NJCF's Three Musketeers

Muriel Foster, Anne Gaus and Holly Muller are NJCF's three musketeers of volunteering. Odds are that if you visit NJCF's Far Hills office on a Thursday morning, you will find the three women together, lending their time to support special events, organize the library and assist with administrative functions.

NJCF volunteers (from left) Muriel Foster, Anne Gaus and Holly Muller Click for Full Photo

"Muriel and I started volunteering at another organization three or four years ago," said Anne, 70, of Bernardsville. "I just wanted to volunteer for an organization that was dedicated to protecting New Jersey land. Holly was the volunteer coordinator and we enjoyed being together and working together."

"They were my best volunteers," said Holly, 52, a Bridgewater resident who has since moved on to be an evening library supervisor at Rutgers. "Working evenings leaves me plenty of time to volunteer during the day."

"I think all three of us just happened to have a concern about protecting New Jersey land," said Muriel, 61, of Chester. "As a volunteer, anything I can do to help NJCF direct more of its resources to protecting land is beneficial to the community. And it's also a social venue; I meet people with common interests."

“When I moved to New jersey 27 years ago, I was amazed by the number of beautiful natural areas around the state that needed protection.” – Holly Muller

Although all three women share the common goal of doing what they can to help protect New Jersey's land, they have much different backgrounds.

A grandmother, Anne is retired after 25 years of service to the Bedminster School, most recently as administrative assistant to the principal. A former information technology consultant with a focus in financial systems, Muriel also is a grandmother. Holly has four children and a mixture of professional environmental and library experience.

"When I moved to New Jersey 27 years ago, I was amazed by the number of beautiful natural areas around the state that needed protection," Holly said. "I really respect the mission of NJCF. The work of all conservation organizations is important, but I like the fact that NJCF is dedicated to conservation efforts that provide direct benefit to New Jersey."

For information about our volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals, please see the "Get Involved" section of our website at www.njconservation.org.

"Volunteers are vital to NJCF and we greatly appreciate the dedication Anne, Muriel and Holly have shown," said Stephanie Monahan, NJCF Director of Development and Outreach. "Whether it's supporting administrative functions every week or helping our Stewardship program blaze trails annually on National Trails Day, our volunteers play a key role in helping us save land and providing the public with beautiful natural areas to enjoy."