The Land Conservancy of N.J.

Fourth Phase of Pompton Riverwalk Project Complete

2012-01-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

The Township of Pequannock and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey are pleased to announce the completion of the fourth phase of the Pompton Riverwalk. 16 homes have now been purchased in the floodway, 14 of which have been removed to make way for the Riverwalk - a public walking path along the Pompton River.

This novel concept of removing people and property from harm’s way and replacing them with public recreation opportunities has been recognized by Morris County, which is rearranging its Open Space Preservation Trust to encourage more projects like Pequannock’s Pompton Riverwalk.The addition of over two acres of preserved land to the project brings the multi-phase floodplain protection and land preservation project one step closer to completion. This open space and flood mitigation project protects residents and provides flood storage, open space, and public access to the Pompton River for future generations.

The Weir property (0.3 acres) on Pequannock Avenue was purchased in December 2011, making it the final property in Phase IV. Other properties include the former Gidi property on North Pequannock Avenue (0.3 acres), the Shudtz property on Riverside Drive (0.3 acres), the Berkshire property on Harrison Road (0.6 acres), the Hunt property on Riverside Drive (0.3 acres), and the Soldatenkov property on Pequannock Avenue (0.2 acres).

With the acquisition of the last home on one street in Pequannock, the Township no longer has to send boats in to rescue and evacuate residents during floods. This program has been extremely well received by desperate and flood weary residents on some of Pequannock’s hardest hit streets. “This is another step of the larger Riverwalk buyouts projects,” explained Frank Spizzirri, Chairman of the Pequannock Township Open Space Advisory Committee and lead advocate for this project.

“This program has also provided homeowners the opportunity to be removed from the floodway, which just recently had waters in excess of 10 feet high on the property. Hurricane Irene caused the worst flooding in town since 1902, even worse than 1984. The owner's are very excited about the buyout and are searching for a new place in town to settle out of the flood area.”

The Pompton Riverwalk is a multi-phase project which began six years ago under the leadership of Pequannock Township and the Pequannock Township Open Space Advisory Committee, with the expert assistance and consultation of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. Homes around the banks of the Pompton River, as well as the riparian corridor have long suffered from flooding. Rather than continuing in the old model of flood, rescue and rebuild, Pequannock Township officials and the Open Space Advisory Committee decided to pursue a different and extremely beneficial flood protection strategy.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is working with the Township of Pequannock in the development and expansion of this Blueway program to provide flood protection for severely impacted residences and private property, while creating new public recreation opportunities in the community. This program targets the most flood prone homes and streets in the municipality.

“Pequannock Township, with the assistance of Morris County and the State, has been at the forefront of preserving flood prone properties as open space in New Jersey,” explained Gregory Collins, Land Preservation Specialist with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. “The success of the Pompton Riverwalk project is the result of a well-planned strategy to convert these flood prone residences to an interconnected park system along the river for the enjoyment of current and future Township residents, and will also reduce the Township’s emergency and cleanup costs following future major flooding in the area.”

The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, with the support of the County Open Space Committee, has funded Pequannock Township’s annual requests for grant funds for the Pompton Riverwalk project. The Township and Conservancy are now entering Phase V of the Riverwalk. Since its initial grant request for this project, the Township has received $1,837,900 in grant funding from Morris County for the Riverwalk project and has matched this with funds provided through Green Acres totaling $1,743,600.

Since 2003 The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has permanently protected 1,519 acres in towns located in the floodplain of the Passaic River. Much of this land is now owned and managed by the State of New Jersey, and it functions as it was meant to – to hold waters from severe storms and provide protection to neighboring residents from floods.

The January 2011 report to the Governor from the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission identified goals which included expanding and expediting property buyouts and preservation of the flood storage area, among the fifteen recommendations provided to the Governor. By working with The Land Conservancy, the Township accelerated the success of its conservation and flood protection program.

160 Acres Preserved in Frelinghuysen Township

2012-01-12T11:19:00.001-08:00

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, Frelinghuysen Township, Warren County, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are pleased to announce the preservation of over 160 acres of forested land in the heart of the municipality. A priority of the Township’s Open Space Committee and governing body, the purchase and preservation of the properties straddling Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road will permanently protect the forest and create an opportunity for trails and hiking in the municipality.

A joint project of the Township, County and the State of New Jersey, this project was successfully negotiated and brought to a close through the work and effort of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, in partnership with the Township.

