A Gift That Becomes a Lasting Memory

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The Somerset County Park Foundation, in cooperation with the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is providing an opportunity to create a lasting memory in the Somerset County Parks while supporting the valuable programs funded by the Somerset County Park Foundation.

The Tribute Bench, Legacy Tree, and Commemorative Brick programs provide a enduring tributes to family or friends through the donation of a commemorative bench or tree, or an engraved brick at a location within the Somerset County Park system..

A tax-deductible donation of $2,000.00 will earn the placement of a bench or tree with a plaque memorializing the contribution. The Park Foundation will maintain a listing of all plantings and benches with information including the donor and the person being honored or memorialized. Tribute Benches are available in three styles conforming to the type of park in which the bench is to be placed.

Living Legacy Trees provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and commemorate special events by planting trees in Somerset County parks. Through communication between Park Commission Horticulture staff and the contributor, an approved species will be chosen based on the desired planting site. 

A donor may also choose an already established tree to be designated as a Tribute Tree.  A commemorative plaque engraved according to the donor’s specifications will be placed at the base of the tree. 

Commemorative bricks will be placed at the grand main entry plaza at TD Bank Ballpark, providing an opportunity to convey a personal message or remembrance to hundreds of thousands of event attendees throughout the year. Bricks are available at $65 each and will be engraved with a maximum of three (3) lines of twenty (20) characters including spaces and punctuation. 

The timing of placement of benches, trees, and bricks will be at the discretion of Parks staff. A certificate will be provided for holiday gift giving.

Information is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.  For information call the Park Foundation at 908-722-1200, ext. 228.

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.

Lord Stirling Stable Manager Earns National Service Award

Career horsewoman Margie Margentino, Manager of the Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, has received the 2015 Outstanding Service Award at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Round Up (ENRU) in Louisville, Kentucky, a part of the North American International Livestock Exposition.

The award, sponsored by the Pinto Horse Association of America, recognizes outstanding individuals who have been leaders in the horse industry and have helped young horse enthusiasts further their equestrian knowledge and skills. 

Honored for her 29 years of service to the event, Margentino has served as a judge, and as co-superintendent of the Horse Bowl contest.

Margentino has been involved in the 4-H horse program for more than 45 years. She credits the 4-H Horse Judging program in giving her a start in her licensed officials’ career with the United States Equestrian Federation where she had earned large R status as a Combined Driving Course Designer, Judge, and Technical Delegate, in addition to being an FEI C Course Designer.

Prior to becoming the Manager of Lord Stirling, Margentino provided leadership to the New Jersey 4-H Horse program as the state’s equine and livestock Program Associate for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. She has served on the national boards or committees of the American Youth Horse Council, the American Driving Society, United States Driving for the Disabled, the former United States Equestrian Team, and has been a clinician for the United States Equestrian Federation.

Established in 1968, Lord Stirling Stable is home to 80 horses and ponies and serves the recreational equestrian needs of Somerset and nearby counties. The Stable recently received the state’s prestigious Gold Medal Horse Farm Award for its environmental stewardship and management.

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

Eagle Scout Installs Revolutionary War Trail Markers

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Preserving the past in history-rich Somerset County, Chris Solan has developed and installed a trail marker system highlighting the route the French used when passing through Bridgewater on their way to Yorktown in the Revolutionary War. Solan is a Life Scout working on his Eagle Scout project

Scout Solan’s Eagle Scout Project marks the path of French nobleman Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, leader of the only army that marched through Bridgewater during the Revolution.

Solan established a series of trail markers including road-side signage and trail markers, all of which have been approved by the Township of Bridgewater and Somerset County Parks.

The project marks the events on August 29, 1781 when American armies took different routes through Chatham, Springfield, and Scotch Plains while Rochambeau’s force of 5,300 men arrived at Bullion’s Tavern in Liberty Corner, New Jersey. They set up camp for the night, and the next morning began the march through Bridgewater to Somerset Courthouse (now Millstone, New Jersey).

