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.
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