Stable Accepts Gererous Gifts

The Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, New Jersey has graciously accepted two generous gifts that will benefit both horses and riders at the Stable.

The Somerset County Park Foundation donated $58,000 to fund needed new pasture fencing and two new barn units that will house six horses.

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable donated $25.000 to replace the old footing in the indoor arena with professional grade and absorbent footing that offers a more cushioning experience for the horses.  This footing should last at least ten years at the facility.

The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space through advocacy and fundraising.  Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has supported the Somerset County Park Commission by granting one million dollars in projects. 

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote, support, and supplement the educational and recreational programs of Lord Stirling Park Riding Stable, which is part of the Somerset County Park Commission, as well as to educate the general public as to the benefits and facilities available at Lord Stirling Park Riding Stable and the Somerset County Park Commission.

Girls Scouts Plant Daffodils Along the Banks of Powder Mill Pond

Junior Girl Scouts representing Troop #60681, Franklin Township, Somerset County recently completed a Daffodil Planting Project on the banks of Powder Mill Pond at Colonial Park, East Millstone. Under the guidance of the Horticulture Department of the Somerset County Park Commission, the Scouts planted over one thousand bulbs.

The beautification project, undertaken in collaboration with Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, replicates the vista of golden daffodils “beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze” in William Wordsworth’s beloved “Daffodil” poem.

“I’m sure this is something that the park patrons and the girls who participated in the project will enjoy for years to come,” commented Mark Inzano, Horticulture Supervisor.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

EEC Received $50,000 Grant from 3M

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) has received a $50,000 Eco Grant from 3M to develop a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum field trip program using the theme of biomimicry. The grant will be matched by funds donated by the Somerset County Park Foundation.

According to the Biomimicry Institute, “Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies.”

The EEC is in a unique position to develop and implement a science-based environmental and conservation education program based on the biodiversity of the Great Swamp basin. The living laboratory of Lord Stirling Park, adjacent to the EEC,  provides excellent opportunities for environmental STEM education.

Biomimicry curriculum will be used as:

-A new way for young people to view and value the natural world; to see Nature

            not just as something to learn about, but as something to learn from

-A compelling way to present science, technology, engineering, and math subjects

-A tool to enhance and express creativity through design, with hands-on, minds-

            on, project-based activities

-A way to connect school subjects to one another, and school subjects to the real

world beyond classroom walls

-A unique and powerful way to think and learn about sustainability

The 3M Eco Grant and matching funds will be dedicated to the development and marketing a new science-based K-12 biomimicry curriculum focused on the unique biology of the Great Swamp Basin. The EEC staff will support teachers and educators through onsite field trips, school outreach, online resources, and teacher training workshops.

Funding will also be used to renovate existing space at the EEC as a biomimicry lab, enhance existing trails and facilities with interpretive signage, and to create printed and digital resources for teachers and educators. Grant money would also go towards scholarships for school field trips, and a long term evaluation study to determine the impact of the programs.

Shawn McCrohan, Manager of the EEC commented, ““It is exciting to be working on a project that will have young people looking for ways to apply nature’s adaptive strategies to solve some of today's biggest environmental challenges as well as other innovative solutions based on nature.”

3M is awarding almost $400,000 to 10 organizations with its 2014 Eco Grants, which are aimed at connecting kids to nature and improving environmental and conservation education for youth. Since 2001, 3M’s environmental giving program has invested more than $25 million in sustainability initiatives as part of the company’s vision of improving every life. 

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is nestled within the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The variety of habitats includes: floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, fields, forests, and natural and man-made ponds.  These habitats provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park. All are within walking distance of the multi-faceted building. An environmentally based library is located within the Center itself. The Exhibit Hall annually hosts environmentally focused presentations that are free to the public.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Lord Stirling Stable Contribution to Local Food Bank

The Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, joined with the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable to present the “Stuff the Turkey” Hunter Pace, providing riders the opportunity to make Thanksgiving a little brighter for Somerset County residents in need.

A Hunter Pace is an event for horse and rider in which teams of two to three follow a well-marked course that is 6 to 8 miles in length.  There are usually more than 30 fences, up to 3’ in height.

 

Participants were asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Somerset County Food Bank. Among the nearly 175 items that were generously contributed were canned vegetables and fruit, mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, pasta, breakfast items, sauces, soup, and much more.

For information, please call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-766-5955.  Individuals with a hearing or speech impairment can call NJ Relay Service at 711.

Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Buck Garden Featured in New NJ Garden Book

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The Somerset County Park Commission Leonard J. Buck Garden located at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey, is featured in a recently released book, Gardens of the Garden State by Nance Berner and Susan Lowry and  published by Monacelli Press.

Gardens of the Garden State is “a glorious photographic tour of the public and private gardens of New Jersey—from historic formal gardens of former estates, to suburb gardens, horticulturists’ havens, and fresh takes on front yards,” according to the Monacelli Press web site. The book is available on most literature web sites.

The book selects twenty-eight gardens from Skylands, to the New York border, to the elegant formal gardens of Short Hills, Bernardsville, and Oldwick, to a wildlife garden filled with frogs and butterflies, and a lighthouse garden near Cape May.

Buck Garden is among New Jersey’s more than 60 public gardens and arboreta in 15 counties and is recognized as one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States. Buck Garden consists of a series of alpine and woodland garden areas situated in a 29-acre wooded stream valley.

Tucked among the rocks are rare and exotic rock garden plants. The wooded trails connecting the outcroppings are lined with beautiful wildflowers that have flourished and multiplied through the years. Throughout the garden grow various trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Information about the gardens and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

Park Commission Earns 3rd Smart Workplace Recognition

The Somerset County Park Commission has earned recognition as a recipient of a 2014 Smart Workplaces Platinum level award.  The prestigious statewide program recognizes employers who provide outstanding commuter transportation programs for their employees. The 2014 award is the third consecutive recognition for the Park Commission.

The Platinum Award, the highest honor bestowed, is earned by achieving five Bronze, five Silver, and Gold level activities in addition to a series of comprehensive site-specific alternative commute programs. Among the issues addressed by the Park Commission to fulfill the requirements are:

Designating an on-site point of contact for commute inquiries

Encouraging employees to register for TMA traffic alerts

Regularly promoting commute options and TMA incentives

Hosting an on-site information event

Hosting two or more TMA Lunch & Learn presentations

Providing bicycle parking area

Offering a formal flextime program an compressed workweek program

Providing electric vehicles for employee business use

Smart Workplaces recognizes the achievement of New Jersey employers who have developed and implemented significant and innovative alternative commute programs that attain the State Standard of Excellence. The program honors employers that provide commuter benefits to help employees address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting.

“Attaining another Platinum level is an honor for the Park Commission but it is also is our responsibility as stewards of our county’s parklands and open space to serve as an advocate for such policies,” commented Ray Brown, Director of the Park Commission.

RideWise, an affiliate of the Somerset County Business Partnership and Somerset County’s transportation management association, oversees the program, verifies the validity of the employer nomination, and helps employers meet the criteria for the recognition. Information is available at www.Ridewise.org.

Information on Park Commission programs and activities is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Picnic Arbor Dedicated at Buck Garden

Representatives of the Somerset County Park Commission, the Somerset County Park Foundation, and the Buck Foundation officially dedicated the newly constructed magnificent wooden picnic arbor on the grounds of Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey.

Funding for the new public space at one of New Jersey’s premier gardens was made possible by the Somerset County Park Foundation with an additional contribution by the Buck Foundation.

The rustic arbor was constructed by Artisan/Woodworker David Robinson of Natural Edge, Pennington NJ. Robinson, with support of other artisans, also built the rustic garden shelter at Buck Garden in 2002 and hand railings on several bridges and along staircases on the Garden trail.  The wood material used for these projects is red cedar logs and Osage orange wood purchased and cut from local farm field hedgerows.

The arbor was constructed around an existing picnic area with garden beds designed and planted by Buck Garden staff to enhance the visitor experience. 

Mrs. Nancy “Princess” Pyne represented the Buck Family at the recent ribbon cutting. “The Buck Foundation is pleased to be able to continue its support of Buck Garden and to assist in the implementation of the ideas envisioned by my father, Leonard J. Buck as the Garden continues to evolve,” commented Mrs. Pyne

“The Somerset County Park Foundat

ion recognizes the unique of circumstance of having Buck Garden as a featured asset within Somerset County’s park system and is proud to partner with the Buck Foundation to assure the garden’s standing as a valued regional destination,“ added John K. Kitchen, Park Foundation Chairman.

Somerset County Park Commission Manager of Horticulture, Jim Avens said “this magnificent picnic arbor provides the perfect ambience for Buck Garden visitors who wish to picnic while visiting Buck Garden. We are fortunate to have the continuing support of the Somerset County Park Foundation and the Buck Foundation.”  