“The preservation of this undisturbed habitat will allow us to enjoy the continued existence of native species at their best,” states Robin Randolph, Chair of Frelinghuysen Township’s Open Space Committee. She continues, “Frelinghuysen Township is grateful to the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders and New Jersey Green Acres for their generous support of this project. Without them, this preservation effort would not have been possible.”

“Once slated for development, the Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve is a wonderful piece of property and Warren County is thrilled that we could help permanently protect it,” explains Corey J. Tierney, Esq., on behalf of The Warren County Department of Land Preservation. “Not only is the 160 acre Preserve easily accessible, but it boasts a beautiful forest with small streams and an existing network of trails leading back to a picturesque pond. The property will be managed by the Township using local volunteers. This will be a tremendous open space resource for all Warren County’s residents. It is great to see municipalities, like Frelinghuysen Township, taking ownership of these critical natural areas.”

Corey continued, “It takes a lot of hard work by many different people to bring these projects together. We worked closely with the Frelinghuysen Township Open Space Committee and The Land Conservancy of New Jersey who coordinated this acquisition with grants obtained from Green Acres and Warren County’s Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund. The County’s participation, of course, was made possible by our Chosen Board of Freeholders - who deserves special thanks for continuing to support local open space preservation.”

The Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve is comprised of two properties owned by relatives who sold the properties together for preservation. This Preserve will offer hiking trails, bird watching platforms, and will be a classroom in nature for recreational hikers, school children and scout groups. This Preserve is large enough to host a large trails network Habitat for sensitive species, springs, seeps and headwater streams make these properties valuable for natural resource protection. The Preserve can be easily accessed from existing driveways on State Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road.

2011-09-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

47 Acres Added to Lodestar Park in Fredon Township

On August 18, 2011 Fredon Township purchased and preserved a second property to be added to Lodestar Park. Matching funds provided by the State of New Jersey Green Acres program, the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund was utilized to purchase this 47 acres property to enlarge Lodestar Park, enhancing the recreational activities available at the park for local residents.

Located along Paulinskill Lake Road, this beautiful property will allow for expansion of the developing trail network in Lodestar Park as well as protecting its scenic and environmentally sensitive land. In 2008 the Township purchased and preserved the 16 acre former Freeborn property which expanded Lodestar Park and provided the Township with space for a trail that leads to the stream and hemlock ravine now located within the park.

Lodestar is a wonderful and very different kind of park. It is anchored by a preserved historic house located on the rural agricultural setting of the property. The park provides a sense of place within this community and is a center for recreation and social gatherings in the Township. The development of the park facilities has complemented the surrounded natural features and this acquisition enhances the recreational value and conservation objectives of the community.

"Fredon Township is very excited over the recent acquisition of 47 acres adjacent to Lodestar Park. Not only will this land serve to expand our park, but it will also help to implement our plans for connecting trails throughout the township. With the assistance of The Land Conservancy and funding from both grant monies and our Open Space Trust, we were able to add this valued land to our inventory." Sandy Coltelli, Fredon Township Open Space Chairperson

“Lodestar is not your average park. Although it provides a place to play, this park is unique because it also provides lessons in history, agriculture and nature. It has been developed with respect for its environs and its past, and as a result it creates a sense of place for a wonderful community. If you want to know about Fredon Township, go to Lodestar Park,” said Sandy Urgo, Land Preservation Manager at the Land Conservancy. “We congratulate Fredon Township for its vision in creating this wonderful place for generations to visit, enjoy and learn from.”

Two Scholarships Awarded to New Jersey’s Young Environmental Leaders

2011-08-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

8/31/2011

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce their 2011 Scholarship recipients. Steven Sheets, graduate of Livingston high scool was awarded the Rogers Family Scholarship and Brian Curry of North Brunswick was awarded the Russell W. Myers Scholarship. The Conservancy grants two awards yearly to outstanding New Jersey college students studying in an environmental field. Each student received $7,750. Since 1984, $163,500 has been awarded to 42 deserving college students by the Conservancy, helping to develop New Jersey’s future environmental leaders.

Steven Sheets is a junior at Delaware Valley College where he is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. Steven spent last summer working at Picatinny Arsenal conducting research into advanced wastewater treatment technologies. During the school year he works as both a resident assistant and a student tutor at Delaware Valley College. “The gift of education is one of the greatest gifts a person can receive. I am very grateful and honored to have been chosen to receive the Rogers Family Scholarship. It is a remarkable and truly significant gift that will assist me in my goal of becoming a leader in the field of environmental science.”