 
Included in the route taken are what is now Washington Valley Road., Adamsville Road., Steele Gap Road, and Foothill Road (at that time known as Pluckemin Road). The march through Bridgewater ended when they passed the Van Veghten House near Adamsville Road, and crossed over the Raritan River to their campsite at Summerset Court House.

Rochambeau's men met up with George Washington's American Army in Princeton and continued their march through Philadelphia and eventually reaching their final destination, Yorktown, on September 15th 1781.

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

LSS Recognized as Gold Medal Horse Farm

Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable (LSS), located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has been selected as a “Gold Medal Horse Farm” by the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program (NJEESP). Lord Stirling Stable is only the fourth facility in the state to earn this honor.

The award was presented to Stable Manager Marge Margentino, Park Commissioners, and Senior Staff at a reception at the Cook College Center on the campus of Rutgers University.

The NJEESP is a joint project of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University (NJAES), the Rutgers Equine Science Center, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA).

The Gold Medal Horse Farm program recognizes outstanding equine farms for management practices; stewardship of the land; the health, safety, and well-being of the horses; programming; and dedication to environmental sustainability. Further, it underscores the efforts of the New Jersey equine industry to maintain the beauty of the Garden State.

The award recognizes Lord Stirling Stable’s accomplishments including a new Nutrient Management plan developed to benefit the stable and the entire park system. The on-site composting facility transforms manure and stable waste into an organic, nutrient-rich material which is used to fertilize the pastures and plants at all Somerset County Park locations

Additional management practices include non-chemical control of weeds, dragging pastures to break up manure, pasture renovation, and daily removal of manure from smaller paddocks and turnouts.

“We are honored to be recognized for providing proper care of our horses, protecting our land, and delivering a rewarding riding experience for our guests,” commented Stable Manager Marge Margentino.

Established in 1968, Lord Stirling Stable is located on the site of the former John Jacob Astor estate within the Great Swamp Watershed.  It is home to 80 horses and ponies and serves the recreational equestrian needs of Somerset and nearby counties.

Lord Stirling Stable joins Woodhollow Farm (2014), D’Arrigo Racing Stable LLC (2013) and Showplace Farms (2012) as the state’s only Gold Medal Horse Farms.

Lord Stirling Stable Recognized as Gold Medla Horse Farm

Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable (LSS), located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has been selected as a “Gold Medal Horse Farm” by the New Jersey Equine Environmental Stewardship Program (NJEESP). Lord Stirling Stableis only the fourth facility in the state to earn this honor.

The NJEESP is a joint project of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University (NJAES), the Rutgers Equine Science Center, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA).

The Gold Medal Horse Farm program and award recognizes outstanding equine farms for management practices; stewardship of the land; the health, safety, and well-being of the horses; programming; and dedication to environmental sustainability. Further, it underscores the efforts of the New Jersey equine industry to maintain the beauty of the Garden State.

“Stable staff works very hard to ensure that we take proper care of our horses, protect our land, and provide a rewarding riding experience for our guests,” commented Stable Manager Marge Margentino. “The Gold Medal Award is a tribute to their efforts.”

Established in 1968, Lord Stirling Stable is located on the site of the former John Jacob Astor estate within the Great Swamp Watershed.  It is home to 80 horses and ponies and serves the recreational equestrian needs of Somerset and nearby counties.

The award recognizes the Stable’s accomplishments including a new Nutrient Management plan developed to benefit the stable and the entire park system. The on-site composting facility transforms manure and stable waste into an organic, nutrient-rich material which is used to fertilize the pastures and plants at all Somerset County Park locations

Additional management practices include non-chemical control of weeds, dragging pastures to break up manure, pasture renovation, and daily removal of manure from smaller paddocks and turnouts.

Lord Stirling Stable joins Woodhollow Farm (2014), D’Arrigo Racing Stable LLC (2013) and Showplace Farms (2012) as the state’s only Gold Medal Horse Farms.

The award presentation is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2015 beginning at 5:00 P.M. at Cook Campus Center, 59 Biel Road, New Brunswick, NJ.

