The Hill & Dale Preserve is located in Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County. It provides magnificent and sweeping views of preserved farmland and distant mountain ranges, including Round Valley Reservoir.

The first 115 acres of the new Hill & Dale Preserve at the base of Hell Mountain were acquired by New Jersey Conservation Foundation.  Conservation Resources helped facilitate a large grant to this project from a previously collected Natural Resource Damage Settlement.    To read the press release, click here.

Project History 

New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) has been looking for a preserve in its Black River Greenway project area that would host both natural and agricultural components representative of the region. This property meets their criteria.   If NJCF could acquire this whole site, then they would intend to convert the lower agricultural land to an organic farming operation, while some of the more steeply sloping fields would be converted to conservation land for passive recreation. The hayed areas towards the top would likely be converted to warm-season grasslands, and would include hiking trails where visitors could enjoy distant views.

The property has been of critical local interest for many years, and nonprofits and the local government have sought to preserve it for over a decade.  The Garden State Greenways project identified the property as containing both Critical Resource: Agriculture and Grasslands, as well as providing a Critical Connector.  Tewksbury’s Open Space Plan identifies parcels of greater than 30 acres in size (p.140)  The plan proposes to carry out the Township’s policy to preserve open space by evaluating these parcels based on several criteria, including the following which the property meets: aquifer recharge, presence of freshwater wetland, unique wildlife and plant habitats, mature woodlands, headwater streams, steep slopes, aesthetic views and vistas, accessibility to the public, suitability for multiple types of uses, sustainability of the property’s intended use, and opportunity for preservation.  The Township plan encourages preservation of large interconnected natural areas.  Preservation of this property, nestled between the Township’s Hell Mountain Preserve and the Rothpletz farm, certainly meets this goal.  The County plan recommends collaboration with nonprofits and others in the conservation of priority lands in conservation zones.  The County Park Plan encourages protection of meadows of significant size (25 acres or more) to provide habitat to grassland bird species, and encourages 200 foot or larger buffers to streams, which would be afforded by preserving this property.  Furthermore, the Hunterdon County Planning Board identified Hell Mountain as the area in Hunterdon County with the highest Natural Resource Score, based on its groundwater recharge, significant forest cover and significant habitat for rare plant species.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation, grassland restoration

Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quantity- protection of groundwater recharge areas

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- organic agriculture

Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails

Total Project Cost:  $7,100,000

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Swamp pink photo courtesy of USFWS

This 96-acre property, located within the New Jersey Conservation Foundation‘s Burden Hill Project Area, is located in Alloway Township near the Thundergut Pond Wildlife Management Area. It is approximately 80% forested, and contains part of a federally listed Swamp pink (Helonias bullata) population estimated at 1900 plants. It is adjacent to preserved farmland.

In 2008 the NJDEP designated parts of the property as Exceptional value wetlands with some Intermediate value wetlands as well. Important tributaries of Alloway Creek flow through the property, some of which support thriving Swamp pink populations on adjacent parcels of land.   This critical forest habitat can support other threatened species as well, such as Red-headed woodpecker, Bald eagle, and Cooper’s hawk.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service considers this property to be of the highest conservation priority in accordance with its Swamp pink recovery plan.

Ecosystem services provided: groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, riparian buffer, federal threatened species habitat protection

Total project cost: $997,500

Status: The property owner has filed an application to sell with Green Acres and the Natural Lands Trust. Green Acres is presently unable to move on the property due to unavailability of funding.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Acquisition of the Bongiovanni land is desired to conserve / restore green space in Elizabeth and encourage environmental stewardship, children’s natural learning and community gardens.  In the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, land containing fruit trees, flowering trees, and vegetable beds together on a sizable parcel is extremely rare.

The Elizabeth Conservancy (EC) would like to preserve the Bongiovanni property, and maintain its existing trees that have graced the property for many years, while providing beauty and environmental benefits to the community. The EC intends to reintroduce native plant species on the site to attract and support native wildlife and begin re-establishing the biodiversity that once existed in our neighborhoods; then support others to do likewise.  Children’s natural learning will be encouraged on site and combined with community gardens.  Following land acquisition, a small environmental education center will replace an existing structure.   The EC ‘s goal is to model, educate, and create momentum for replication so that open green space/community gathering spots will be multiplied throughout the city.

A half acre of green space on an urban residential street can make a huge difference in quality of life, and as a model, is more easily replicated.

This project site is also valued for the well it contains, which is also extremely rare in Elizabeth. In past years it had been used for watering the family’s vegetable and flower beds.  The EC would like to preserve and use it for bed irrigation to conserve water and keep utility bills to a minimum.

