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.