Girls Scouts Plant Daffodils Along the Banks of Powder Mill Pond

Junior Girl Scouts representing Troop #60681, Franklin Township, Somerset County recently completed a Daffodil Planting Project on the banks of Powder Mill Pond at Colonial Park, East Millstone. Under the guidance of the Horticulture Department of the Somerset County Park Commission, the Scouts planted over one thousand bulbs.

The beautification project, undertaken in collaboration with Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition, replicates the vista of golden daffodils “beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze” in William Wordsworth’s beloved “Daffodil” poem.

“I’m sure this is something that the park patrons and the girls who participated in the project will enjoy for years to come,” commented Mark Inzano, Horticulture Supervisor.

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

EEC Received $50,000 Grant from 3M

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) has received a $50,000 Eco Grant from 3M to develop a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum field trip program using the theme of biomimicry. The grant will be matched by funds donated by the Somerset County Park Foundation.

According to the Biomimicry Institute, “Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies.”

The EEC is in a unique position to develop and implement a science-based environmental and conservation education program based on the biodiversity of the Great Swamp basin. The living laboratory of Lord Stirling Park, adjacent to the EEC,  provides excellent opportunities for environmental STEM education.

Biomimicry curriculum will be used as:

-A new way for young people to view and value the natural world; to see Nature

            not just as something to learn about, but as something to learn from

-A compelling way to present science, technology, engineering, and math subjects

-A tool to enhance and express creativity through design, with hands-on, minds-

            on, project-based activities

-A way to connect school subjects to one another, and school subjects to the real

world beyond classroom walls

-A unique and powerful way to think and learn about sustainability

The 3M Eco Grant and matching funds will be dedicated to the development and marketing a new science-based K-12 biomimicry curriculum focused on the unique biology of the Great Swamp Basin. The EEC staff will support teachers and educators through onsite field trips, school outreach, online resources, and teacher training workshops.

Funding will also be used to renovate existing space at the EEC as a biomimicry lab, enhance existing trails and facilities with interpretive signage, and to create printed and digital resources for teachers and educators. Grant money would also go towards scholarships for school field trips, and a long term evaluation study to determine the impact of the programs.

Shawn McCrohan, Manager of the EEC commented, ““It is exciting to be working on a project that will have young people looking for ways to apply nature’s adaptive strategies to solve some of today's biggest environmental challenges as well as other innovative solutions based on nature.”

3M is awarding almost $400,000 to 10 organizations with its 2014 Eco Grants, which are aimed at connecting kids to nature and improving environmental and conservation education for youth. Since 2001, 3M’s environmental giving program has invested more than $25 million in sustainability initiatives as part of the company’s vision of improving every life. 

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is nestled within the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The variety of habitats includes: floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, fields, forests, and natural and man-made ponds.  These habitats provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park. All are within walking distance of the multi-faceted building. An environmentally based library is located within the Center itself. The Exhibit Hall annually hosts environmentally focused presentations that are free to the public.

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 Contribution to Local Food Bank

The Somerset County Park Commission Lord Stirling Stable, located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, joined with the Friends of Lord Stirling Stable to present the “Stuff the Turkey” Hunter Pace, providing riders the opportunity to make Thanksgiving a little brighter for Somerset County residents in need.

A Hunter Pace is an event for horse and rider in which teams of two to three follow a well-marked course that is 6 to 8 miles in length.  There are usually more than 30 fences, up to 3’ in height.

 

Participants were asked to bring non-perishable food items for donation to the Somerset County Food Bank. Among the nearly 175 items that were generously contributed were canned vegetables and fruit, mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, pasta, breakfast items, sauces, soup, and much more.

For information, please call Lord Stirling Stable at 908-766-5955.  Individuals with a hearing or speech impairment can call NJ Relay Service at 711.

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

Buck Garden Featured in New NJ Garden Book

--> -->

The Somerset County Park Commission Leonard J. Buck Garden located at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, New Jersey, is featured in a recently released book, Gardens of the Garden State by Nance Berner and Susan Lowry and  published by Monacelli Press.

Gardens of the Garden State is “a glorious photographic tour of the public and private gardens of New Jersey—from historic formal gardens of former estates, to suburb gardens, horticulturists’ havens, and fresh takes on front yards,” according to the Monacelli Press web site. The book is available on most literature web sites.

The book selects twenty-eight gardens from Skylands, to the New York border, to the elegant formal gardens of Short Hills, Bernardsville, and Oldwick, to a wildlife garden filled with frogs and butterflies, and a lighthouse garden near Cape May.

Buck Garden is among New Jersey’s more than 60 public gardens and arboreta in 15 counties and is recognized as one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States. Buck Garden consists of a series of alpine and woodland garden areas situated in a 29-acre wooded stream valley.

Tucked among the rocks are rare and exotic rock garden plants. The wooded trails connecting the outcroppings are lined with beautiful wildflowers that have flourished and multiplied through the years. Throughout the garden grow various trees, shrubs, and perennials.

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

Park Commission Earns 3rd Smart Workplace Recognition

The Somerset County Park Commission has earned recognition as a recipient of a 2014 Smart Workplaces Platinum level award.  The prestigious statewide program recognizes employers who provide outstanding commuter transportation programs for their employees. The 2014 award is the third consecutive recognition for the Park Commission.

The Platinum Award, the highest honor bestowed, is earned by achieving five Bronze, five Silver, and Gold level activities in addition to a series of comprehensive site-specific alternative commute programs. Among the issues addressed by the Park Commission to fulfill the requirements are:

Designating an on-site point of contact for commute inquiries

Encouraging employees to register for TMA traffic alerts

Regularly promoting commute options and TMA incentives

Hosting an on-site information event

Hosting two or more TMA Lunch & Learn presentations

Providing bicycle parking area

Offering a formal flextime program an compressed workweek program

Providing electric vehicles for employee business use

Smart Workplaces recognizes the achievement of New Jersey employers who have developed and implemented significant and innovative alternative commute programs that attain the State Standard of Excellence. The program honors employers that provide commuter benefits to help employees address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention, and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting.

“Attaining another Platinum level is an honor for the Park Commission but it is also is our responsibility as stewards of our county’s parklands and open space to serve as an advocate for such policies,” commented Ray Brown, Director of the Park Commission.

RideWise, an affiliate of the Somerset County Business Partnership and Somerset County’s transportation management association, oversees the program, verifies the validity of the employer nomination, and helps employers meet the criteria for the recognition. Information is available at www.Ridewise.org.

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

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