Natural Area Care

Looking Ahead to Summer 2021

STEM is looking at working with Parks and Recreation to tackle some trail improvement projects this summer. Two of the projects will entail building elevated walkways over some of the wet areas at Esther Yanai and South Valley preserves. Another project is to improve the entrance to Waterworks Woods.

To be successful, these projects will require adults to help supervise teenagers who will be doing the “heavy lifting”. It is expected that the projects will be multi-day and start at 8:30 and end at 11:30 each day. We are working out details, but it could be a great opportunity to improve the trails at three different preserves. Experience with tools would be helpful.

Tentative dates are July 5 - 9 at Esther Yanai, August 20 - 27 at South Valley Woods and August 16 - 20 at Water Works Woods.

If you are interested please respond to me via my email - markpensiero99@gmail.com. Please include your contact information, including telephone number, email, and which project(s) you would be interested in supporting.

Mark Pensiero, STEM President

Natural Area Care

The Open Space story in Moorestown began with its Preservations and continues with its care. Keeping open spaces healthy requires ongoing attention. STEM’s Natural Area Care (NAC) Committee, has taken on this stewardship challenge for a number of Moorestown’s Open Spaces in each of the four Township watersheds.

NAC stewardship projects planned for 2020 are listed on this page. These projects provide the opportunity for volunteers to help the community by caring for Moorestown’s preserved areas while exploring each site’s trails and waterways.

Volunteers tackle jobs such as trail blazing and maintenance, invasive plant control, stream clean – up, planting, and litter collection. Projects are scheduled to accommodate a group’s availability. Flexible days/times allow for the best use of volunteer time.

Families are most welcome. Younger children enjoy scouring the trails for bottles, cans and other trash. Participants should wear protective clothing and gloves to guard against poison ivy and thorns.

Those looking to schedule a stewardship project should contact one of the NAC chairpersons below. All contributions of time and energy are appreciated!

NAC Committee

NAC CHAIRPERSON
Kathy Huffman
856 904-8231 or
kajer3@comcast.net

NAC CO-CHAIRPERSON
Susan Buffalino
856 495-4642 or
sbuff4@aol.com

SITE LEADERS:
David Bicking
Susan Buffalino
Nancy Fife
Jean Fox
Paula Horton
Kathy Huffman
Colleen Malloy
Mark Pensiero
Elaine Young

STEM President:
Mark Pensiero
markpensiero99@gmail.com

Monitored Moorestown Open Spaces

PENNSAUKEN CREEK WATERSHED
Waterworks Woods
Strawbridge Lake Park
South Valley Woods

POMPESTON CREEK WATERHSED
Pompeston Creek Park, downstream
Pompeston Creek Park, upstream
Pompeston Creek park, at Fernwood Drive

SWEDE RUN WATERSHED
Esther Yanai Preserve
Wigmore Acres
Swede Run Fields

RANCOCAS CREEK WATERSHED
Little Woods on the Rancocas
Farrago Farm
Susan Stevens Halbe Preserve

What We Do:

VISIT the natural areas annually to monitor their trails, vegetation, and waterways.

DEVELOP an action plan for the maintenance of each site determined by its needs.

COORDINATE with schools, groups, and businesses looking to volunteer and earn community service credits.

SCHEDULE seasonal stewardship projects to accommodate volunteer groups' availability.

EDUCATE organizations about the habitat needs of each open space; knowledgeable site leaders direct activities and stewardship projects.

CREATE public awareness and enjoyment of Moorestown's unique natural areas.

How You Can Help:

ASSIST with monthly opportunities for natural area care of preserved open space.

COORDINATE with your school, scout group, church, or business.

VOLUNTEER for one of the seasonal stewardship projects.

EARN community service credits and citizen action hours for helping the local environment.

LEARN about the open spaces in your neighborhood that offer well-maintained hiking trails for recreation and outdoor exercise.