Plantings critical in restoring the natural state of the South Branch Preserve

While the physical restoration of the South Branch Preserve may be complete, ongoing monitoring of the property is now critical. When the site was altered for residential development, many plants and trees were destroyed. These have now been replanted on the site, helping to bring it even closer to its pre-development state. Several steps are being taken to ensure they take root and survive onsite.

Some new plant growth on the South Branch Preserve Restoration Site

Among the trees and shrubs planted are Sugar Maples, Red Maples, Black Cherry, Silver Dogwood, Beardstongue, and Swamp Milkweed. In total, over 300 trees and over 700 shrubs were planted throughout the South Branch Preserve Restoration Site. Given some time to grow, the forest will be on the rebound within five to ten years!

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve has completed a Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) for the site. The PSI measures the ecological integrity of native plant communities and establishes a standardized measure of the effectiveness of our land management practices over time. The PSI was conducted by a team of botanists inventorying each of the plant communities on the site. The final report shows that the South Branch Preserve Restoration Site has one of the highest diversities of plant species inventoried in New Jersey.

While the new plantings begin to grow, it is also important to keep an eye on the spread of non-native species on the site. These “invasive” plants thrive on disturbed sites, making it more difficult for native plants to survive. The Land Conservancy’s Stewardship team is working with our restoration experts to provide every opportunity for native saplings, seeds, and shrubs to thrive.

An Invasive Species Report by Ecological Solutions found that two of the most pervasive non-native species at the South Branch Preserve are Japanese Stiltgrass and Japanese Barberry. Deer and other animals tend to avoid these plants in favor of native species, further encouraging their spread. Each of these species can be found on nearly half the acres in the 135-acre site. In total, twenty non-native species are present on the site.

This map shows the extent of non-native species present in different areas of the South Branch Preserve site.

It’s time to celebrate completion of the first phase of the South Branch Preserve Restoration Project!

After nearly four months of hard work, the time to celebrate the restoration of the former Rezamir Estates property in Mount Olive finally arrived on Friday, October 15. The event, “A Highlands Restoration Celebration,” commemorated the completion of the first phase of restoration work at the 135-acre site, which had been subdivided for residential development six years ago.

Guests and media tour the South Branch Preserve site on Friday, October 15.

The event, sponsored by The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, the National Forest Foundation, and the El Paso Corporation, featured a walking tour of the restored site, a breakfast and lunch, and appearances by representatives of several local, state, and Federal agencies, including U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.

Left to Right: Paul Steinbeiser (Restoration Team), David Epstein (The Land Conservancy of New Jersey), Bill Possiel (National Forest Foundation), Leslie Sauer (Restoration Team)

Jim Yardley (El Paso Corporation)

The Land Conservancy could not be more excited about the completion of this work and the positive reception the project has received as it ushers in a new era of land preservation in New Jersey. An article about the project appeared on the front page of Saturday’s Daily Record, and Sunday’s Star-Ledger! [click here, and here to view the articles]

David Epstein (The Land Conservancy of New Jersey President)

Dennis Briede (The Land Conservancy of New Jersey Stewardship Manager and Videographer)

Since June, when the property was acquired by The Land Conservancy in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, a tremendous amount of work has been done to remove the infrastructure installed for the residential subdivision, including the home foundation, gravel roads, concrete culverts, and detention basins. The site - located in the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River, which provides drinking water to over a million New Jersey residents - is of critical importance in the Highlands Preservation Area.

Stream crossing before restoration

Reconstructed stream crossing

Old detention basin

Restored vernal pond

Although we’ve made tremendous progress in restoring the site to its natural state, the work isn’t over yet. As we wait for the forests to regrow, invasive plant species have threatened the biological diversity of the site. Keep posted for updates on our efforts to limit their spread.

Construction and Planting Almost Complete on South Branch Preserve

Construction, planting and seeding on the South Branch Preserve Restoration Project is almost complete! The completion of this work of the restoration project will mark the end of the first phase of the extensive makeover since the property’s purchase in June 2010.