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

Volunteers Plant 1000 Tullips at Rose Garden

On Saturday, October 17, 2015, volunteers with the group Living with RSDS, working side by side with of the Horticulture Staff at Colonial Park Gardens, planted over 1,000 tulip bulbs around the pond at the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden. The planting was part of a program called “Blooming Awareness for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.”

“Blooming Awareness” is a volunteer effort designed to bring increased attention to RSDS, a chronic pain disease.  Living with RSDS is an organization that offers support, education, and awareness to patients, their family, friends, communities, and medical professionals. The program is structured around plantings in the fall with resulting awareness programs as the tulips bloom in the spring.

More information about Blooming Awareness or Living with RSDS/CRPS,  is available at www.Livingwithrsds.com.

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

Neshanic Valley Golf Course Earns Environmental Recertification

Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

"Neshanic Valley Golf Course has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Tara Pepperman, Director of Cooperative Sanctuary Programs at Audubon International.

Neshanic Valley is one of 20 courses in New Jersey and 912 courses in the world to hold the honor. The golf course was first designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2009.

The recertification process, coordinated by Andrew Hojnowski, Manager of Golf Maintenance, required a visit by a local community representative, Craig Tolley, Assistant Professor of Landscape and Horticultural Technology at County College of Morris. “Neshanic Valley is a well-managed golf course where protecting the environment is just as important as playability.”

The site visit provides an objective verification of some of the more visible aspects of the course’s environmental management activities and offers an opportunity for golf course representatives to share publicly some of the voluntary actions they have taken to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them.

Of the course’s recertification, Hojnowski wrote: “Environmental stewardship has always been a top priority at Neshanic Valley and we strive to ensure that we fulfill that responsibility. We continually prove that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us.”

Neshanic Valley has also earned “River-Friendly” designation from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority; “Groundwater Guardian” by the Groundwater Foundation; “Environmental Stewardship” by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and has been named at 36^th Best Municipal Golf Course in the country by Golfweek magazine.

Neshanic Valley provides Neshanic Valley is an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center. The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals.

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

Junior Golf Scholarship Recipients

The Somerset County Park Commission has announced the recipients of the 2015 Dr. Michael S. Kline Youth Golf Scholarships for the Summer Junior Golf School at the Learning Center at Neshanic Valley, 2301 South Branch Road in Neshanic Station, New Jersey.

The Dr. Michael S. Kline Youth Golf Scholarships are funded by the Kline Family Foundation and are awarded to boys and girls ages 10 to 16. The 2015 recipients are Andrew Garcia of Bridgewater, Katie Walker of Branchburg and Aiden Torres of Bridgewater.

The scholarships entitle the recipients to participate in the weeklong Golf School and were awarded based on ability, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of golf.

“We are grateful once again to the Kline Family Foundation for their support of golf in Somerset County,” stated Bob Ransone, Deputy Director, Golf Division. “The Kline Scholarships and the Park Foundation scholarships will help to get kids involved in a sport that they can play for their entire lives.” 

The Park Foundation continues to seek donations for the 2016 season to allow additional children to participate in the program. Each $150 donation will fund one child. Donations may be sent to the Somerset County Park Foundation, Post Office Box 5147, North Branch, NJ  08876. A note indicating that the donation should be dedicated to golf scholarships should be included with the check.

Golf School takes place at the state-of-the-art Learning Center at Neshanic Valley that includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

For information, contact Bob Ransone at rransone@scparks.org or call 908-369-1458.

Meteorologist Vists Camp Okee Sunokee

Meteorologist John Marshall recently brought “John’s Weather Tour” to campers at Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation Camp Okee Sunokee.

“John’s Weather Tour” is a program that helps children understand the weather and the special effects that make television weather forecasting interesting and exciting. It helps children better understand the climate and weather by providing a hands-on approach to learning.  The program addresses questions including: Why is there weather; Explanation of fronts; Why are there seasons; Types of clouds and storms, and much more.  Bringing his mobile weather studio to camp, campers got to experience what it is like to be a weathercaster for a day and how green screen special effects work.

