In 2010, CRI awarded the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space $17,500.00 through its RPWHP Grant program. This grant covered 50% of the costs of the reforestation of 8.3 acres of abandoned agricultural fields to restore contiguous forest cover at Baldpate Mountain Park. 
Baldpate Mountain and its vicinity have been identified as a priority forest conservation area in the RPWHP Forest Conservation Plan. There are several fields near the summit of the mountain that have been utilized for agricultural or programmatic reasons (e.g., historic Kuser homestead, viewshed of Delaware River). Two of these fields totaling 8.3 acres were identified for forest restoration to improve connectivity of large forest areas that surround these fields.
These two fields were converted to forest habitat through the planting of 1,660 native trees and shrubs (planting density of 200 per acre) and fencing field perimeters to avoid deer browsing on plantings and naturally recruited native trees and shrubs. Periodic control of invasive species and maintenance of exclosure fencing will occur as needed in subsequent years to allow for the successful growth of native plantings.
Baldpate Mountain is known to harbor nesting Kentucky and Hooded Warblers. The increase in continuity of forest cover will ultimately provide additional habitat and reduce forest edges that are avoided by forest interior birds.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- reforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- restoration of forest bird habitat; Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal, forest restoration
Total Project Cost: $35,000
Status: In October of 2010, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and the Mercer County Park Commission organized four volunteer work days to complete the planting. Volunteers came out from corporations such as Merck, Rosetta, and the Educational Testing Service, from Master Gardeners, Hopewell Valley High School, Girl Scouts, and residents. Over 1600 native trees and shrubs were planted. The trees and shrubs were supplied by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