Through this project the EC can begin to serve the needs of Elizabeth’s culturally diverse population by providing opportunities for urban children and adults to connect with nature, grow their own food, exercise and improve their health, increase their environmental and gardening knowledge, and strengthen their community at the local neighborhood level.   Through the successful implementation of this project the EC can reach out and assist others who would like to do similar work in their neighborhoods, and create momentum for environmental stewardship and healthier living in urban centers.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation; Physical urban climate moderation/Air quality- community greening project

Biological Diversity: Habitat- urban habitat enhancement

Agricultural Production: Local food systems- urban community gardening

Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access to green space, environmental education

Total Project Cost: $ 474,000

Status: All due diligence work has been completed on this project. The Elizabeth Conservancy has received a commitment from the NJDEP Green Acres Program for the amount of $242,713.  Matching funds are still needed in the amount of $ 182,500. The EC has a signed contract for this property.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

The Dark Moon Preserve consists of mixed limestone forest atop dolomite outcrops, agricultural fields, and a riparian corridor. The geology of the site is unusual. Dolomite deposits on the southern part of the preserve stand out in marked relief at elevations higher than the Martinsburg Shale to the west. These give way again to dolomite at the north edge of the preserve where dolomite outcrops and large sinkholes are found.

The forest is a dense mixed deciduous forest with moderate understory. A spring emerges at the eastern edge of the forest, which is part of the headwaters of Trout Brook which flows through the site. The brook flows through the fields with little forested buffer. The site contains the remnants of the Dark Moon archaeological site, a Woodland Period Minisink village. The site has been extensively excavated and documented. Only the mounded remains of the excavation can be found on site.

The site is managed by the Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC) as a nature preserve with passive recreation, including hiking, photography, nature study and horse riding. The intact forest will remain in its present condition. The agricultural fields will be converted from the current crop cover to native warm season grasses to promote beneficial insects, ground-water recharge, riparian protection, ground-nesting birds, and raptors.

The Dark Moon Preserve is a demonstration carbon sequestration research site. With funding from Conservation Resources, the Ridge and Valley Conservancy is working with Rutgers University, Newark College of Arts and Sciences, to  measure carbon levels in the soil before and after warm-season grasslands are established on the site’s agricultural fields. The baseline readings were completed in the summer of 2010, with follow-up measurements scheduled for 2015.

To date, RVC has planted 28 acres of native grasses, and plans on an additional 6 acres in the Spring of 2011, and has recently removed 7 acres of invasive Autumn Olive.

A trailhead  has been constructed that accommodates horse trailers. A horse trail system has been created. A local Eagle Scout erected kiosks that provide information on the preserve, including the archaeological site it contains, a trail map, and  information on the benefits of warm season grasses.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quality and quantity- protection of groundwater recharge areas

Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- grassland restoration

Recreation & Aesthetics: Environmental education-  trailhead kiosk with map and information about native grasses

Status:  The property is managed by Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC). Green Township has an interest in stewardship of the site, as they were a participant in the acquisition. RVC has enlisted the assistance of a local land steward who mows trails through the site. The site is under a Green Acres conservation easement. Ridge and Valley Conservancy seeks funds for ongoing stewardship.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

]]> http://www.njconservationexchange.org/dark-moon-preserve-grassland-restoration/feed 0 http://www.njconservationexchange.org/drswat http://www.njconservationexchange.org/drswat#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:00:57 +0000 admin http://theconservationexchange.org/?p=195 Clean and healthy water in our rivers and streams is critical for thriving ecosystems, healthy human and wildlife communities, and clean drinking water for the Delaware River region. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) works to protect the Delaware River and allof its tributary streams from pollution discharges, whether they be small spills or major catastrophic events.

When there is a pollution discharge, every moment counts. It is critical that agencies are alerted immediately; that clean-up efforts are identified and undertaken and when they are failing that the problem is identified and corrected; and that every injured animal and habitat is assisted and documented to ensure their greatest survival and to make sure the polluters are held fully accountable for the harm.

The Delaware River Safe Water Action Team (DR SWAT) is a proactive initiative that includes a structured, permanent, and ongoing water watch and response program, including a DRN Emergency Response Command Center that can kick into high gear at a moment’s notice. This program also includes routine monitoring and vigilance by trained volunteer monitors to ensure that potentially harmful practices and industrial activities are detected and watch-dogged early–to be able to work to avoid catastrophic and more deadly spills down the road by dealing with potential problems and pollution quickly.