Camp Okee Sunokee is a six-week day camp for children with learning disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome, ages 7-14. Programs encourage the development of recreation and social skills and enhance self- confidence and educational growth through the participation in a variety of activities.

With this being his first visit to Camp Okee Sunokee Marshall reflected on the presentation, “The campers were so smart and I enjoyed their enthusiasm and how much they were engaged in what I had to say.” He continued, “The camp made me see how special these children are and when I left I felt extremely gratified.  The campers seemed to get so much out of the presentation, but more importantly, I got so much out of it.  I realized I taught them not only about the weather but also something about themselves, overcoming fears and seeing what they can do.”

To obtain more information about Therapeutic Recreation, call 908 526-5650 or log onto www.somersetcountyparks.org. John’s Weather Tour may be found at www.JohnMarshallWeather.com.

Local Artist "Camouflages" Warrenbrook Facility

Well-known local portrait artist Jamie Lindholm of The Martinsville Studio has returned to her roots when she began painting landscapes and still life with her project at Warrenbrook Golf Course on Warrenville Road in Warren Township.

Between the 11^th green and 12^th tee is a small concrete building that houses the ladies’ and men’s room. The formerly nondescript exterior now sports a lovely painted window treatment and flower box on the ladies’ side and a camouflage painting that blends in with the landscape on the men’s side.

Playing golf on Tuesdays at Warrenbrook, Lindholm was familiar with the facility centrally located on the 18-hole championship golf course. Manager of the facility, Bill McCallum, discovering that his regular customer was an artist, arranged to have the work completed.

“For what can best be described as a concrete bunker is now a far more attractive facility that blends in nicely with its surroundings,” commented McCallum.

“I really enjoy playing golf at Warrenbrook and am happy to make a contribution to the landscape on the course,” add Lindholm.

Warrenbrook is one of five championship golf courses in the Somerset County Park System. In addition to Warrenbrook are Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station, Green Knoll Golf Course in Bridgewater, and Spooky Brook and Quail Brook Golf Courses in Franklin Township.

It was recently announced that all five county golf courses have been recognized as River-Friendly by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority and as Groundwater Guardians by the Groundwater Foundation.

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

Tribute Benches & Legacy Trees Available in County Parks

The Somerset County Park Foundation has announced a new program to provide an opportunity to pay tribute to family and close friends through a donation of a tree or park bench at a location within the Somerset County Park system.

A tax-deductible donation of $2,000.00 will earn the placement of a bench or tree with a plaque memorializing the contribution. The Park Foundation will maintain a listing of all plantings and benches with information including the donor and the person being honored or memorialized.

Tribute Benches are available in three styles conforming to the type of park in which the bench is to be placed. The criteria for the site list per park is based on the needs in each park and a determination of the maximum number of benches appropriate for each park. Maintenance of the bench will be the responsibility of the park staff.

The plaques on benches located in the gardens are 2” x 4” anodized aluminum plates, black with silver letters. The plaques on benches located in the parks and at the Environmental Education Center are 8” x 5” cast bronze plate with dark oxide stain background finish and with bronze letters. 

Living Legacy Trees provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and commemorate special events by planting trees in Somerset County parks. Living Legacy Tree requests will be accepted year-round and planted in the spring or fall to give the trees the best chance to survive. Through communication between Park Commission Horticulture staff and the contributor, an approved species will be chosen based on the desired planting site.

A donor may also choose an already established tree, to be designated as a Tribute Tree.  A commemorative plaque engraved according to the donor’s specifications will be placed at the base of the tree.

For more information on the Tribute Bench or Living Legacy Tree program go to www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200, ext. 228.

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.

Engraved Bricks Available at TD Bank Ballpark

The Somerset County Park Foundation, in cooperation with the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is offering the general public the chance to become a permanent part of history at TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots. The purchase of an engraved brick placed in the main gate at the Ballpark provides both a permanent remembrance and a scholarship opportunity for children and young adults to participate in Park Commission programs.

