Sierra Club Mourns the Passing of Candace Ashmun- Protector of the Pines

Candace Ashmun who is a well-known conservationist in New Jersey died on May 22, 2020. She was 96 years old. Candace was a resident of Basking Ridge and is known as the Godmother of the Pines for her consistent effort to protect and preserve the Pinelands. She served on the Pinelands Commission for more than four decades and was one of its original members.

“Our condolences go to Candace Ashmun’s family. Our hearts go out to them. Candace was one of the founders of the modern environmental movement in New Jersey and one of its most influential. She helped encourage and educate multiple generations of future advocates. Candace has spent four decades on making sure that the Pinelands was protected,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club

Candace Ashmun was also a past trustee on the Highlands Coalition and served as the vice chair of the Board of the Fund for New Jersey. At the local level, she served on the Bedminster Board of Education, Board of Adjustment and Environmental Commission, and as vice chair of the Far Hills Planning Board.

“I first met Candace in 1975 when I was put on the Hillside Commission. People like Candace changed the environment for the better in New Jersey. She has shaped the environmental movement here in this state. Even though Candace may be gone, she will leave a legacy of all the people who learned from her and her dedication to the Pinelands. She has been on the Pinelands Commission since day 1. In her memory, it is important that we move forward on getting her replacement through to make sure that the Pinelands will continue to be protected,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “When you drive around the Pinelands, you see Candy’s handywork. We will cherish her life’s work and continue to protect it.”