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.