Brian Curry is a senior at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey studying Environmental Planning and Design. Brian has been working on a self-initiated project to create a wildlife program at Davidson Mill Pond Park in South Brunswick. The program aims to integrate technology and nature to teach local children about the importance of conservation and sustainable living through experimental learning in an outdoor classroom. “Receiving the scholarship has opened my eyes to the abundant possibilities that my passion and hard work can explore. This award has motivated me to pursue my environmental interest with renewed vigor. There is no parallel to the feeling that my passion – what makes me happiest – has earned such meaningful attention and appreciation,” said Brian.

The Russell W. Myers Scholarship was established in 1983 to honor the Conservancy’s founder. The late Mr. Myers was the first director of the Morris County Park Commission and served for a quarter of a century, developing one of the finest park systems in the nation. The Rogers Family Scholarship was established in 2005 by Gray and Mollie Rogers, dedicated conservationists who wanted to expand the Conservancy’s educational support for outstanding conservation-minded New Jersey college students. Gray Rogers is a past Chairman of the Conservancy’s Board of Trustees. The Conservancy currently awards two scholarships yearly to New Jersey residents. The Russell W. Myers Scholarship was established in 1983 to honor the Conservancy’s founder. The late Mr. Myers was the first director of the Morris County Park Commission and served for a quarter of a century, developing one of the finest park systems in the nation.

The Rogers Family Scholarship was established in 2005 by Gray and Mollie Rogers, dedicated conservationists who wanted to expand the Conservancy’s educational support for outstanding conservation-minded New Jersey college students. Gray Rogers is a past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

To be eligible for the Conservancy’s Scholarship Program, college students must be New Jersey residents who have a 3.0 Grade average or better, and pursuing a career related to environmental preservation. Applications for 2012 will be available January 1 and must be submitted to The Land Conservancy of New Jersey by April 1.

2011-07-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

THE WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING RESULTS
by Dennis Briede Stewardship Manager

It was a minute before midnight of the big event. The gas tank was filled. The coolers were packed with food & drink. Our team The Highlands Hawks consisting of Alan Boyd, Stephen Kloiber & I were well rested & ready to go. It was time to begin the 2011 World Series of Birding. It was dark, cool & cloudy.

We started at midnight in Blairstown (Warren County) where we managed to get our first bird, the Whip-poor-will calling in the pitch black night up on Catfish Mountain. Avoiding the skunks, opossums, raccoons and deer crossing our car’s path we then headed to the marshes & swamps of Sussex County to hear other night birds such as rails, owls & bitterns. We managed to get a rail, an owl but no bitterns. A few other birds were also calling such as geese, sparrows and a turkey.

We then spent dawn in the Wantage Grasslands of Sussex County listening for the open farm & grassland birds such as bobolink, savannah sparrow, orchard oriole & kingbird. The next 3 hours were spent winding through and stopping at the many productive spots in the deep wilds of High Point State Park & Stokes State Forest where we added hawks, warblers, vireos, woodpeckers & thrushes.

At 9:30 am we then left the forest and headed south on Rt 206 to an old sandpit north of Newton where we added indigo bunting, swallows and a kingfisher among others. After a 2.5 hour ride south we stopped at the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge known as Brigantine where we added a bunch of birds such as terns, ducks, gulls, sandpipers, herons & egrets. Our list was growing.

Our next stop was Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County. There we added the beautiful summer tanager and the blue grosbeak among others. From there we visited several of the parks near the beaches of Cape May and got many more shorebirds such as sandpipers, plovers, terns & gulls.

As evening approached the wind picked up so we were not able to hear any more night birds. It was time to call it quits after driving over 600 miles. We then checked in to the meeting place where we got a round of applause from the crowd. I found out later that all participants entering the meeting place got a round of applause.

We ended up with 151 species of birds which was 7th place in the entire state category and 11 place overall out of 64 teams. In order to take on such an endeavor as The 24 hour World Series of Birding one has to not only be awake for more than 24 hours but also be sharp enough during the entire time not to miss any bird calls. When it was over we slept very soundly that night.

We at the Land Conservancy of New Jersey would like to say thank you to all who pledged dollars for this event. Because of the generosity of all of our donors we raised over $14,000 toward our land preservation efforts. Now you get a round of applause.