The extensive makeover has left the site unrecognizable compared to early June. Two detention basins were removed from the property and replaced with fourteen vernal pools. Additionally, 450 native shrubs and trees have been planted near the former upper detention basin and over 200 native shrubs and trees have been planted near where the former lower detention basin was located. Roads have been removed from the property and a deer fence installed to lessen the detrimental effects of deer grazing on the property.

Workers planting shrubs and trees along newly created vernal ponds

Wildflower and native grass seed have been planted over much of the property, which have recently started to sprout. The planting and seeding, done in phases, will give way to a cover crop that will protect the soil from erosion, as well as protect the land throughout the winter months. The roads, which were removed, have recently been seeded and trees will soon be planted in their former path.

Seeding taking place on the property by a tractor pulling a seeder

The stream crossings have been restored to their natural state after they were culverted and diverted for development prior to the preservation of the land. The restoration crew has lined each of the crossings with boulders and rocks. Additionally, planting of wetland grasses and shrubs is nearly complete around the boulders to ward off erosion.

The planted and seeded stream beds- restored to their natural state

With construction and planting nearing completion, the focus of the project has shifted to future management of the property. To help with the management, Linda Kelly, from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, is completing the Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) of the property. The PSI will help The Land Conservancy to assess the range of plants and trees on the property from the valuable to the detrimental.

The most valuable are rare or endangered species that will need special care and maintenance right now and in the long-term. The detrimental plants include invasive species or non-native plants, which can easily adapt to varying temperatures, and varying amounts of sunlight and water. They can easily take over a particular area when conditions are not suitable for more native plants to grow. Our goal is to create optimal conditions on the site for the native plants to outcompete non-native plants.

Dr. Mike Van Clef, with Ecological Solutions, is almost finished creating maps which will show the extent and severity of invasive species encroaching on the property. On the South Branch property, the two worst invasive species are Japanese Stiltgrass and Japanese Barberry. Other species that pose a moderate threat on the property include Common Mugwort, Bush Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, Tree of Heaven, and Multiflora Rose.

One of the two most invasive species on the property, Japanese Barberry

In addition to the mapping, Mike will outline steps to remove and to control these species immediately, and in the future. As a result, his findings will aid the management of the property right away, as well as in the long-term. Controlling the infestation of invasive species on the South Branch Preserve will be an ongoing issue that will last many years. Our goal is to prevent soil erosion, and to promote healthy forest growth to ensure clean water to the South Branch.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is looking forward to completing the restoration project and developing a plan to manage the property. Please check back soon for more updates!

Update on the South Branch Preserve Restoration Project

With approximately six weeks of construction remaining at the South Branch Preserve Restoration Site, work is progressing smoothly and the property is beginning to look more like a natural area rather than a development subdivision.

The main gate and some of the deer fencing that was erected around the perimeter of the property.

The upper former detention basin has been completely filled and graded. Ten vernal pools were constructed and 450 native shrubs and trees have been planted in its place. Stumps, logs, and rocks were placed in and around the vernal pools to provide habitat for the amphibians and insects. The area has also been seeded with native grasses and wildflowers that should sprout next month.

The lower former basin was also completely filled and graded. Because it is smaller, four vernal pools were constructed there. Planting and seeding will begin within the next week.

New shrubs around the vernal pool, as well as boulders and logs recently placed there for amphibian and insect habitat.

Watch this video to see more of the recently planted vernal pools.

Remaining soil from the huge soil pile was used to spread long the former roadways (Yalda Court & Shop Lane). These areas will also be graded, seeded, and planted to restore the natural look of a meadow. This task will be one of the last to be completed, as the seeded areas cannot be disturbed by construction machinery or human treading once planted.

The former construction road. Leftover soil was used to spread across the roads so they can be planted and seeded, restoring the natural meadow.

The major stream crossing is almost completely restored to its natural form. Once this is completed, the stream restoration crew will begin restoring the to smaller stream crossings that were interrupted by the previous construction of roads.

The major stream crossing that is almost completed. You can see the boulders that make up the stream bed and lots of shubs planted nearby.

