Saddler’s Woods surrounds the headwater spring of the main branch of the Newton Creek, called Saddler’s Run, which is a tributary of the Delaware River in Camden County, NJ, and contains an old growth forest, young woodlands and wetlands all located within five miles of Philadelphia. The 15 acre parcel is permanently protected by a conservation easement. Saddler’s Woods was officially named in January of 2004 to honor Joshua Saddler, a runaway slave who escaped a Maryland plantation with his wife and two daughters in the early 1800s. Saddler eventually earned his freedom and thrived, farming on the border of the woods. Saddler attempted to make protections for the woods when he wrote into his will in 1868 that “to commit no waste,… no heirs shall cut the timber thereon.” -JS 1868
This habitat enhancement project is crucial for the restoration of the Newton Creek Watershed, which is an essential habitat for a large number of migratory songbirds, waterfowl and fish and necessary in order to help protect the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy Aquifer, from which many in the region – 472,000 people in Camden county alone – draw their drinking water.
It is imperative to rehabilitate one of the last remaining examples of old growth forest in the Eastern United States. Less than 0.05% of the forests in the Eastern United States can be considered old growth which makes this forest a superlative habitat. With its unique historical and cultural contexts, Saddler’s Woods merits the highest committed investment for its rehabilitation.
Saddler’s Woods Conservation Association ( SWCA) will:
- remove debris and eradicate invasive species throughout 15 acres of forest and plant native species in four acres of target restoration zones;
- plant native vegetation along the stream bank and install coir logs along the streambank to control erosion;
- restore over 1600 linear feet of trails and establish a new “woodpecker lane” trail;
- continue to improve the volunteer center facility and acquire tools and equipment for volunteer restoration activities;
- conduct species surveys to document flora and fauna, which will guide restoration initiatives; and
- acquire wildlife display items, update the trail map, create a woodpecker identificataion guide, and produce a “Seasons of Saddler’s Woods” video.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Water Protection, Filtration & Control: Water quantity- protection of groundwater recharge area, stream buffers, reforestation, avoided deforestation; Flood control- riparian land protection
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: carbon sequestration- avoided deforestation
Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of old growth forest; Ecosystem resilience, pest control, disease control- ecosystem-level management
Recreation and Aesthetics: Environmental education
Total Project Cost: $50,000
CRI has funded this project through three Franklin Parker Small Grants: $3000 in 2007, $3000 in 2008, and $2000 in 2009.
Status: This project will be executed in concert with other restoration projects, which will leverage costs and expand the impact of SWCA’s restoration efforts.
If you would like further information about this project, please contact Conservation Resources Inc.