Information on the Somerset County Park Foundation and Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

East County Loop Trail Opens for Public Use

- Somerset County Freeholder and Park Commission liaison Patricia Walsh has announced that the new loop trail at the 150-acre East County Park, bordered by Dubois, Reinman and Old Stirling roads in Warren Township, is officially open to the public.

The Board of Freeholders, the Warren Township Committee, and the Somerset County Park Commission have developed the facility as a partnership.  Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail on September 10.

"The county and township have a history of partnering on the development of athletic fields within the park," Freeholder Walsh said.  “These include a synthetic-turf multi-use field, a synthetic-turf soccer field and a natural-turf soccer field.  The current design adds a network of multi-use trails throughout the park that will connect the existing uses and make more of the park accessible to the public.”

The trail features an 8-foot-wide stone multi-use loop approximately four-tenths of a mile long. Also included is a 26-space paved parking area, accessible from Reinman Road.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with Warren Township to realize the full vision of East County Park," said Freeholder Walsh. "The trail network opens up the most scenic portion of the park to the public and allows for the future development of additional passive recreational uses." 

“It’s very exciting to see this park concept become a reality.  Warren residents have asked the Township Committee to explore further recreational opportunities in the Township,” said Deputy Mayor Mick Marion.  ”Given our past positive experiences working with the County Freeholders and County Park Commission on the Pop Warner Complex and Duderstadt property, it was a natural progression. This area is one of the most picturesque pieces of property in the Township; it represents the Townships rural heritage. The trails will provide a family friendly location designed for the public to enjoy walking, running, biking, or pushing strollers.  After a long tough winter, residents will look forward to and be excited about our late-summer, early-fall opening.”

“We are pleased to have been able to provide new passive recreation opportunities to East County residents,” commented Park Commission Director Ray Brown. “The trail loop is an important addition to a growing park facility.”

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter

Park Commission to Help Protect Raritan River

The Somerset County Park Commission, led by the Ranger Division, has entered into a collaborative arrangement with the Raritan Headwaters Association to promote an educational initiative to protect the Raritan River from the introduction of invasive species.

The Headwaters project is funded by an Audubon Toyota TogetherGreen fellowship and focuses on spreading awareness about the nuisance alga, didymo, and the importance of leaving no trace of visits to the streams and rivers enjoyed by fisherman, kayakers and boaters.

The basic “Leave No Trace” principle being promoted is to have fishermen, kayakers, boaters, and other stream recreationalists regularly inspect their gear including removal of rocks, mud, plants, moss and other materials; thoroughly cleaning equipment to remove any attached materials; and completely dry equipment in the sun following use.

Aquatic equipment is vulnerable to transferring known aquatic invasives including whirling disease, zebra mussels, water chestnut, New Zealand mud snail and future unknown threats. Aquatic invasive species are not native to an ecosystem and when introduced can cause economic and/or environmental harm or threaten human health.

Park Commission Rangers will serve as a positive presence at parks and Commission events to educate visitors on the importance of taking personal responsibility for keeping the Raritan River healthy, clean, and safe. In addition, “Leave No Trace” flyers will be posted at Park Commission facilities along the river.

For more information on the “Leave No Trace” program contact Angela Gorczyca at agorczyca@raritanheadwaters.org or call (908) 234-1852 x315. 

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

"Ride for Autism" Raises Funds for Lord Stirling Stable Program

The Sunday, August 3, 2014 “Ride for Autism” that concluded at the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable will provide developmentally disabled children and adults the opportunity to enjoy an alternative equestrian experience.

All of the funds raised by the “Ride,” that began in East Orange, New Jersey and featured nearly 100 riders, will be dedicated toward the Autism Awareness program at the Stable, run in conjunction with the Therapeutic Recreation Department of the Park Commission. The funds are earmarked for the purchase of a driving horse or pony trained for therapeutic recreation.

Jerzee Trend Setterz, a car and motorcycle group out of East Orange, organized the fundraiser that also included Big Body Riders, Royal Kings & Queens, Sexy Divas, Park Boyz, Seductive Diamonds, Cadillac Alliance, and High Rollaz. Participants paid $10 per rider and $5 per passenger. Approximately $1,000.00 was donated to the program. Stableworker Rodney Johnson worked with the leadership of Jerzee Trend Setterz to arrange the program and the donation.

