In 2008, CRI granted this project $3,000 through its Franklin Parker Small Grants program.
The restoration of the Blacks Creek waterfront will enhance wildlife habitat, increase the buffering capacity of riparian areas to improve the health of the Upper Delaware Estuary, and create recreational and educational opportunities for the local community and surrounding region of central New Jersey.
This project, sponsored by the D&R Greenway Land Trust, seeks to preserve urban open space, conserve a historic trestle from the 19th century Camden & Amboy Railroad, restore riparian buffers and native plant communities, and create an interpretive nature trail along Blacks Creek to help promote the appreciation and conservation of natural resources in Bordentown City, as well as provide a walking path through one of the few remaining natural areas of the mostly urbanized city.
The restoration of the riparian buffers along Blacks Creek will entail: stabilizing the shoreline in areas that are eroding; creating shallow water areas for fish habitat; reducing invasive plant species and replacing with natives to improve wildlife habitat; increasing the width of the buffers where possible to help improve water quality; and creating focused access points to the water for non-motorized boats and wildlife observation.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quality- riparian buffers, shoreline stabilization, wetlands restoration, protecting aquatic habitat
Biological Diversity: Habitat- restoration of native vegetation; Ecosystem resilience and pest control- removal of invasive plants
Outreach, Recreation & Aesthetics: Environmental education- interpretive nature trail; Public access- hiking trails, access to waterfront
Total Project Cost: $40,000
Status: Currently, 7 properties along Blacks Creek have been preserved by D&R Greenway and one property has been transferred from PSE&G to the City.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources.
