A baseline Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) survey was conducted on Bull’s Island and Fireman’s Eddy Natural Areas, in Hunterdon County, to identify rare and endangered plants. This is being followed by invasive species removal and native restoration plans by the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, Delaware River Greenway Partnership, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The goal is to ensure that herbicidal application will not inadvertently harm NJ’s native and rare species. This site is appropriately located to provide important resting, foraging, and nesting habitat for migratory grassland dependent birds.

The plan for Bull’s Island aims to restore approximately 5 acres of upland and palustrine forested and scrub/shrub habitat by controlling invasive Japanese knotweed and planting native trees and shrubs. The Natural Heritage Database revealed four rare plant species within the project area. These species include few-fruit sedge (Carex oligocarpa – SE), blue waxweed (Cuphea viscosissima – SC), Carolina whitlow-grass (Draba reptans – SE) and basil beebalm (Monarda clinopodia – SE).   This project supports preservation of a northern floodplain and habitat and rare species habitat.

Ecosystem Services Provided:

Biological Diversity: Ecosystem restoration- Invasive plant removal, ecosystem-level management

Total Project Cost:  $33,875

CRI granted a $2,000 Franklin Parker Small Grant Award to this project in 2009.

Status:  The survey was completed, and restoration work is underway.

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