Staff at Lord Stirling Stable welcomed the riders with free pony rides & hayrides; a Therapeutic Recreation riding demo and driving demo; and horse-painting for the kids. Hot dogs, rolls, and bottled water were donated by Wegman’s Supermarket of Bridgewater to feed the crowd of riders and friends. Maximum Tint & Sound of Somerville, NJ donated music and DJ services for the event.

Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue in basking Ridge, New Jersey, is situated on 450 acres with 18 miles of trails (wooded and fields), one indoor ring, three outdoor rings, and an outdoor-jumping course.

Police Lend Support to TR Fishing Derby

The Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police have once again sponsored the Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation Camp Okee Sunokee annual Fishing Derby.

Each summer, chiefs and officers from Somerset County municipalities and the the Sheriff’s Department team up with the campers to assist them as they fish at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. The day also includes a barbeque lunch, a visit from an ice cream truck, and the landing of a State Police Helicopter.

Camp Okee Sunokee is a six-week day camp for children ages 6-14 with learning disabilities or Asperger’s Syndrome. The summer activities at Okee Sunokee encourage the development of recreation and social skills and enhance self-confidence and educational growth through the participation in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, sports & games, music, cooking, trips, and swimming.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Like us on Facebook and Twitter.

Lord Stirling Stable Celebrates Multiple Anniversaries

Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable and the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable celebrated anniversaries this past weekend with the Stable commemorating its 45th year and the Friends honoring their 30 years of service to the Stable.

A beautiful night at the Stable attracted dozens of fans and supporters of Lord Stirling Stable for hayrides, hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, and cakes commemorating both anniversaries.

Lord Stirling Stable is located within Lord Stirling Park in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 450 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The Stable features a large indoor ring, three outdoor rings, daily Lead Line pony rides, and 18 miles of beautiful trails.

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, the very active volunteer organization provides support and financial assistance for many programs at the Stable including driving events, hunter paces, weekly dog walks, Dog Days, Salute to Horsepower Car & Motorcycle Show, Mother’s and Father’s Day Trail Rides, Nature Rides, Dressage Shows, and various clinics.

For information on Stable programs and activities, please contact the Stable office at 908-766-5955 or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with hearing impairments. Information on Friends activities is available at www.flssnj.org.

Information on this and other Somerset County Park Commission events can be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.  

Environmental Education Center "Adopts" Lord Stirling Road

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

“ADOPTS” LORD STIRLING ROAD

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – The “Adopt A Highway” application submitted by the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC), located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Joining with Bernards Township’s “Adopt A Highway” programs, staff from the EEC will police the section of Lord Stirling Road between South Maple Avenue and White Bridge Road four times a year, maintaining a clean and litter-free roadway. 

The initial clean up in the program took place on Friday, May 30, 2014. Among the items removed from the roadway were 1 car motor, 4 cans of paint, 1 bed frame, 4 bags of trash, and 5 bags of recyclables.

“Lord Stirling Road is our home and we feel an obligation to maintain it in the best condition possible,” commented Shawn McCrohan, Manager, Environmental Science for the Park Commission. “The Adopt A Highway Program provides us the opportunity to keep the road clean while participating in a much larger initiative keeping our roads and highways litter-free across the state.”

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling the Park Commission Headquarters at 908-722-1200 or the Environmental Education Center at 908-766-2489.

Spooky Brook Earns Environmerntal Stewardship Award

Somerset County Park Commission Spooky Brook Golf Course, located at 582 Elizabeth Avenue at Colonial Park in Somerset, has earned Environmental Stewardship Recognition from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

In the letter to the golf course, NJDEP states that the agency “formally recognize(s) the voluntary and proactive measures you have taken in an effort to improve the environment.” Spooky Brook was cited for Hazardous Material Reduction; Water Use Reduction; Transportation Energy Use Reduction, and Enhancement Projects.

Spooky Brook joins Neshanic Valley Golf Course at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, Green Knoll Golf Course at 587 Garretson Road in Bridgewater, and Quail Brook Golf Course at 625 New Brunswick Road in Somerset, all having previously received the Environmental Stewardship Certification.

In addition, the four courses have been designated Groundwater Guardians by the Groundwater Foundation and River Friendly by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. Neshanic Valley has also been recognized an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International and as a Sustainable Business by the South Branch Watershed Association.

“The entire Park Commission golf staff maintains the highest level of awareness of environmental 

issues,” stated Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “Billy Martin, superintendent at 

Spooky Brook and his staff are representative of the intense commitment to protecting the 

environment while making certain that our golfers enjoy golf courses in the best condition possible.” 

