit adjacent projects that will connect to the network. This investment is funded with a mix of local and federal funds, including CRP/CRPU, and CMAQ, which has been a primary funding source for trails over the years. When it is adopted, a record number of Circuit Trails Coalition Priority Projects in each of the five Pennsylvania counties in the Circuit Trails footprint will be funded.
- We’re thrilled to see the draft FY2027 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania includes a record number of priority projects across the Circuit Trails network and the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit Trails and adjacent 🚲👟projects. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- Making it safer and easier to walk and bike in the Greater Philadelphia region is closer to becoming a reality, thanks to the inclusion of @thecircuittrails projects in the draft Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. To help ensure the proposed projects are included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- Act now: Help ensure @thecircuittrails are prioritized in the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. Go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- The draft FY2027 PA Transportation Improvement Program includes the highest amount of funds programmed toward 👟🚲projects adjacent to and #OnTheCircuit. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final plan, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
- Act now to help move forward the Circuit Trails network! Let @DVRPC know you want them to prioritize projects #OnTheCircuit by including them in PA’s Transportation Improvement Program.
- Speak out to fund more trails! Circuit Trails projects were included in the draft Transportation Improvement Program, which could mean major funding for trail projects #OnTheCircuit. Send a letter to show support for trails in our region: circuittrails.org/get-involved/
Individuals and organizations will have an opportunity to register public comments with DVRPC through 5 p.m. June 22.
Link to take action – Here
The Hearst Foundations support high-impact programs that improve health, education, and opportunity for underserved populations. Priority areas include educating the next generation of health professionals, innovative early childhood and K–12 education models, and initiatives that expand access to high-quality healthcare for low-income communities.
Funding: Grants typically start at a minimum of $100,000.
Eligibility:
• Programs must demonstrate strong organizational capacity, measurable outcomes, and potential for long-term impact.
• Established nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of success in health, education, or healthcare access.
You can read more about the grant process – Here
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) supports initiatives that advance Strong and Equitable Food Systems and Health and Health Equity. Organizations begin the process by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) that provides a high-level overview of their work and proposed project.
Funding: Funding levels vary depending on project scope and alignment.
Application:
• LOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Selected applicants are typically invited to submit a full proposal within approximately 30 days.
Eligibility:
• Nonprofit organizations and institutions whose work aligns with WKKF’s priority areas and commitment to racial equity and community-centered solutions.
You can read more about grant process – Here