Watch this video to learn more about the stream crossing restoration.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is looking forward to completing the restoration project by the end of September. Seeing the former development site back in its natural state will be very rewarding to us and it will eventually be a great opportunity for public recreation for hiking and nature study in Mount Olive. Continue to check back for updates as the completion date nears.

Volunteers Herd Deer Off South Branch Preserve Restoration Site

On Wednesday, July 28th a group of 47 volunteers gathered to strategically herd deer off The Land Conservancy's South Branch Preserve Restoration Site in Mount Olive.

Sandy Urgo, Barbara Heskins Davis, and David Epstein of The Land Conservancy ready to start herding.

Deer grazing can have a detrimental effect on the landscape and hinder restoration efforts at the Preserve. As the restoration progresses, we will be replanting the disturbed areas with native grasses, shrubs, and trees. If left onsite, the deer would destroy the newly planted tree seedlings and shrubs, preventing regeneration of the natural forest. Limiting the growth of native species increases the opportunity for invasive plant species to overtake the property. Invasive species are non-native plants that invade an area and disrupt the natural ecosystem.

In addition to the growth of invasive species, overgrazing will cause the dominant tree species to become altered in the future. This will reduce species richness by reducing the abundance of those trees and plants that may provide suitable habitat for a range of different animals. To ensure the health of the site, it is imperative to keep deer off the site while the newly planted vegetation grows. One of the most common methods of keeping deer away from a property is by erecting a deer exclosure fence.

That morning volunteers lined up 25 feet apart along the northern expanse of fencing around the property and walked towards a 600-foot open gap left in the fencing- forcing deer to run in that direction and off the site. It was quite an extraordinary morning for those volunteering as they hiked amongst dense thickets of barberry, steep inclines, mud, and rocky terrain. After the 2 hour herding process was complete, the fencing crew closed the gap. Two gates will facilitate the entrance and exit to the site by work crews and hikers.

Pat Bergum of Bash Fencing went over the strategy with the volunteers before herding began.

Volunteers taking position along the site’s perimeter deer fence.

The Land Conservancy would like to thank all deer herding volunteers, especially those from Walmart, Morris County Youth Shelter, and Trout Unlimited.

A group of volunteers from Walmart pose with TLC-NJ President, David Epstein, before herding.

South Branch Preserve Restoration Project Update- Week 6

Restoration of the former Rezamir Estates property in Mount Olive, now the South Branch Preserve Restoration Site owned by The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, is progressing smoothly as the sixth week of the project comes to a close. Various preliminary projects are in the process of wrapping up and we are beginning to move on to the next steps of the restoration. The construction phase is set to end on September 30th, only a few short weeks away.

One of the former detention basins has been completely filled in and graded. A series of seven vernal ponds have been installed in its place, which are already abundant in wildlife! It will soon be seeded and replanted with native vegetation, restoring its natural identity that was taken away when the site was subdivided and partially developed for 16 single-family homes in 2004. The other detention basin is on the verge of being completely filled and graded. It will take the same path as the latter basin with the installation of vernal ponds, and eventually become a lively grassy meadow.

Here, you can see the second detention basin being filled in with soil.

Planting of the vernal ponds has begun.

A frog enjoying the sun in one of the new vernal ponds.

The installation of deer fencing is progressing as well. This fencing will keep deer off the property as the newly planted vegetation grows. Deer grazing can have a detrimental effect on the landscape and hinder restoration efforts at the Preserve. 8,960 feet of fencing and 400 wooden fence posts were used in the installation process.

View the video above to learn more about the deer fence that was erected onsite.

Here, you can see the fencing crew working on the gate to the Preserve.

Stream restoration has now begun onsite. Streams that were previously obstructed by partially developed roads are now being restored to their natural channels, having been graded and the beds lined with rocks and boulders to mimic the natural appearance and flow of the rest of the stream. Hay bales have been placed along the stream edges temporarily to prevent erosion before it is replanted with vegetation that will stabilize the stream banks.

This video describes the stream restoration project.

Hay bales temporarily lined along stream edges to prevent erosion.

Above, you can see a restored stream bed.

