FOPOS INSTRUMENTAL IN PRESERVING
PRINCETON’S LARGEST UNDEVELOPED TRACT
We’re thrilled to have partnered with the Municipality, the Watershed Institute, the Ridgeview Conservancy, Mercer County, the State’s Green Acres Program and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation to preserve a 153-acre mature forest in the northwest corner of town. A large body of research shows that forests have tremendous capacity to fight climate change! FOPOS contributed nearly $450,000 of Green Acres funding to the purchase price, and helped raise $3 million of private funding. We also took the lead in obtaining a grant from the County of $1.6 million. The next step is to create a trail system on the property, but closing occurred last December 30 (we have a 15% ownership interest) so you can go for a hike now, if you like. There is access from Province Line Road, across from Stout Road. We look forward to a public celebration and will have information on the website when one is scheduled.
Newly acquired 153-acre property on Province Line and Cherry Valley Roads
PIVOTING TO A NEW RESTORATION PROJECT AT THE
BILLY JOHNSON MOUNTAIN LAKES NATURE PRESERVE
In 2021 we completed our 18-acre forest restoration project’s planting phase with the installation of the last installment of 8,000 native trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Over 3,000 hours of volunteer time and almost $40,000 of our own funds, as well as grants from many public and private entities, helped get this done! It has been great to see nature help out as well, with native wildflowers and new young trees filling in where invasive species were removed. Care for the plants and measures to fight re-emergence of invasives in the forest restoration area will continue, but we have already started work on a 25-acre riparian restoration project along the shores of Mountain Lake, and the banks of Mountain Brook and other streams. Replanting with native species in these areas will protect water quality, increase beauty and provide better habitat for our feathered, aquatic and furry friends!
Native Plants: Cardinal flower along riparian areas at the Mountain Lakes Preserve
ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY
In 2020, FOPOS became a member of the Outdoor Equity Alliance of Mercer County, whose mission is to create experiences and opportunities that attract and inspire people of all ages, ethnicities, and income levels to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Last year, we hosted a Communities of Color Series of events led by community engagement specialist Dana Hughes and yoga/ outdoor experience entrepreneur Romy Toussaint, both women of color who grew up in Princeton (and who donated all of their time). The five events were very well-attended and received, and we already have four events planned for this year.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Tropical Storm Ida devastated three footbridges at Mountain Lakes Preserve, including the long wooden bridge at the northwest corner of the lake. FOPOS volunteers will be helping to rebuild the wooden decks of two bridges at the south end of the lake, which we installed when they were originally constructed. We are also working with Princeton’s Open Space Manager and engineers to site a replacement for the northwest corner bridge; in the meantime, volunteers from REI helped us install a stepping-stone bridge at the old location. We also helped the town get a grant of almost $400,000 from the New Jersey Historic Trust to repair the historic stone bridge near the park’s southern boundary, which was part of the road on which horse-drawn wagons once carried ice from Mountain Lakes out for distribution in the community!
INTERNS AND STUDENTS AT MOUNTAIN LAKES PRESERVE
Lots of young people will be advancing their environmental education at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve this year! In addition to our usual two interns, we will have a third intern this summer who will focus on helping develop and lead environmental events at the Preserve. The two Princeton University students who have been conducting research on Carolina Wrens will be continuing that this year, adding one or two small off-trail microphones to listen to the birds’ vocalizing. You may see the wren houses they have put up – please let the birds have their space! Finally, we’ll have four interns from Princeton’s High Meadows Environmental Institute, working on community based metrics to measure the success of environmental restoration projects.
FOPOS Land Steward Intern, Max Spann, leads a hands-on invasive plant identification hike at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Towards the end of the event, participants helped to remove a patch of invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) from John Witherspoon Woods.
ETCETERA
Did you know January 10th was Friends of Princeton Open Space Day in Princeton? The Mayor and Council graciously issued a proclamation honoring us for almost 53 years of service to the community, including preserving or helping to preserve many of our most-loved open spaces.
And how about those beavers? FOPOS was delighted to learn that beavers had taken up residence in Community Park South. FOPOS Natural Resources and Stewardship Director Anna Corichi is working with Open Space Manager Cindy Taylor and other municipal personnel to help insure that the beavers, and the pond and trees at Pettoranello Gardens, can live in harmony.
THANKS TO SUPPORTERS OF OUR RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECT
Though we’ve just started our fundraising, we already have received generous grants from the Washington Crossing Audubon Society’s Holden Grant program, PSE&G, and Investors Bank. We also thank The Garden Club of Princeton for their continuing support, as well as the Municipality of Princeton and staff. And of course, all of our wonderful volunteers!
JOIN US! There are many ways to support our mission. Know that your monetary donation and/or donation of your time as a volunteer are equally appreciated.
DONATE A TREE
We are committed to planting 2,500 native trees and shrubs within riparian zones at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Riparian areas exist along the water’s edge and play an important role in protecting water quality. The water that flows through Mountain Lakes Park ultimately finds its way to the Raritan River which is an important drinking water source for central New Jersey. In healthy riparian zones, the root systems of native plants, along with soil microbes, work to slow stormwater and filter out pollutants before they can enter the waterway. Riparian areas also provide critical habitat for a diversity of birds, insects, and aquatic life. Help us restore the lakeshore by donating a tree today - donation levels begin at $25, however, a gift of any amount is appreciated.
FOPOS Natural Resources and Stewardship Director, Anna Corichi
BECOME A LAND STEWARD
We rely on members and volunteers to complete our ambitious goals. If you would like to join us for an upcoming stewardship session, contact us to get involved. We also welcome community groups, schools, and corporate groups. Simply email info@fopos.org with VOLUNTEER in the subject line.
BECOME A MEMBER
Be a Friend. If you’re enjoying walks and hikes on the trails in the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, or other spaces FOPOS has preserved, consider supporting our mission by becoming a member.
$25 single membership
$40 couple / family membership
Questions? Email info@fopos.org with MEMBERSHIP in the subject line.