162 acre Weber tract preserved in Kinnelon Borough

2011-06-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

6/23/2011

Weber tract preserved, newest addition to the Morris County park system

A 162 acre Weber Tract in Kinnelon Borough has been preserved in a partnership with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey, Morris County Park Commission, Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the State of New Jersey. This property is the culmination of a multi-year effort to protect this critically situated land in the New Jersey Highlands.

The Borough will own 100 acres of the property for recreation (for hiking and bird watching) and natural resource protection and a 62 acre portion of the land will be added to Morris County’s Silas Condict County Park. Located within the New Jersey Highlands Preservation Area, this site features steep slopes, scenic ridgelines, bluffs and wetlands.

The property is located on Maple Lake Road, near Route 23 and Kinnelon Road. Its mountainous terrain affords exceptionally scenic views of the surrounding landscape. This land will become part of an interconnected greenbelt that extends north from the Silas Condict County Park into neighboring West Milford Township. This property provides habitat for a diverse collection of species on the federal and state threatened and endangered species list. Protecting this land prevents fragmentation of the forested landscape which is one of the greatest threats to New Jersey’s wildlife habitat.

The World Series of Birding

2011-04-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

by The Conservancy's World Series of Birding Team Captain, Dennis Briede

The World Series of Birding was established by the New Jersey Audubon Society in 1984 to help raise money for conservation. Since its inception the participants have raised a combined total of nearly $10,000,000. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey raises $16,000 - $20,000 each year through the support of our members for our World Series of Birding team. Every species found, every dollar raised preserves & protects critical bird habitat in New Jersey.

In 1984 there were only 13 teams. Now there are over 50 teams in every category. The objective of the day is to tally as many bird species as you can in a 24 hour period. This can be done by bicycle, boat, car, foot, in one county, in one spot (a deck) or a group can cover the entire state of New Jersey. You need to be skilled not only in the identification of about 200 species of birds; you must also know their songs and calls. A good majority of the bird species during that 24 hour period are heard and not seen (yes even in the dark!) You have to remain sharp for 24 straight hours if you want to tally 150 plus species for the day.

This is the 15th year in a row that a team from The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has participated in the World Series of Birding. Our Highlands Hawks team consists of Captain Dennis Briede (Conservancy Stewardship Manager), Alan Boyd and Stephen Kloiber. Dennis and Alan have been birding since 1980. Stephen is an exceptional birder and is only 18 years old. He joined the team last year and has been birding with Alan and Dennis for nearly a year.

It’s best to have a team that is familiar with each other because the team will be together from 10:00pm Friday night until 1:00am Sunday morning (27 hours or so). We will even eat in the vehicle between stops (cooler provided). Toyota/Lexus has been kind enough to lend the Conservancy a vehicle for the event. Last year the team drove over 600 miles by the end of the day. It is a fun event but at the same time it is very grueling.

The most important key is the route. Most of the really high scoring groups start in north Jersey and end up at Cape May by midnight. Usually the groups start out visiting swamps and wetlands from midnight until about 5:00am to hear the wetland birds such as bitterns, rails and ducks. Scouting is needed to find nesting hawks and owls. At dawn you need to find a place with diverse habitat to tally all of the various birds singing and calling in the early hours. From there you visit special spots that are host to some of the uncommon and more difficult species to find. Our team’s goal this year is to be on our way to south Jersey by 9:30am or there won’t be enough time to visit all of the special spots in that area. All teams must either email the results or report to the final meeting place by midnight or be disqualified.

Please help our Highlands Hawks team raise money for The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s land preservation work. Please donate any amount you can. You can make a per-bird pledge online here (for example, $1 per bird). Our goal is to tally 200 species or more!

SIGNS OF SPRING: A Series by Dennis Briede, Staff Naturalist

2011-03-04T09:17:00.000-08:00

We want you to know what is going on in the world of nature at this time of year as well as some news about The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. Most of the time we are so busy traveling from work to home, or school to business, that we don’t see what is going on in the world of around us, the world of nature, that we are all working so hard to protect.

