“The future of quality of life in New Jersey quite literally depends on us. Protecting our watershed is keeping a promise to the next generation,” said longtime conservation leader Ken Klipstein as he accepted his honor at Raritan Headwaters Association’s Woodland Ball on September 27 at Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Bedminster.
For more than four decades, Ken has devoted his life to protecting land and water in New Jersey, from his early days volunteering at Fairview Farm as a teen, to his distinguished career with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, to his leadership in nonprofit conservation efforts. The Woodland Ball was a fitting celebration of his lifetime of work and a testament to the enduring importance of safeguarding clean water. “I consider this God’s work, and I couldn’t be more proud to be associated with Raritan Headwaters Association,” he said.
The theme for the sold-out gala was inspired by Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic, Where the Wild Things Are. Guests arriving at the event were greeted by the enchanting sight of a tented woodland wonderland behind the historic barns. Volunteer Stephanie Glickman chaired the Decorations Committee, which was supported by more than a dozen participants who helped perfect every detail, from the sparkling lights to the rustic bark and wildflower centerpieces. “My passion is for Raritan Headwaters Association,” she said. “Nothing is more important than protecting clean water. I’m so moved by the way everyone pitched in and made our vision a reality. My heart is full.”
The evening was both beautiful and purposeful. Through the auction, sponsorships and many generous contributions, the Woodland Ball raised essential funds to power RHA’s programs in science, advocacy, education, land preservation and stewardship. Allison Cooper, who chaired the auction, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Her words captured the spirit of the night. “It’s such a beautiful event and so authentically RHA,” she said. “We were able to offer a great mix of experiences, thanks to the generosity of the community. This work benefits millions of people across New Jersey.”
The gala serves a dual purpose, Board President Dallas Hetherington explained. Not only does it raise vital funds to power RHA’s programs and protect the watershed, it also strengthens the community that surrounds and supports RHA. “I’m continually impressed by the cohesive and committed team of staff and volunteers we have,” he said. “This event is truly magnificent.”
The evening offered many powerful mission moments as generations of conservationists joined together in common cause on the land they cherish. The event set the stage for deeper engagement and growth, ensuring that the Raritan Headwaters region remains swimmable, fishable and above all, drinkable for the 300,000 residents who call the watershed home and the 1.5 million New Jerseyans who depend on it downstream.
Photography by Erin Kiernan and Nick Romanenko
Raritan Headwaters is deeply grateful to the many generous sponsors who made the Woodland Ball possible, including A&A Coatings, AIG Insurance, Applied Geoecology, Berman Rosenbach Law Group, Chubb Charitable Foundation, Cold Brook Farm, Design Consultants, Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation, Fahey Realtors, Gus and Bucky’s Car Wash, Haytown Nursery School, Hibernate Bedding, Lambert Landscaping, Maranatha Farm, MCJ Amelior Foundation, Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, P3 Strategies, Paul Miller Volkswagen, Peapack Private, RJR Solutions, Somerset County, The Todd Group, Turpin Realtors, W. Alboum Hat Co., Julie and Robert Aronson, Carter and Beau Bassett, Patti and James Bellis, Elizabeth and Miller Bugliari, Kate and Bill Conger, Nancy Clark and Christopher Dewey, Robert Frawley, Stephanie and Michael Glickman, Mary Ellen and Gates Hawn, Tricia Deering and Skip Jonas, Kathy and Andrew Platt, Marilynn Schneider, Sarah and John Soden, Pamela and Art Thompson, Andrew and Judy Tucker, Christina and Demian von Poelnitz, and Harry and Joannah Wilmerding.