Swede Run Fields

Both sides of Westfield Rd, between Swede Run & Stanwick Glen on the west side & straddling the creek on the east side

TRAIL MAP

Formerly the Benner Farm, this 130-acre open space is by far the largest chunk of open space in Moorestown. Swede Run Fields is comprised of a sewered 90-acre parcel, zoned R2, west of Westfield Road next to Stanwick Glen and a 40-acre unsewered parcel, zoned R1 on the east side of Westfield Road. The larger parcel has a wooded portion of Swede Run as its boundary. The stream separates Swede Run Fields from the newly constructed Wexford subdivision, the Maybury low/moderate housing site, and Allen’s riding stable and kennels. This open space can be accessed through the 7-acre Stanwick Glen detention basin lot at the end of Ashley Court as well as by Westfield Road.

The smaller, 40-acre parcel is transected by Swede Run and backs up to Moorestown Hunt. A feature of this lot is the old stone shed near a large maple tree along the driveway. As Swede Run traverses the smaller 40-acre parcel, it is bordered by brush wetlands and flood plains. Although generally open in appearance, this open space site provides diverse opportunities for wildlife habitat and a somewhat natural area to enhance the quality of water in Swede Run.

Purchased in 2001 for $7,315,000 by funding from Moorestown Township, Burlington County, and New Jersey Green Acres, the tract is presently being farmed by a local farmer.

Pollinator Garden Planted at Swede Run Field

June 2021- STEM recently completed the installation of 4,500 square foot native pollinator garden at Swede Run Field. The garden surrounds the historic stone building and is adjacent to the dog park. This beautiful site now is the new home to over 1,200 plants. STEM won a grant for the plants from the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife thorough the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. The plants were provided by Pinelands Nursery. STEM was one of 46 organizations that were awarded a grant of plants.

STEM and its friends and volunteers worked over 100 hours designing, preparing, and installing the garden. A crew of volunteers are also lined up to make sure the garden is tended during the hot summer months.

STEM would like to thank Diane Walker of Colorstone Gardens for the design and preparation work, Matt Severs for the site preparation, Leonberg Nursery for the mulch, and Katie Leakley for coordinating the volunteers. A big shoutout to the 30 plus volunteers who came out to help us turn this project into a reality.

I hope you will all have a chance to get out to the garden and enjoy it’s beauty. The plants are small now, but with lots of TLC and a little luck they will continue to grow and thrive.

Regards,
Mark Pensiero, President, STEM