The spreading of soil across the roads, completion of the deer fence, an ambitious replanting and seeding effort, and the formation of a visitors’ parking area are among the next major steps of site restoration. Check back weekly for updates and pictures of The Land Conservancy’s progress restoring the South Branch Preserve.

This video describes how the roads will be made into walking paths and replanted in the near future.

Restoration Continues at the South Branch Preserve

Restoration of the South Branch Preserve, formerly the Rezamir Estates, in Mount Olive is progressing smoothly for its new owner, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. We have completed the fourth week of construction, in the sixteen week long process. Construction is expected to be completed by September 30th, when the first phase (earth-moving work) of the South Branch Preserve Restoration Project will be done. The property was previously partially constructed for a 16-lot housing developement site which damaged and degraded the natural ecosystem. We are restoring the forest and streams so it fulfills its ecological potential and can once again protect the drinking water supply of the South Branch of the Raritan River and be available for public recreation.

Over the past two weeks, construction crews have been busy trying to meet the goals of our ambitious schedule and have been making significant progress. One of the two existing detention basins on the property has been filled in and the area graded. Three of six vernal ponds have been constructed in the basin's place. Vernal ponds occur when excess water drains into depressions and little pools of water develop during wet times of the year like spring. These ponds play a vital role in forest ecosystems; they are important habitat for amphibians and insects where they mate and lay their eggs. By mid-summer the ponds dry up for the most part, and the offspring leave the pond. Three more will be created after the remainder of this basin is filled in. Work has just begun on filling in the other detention basin with soil and quarry stone. For an explanation of the construction of vernal ponds onsite, please see the video below.

One of the vernal ponds that has been constructed over the site of the former detention basin after a couple days of rain.

Green frog eggs (the worm-shaped object) present in the new vernal pond after just 2 days.

A green frog in the new vernal pond.

In a little pond near one of the basins, dozens of frogs were gathered for mating.

Stream restoration work has also begun. At the stream junction, culverts were removed from under the road and the old cement arch bridge base is in the process of being jack-hammered and removed. The restoration crew, Paul W. Steinbeiser and company, has been working in conjunction with the Salmon construction group to pick up different sized boulders and rocks to use for the stream restoration project. They have also started grading the stream edges. For an explanation on the stream restoration process onsite, view the videos below.

A jackhammer-like machine was placed on the backhoe to break apart a large cement pipe discovered within a culvert; see the video below.

On July 6, the invasive plant species study began onsite. Invasive species are non-native plants that invade an area and disrupt the natural ecosystem. Michael van Clef, ecologist and President of Ecological Solutions Consulting Services based in Great Meadows, completed invasive species mapping in one area of the site last week and will finish the remainder of the study over the next week. A Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) was also conducted onsite by Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. Although it's not quite complete, the PSI found that the property has one of the highest indices of native species diversity that they have seen in New Jersey! Plants noted in the PSI include trees, grasses, sedges, wildflowers, and shrubs.

An approximately 100-year old tulip tree. If you look closely there's a little hole in the tree with a squirrel poking its head out.

Also on July 6, the fencing crew started the necessary field work to erect the fencing. Posts have been set up and next week the fencing will be hung. This fencing will keep deer off the restoration site, allowing the new plants, grasses, and shrubs that will be planted to grow undisturbed. The future visitors’ parking lot has been graded and staked out and some gravel has been spread out there.

This machine is used to stretch and hang the fencing.

The site is hardly recognizable only four weeks into construction and we are amazed by the progress. As we approach the completion date, keep checking the blog for updates.

Volunteers Get to Work on the Grounds of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s Headquarters

On Monday, June 28, volunteers from Borbas Surveying & Mapping braved nearly 100-degree weather to help The Land Conservancy with two ongoing projects at our WildAcres headquarters; meadow restoration and garage rehabilitation.

When the well for our new geothermal energy system was installed last month, our backyard meadow was unearthed and the vegetation displaced. After filling the area back in with soil, it was left barren and covered with rocks (see picture below). The volunteers removed all the rocks
then graded the soil surrounding the wellhead (the blue object extending from the ground in the picture) to prepare the meadow for seeding that will take place within the 2-3 weeks. Eventually the backyard area will fill in with native grass and wildflowers.


