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!