We are very excited to share that South Branch Preserve in Mt. Olive Township has been selected by the New Jersey American Planning Association (NJAPA) as one of the state’s 2022 Great Places! NJAPA Executive Director Sheena Collum wrote in her announcement that they received numerous applications, and the four that were selected met the “gold standard” of planning and design.
The award recognizes the preservation and restoration of South Branch, and our efforts to open the Preserve to the public. The application highlights:
Important as a source for drinking water for more than 1 million residents
Restoration of South Branch from a 16-lot residential subdivision and eight eroding farm fields
Installation of deer fencing, planting of more than 7,000 trees, a wildflower meadow, and community garden
Conversion of four corn/soy farm fields into a vegetable farm using organic practices, managed by City Green and supporting SNAP and WIC in Paterson/Passaic
Partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Paterson & Passaic
Contributions of Boy Scouts (10 Eagle Scout projects) and Girl Scouts (Silver Awards)
Hub for community outdoor activities—there is a horseshoe pit, land art, picnic benches, 1.5-mile hiking trail, wildlife blind, and community garden.
We are thrilled that the preserve is being recognized statewide as the outstanding outdoor space we all know that it is.