In addition to the grueling task of removing rocks from the meadow, the volunteers helped prepare our garage for renovation. Due to leaks in the garage’s roof and mold problem, we are replacing all the walls and the roof so that we can use it again for storage. The Borbas volunteers helped us take everything out of the garage and separated the trash from the treasures so that the structure is ready for construction beginning on Tuesday, July 6.

Volunteers placing rocks in the tractor’s loader to be hauled away.

Volunteers take a break in the nearly 100-degree weather.

The volunteers also helped to rake and cleanup the front of the building along the driveway which the snowplow truck dismantled in the winter. Luckily, all the tasks were completed in perfect timing- literally a minute or two before a heavy downpour began. Our sincere thanks to Peter Borbas and all the staff at Borbas Surveying & Mapping for the wonderful work they did!

Week 1: Restoration Work Begins on South Branch Preserve Restoration Project

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce that we have begun working to restore the former Rezamir Estates property in Mt. Olive, now known as the South Branch Preserve Restoration Site. The Land Conservancy is leading a team of contractors and expert consultants to implement the Restoration Plan of this critically important land. The property was partially developed for 16 residential lots. We are excited to have begun this land stewardship, or land management, project to restore the natural assets of the property. The work during this past week focused on the preliminary steps to ensure the property is prepared before remedial actions, such as removing the detention basins and roads, are completed.

On June 14th contractors put up fabric fences to prevent soil erosion and drained most of the water from the two detention basins. The Plant Stewardship Index (PSI) was begun as well. This is a tool used for ecological assessment, which means observing and classifying a property’s plants and habitats. By observing the types of plants that exist, the PSI helps determine the “naturalness” of a site and how land management practices (or their absence) affected that naturalness over time. According to Bowman Hill Wildflower Preserve, the botanical organization who conducted our PSI, over 2,000 plants in New Jersey and the Piedmont region of Pennsylvania have been catalogued and assigned a number from zero to ten by local experts and botanists. Zero represents the most generalist species, tolerant of disturbance and includes invasive or introduced non-native species (such as multiflora rose). Ten represents the most conservative species and includes many rare and endangered state-listed native plants that require special habitats and do not regrow after disturbance. The PSI will help us properly manage the land and habitats within the preserve. For more information on PSI visit Bowman Hill Preserve's website.

On June 17th, Conservancy staff members and several of our volunteers, with guidance from a biologist and herpetologist, scoured two existing drained detention basins for turtles, frogs, and tadpoles so that we could relocate them before filling the basins. It was a muddy process, but we were able to capture and release 30 frogs from one pond, and thousands of frogs, toads, and tadpoles of assorted types from the other. With permission from our new neighbor, we released them into two nearby ponds. There were no turtles found in the basins, however we spotted one box turtle on a nearby road.

There’s a long way to go in the restoration process but we all look forward to the end result when we can call it by its new name, South Branch Preserve, where people will be able to enjoy the natural landscape of the site. Continue to check back for updates each week on Rezamir’s progress.

A box turtle found nearby.

Staff members of TLC-NJ and biologist, Rick Radis, observing a catch.

A frog hidden in mud inside a net.

President of TLC-NJ, David Epstein, emptying his muddy waders.

Former Rezamir Estates Property Preserved, Restoration of Critical Drinking Water Source Begun

MOUNT OLIVE: The Land Conservancy of New Jersey and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) partner with Mount Olive and Morris County to preserve critical watershed in New Jersey Highlands

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce the purchase of the former 134-acre Rezamir Estates property in the Township of Mt. Olive on June 9, 2010 in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, Morris County, Mt. Olive Township, and the State of New Jersey. The property will be known as The South Branch Restoration Project as it is located within the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River.

