Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Investors Helps Repair the Boondocks Boarwalk


Investors Foundation (Investors Bank) and the Somerset County Park Foundation each provided generous donations to the Environmental Education Center (EEC) for the express purpose of completing the reconstruction of the “Boondocks Boardwalk” located in Lord Stirling Park.

At the February meeting of the Park Foundation representatives from Investors met with EEC staff to present a check in the amount of $25,000 which was matched by the Foundation and added to the $11,500+ earned through a crowd funding source. These funds will be used for materials to repair the “Boondocks Boardwalk” at the EEC.
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In 2011 and 2012, Hurricanes Irene and Sandy damaged one of the most beloved and biologically rich stretches along the 9-mile trail system in Lord Stirling Park at the EEC, 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

The 900-foot “Boondocks Boardwalk” trail was severely damaged and has remained closed to the public. Prior to its closure it was considered by visitors to Lord Stirling Park as a treasure due to its remoteness and solitude. It is well known as a unique habitat and an excellent spot for birding and discovering wildlife.

Park guests who regularly walk the EEC trails for exercise and to enjoy the ever-changing beauty of nature have asked that this section of trail in the western edge of the Great Swamp be rebuilt. In addition to general hiking, the trail will be used for school tours, summer science programs and birding programs.

The construction will be done by the Somerset County Handymen Volunteer program. Trials are expected to be open to the public in July of 2016.

“Investors came through for the people of the region who enjoy the peace, the solitude, the wildlife, and opportunity to walk the boardwalk into the deepest parks of Lord Stirling Park,” commented Shawn McCrohan, Manager of Environmental Science. “The Boondocks Boardwalk is an important part of our infrastructure and to have it back will be an advantage for all.”    

The EEC is nestled within 425 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The variety of habitats of floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, and natural and man-made ponds, fields, and forests provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park.

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A video describing the ‘Boondocks Boardwalk’ is available at https://youtu.be/SJbqj64gne8. Details on the project may be found by calling the EEC at 908-766-2489.

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Host Your Event in County Parks


The Somerset County Park Commission offers interesting and exciting opportunities for individuals, families, civic and social organizations, and companies to host special events at park facilities. Somerset County parks regularly host family reunions, private and corporate picnics, dog shows, scout events, athletic events including league play and tournaments, corporate tennis leagues, wedding photos, and a myriad of special events.

Over the years, the popularity of the parks and the variety of the facilities has resulted in a tremendous increase in usage. To assure that events fulfill all expectations, the Park Commission has implemented an application process that assures access to low cost opportunities. Reservations should be submitted a minimum of two to four weeks prior to an event to assure that dates remain open for the desired facility. A reasonable fee schedule for facilities ranging ball fields to the Somerset County Showmobile stage and sound system is available.

Picnics are permitted at North Branch Park and Duke Island Park in Bridgewater Township and Colonial Park in Franklin Township with all facilities equipped with tables and grills. Three pavilion picnic areas are available at Duke Island Park and two at Colonial Park. Ball fields are available at all three parks and at the Torpey Athletic Complex, which also features a multi-purpose synthetic turf field. The Howe Athletic Complex at Colonial Park features soccer fields and a cricket pitch. Tennis courts are found at Colonial Park and the Green Knoll Tennis Center is Bridgewater. Skillman Park, the newest general use park, accepts applications for special events including 5K runs and the Special Olympics.

The Flying Field at North Branch Park is available for anyone holding a valid AMA License and a Park Commission Flying Field Permit. New Federal Aviation mandates requires that all pilots of unmanned aircraft also register with the FAA.

The Arboretum and Rose Garden at Colonial Park, Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills and Natirar Park in Peapack offer opportunities for spectacular wedding photos throughout the spring and summer.

Applications for any of these facilities may be obtained by calling the Somerset County Park Commission at 908-722-1200, ext. 225 or writing to P.O. Box 5327, North Branch, NJ 08876.

Applications for the Arboretum and Rose Garden at Colonial Park may be obtained by calling 732-873-2459, ext. 21. For Leonard J. Buck Garden, call 908- 234-2677, ext. 21. Upon receipt of the application request and confirmation of date availability, the event will be penciled into the general calendar.

Information on all Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org. Complete descriptions and photos of all facilities are also available on the web site.