Princeton, NJ – JoyDew and Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) are proud to announce the launch of a new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) collaboration, marking the beginning of a six-month initiative that combines environmental conservation with hands-on workforce development for individuals with autism.
The pilot project kicked off with JoyDew members visiting the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton to begin work alongside FOPOS on a comprehensive Beech Tree Health Mapping and Monitoring initiative.
“The monitoring program was established in response to Beech Leaf Disease (BLD), an emerging and fatal condition caused by an invasive microscopic worm that infects the tree’s leaf buds, leading to tree death within two to five years. More than 400 trees at the Preserve were found to be infected.” said Anna Corichi, FOPOS Director of Natural Resources and Stewardship. Using GIS technology, the partnership will map beech tree locations across FOPOS-managed lands while documenting BLD symptoms, spread, and canopy health.
The resulting data will provide FOPOS with valuable tools to prioritize conservation and restoration efforts, evaluate the effectiveness of current and future treatment strategies and support stewardship, outreach, and long-term environmental planning. Corichi said, “These systems have already helped to facilitate quick and comprehensive data analysis in the face of this devastating disease, and will support future ecological monitoring efforts as well.”
For JoyDew members, the collaboration represents far more than a technical project. Participants will receive real-world experience in GIS data collection, mapping, quality assurance, spatial analysis, and visualization while contributing to a meaningful conservation effort. This initiative reflects JoyDew's commitment to providing innovative, hands-on workforce development opportunities that prepare autistic individuals for careers in technology and geospatial sciences while making a positive impact in their communities.
"This partnership demonstrates how technology can be used to solve real environmental challenges while creating valuable learning experiences," said Julian Oyola, Project Lead for JoyDew. "We're excited to work alongside Friends of Princeton Open Space to help protect local natural resources while empowering our members with practical GIS skills."
The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to conservation, education, and community engagement. By combining JoyDew's GIS expertise and workforce development mission with FOPOS's leadership in land stewardship, the project creates lasting value for both organizations and the communities they serve.
Project milestones include a data audit and project kickoff, development of baseline maps, creation of public-facing educational Story Maps, and delivery of a final report and GIS resources later this year. For more information about JoyDew and its workforce development programs, click here. To learn about Friends of Princeton Open Space’s land stewardship and conservation projects, click here.
About JoyDew
JoyDew provides a whole life solution for people with autism and their families where, based on their unique strengths, they learn and grow in a community of their own and achieve their dreams through a company that endures for 100 years. Our vision is to replace the brutal reality experienced by all people with autism and their families with a solution that touches every part of their life and is rooted in human rights and hope. JoyDew’s services include an innovative day program, higher education, employment, social activity, housing, and parent support and education.
About Friends of Princeton Open Space
Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of open space in the Princeton area. Through conservation, community programs, and youth engagement, FOPOS ensures that Princeton’s natural spaces remain vibrant, accessible, and protected for generations to come.