DR SWAT will:

• supply agency approved protocols and trained volunteers at the ready in the wake of a catastrophic pollution event;
• coordinate and interact with agency emergency responders in order to inform and expand the success of their effort;
• inform press, public, and decision-makers of ongoing pollution incidents;
• inform the government natural resource damage assessment process;
• effectively engage the public which is energized and concerned in the wake of a catastrophe;
• document the added resources that a volunteer network can bring in the event of a catastrophic pollution incident, in order to encourage the use of this model in other watersheds and communities;
• create a solid and comprehensive watch-dog network of volunteer monitors to perform routine water testing in areas where major threats and impacts are planned or ongoing; and
• collect important stream data to document both acute harm and also long-term health of streams over time. Work with agencies to do the same and fill agency data gaps as budgets tighten.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- protection of headwaters, wetlands protection, erosion and sedimentation control, best management practices tracking

Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened species habitat protection, protection of aquatic habitat; Ecosystem restoration- cleanup of catastrophic pollution event

Outreach, Recreation & Aesthetics: Environmental education- volunteer training, providing public with information

Total Project Cost: $200,000

CRI has awarded two grants to this project through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program: $3000 in 2008, and $3500 in 2010.

Status: since the project launch date, Delaware Riverkeeper Network has trained over 350 new volunteer monitors to be part of the DR SWAT monitoring team, but more stream sampling stations and volunteers are needed as the Delaware River Basin faces many emerging threats.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Since at least 1959, Princeton’s Master Plan has identified the Princeton Ridge as among the most important and sensitive environmental features in the community.  The area contains regionally important forested habitat.  According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Ridge’s mature forests provide habitat for several endangered and threatened species, including the Wood turtle, Eastern box turtle (species of concern), Cooper’s hawk, and Barred owl. In addition to the endangered and threatened species, the Ridge provides migration and nesting habitat for a number of migratory birds that require large patches of unfragmented forests to live and breed.

This property was purchased and preserved in August of 2011. Project partners included the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the Kingston Greenways Association, and Friends of Princeton Open Space. Public agency funding partners include the state Green Acres Program, Mercer County and Princeton Township.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation

Biological Diversity: Habitat- federal threatened/endangered species habitat protection

Total Project Cost: $3.95 million

Status: This project closed in August of 2011.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

Camp Albocondo is a 58-acre former campground in Tom’s River Township on the Manchester border, north of Winding River Park. It has approximately 18-20 developable upland acres plus significant wetlands.

The property encompasses both sides of the Category 1 Toms River and borders Township owned land both to the north and south creating a natural extension of Winding River Park. The property has an in-ground pool and man made lake, as well as several buildings in various conditions.  This property has excellent potential to be used as a summer day camp /campground.  The site is a well buffered refuge from busy Toms River and contains many mature trees and access to the Toms River.  The property is accessed from Whitesville Road and is adjacent to the Boy Scouts of America offices.

The property has a number of buildings, including one habitable house used by a caretaker. There is a second home which is boarded up in poor condition.  Other buildings include two cement block restroom facilities, a large barn at the rear of the pool and a trading post/snack bar.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Climate Stabilization and Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- Avoided deforestation

Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- summer day camp

Total Project Cost: The Trust for Public Land needs to raise an additional $2.5 million to preserving this property

Status: Contract signed; appraisals ordered

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.

White-tailed deer are a very significant problem at Brightwood Park and their removal of much of the native forest understory facilitates invasive species infestations.  Numerous native trees, shrubs and herbs show severe deer browse damage (deer preferentially eat native species relative to invasive species).  Sun gaps in the tree canopy typically support the growth of young trees that regenerate the forest.  However, deer browsing is eliminating growth of new trees — if left unchecked, forest cover will ultimately be eliminated at the Park. The extent of invasive species infestation at Brightwood Park is significant.

The Rahway River Association hopes to accomplish the following goals with this restoration:  

• Eliminate deer browse impacts on habitat with creation of deer exclosure
• Eradicate emerging populations of invasive species
• Reduce private landowner use of invasive species through outreach to Westfield residents
• Encourage volunteer stewardship and study of Brightwood Park by local students (K-12)
• Maintain invasive-free areas
• Initiate a consistent annual volunteer effort toward reduction of invasive species throughout the Park
• Foster native forest regeneration through removal of invasive canopy trees
• Create wildflower meadow in the 1-acre area near the parking lot and lake
• Restore lakeshore shrubland community between the lake and wildflower meadow
• Restore health of lakes by developing and implementing engineering plans to eliminate lake eutrophication
• Restore health of lakes by controlling the resident Canada goose population

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Biological Diversity: Habitat-federal threatened/endangered species habitat protection; Ecosystem restoration- invasive plant removal, native flora restoration

Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- outreach to residents, volunteer training

Total Project Cost:  $242,400

Status: CRI provided a $4,000 grant for this project in 2007 through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.

