In the newly released book Preserving the Pines: The New Jersey Pine Barrens and the Origins of Environmentalism by William J. Lewis, the deep roots of New Jersey’s environmental movement are explored through the lens of key individuals and initiatives that shaped the way we teach and understand the natural world today. Among those celebrated for their leadership and vision is Christine Raabe, Director of Ocean County Soil Conservation District, whose many years of dedication to environmental education have left a lasting impact on the region.
Raabe, recognized in the book alongside other environmental pioneers, has played a crucial role in fostering awareness, stewardship, and education surrounding New Jersey’s unique ecosystems—particularly the Barnegat Bay watershed. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to connecting people, especially educators, to the natural world in meaningful and lasting ways.
A cornerstone of her impact has been the coordination of the Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable, an annual professional development event designed for teachers, informal educators and nature enthusiasts. This April 17, the Roundtable celebrated its 28th year, continuing a powerful tradition of bringing together educators and environmental professionals across the region. Hosted at the iconic Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown, the event offered a dynamic mix of indoor workshops and outdoor field experiences.
Teachers had the opportunity to explore topics such as soil health, maple sugaring, data collection with iNaturalist, local frogs and other amphibians, and coastal ecology. Site-based field experiences led by local scientists, naturalists, teachers and conservation leaders took participants into woodlands, wetlands, and along the Barnegat Bay shoreline to engage directly with the ecosystems they teach about. The hands-on, place-based learning approach reflects Raabe’s educational philosophy: connecting teachers with the natural world in tangible ways that they can bring back to their classrooms.
Over nearly three decades, the Roundtable has grown into a model for environmental education professional development, providing tools and inspiration that ripple outward through schools and communities. Raabe’s leadership has ensured the event remains relevant, engaging, and grounded in local environmental issues.
Described in the book as part of a broader movement to elevate environmental heroes to the same status as Hollywood celebrities or sports figures, Christine Raabe is listed alongside Rachel Carson, Henry David Thoreau, and others as someone whose name should be publicly known and celebrated. Environmental heroes should be household names—leaders who inspire others to act on behalf of the planet. Christine Raabe is one of those heroes, building a legacy rooted in education, collaboration, and an enduring love for New Jersey’s natural landscapes.
Raabe’s work with the Ocean County Soil Conservation District and her leadership in collaborative educational efforts like the Roundtable exemplify this ethos. The Roundtable not only equips educators with tools and knowledge but also fosters a community of practice centered on environmental stewardship. This approach ensures that lessons about the interconnectedness of life, the importance of native plants, and the fragility of ecosystems like Barnegat Bay reach generations of students through inspired teaching.
As Preserving the Pines asserts, “it takes a village” to shape a more environmentally conscious future. Thanks to Christine Raabe’s steadfast dedication, that village is growing stronger and more informed—one teacher, one student, and one inspired conversation at a time.