At this time of year we are still in the wrath of this snowy winter but there are already many signs that spring is just around the corner. If you have a view of a forested or a wet, swampy area take a closer look at it and you will notice that the trees have taken on a reddish hue. That means that the buds are swelling, in anticipation of spring. This is especially true of the maple trees. In about three weeks they will be blooming! Another sign that spring is just around the corner is the song of the cardinal. In the early morning they are starting to whistle their clear melodious song. Some of the other local birds that are easily seen this time of year are the morning dove and the tufted titmouse, who are also starting to sing.

You can also hear the drumming of the woodpeckers in the forest outside your window. Just like bird songs, drumming is most common in spring when birds are trying to attract mates and establish territories. Sometimes they will pick a rain gutter to hammer away on and it sounds like a machine gun going off right outside your window. Great horned owls are already sitting on their eggs and the bald eagles are ready to nest. Small flocks of redwing blackbirds and common grackles are gathering and will soon disperse to find their nesting sites. You can hear them chattering away in the trees. Turkey vultures as well as black vultures are moving north in the skies above us. Crocuses & snowdrops have pushed up from the ground and soon will be flowering. Maple sap is starting to flow. You can sometimes see it hanging on a branch like an icicle. Small brown moths are already flying around in the warmer evenings.

Keep your eyes and ears tuned in the next couple of weeks for more sights and sounds of spring. The skunk cabbage will be blooming and woodcocks will be arriving and displaying their mating rituals in the wet fields. The two common overwintering butterflies, the comma and the mourning cloak, will be seen fluttering outside. Spring peepers will start to call from the swamps and wood ducks will be arriving in the local lakes and small open areas. So even if we get more snow and cold spring is coming. Stay tuned.

Scholarship applications available now

2011-01-31T12:08:00.000-08:00

1/31/2011

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is accepting applications for their 2011 Scholarship Program.
The Conservancy administers two major Scholarships, the Russell W. Myers Scholarship and the Rogers Family Scholarship. The Conservancy’s Scholarship Program will be awarding a total of $14,000 in 2011. Each Scholarship will provide $7,000 to a New Jersey resident pursuing a degree in environmental science, natural resource management, conservation, horticulture, park administration, or a related field. Potential candidates must currently be a student in good standing with at least 15 credits completed and have an academic average equivalent of a 3.0 or higher.

The deadline for application is April 1, 20110. One application covers both Scholarships. Interested students can obtain application forms by calling The Land Conservancy at (973) 541-1010 or by visiting our website at http://www.tlc-nj.org/.

The Russell W. Myers Scholarship Fund was established in 1983 to honor Mr. Myers, founder of Morris Land Conservancy, and an outstanding leader in the field of conservation. Mr. Myers served as the first Director of the Morris County Park Commission for more than a quarter century. His dynamic leadership established the Morris County Park System as the largest county park system in the State of New Jersey and one of the finest in the nation.

The Rogers Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by Gray and Mollie Rogers, dedicated conservationists who wanted to expand The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s educational support for outstanding environmentally-oriented students. Gray Rogers is a Trustee Emeritus of the Conservancy.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s Scholarship Program has awarded $148,000 in grants to 40 outstanding college students since its inception.

55 Acres Preserved in Hardwick Township

2011-01-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

Warren County: 55 acres preserved in Hardwick Township
Check out this great project that was completed late in December:

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is pleased to announce the preservation of a 55 acre property near the intersection of County Road 521 and Spring Valley Road in Hardwick Township on December 7, 2010. Previously owned by John Eric Wehrle of Hardwick Township, the site is a mixture of farm fields and forest located near the Township municipal complex. The property provides an important opportunity for recreation and its preservation is consistent with Hardwick Township’s Open Space Plan which sets a priority for protecting environmentally sensitive sites that can host rare and endangered species.

The site - which is made up of four parcels of land - was ripe for sale and development. When one of the parcels went up for sale two years ago, local officials worked with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey to purchase the property for open space. Located within an area known as “Spring Valley,” this corner of the municipality contains several large springs fed by underground streams. Its preservation protects Ridge and Valley Conservancy’s (RVC) adjoining Spring Valley Preserve. Ferlas Pond, a vernal sinkhole pond that hosts several rare species, is located on the Preserve. Vernal ponds are intermittently filled with water, going through cycles of drying out and filling up with water, particularly after rains or when snow melts. Since they almost never contain fish, they are an ideal breeding ground for frogs and other amphibians. A similar sinkhole pond is located on the Wehrle property.