Information on all Park Commission activities and program is available online at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Howe Athletic Complex at Colonial Park Now Open

The Somerset County Park Commission, State and County officials, representatives from the Somerset County Park Commission, and members of Gymkhana Cricket Club, Somerset Cavaliers Cricket Club, and Dutch Total Soccer officially opened the Howe Athletic Complex at Colonial Park in Somerset, New Jersey.

The Howe Complex, off Colonial Drive at the northeastern corner of the park near Elizabeth Avenue, includes two adult soccer fields, three youth soccer fields, and a full sized cricket pitch.

“We have been waiting a long time for a pitch like this,” commented Aslam Khan of the Cavaliers. Added Rana Aftab of Gymkhana, “It’s a beautiful pitch, perfectly flat as it should be.”

“It’s a great location and a rare thing to have so many fields in the same place,” commented Jordi Meijer of Dutch Total Soccer. “We often find ourselves spread out at many school fields but here adult and children’s games can be played at the same time.”

The facility was constructed on the former homestead of Dr. Eugene and Lois Howe. The Howe’s placed the funds received from the sale of the property to the County in a trust account to be returned to the Somerset County Park Commission upon their passing. Mrs. Howe passed away in 1995 and Dr. Howe passed in 2008. A significant portion of the trust’s assets were used to construct the complex, a generous gift to the people of Somerset County.

Dr. Howe was well known in Franklin for volunteer work that included co-founding the Meadows Foundation that continues today to serve as stewards of early Dutch and American Heritage. His passion for reading, poetry and preservation drove him to also become a volunteer at the former Franklin Inn in East Millstone, a structure that also served as a used bookstore.

Dr. Howe was employed as a scientist and researcher at MERCK & Co. where he was awarded 18 patents for his work in isolating and synthesizing amino acids.

Reservations for use of the soccer fields and cricket pitch may be made by online at http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/applications/applications.pdf or by calling the Park Commission at 908-722-1200, ext. 225.

Green Knoll Golf Course Earns Environmental Sustainability Award

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP RECOGNITION ADDS TO SOMERSET COUNTY GOLF SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Somerset County Park Commission Green Knoll Golf Course, located at 587 Garretson Road in Bridgewater, has earned Environmental Stewardship Recognition from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

In the letter to the golf course, NJDEP states that the agency “formally recognize(s) the voluntary and proactive measures you have taken in an effort to improve the environment.” Green Knoll was cited for Hazardous Material Reduction; Water Use Reduction; Transportation Energy Use Reduction, and Enhancement Projects.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course at 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station and Quail Brook Golf Course at 625 New Brunswick Road in Somerset have previously received the Environmental Stewardship Certification.

In addition Neshanic Valley, Green Knoll, Quail Brook, and Spooky Brook, located at 582 Elizabeth Avenue in Somerset have been designated as Groundwater Guardians by the Groundwater Foundation and River Friendly by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority. Neshanic Valley has also been recognized as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International and as a Sustainable Business by the South Branch Watershed Association.

“Protection of our environment and our natural resources are of primary concern throughout the Park Commission,” stated Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “John  Zujkowski, supterintentdent at Green Knoll and the staff at all of our golf courses fully understand the importance of these programs and strives every day to assure compliance with the responsibilities set forth and assure that we are doing everything in our power to provide world class golfing venues while remaining environmentally responsible.”

Park Commission Helps Restore the American Chestnut Tree

SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION HELPS

RESTORE THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT

The First Orchard of Its Kind Planted at Lord Stirling Park

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – The Pennsylvania/New Jersey Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) recently planted a progeny test orchard of 250 of the most advanced, potentially blight-resistant American chestnut seedlings at the Somerset County Park Commission, Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The seedlings, called Restoration Chestnuts 1.0, are part of a unique breeding program led by TACF to restore the American chestnut to the eastern forests of America.

Corporate volunteers from Verizon and Johnson & Johnson helped prepare the area for the planting. Goldman Sachs employees provided labor and funding through the New Jersey Land Conservancy’s Partners for Parks corporate volunteer program.

Once the giants of the eastern forests, American chestnuts stood up to 100 feet tall and numbered in the billions. They were a vital part of the forest ecology, a key food source for wildlife, and an essential component of the human economy. In the beginning of the 20th century the fungal pathogen responsible for chestnut blight was accidentally imported from Asia and spread rapidly through the American chestnut population, killing an estimated four billion mature trees from Maine to Georgia by 1950. Several attempts to breed blight-resistant trees in the mid-1900s were unsuccessful.

