Picnic Arbor Dedicated at Buck Garden

Representatives of the Somerset County Park Commission, the Somerset County Park Foundation, and the Buck Foundation officially dedicated the newly constructed magnificent wooden picnic arbor on the grounds of Leonard J. Buck Garden, 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey.

Funding for the new public space at one of New Jersey’s premier gardens was made possible by the Somerset County Park Foundation with an additional contribution by the Buck Foundation.

The rustic arbor was constructed by Artisan/Woodworker David Robinson of Natural Edge, Pennington NJ. Robinson, with support of other artisans, also built the rustic garden shelter at Buck Garden in 2002 and hand railings on several bridges and along staircases on the Garden trail.  The wood material used for these projects is red cedar logs and Osage orange wood purchased and cut from local farm field hedgerows.

The arbor was constructed around an existing picnic area with garden beds designed and planted by Buck Garden staff to enhance the visitor experience. 

Mrs. Nancy “Princess” Pyne represented the Buck Family at the recent ribbon cutting. “The Buck Foundation is pleased to be able to continue its support of Buck Garden and to assist in the implementation of the ideas envisioned by my father, Leonard J. Buck as the Garden continues to evolve,” commented Mrs. Pyne

“The Somerset County Park Foundat

ion recognizes the unique of circumstance of having Buck Garden as a featured asset within Somerset County’s park system and is proud to partner with the Buck Foundation to assure the garden’s standing as a valued regional destination,“ added John K. Kitchen, Park Foundation Chairman.

Somerset County Park Commission Manager of Horticulture, Jim Avens said “this magnificent picnic arbor provides the perfect ambience for Buck Garden visitors who wish to picnic while visiting Buck Garden. We are fortunate to have the continuing support of the Somerset County Park Foundation and the Buck Foundation.”  

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

East County Loop Trail Opens for Public Use

- Somerset County Freeholder and Park Commission liaison Patricia Walsh has announced that the new loop trail at the 150-acre East County Park, bordered by Dubois, Reinman and Old Stirling roads in Warren Township, is officially open to the public.

The Board of Freeholders, the Warren Township Committee, and the Somerset County Park Commission have developed the facility as a partnership.  Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail on September 10.

"The county and township have a history of partnering on the development of athletic fields within the park," Freeholder Walsh said.  “These include a synthetic-turf multi-use field, a synthetic-turf soccer field and a natural-turf soccer field.  The current design adds a network of multi-use trails throughout the park that will connect the existing uses and make more of the park accessible to the public.”

The trail features an 8-foot-wide stone multi-use loop approximately four-tenths of a mile long. Also included is a 26-space paved parking area, accessible from Reinman Road.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with Warren Township to realize the full vision of East County Park," said Freeholder Walsh. "The trail network opens up the most scenic portion of the park to the public and allows for the future development of additional passive recreational uses." 

“It’s very exciting to see this park concept become a reality.  Warren residents have asked the Township Committee to explore further recreational opportunities in the Township,” said Deputy Mayor Mick Marion.  ”Given our past positive experiences working with the County Freeholders and County Park Commission on the Pop Warner Complex and Duderstadt property, it was a natural progression. This area is one of the most picturesque pieces of property in the Township; it represents the Townships rural heritage. The trails will provide a family friendly location designed for the public to enjoy walking, running, biking, or pushing strollers.  After a long tough winter, residents will look forward to and be excited about our late-summer, early-fall opening.”

“We are pleased to have been able to provide new passive recreation opportunities to East County residents,” commented Park Commission Director Ray Brown. “The trail loop is an important addition to a growing park facility.”

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

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.

Police Lend Support to TR Fishing Derby

The Somerset County Association of Chiefs of Police have once again sponsored the Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation Camp Okee Sunokee annual Fishing Derby.

Each summer, chiefs and officers from Somerset County municipalities and the the Sheriff’s Department team up with the campers to assist them as they fish at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge. The day also includes a barbeque lunch, a visit from an ice cream truck, and the landing of a State Police Helicopter.

Camp Okee Sunokee is a six-week day camp for children ages 6-14 with learning disabilities or Asperger’s Syndrome. The summer activities at Okee Sunokee encourage the development of recreation and social skills and enhance self-confidence and educational growth through the participation in a variety of activities including arts & crafts, sports & games, music, cooking, trips, and swimming.

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

Lord Stirling Stable Celebrates Multiple Anniversaries

Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable and the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable celebrated anniversaries this past weekend with the Stable commemorating its 45th year and the Friends honoring their 30 years of service to the Stable.

A beautiful night at the Stable attracted dozens of fans and supporters of Lord Stirling Stable for hayrides, hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, and cakes commemorating both anniversaries.

Lord Stirling Stable is located within Lord Stirling Park in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township, and is nestled within 450 acres of the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The Stable features a large indoor ring, three outdoor rings, daily Lead Line pony rides, and 18 miles of beautiful trails.

The Friends of Lord Stirling Stable, the very active volunteer organization provides support and financial assistance for many programs at the Stable including driving events, hunter paces, weekly dog walks, Dog Days, Salute to Horsepower Car & Motorcycle Show, Mother’s and Father’s Day Trail Rides, Nature Rides, Dressage Shows, and various clinics.

For information on Stable programs and activities, please contact the Stable office at 908-766-5955 or NJ Relay 711 for individuals with hearing impairments. Information on Friends activities is available at www.flssnj.org.

Information on this and other Somerset County Park Commission events can be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.  

Environmental Education Center "Adopts" Lord Stirling Road

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

“ADOPTS” LORD STIRLING ROAD

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – The “Adopt A Highway” application submitted by the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC), located at 190 Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Joining with Bernards Township’s “Adopt A Highway” programs, staff from the EEC will police the section of Lord Stirling Road between South Maple Avenue and White Bridge Road four times a year, maintaining a clean and litter-free roadway. 

The initial clean up in the program took place on Friday, May 30, 2014. Among the items removed from the roadway were 1 car motor, 4 cans of paint, 1 bed frame, 4 bags of trash, and 5 bags of recyclables.

“Lord Stirling Road is our home and we feel an obligation to maintain it in the best condition possible,” commented Shawn McCrohan, Manager, Environmental Science for the Park Commission. “The Adopt A Highway Program provides us the opportunity to keep the road clean while participating in a much larger initiative keeping our roads and highways litter-free across the state.”

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities is available at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling the Park Commission Headquarters at 908-722-1200 or the Environmental Education Center at 908-766-2489.