“Foundation of Opportunities” is a program that provides funding to support the Somerset County Park Foundation Scholarship Fund that assist participants of the Park Commission's Therapeutic Recreation Department. The Fund provides opportunities for children and young adults to participate in recreational programs and services at low or no cost.

Personalized engraved bricks will be installed in the grand main entry plaza at TD Bank Ballpark, providing an opportunity to convey a personal message or remembrance to hundreds of thousands of event attendees throughout the year. Bricks can recognize family members, friends, loved-ones, customers, and those who have made meaningful contributions to the legacy of Somerset County.

Bricks are available at $65 each and will be engraved with a maximum of three (3) lines of twenty (20) characters including spaces and punctuation. “Foundation of Opportunities” application is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org.  For information call the Park Foundation at 908-722-1200, ext. 228.

“The Park Foundation greatly appreciates the Freeholders' endorsement of this program that will continue to expand scholarship opportunities,” stated John Kitchen, Chair of the Foundation. “The Foundation is proud of the efforts of the Therapeutic Recreation Department and the fact that annually the Scholarship Program supports one-quarter of the participants enjoying the services of Therapeutic Recreation.”

The Therapeutic Recreation Program is a cooperative effort between the Park Commission and 16 municipalities, providing year-round recreation opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Programs include Camp Okee Sunokee, a six-week day camp for children age 7 to 14 with learning disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome; Summer Adventure, a two-week summer program for high school teens and young adults, ages 15-21; Kid Connection, a year-round program for children ages 6-12 with a developmental disability; Teen and Adult Programs featuring a variety of social, cultural, artistic, culinary, sports, fitness, community outings, horticulture, and overnight trips; and T.R.A.I.L.S., an adapted horseback riding program.

All County Golf Courses Now River-Friendly

 

At a gathering at Warrenbrook Golf Course on Warrenville Road in Warren Township, Somerset County Freeholders, Park Commissioners, representatives from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA), and Park Commission staff celebrated as Warrenbrook became the fifth and final golf course to be recognized as both River Friendly and a Groundwater Guardian. 
 
Participating in the NJWSA River-Friendly program for golf courses has allowed the Park Commission staff to access the tools and receive the guidance needed to make the golf courses more protective of water resources while maintaining a high standard of play. Through the program, golf course staff have worked to attain specific goals and requirements in the areas of Water Quality Management, Water Conservation Techniques, Wildlife and Habitat Enhancement, and Education and Outreach. 

The Somerset County River-Friendly courses joining Warrenbrook are Green Knoll in Bridgewater, Neshanic Valley in Neshanic Station, and Spooky Brook and Quail Brook in Somerset. All five golf courses increased the acreage of ‘reduced mow’ zones that require less maintenance and reduced chemical application. In addition, staff tracks and monitors chemical and fertilizer usage to assist in understanding the specific needs of the course. Additional actions include the installation of blue bird and bat boxes throughout the properties to increase native wildlife and the addition of educational signage to help highlight the importance of natural areas. 

In addition, all five courses have been named “Groundwater Guardian Green Sites” by the Groundwater Foundation, honoring the facilities’ groundwater and environmental stewardship. The program recognizes green spaces 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. 

"Earning these two very special designations is a credit to the staff at each of the county courses and the leadership of the Park Commissioners,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance for the Park Commission. “We understand our responsibility to the environment and our responsibility to provide championship golf facilities. We are extremely proud that we have been recognized for accomplishing both.” 

Kathy Hale, Principal Watershed Protection Specialist, commented “NJWSA congratulates Warrenbrook Golf Course on becoming the fifth Somerset County

golf course to receive River-Friendly certification. The stewardship actions taken by Tammy Stephens and her staff reflect their commitment to protection of drinking water in the Raritan Basin.” 