In 1983, a group of scientists formed The American Chestnut Foundation with a mission to develop blight-resistant American chestnut trees. Now assisted by nearly 6,000 members, volunteers, and partners, the organization is undertaking the planting of potentially blight-resistant trees in select locations throughout the eastern US.

“The Pennsylvania/New Jersey Chapter’s partnership with Somerset County Parks represents a huge step in our chestnut restoration program,” said TACF Regional Science Coordinator Sara Fitzsimmons. “This orchard is the first of its kind in New Jersey, enabling us to test and evaluate our Restoration Chestnuts 1.0 for blight resistance and growth characteristics.”

Jane Parks, Environmental Education Center, Environmental Events Specialist stated, “The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center started working with TACF in 2006 by planting a test site of American and Chinese Chestnuts. We are very pleased that our location has been selected for the first Restoration Chestnut 1.0 planting in New Jersey.  The planting aligns with our mission to educate the public about the importance of preserving our fragile environment.”  

At the Park Commission, They Practice What They Preach

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) programs are focused on science, nature, sustainability, and healthy lifestyles. Standing behind what they say, staff recently braved the rain and mud on the EEC trails during their official Let’s Move! initiative kickoff.

The initial step in the program was a meeting with a certified nutritionist to learn about calorie intake, burning calories, healthy eating, and My Plate, the current nutrition guide published by the United States Department of Agriculture. The next step was a Naturalist led walk along the trails, which meander through the western portion of the Great Swamp. A collective 32,500 steps were walked, while the group stopped along the way to experience activities including log walking and or acting out the life cycle of a butterfly.

Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the First Lady of the United States, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation. There are five pillars of the initiative:
1.    Creating a healthy start for children
2.    Empowering parents and caregivers
3.    Providing healthy food in schools
4.    Improving access to healthy, affordable foods
5.    Increasing physical activity

The Environmental Education Center has signed up to participate in the Let’s Move! initiative for a minimum of one year, and will be focusing primarily on the fifth pillar, increasing physical activity, by challenging staff and on-site program participants in K-12 field trips, Tree House Gang, Forest Fitness, KinderNats, Young Explorers and Scouts to be active on our trails. Along with their Naturalist guide, participants will use pedometers to calculate the distance walked during their visit. Personal progress will be posted on the Environmental Education Center webpage and followed on social media outlets.

In addition to getting kids to be more active outdoors, the EEC will engage and promote nutrition awareness and healthy eating. Many of the summer programs include gardening, which is a perfect opportunity to talk to kids about where food comes from, and how food is fuel for the body.

Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled. Today, almost one in every three children in our nation is obese or overweight. The Center for Disease Control states that obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, which are some of the leading causes of preventable death.

To find out more about Let’s Move! visit their website: http://www.letsmove.gov/. Information on the Somerset County Park Commission may be found at www.somersetcountyparks or by calling the EEC at 908-766-2489.

Green Knoll & Spooky Brook Earn Environmental Awards

SPOOKY BROOK & GREEN KNOLL GOLF COURSES

RECOGNIZED AS “GROUNDWATER GUARDIANS”

4 Somerset County Golf Courses Have Earned Recognition

SOMERSET, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission’s Spooky Brook Golf Course, located at Colonial Park in Somerset, and Green Knoll Golf Course on Garretson Road in Bridgewater have been named “2014 Groundwater Guardian Green Sites” by the Groundwater Foundation to honor the facilities’ groundwater and environmental stewardship. The two facilities join the Park Commission’s Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station and Quail Brook Golf Course, both of which have previously earned recognition.

In 2013, Green Knoll and Spooky Brook Golf Courses were designated as “River Friendly” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.

The Groundwater Guardian Green Site program recognizes green spaces including golf courses, ball fields, education campuses, natural areas, and residential and business sites for implementing groundwater and surface water-friendly practices. Qualification includes selection of appropriate plantings, tracking irrigation water use, maintaining a no-application zone around surface water and active wells, and applying fertilizer based on nutrient needs.

 “This is another well-earned recognition for the Somerset County Park Commission and staff, led by John Zujkowski at Green Knoll and Billy Martin at Spooky Brook,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “We are continually proving that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us.”

The Somerset County Park Commission operates 5 public access golf courses, Neshanic Valley in Neshanic Station, Quail Brook and Spooky Brook in Somerset, Green Knoll in Bridgewater, and Warrenbrook in Warren Township.

Information on this event and other Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.