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.

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