 

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority operates the state-owned Spruce Run, Round Valley, and Manasquan Reservoirs and the Delaware & Raritan Canal, which provide drinking water for approximately 1.5 million New Jersey residents. The Authority's Watershed Protection Programs Division administers the River-Friendly Programs to protect the quality of the regions' drinking water supply. For more information on River- Friendly Programs and other projects in the Raritan River Basin, visit www.raritanbasin.org/riv erfriendly.html. 

The Groundwater Foundations mission is to educate people and inspire action to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations. Information is available at www.groundwater.org. 

Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities and programs may be found at www.somersetcountypark

s.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Stay Healthy & Fit with Duke Island Wednesday Walkers

Individuals looking for brisk weekly walk are invited to join a weekly walking group that meets every Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. at the Duke Island Visitor’s Center for a healthy walk through Duke Island Park along a beautiful stretch of the Raritan River. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided.  For information call 908-722-1200, ext. 226.

Duke Island Park is located off Old York Road in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The walk is free of charge and continues weekly as weather permits.

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

Rudolf van der Goot Rose Garden Earns International Award

The Somerset County Park Commission has proudly announced that the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden at Colonial Park in Somerset, New Jersey is the recipient of the 2015 World Federation of Rose Societies' (WFRS) Garden of Excellence Award.

Submitted to the WFRS headquarters in Australia with other submissions from throughout the world, the nomination was initiated by a member of the Jersey Shore Rose Society in July of 2014. Members of the American Rose Society and Master Rosarians toured, photographed, and critiqued the garden, judging its qualifying characteristics.

The highly competitive and prestigious award has been earned by internationally renowned gardens including La Roseraie de Bagatelle in France, the Garden of Roses in England, and Washington Park in Portland, Oregon along with gardens in Argentina, China, Italy, Pakistan, South Africa, and other countries throughout the world. Jolene Adams, President of the American Rose Society, was in Lyon, France to accept the award on behalf of the Somerset County Park Commission.

The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is one acre in size and contains more than 3,000 roses of 325 varieties. The garden was named in honor of Rudolf W. van der Goot, the first horticulturist with the Somerset County Park Commission, as a tribute to his efforts in designing and developing the garden. The Rose Garden is located on Mettlers Road (Parking Lot A and F) in the East Millstone section of Franklin Township’s Colonial Park.

From late spring through fall, the roses present a kaleidoscope of color, form, and fragrance. Visitors can view popular modern hybrids, species, and various classes of Old Garden Roses. All roses are clearly labeled for easy identification and only roses that thrive in central NJ are kept in the rose collections.

Neshanic Valley Golf Course Earns Prestigious Environmental Award

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Neshanic Valley Golf Course, 2301 South Branch Road, Neshanic Station, New Jersey, has added to the long list of environmental recognition the facility has received in its first 10 years of operation, earning the prestigious Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leaders in Golf Award.

The MGA is comprised of clubs throughout the tri-state area. The MGA is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most respected golf organizations with nearly 140,000 members.

The Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Leaders in Golf Award recognizes an MGA member club that demonstrates environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education, and research.

Neshanic Valley is the first public facility to earn the award. Prior recipients include: Trump National, Bedminster, NJ – 2007; Sebonack Golf Club, Southhampton, NY – 2008; Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY – 2009; Glen Arbor Golf Club, Bedford, NY – 2010; Round Hill Country Club, Greenwich, CT – 2011; Rockland Country Club, Sparkill, NY – 2012; Wee Burn Country Club, Darien, CT – 2013; and Manhattan Woods Country Club, West Nyack, NY – 2014.

“Earning the Weber Award is another great honor for Neshanic Valley and a tribute to the entire Park Commission, beginning with the leadership provided by the Commissioners and senior management and including the dedicated staff at the course,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance for the Park Commission.

In addition to the Weber Award, Neshanic Valley has been recognized by the Audubon International as a Certified Cooperative Sanctuary for preservation and enhancement of the wildlife habitat and protection of natural resources; by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority as a “River-Friendly” facility based on operational and maintenance practices; and recognized for Environmental Stewardship by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The facility has also been recognized as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site by the Groundwater Foundation.

Information on all Park Commission programs and activities may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org.