The property will be owned by the Township of Hardwick. It was purchased using Warren County Open Space Funds, municipal Open Space Funds, and a grant from the New Jersey Green Acres program. The site is the first open space project Hardwick Township has preserved with The Land Conservancy of New Jersey. Combined with three farms preserved by The Land Conservancy and Township a year ago, the Conservancy has helped Hardwick preserve 402 acres of land within the municipality.

A hiking trail that begins at town hall runs through the RVC Spring Valley Preserve. This trail will be extended into the Wehrle property, following tractor lanes within the property. The expansion of the trail will give residents access to the property’s serene and beautiful plateau and allows viewing of the wildlife that is found within Spring Valley.

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

2010-11-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-07-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-06-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-06-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-16T05:15:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

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.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey Constructs Alternative Energy System

2010-05-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a grant from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has introduced state-of-the-art energy efficient technologies to our Wild Acres headquarters to minimize our carbon footprint. An innovative approach to energy conservation, a geothermal system will be completely installed on the property within the next week and is expected to significantly reduce our dependence on oil for heat in the winter and the amount of energy used to cool the building in the summer. Geothermal systems are 25-50% more energy efficient than conventional HVAC or oil burning heating and cooling systems. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use the constant temperature of the earth, approximately 55 degrees, as the exchange medium, versus the outside air temperature. In this way less energy is spent on increasing or decreasing the temperature indoors in order to provide more comfortable levels at any given time of the year.

Following the initial energy audit of the building by Greenliving Solutions of Ridgewood, NJ, we found that our headquarters lacked sufficient insulation. While heating and cooling typically account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home, inadequate insulation and air leakage often cause a significant loss of heating and cooling and thus waste energy. In the Conservancy’s quest for greater energy savings, we insulated the entire building prior to May 21st, the firstday of geothermal drilling, in order to improve the new system’s efficiency. For three days, from May 12-15, the interior of the building was draped in plastic covers, holes were drilled in the walls, and walls were filled with blown-in insulation consisting of recycled newspaper. All electronic equipment and other supplies were removed from rooms and our staff was displaced around the building—even outside! There were holes, dust, and workers in hazmat suits everywhere!

Together, these changes will result in significant energy savings and minimize The Land Conservancy’s impact on the environment. Check back for updates on our geothermal well construction.

Holes in the office walls

are shown where blown-in

insulation was installed.

New foam insulation is shown on a

wall. This will help to keep our

building airtight.

2010-05-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s World Series of Birding Event was a success!

Pictured at the end of their 24 hour trek throughout New Jersey are the members of The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s World Series of Birding team, the ‘Highlands Hawks’. From left, Dennis Miranda from Vernon and team Captain, Steve Rodan from Cape May, The Land Conservancy’s Stewardship Manager, Dennis Briede of Blairstown & Stephen Kloiber, from Pen Argyl, PA. The team put their skills to the test at the 27th Annual World Series of Birding event. They combed the state with one thing in mind; identifying as many species of birds as possible in a 24-hour period. Considering the fairly large list of competitors the team placed 4th, spotting and identifying 200 birds.

The Conservancy would also like to thank Toyota/Lexus of Parsippany for donating the use of a hybrid SUV for the team to use on their trek.

The event, sponsored yearly by the New Jersey Audubon Society, helps focus attention on New Jersey’s strategic importance to migrating birds and helps organizations like the Conservancy raise money to protect natural habitat. This was the 15th year the Conservancy participated in the event.

As stated by Dennis Briede, ‘We traveled over 700 miles throughout the state, from Vernon in northeastern Sussex County, down through Forsythe Wildlife Refuge in Oceanville and then all the way to Cape May. Considering how breezy it was we still managed to hear or spot a total of 200 species of birds, from the swift peregrine falcon to the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird. About eighty percent of all the birds on the list are heard rather than seen, which means you have to know your bird calls for over 150 species.”

As a result of the record number of birds identified, the team was able to raise over $16,000 through pledges made for each species they spotted. The money raised will be used to help the Conservancy continue its efforts to preserve open space lands and protect water resources in New Jersey.

Founded in 1981, The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a member supported non-profit land trust that has been preserving open space land and protecting water resources in New Jersey for the past 28 years. The Conservancy has preserved more than 16,500 acres of land since 1996 and has helped towns receive more than $192 million in grants to purchase and protect land throughout New Jersey. The Conservancy has worked with 64 municipalities in 13 counties, benefiting millions of residents throughout the state.