The property was subdivided in 2004 and construction had begun for the development of 16 single-family homes. The property includes a complex network of streams that feed into the headwaters of the South Branch of the Raritan River, a drinking water source for 1 million New Jersey residents. Unfortunately, with the development approval, the hydrology of the property was altered with installation of a road, several stream crossings, detention basins, and footings for an arch bridge. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey will implement a plan to remove the crossings and detention basins, and restore stream channels to their natural state.

Construction debris left onsite.

The acquisition included a contribution from TPL and the landowner of more than $100,000 so that The Land Conservancy can begin work to restore streams and stabilize soil on the site. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is raising additional funds to reforest portions of the property and implement a comprehensive management and restoration plan for the property.


"The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is excited to have the opportunity to restore the disturbed streams and stop the erosion that has plagued this beautiful property so that it can once again provide clean drinking water for the residents of New Jersey," said Conservancy President David Epstein.


A construction road onsite.
"The construction project had damaged neighboring properties. The Trust for Public Land took the initiative in making the project happen, and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey will be a good steward in returning the property to a natural state. The public will get the benefit of enjoying the property," said Mount Olive Township Mayor David M. Scapicchio.

The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded $1.65 million from the open space portion of the County Preservation Trust Fund; Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority contributed $500,000; $460,000 came from two New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program grants, including a $250,000 contribution of Green Acres Funding from Mount Olive Township's Planning Incentive Funds; and the Johanette Wallerstein Institute awarded $40,000 for the purchase.

"We are grateful to The Land Conservancy of New Jersey for their commitment to stewarding and improving this critical drinking water resource, and to the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Mount Olive Township Mayor and Council, the Municipal Utilities Authority, the Wallerstein Institute, and New Jersey's state Green Acres program, without which this opportunity would have been lost," said Terrence Nolan, TPL Senior Project Manager.

Check back soon for updates on the restoration progress on this blog!

An existing partially-built foundation that
was constructed on the property.

Partners for Parks Project Held at Wagner Farm Arboretum

Forty-five sanofi-aventis employees spent the day working hard to beautify and improve the grounds at the Wagner Farm Arboretum’s “Children's Garden”. The volunteers worked tirelessly and succeeded in placing 220 linear feet of metal edging along the main brick walkway, and spreading 12 cubic yards of wood chips along a path which connected the “Children's Garden” to the main building. In addition, many other significant projects were completed, including weeding, spreading top soil and mulching.

Volunteers were able to build 6 raised garden beds, and added new top soil and wood chips along the pathways between each of the raised beds. This work contributes to the progress of these evolving gardens that have been established to benefit community members and the general public.

Since 2000, sanofi-aventis volunteer groups have participated in 13 Partners for Parks projects, with over 300 employees participating in a variety of stewardship projects in both Morris and Somerset counties.

The Partners for Parks program is made possible in part thanks to our corporate sponsors. 2010 corporate sponsors include: BASF, Goldman Sachs & Co., Investors Savings Bank, Merck & Co., Novartis Pharmaceuticals, sanofi-aventis, UPS and Walmart.

Geothermal System is Complete!

We are pleased to announce that the installation of our new geothermal heating and cooling system was completed on Monday 06/14! The last of the mechanical hook-ups and tests took place and the well was synchronized with the interior pump and furnace so that the well water enters the building at the best possible speed to increase efficiency. The air conditioning is now up and running, much to our relief!

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey would like to extend our gratitude to Montville Township which leases us this property, the F.M. Kirby Foundation which provided funding for this exciting project, and all our contractors and expert consultants. This is a big step in our effort to make our WildAcres headquarters sustainable and to keep The Land Conservancy at a high standard of what it means to be green.

Next we must restore the meadow that was unearthed during construction of the well. The process is set to begin on Monday 06/21. Volunteers will pick rocks, rake, and replant the meadow, restoring its natural beauty.

The geothermal well construction site will be replanted Monday.

Mechanical Heating and Cooling Components of Geothermal System Installed- Phase 3 Completed!

From Wednesday, June 9th through Saturday, June 12th, our building was mechanically configured to support the new geothermal system. Workers from Beta American Services based in Oakland, were very busy installing a heat exchanging water furnace and air handler A/C system, re-routing refrigerant lines, as well adjusting the air ducts throughout the building. This new system is much more efficient than the old air conditioning system, as the “reversing” ability of the ground source heating/cooling system, makes for a less energy-demanding transition between seasons.