The Mill Dam Fish Passage Restoration Project will install a denil-type fish ladder within the Mill Dam to provide access to spawning and rearing habitat for migrating fish and would benefit migratory fish populations that historically spawned in the Rancocas River including: alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), American shad (Alosa sapidissima), and American eel (Anguilla rostrata).  The fish ladder at Mill Dam would provide access to approximately 11 miles of spawning habitat for alewife, American shad, and American eel.

Currently, alewife are able to use the Rancocas River up to Mill Dam.  However, alewife are prevented from using areas upstream of the Mill Dam due to the obstruction.  As a result of the Mill Dam, hundreds of alewife congregate at the base of the dam every spring during the spawning run.  In addition, a fish ladder was constructed at the Smithville Dam approximately 5 miles upstream in anticipation of fish passage being provided at Mill Dam. The land use around the Rancocas River includes agriculture, open space, and residential and commercial development.

Improving migratory fish access into the Rancocas River will enhance the biological diversity of the riverine ecosystem, also benefitting wading birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife species.  As studies have shown, the reintroduction of herring populations through spawning runs not only makes available the juvenile herrings as a food supply for other marine or freshwater fish, but other life stages of the herring provide additional foraging opportunities for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.  Thus, the number of fish species and piscivorous birds upstream of the dam will rise due to the overall improvement in the health of the Rancocas River’s riparian system as natural aquatic food webs are rebuilt.

Recreational fishing opportunities for the public will increase with future “herring runs.”  The recreational fishery for striped bass (Morone saxatilius) will benefit from the increases in aquatic biodiversity and forage fish populations.  A variety of warm-water fish (e.g., chain pickerel (Esox niger), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu),  largemouth bass (M. salmoides)) will feed on alewife, thus providing recreational fishing opportunities for both anadromous and warm-water fisheries.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Biological Diversity: Ecosystem restoration- restoring spawning grounds, restoring forage for upstream species

Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- recreational fishing

Total Project Cost: $500,000

Status: The project has completed conceptual designs and is finalizing engineering designs for the project.  Project construction can begin when funding sources are in place.

If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources.

]]> http://www.njconservationexchange.org/mill-dam-fish-passage-restoration/feed 2 http://www.njconservationexchange.org/unexpected-wildlife-refuge-leed-certified-nature-education-center http://www.njconservationexchange.org/unexpected-wildlife-refuge-leed-certified-nature-education-center#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:02:51 +0000 admin http://theconservationexchange.org/?p=403 CRI facilitated a $28,000 grant for this project from the Richard and Thelma Gardinier Fund in 2010. In addition, the Unexpected Wildlife Refuge received a $2,500 grant from CRI’s Franklin Parker Small Grant program in 2008, and a $5000 small grant in 2011. 

The Unexpected Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1961 by Cavit and Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci. On the refuge, the Buyukmihcis set up residence in a small cabin and barn next to an old abandoned cranberry bog. They fixed up the cabin as a home and headquarters for the Refuge. They raised their three children there, and dedicated their lives to humane education and habitat preservation. Today the Refuge has grown to 767 acres of fields, forests and wetlands, and is located in two counties and three municipalities.

Future Platinum LEED Nature Cente

The condition of the existing 80+ year old cabin has been steadily deteriorating, especially after the death of Cavit in 1987; he was the “maintenance man” at Unexpected. A poorly constructed foundation, lack of ventilation and a neglected roof have taken their toll; mold, termites and rot have set in.

The Board has discussed removing the existing building and replacing it with a new structure. However, the Board believes that this should not be done lightly given the current global situation. Construction and demolition waste constitutes more than 25% of landfill content. Sustainability in construction, demolition techniques, energy and water use and recycling are paramount in today’s stressed environment. It was decided that Unexpected Wildlife Refuge would embark on a project that will address the environmental and economic consequences of its actions: A Platinum LEED certified Environmental Education Center.

LEED-Certified green building benefits the public health and the environment. They can reduce operating costs, enhance marketability, increase productivity and help to create a sustainable community.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Outreach, Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education- LEED-certified nature center

Total Project Cost: $500,000

Status: The Unexpected Wildlife Refuge  is currently seeking additional funding for this project.

If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.

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