You can help The Land Conservancy of New Jersey continue these efforts by making a donation toward our World Series of Birding total and/or becoming a Conservancy member! For more information, to a donation or volunteer, call Barbara McCloskey at (973) 541-1010 x14 or visit the website at www.tlc-nj.org.

Seeking Volunteers for Native Wildflower Garden

2010-05-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help maintain their native wildflower garden. WildAcres garden is located on a forty four acre preserve, which serves as the Conservancy’s Headquarters and is also a Montville Township park. The garden, established with the help of volunteers has also been certified by the National Wildlife Federation as an official Backyard Wildlife Habitat site.

Volunteers are needed to perform tasks such as weeding the garden beds and paths, pruning of some shrubs and trees, mulching and raking leaves and other general clean up. All tools and supplies will be provided.

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a non profit member supported organization dedicated to preserving and protecting New Jersey’s vital natural lands and water resources. The organization has been working for the past 29 years to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take action to save the land that is so important to our state. The Conservancy has preserved over 16,500 acres of land and helped towns receive $192 million in grants to purchase and protect land throughout New Jersey. The Conservancy has worked with more than 76 municipalities in 13 counties, impacting over half of New Jersey’s counties and benefiting millions of residents throughout the state. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is the first land trust organization in the state of New Jersey and one of only 93 nationwide to receive accreditation from The Land Trust Accreditation Commission. For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, call Barbara at (973) 541-1010, x14 or visit our website at http://www.tlc-nj.org/

Spring Partners for Parks Season Underway

2010-05-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s Partners for Parks program, which provides community service opportunities for corporations and civic groups, has already begun its15th season with a project at Lorrimer Sanctuary in Bergen County.

With 12 projects already confirmed for this season and more in the planning stages, the focus of Partners for Parks is to tap corporate and civic volunteers to participate in one day community service projects in local parks, improving and maintaining these vital recreational areas while building a corps of advocates for the parks. In collaboration with 102 land managers to date, the program arranges customized projects to enhance federal, state, county, municipal and other non-profit natural areas.

Partners for Parks is a nationally recognized award-winning program which fosters team building and community spirit for volunteers while providing critical public support for parks and open space preservation. The program is unique to New Jersey in offering free stewardship services to federal, state, and municipal parks.

A sampling of project locations scheduled for this spring includes: Morris County - Harding Land Trust & Spring Garden Lake in Florham Park; Somerset County- Cross Estate Gardens, Sherman Hoffman Sanctuary & Wagner Farm; Essex County - Branch Brook Park & Hartshorn Arboretum; Union County - Reeves Reed Arboretum.

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

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a non profit member supported organization dedicated to preserving and protecting New Jersey’s vital natural lands and water resources. The organization has been working for the past 29 years to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take action to save the land that is so important to our state. The Conservancy has preserved over 16,500 acres of land and helped towns receive $192 million in grants to purchase and protect land throughout New Jersey. The Conservancy has worked with more than 76 municipalities in 13 counties, impacting over half of New Jersey’s counties and benefiting millions of residents throughout the state. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is the first land trust organization in the state of New Jersey and one of only 93 nationwide to receive accreditation from The Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

For more information, to schedule a Partners for Parks Corporate Volunteer Day or make a donation, call (973) 541-1010, or visit our website at www.tlc-nj.org .

New Web Map Launched!

2010-05-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey has launched our newly created interactive map on our website - http://www.tlc-nj.org/. The map identifies each of the properties we have helped to permanently protect, from Stokes State Forest in northern Sussex County to the Musconetcong Valley in southern Warren County. Take a tour of the breathtaking lands that the Conservancy has helped to preserve!

The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is a non profit member supported organization dedicated to preserving and protecting New Jerseys vital natural lands and water resources. The organization has been working for the past 29 years to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take action to save the land that is so important to our state. The Conservancy has preserved over 16,500 acres of land and helped towns receive $192 million in grants to purchase and protect land throughout New Jersey. The Conservancy has worked with more than 76 municipalities in 13 counties, impacting over half of New Jerseys counties and benefiting millions of residents throughout the state. The Land Conservancy of New Jersey is the first land trust organization in the state of New Jersey and one of only 93 nationwide to receive accreditation from The Land Trust Accreditation Commission. For more information, to volunteer or make a donation, call (973) 541-1010, or visit our website at http://www.tlc-nj.org/.