Equipment galore!


The new water furnace contains a heat exchanging unit that takes heats out of, or puts heat into, the well water. It is located in the basement and receives water via an underground pipe directly from the well. (Read about the well installation in the previous blog post.) For cooling in the summer, the well water goes into the water furnace and is cooled. Any additional heat taken out of the building by the air handler is passively absorbed by the water and flows back into the well. So, the well water acts as a coolant as cool water continuously comes into replace it and warm water leaves the building taking the warm air out of the building. In the winter, the function of the heat exchanging water furnace reverses as the direction of the refrigerant reverses. It will take heat out of well water and raise the temp to approximately 68 degrees and return cold water back into the well while the air handler, in conjunction with the blower, will blow hot air through the building. The reversibility of the furnace handles both cooling and heating needs with the same ground source water. The earth then absorbs the warmed or cooled water after it is sent back to the well, returning it to its original ground temperature of approximately 55 degrees.


The equipment in the basement including the heat
exchanging water furnace and heat pump


The new air handler, or air conditioning system, does the actual heating and cooling of the building’s air from the water and circulates it around through the air ducts. It was installed on the second floor and is connected to the blower (located right next to the handler) and to refrigerant lines from the water furnace. Bart Andersen, mechanical consultant to Beta American Services, explained that the old air handler was removed because of its use of old refrigerants that are harmful to the ozone layer. The new one utilizes refrigerants that have been molecularly restructured and no longer contain chlorine salts so it will not cause harm to the sensitive atmosphere. The old air conditioning compressor unit that was located outside was removed and the refrigerant lines were rerouted to the interior of the building.


The new air handler located on the second floor.

In addition to the installation of the new water furnace and air handler, fine tuning of the air ducts took place throughout the building. This is done to ensure that the amount of air that comes out of the vents is balanced depending on the size of the room, amount of heat transfer, and other factors. This guarantees the optimum level of comfort throughout the year.

Our new system should be up and running within the next 1-2 days after the final mechanical hook ups and all tests are completed. The system is innovative, energy efficient, and highly dependable. The current fossil furnace may only need to be used a few days a year as a backup under extreme cold circumstances. We are so excited that the system is almost completed and are looking forward to experiencing the benefits of ground cooled air, not to mention some relief from the heat!

Geothermal Drilling Is Complete

The second step in the installation of our new geothermal heating and cooling system, drilling and assembling the well, has been completed here at the Land Conservancy of New Jersey. Drilling and installing the well took approximately a week to complete. This innovative system is a 5-ton single loop well which utilizes the extraction/return method of groundwater to heat and cool our office. The geothermal well was drilled 580 feet below ground surface, while the piping was only installed to a depth of 577 feet due to sludge accumulating at the very bottom of the well, where it will pump groundwater from several water-bearing fractures, including a large one near the very bottom of the well which yielded a flow of water at 35 gallons/ minute. The water table in the well was very deep at 80 feet below ground surface. A pump was placed 100 feet down in the well where it will pump water into the building through black plastic piping (see photo). Water will be piped into the building at 7 gallons/minute and will go through the heat exchanging water furnace which cools or heats the water to the preferred temperature and circulates the air around the building. After the water is used it will be pumped back down to the bottom of the well via a separate pipe to a depth of 577 feet below ground where it is re-circulated. It was a noisy week here at the office, but thanks to contractor, Don Colaluce and his son, Jason, the drilling has been a success and is an important step in our continual effort to make our Wildacres headquarters more energy efficient and sustainable. See the pictures below and check back to read about the next step in geothermal installation at our office-- installing the heating and cooling equipment and balancing the ductwork throughout the building.

The drill used to construct our well.

The construction crew installing piping 577 feet deep into the well.

Return pipe leading from basement furnace to the bottom of the well 577 feet below ground to re-circulate the water.



All that can be seen of the geothermal system above ground.