Wild New Jersey - Human Nature by Lynda Hester D'Orio

Profile of Michael Catania
Executive Director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy
Interviewed by Lynda Hester D'Orio, May 1, 1998

There are many individuals and organizations who deserve recognition in the struggle to preserve our natural lands. In New Jersey, one such group that uses science-based conservation is The Nature Conservancy. There are 30,000 people in the Garden State committed to this State chapter and its mission. Internationally, this group owns more than 1400 preserves, the largest private system of nature sanctuaries in the world. Globally, there are over 900,000 members and volunteers.
Michael Catania is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Chapter. He recently received the New Jersey Pride Award by New Jersey Monthly magazine, recognizing him as the leading figure for Environment. I spoke to him in early May of 1998, right after the news was published. -- LHD

See also the New Jersey Monthly article on Catania's selection for the New Jersey Pride Award.

Q: Congratulations on your award! Do you know who nominated you and how did you feel when you found out?

A: I found out when I received a letter informing me of this award. I later found out a trustee of The Nature Conservancy had nominated me. I was shocked, and I was flattered.

Q: I read that you have a law degree and that your formerly worked for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. When you left there, you did not opt for a lucrative private practice, you chose to work for the Nature Conservancy. Why did you choose to work with this organization?

A: I had no interest in private practice. After working for the government for many years, the thought of working for a non-profit was getting more interesting to me. I wanted to work on conservation issues, to work quietly behind the scenes. This organization is non-political, they don't sue, they don't lobby. Instead, they form partnerships to preserve open spaces, it's a win-win position. My wife always says- "I can't believe they pay you to do this".

Q: You must enjoy your work.

A: Very much, I feel fortunate.

Q: When you were growing up, what made you aware of conservation and wildlife?

A: I always liked Nature, I used to catch reptiles and animals. When I was young, I wanted to become a Herpetologist (the study of reptiles). My Mother put up with my interest when I was growing up. Later on, when I went to the D.E.P, I liked going out into the field to assist with the endangered species program.

Q: What is the mission of the New Jersey Chapter of the Nature Conservancy?

A: The Nature Conservancy focuses on protecting habitat for endangered and threatened species. It protects diversity. We have a remarkable amount of diversity and in the State of New Jersey, we don't have much time left to protect it, so there's a sense of urgency. For example, we have many migratory birds passing through our state, they come from as far away as South America and the Arctic. These birds stop on our beaches in the Delaware Bay Shore protected area. This work we do fits into a much bigger picture, it's international in scope.

Q: How do you and your staff work to protect these areas?

A: We generate support from individuals and companies -- we work towards partnerships with people and government. We use the New Jersey Heritage Biological database to target priority areas. We rank biodiversity, relative rarity of species and locations. It's a long list we working on. We focus on those that are ranked higher. We work with private property owners and encourage them to protect their habitat, sometimes we will offer to buy land. We raise capital and obtain green acres grants. We manage 23 nature preserves in New Jersey, which is part of a national system . We have helped protect 40,000 acres in New Jersey and we've protected millions of acres internationally in Latin America, South America and the Pacific Rim. We work with Federal agencies, Green Acres, County governments and local authorities. We will work with anyone to help achieve our goals. We formed the Stockton Alliance, a coalition of corporate and government groups concerned with land preservation issues. I would like to point out that the protection of the lands often comes at no cost to the taxpayer. We look for innovative ways and solutions to problems so everyone ends up in a winning situation..

Q: Why do we need to preserve natural habitats in New Jersey?

A: One reason is that we get lots of useful products from these habitats. For example, 25% of our pharmaceutical prescriptions are synthesized from natural products. But more importantly, we have a densely populated state, we care about quality of life, we need to reduce stress and enjoy our leisure time. Many corporate headquarters are located in New Jersey, it's an attractive place to live and work. There are many reasons, quality of life is key.

Q: Are citizens allowed to visit and enjoy these natural areas you protect?

A: Yes, our preserves are open to the public, group tours can be arranged, guided tours. These lands are suitable for passive recreation like birdwatching and hiking, these are trails to enjoy the land. We are fortunate to have many volunteers in New Jersey who assist in the management of the preserves.

Q: What is the key to your success in building relationships among private corporations?

A: I think it starts from not treating them like the enemy. Many companies are concerned with quality of life issues. We want to be partners, we start off assuming we are working towards the same goal. We have many corporate association members who work with the Nature Conservancy and a number of our trustees are from New Jersey corporations.

Q: How many people work in the New Jersey chapter?

A: We currently have almost 30,000 members, however, we are always seeking volunteers. We have many positions. Some are office workers, some are field volunteers. We have a speaker's bureau where volunteers are called upon to give slide presentations and lectures. We can use people who are enthusiastic about our goals.

Q: What are the current priorities with the Nature Conservancy?

A: There are three geographically, the Delaware Bay Shores, the Pinelands and the Limestone Valley. These are habitats for endangered species, our priorities. We are working with the government officials and private land owners in those areas. We aquire land from various means. Sometimes, we make and offer and buy it outright, sometimes land is donated to us and in other cases, people have willed their land to us. If you donate land, it's a charitable contribution and a deduction.

Q: What is the future of the Nature Conservancy?

A: To continue to do the work we do and reach a balance to protect critical areas. In New Jersey, we don't have much time, I estimate in 5-10 years, it would be too late, that's why we are working so hard at this time.

Q: How can people find out more about the Nature Conservancy?

A: You can visit our website, go to The Nature Conservancy Home Page, at www.TNC.org, you only need look for the "Where We Work" link then click on state and regional areas to define your search to the New Jersey Chapter. If you would like a speaker to come make a presentation for your group or if you would like to volunteer or donate land, contact one of our two offices: