Summary Innovative Community Project Wreck Pond Nature
Summary Innovative Community Project Wreck Pond Nature Preserve
Our goal is to conserve and protect unspoiled nature, maintain its natural beauty, and experience history. It is imperative to keep the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve virtually undeveloped while at the same time balancing the needs of nature lovers with passive recreation. In 2017, the WTEAC continued the restoration of the Nature Preserve with a cleanup and also adding an anti-idling sign as a continuing effort to keep the restoration ongoing. The WTEAC/Green Team will consider in-kind contributions in order to be fiscally responsible and to ensure that the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve continued to be restored as a pristine habitat. The $2000 grant in 2014 may not cover total expenses; however, it went a long way in preserving our project for “Innovation – Community Other.” The Township is aspiring to use as many in-kind contributions as possible while using the grant money for items of necessity. The grant was modified for us to erect a double-sided sign with the Wall Township Logo. It reads “Wreck Pond Nature Preserve.” Residents can now find the Nature Preserve more easily on Rt. 71 with the sign. The sign also indicates that the Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. Residents and student volunteers, on March 9, 2013, cleared the trail and cut away a path from under the Osprey Platform to prevent the public from walking directly underneath the nest. The cleanup of the whole site by student and resident volunteers was successful. A cleanup was again done in 2017. Restoration is the key to preserving this nature preserve for generations to enjoy. It is our desire to provide positive outdoor recreational and educational experiences for our residents. The parcel contains a native rain garden, (Monmouth County Grant) osprey platform, (Verizon Grant) and beautiful pond. Public Works provided wood chips for the walking trails. In addition, Public Works also installed two waste receptacles. All work was done by Public Works and/or resident volunteers. Two park benches have been installed, and all preliminary work is completed. However, this is an ongoing project and there are many concepts yet to be carried out. The WTEAC has supervised the project with Public Works and has the approval of the Mayor and Township Committee. There will be a dedication of the Nature Preserve upon completion when the entire vision has been realized. A brochure is attached for your perusal. Wreck Pond Restoration Summary Now and Present: Wreck Pond Nature Preserve is well on its way to restoration. We now have a large Wall Township Wreck Pond Nature Preserve sign designating that the Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. As previously stated, this was achieved through a $2,000 Wal-Mart Grant from Sustainable Jersey. It certainly makes it easier for residents, from in and out of the community, to locate the
Preserve. Ordinance signs have been posted to remind animal lovers to pick up after their pets, thus, avoiding fines. These signs are strategically located. In addition, two receptacle cans are placed at each waste station. Walking nature trails have been delineated. Public Works has laid down the natural wood chips for the trails to remain in their natural setting. Park benches are a nice enhancement for resting and enjoying bird watching. The site has an osprey nest tower which has been successful. Verizon provided the WTEAC with a grant to accomplish this. In addition, the Preserve has a Rain Demonstration Garden with beautiful plantings. It was constructed by Monmouth County as an educational garden. Note: the beauty of the pond itself.
The Wreck Pond Preserve is an ongoing project. Futuristic ideas include a Gazebo to be constructed in an open area, with no disturbance to plantings. The gazebo would be located away from the osprey nest and would be a nice enhancement. The parking lot needs to be redone. Trees may be placed on Rt. 71 to ensure more privacy with less noise pollution. New additional ideas will evolve in the future. In 2017, there was a community wide cleanup and the Environmental Committee chose to cleanup the Preserve and additionally requested that an anti-idling sign be placed in the parking lot. The WTEAC/Green Team is so pleased with the outcome and progress thus far. It’s wonderful to see the site used for passive recreation and to know that fishermen are now returning to the Preserve. To hear the birds chirp and enjoy the natural surroundings of Wreck Pond in its natural habitat is so joyful and relaxing – Nature at its best! And so, restoration will continue . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wall Township Awarded Grant from Sustainable Jersey Sustainable Jersey representatives announced last week the Township of Wall has been awarded a Sustainable Jersey Capacity-Building Grant. The $2,000 grants are intended to assist community Green Teams as they lead and coordinate the substantiality activities of their community. The 2013 Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program, funded by Walmart, is providing a total of $380,000 in grants to local governments for substantiality projects. “We are honored that Walmart and Sustainable Jersey has selected us to be a part of their grant funding,” Mayor Todd Luttman said. “We are extremely proud of the progress we have made in energy efficiency and conservation in cooperation with the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee, chaired by Wilma Morrissey.” The Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee is preserving an open space parcel on Route 71, better known as the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve. Residents and student volunteers, on March 9, cleared the trail and cut away a path from under the osprey platform to prevent the public from walking directly underneath it. The cleanup of the whole site by student and resident volunteers was successful and now enables the township to move ahead. The township believes restoration is the key to preserving its open space nature preserve for generations to come. It is the township’s desire to provide positive outdoor recreational and educational experiences for its residents, the mayor said. The parcel contains a native rain garden, osprey platform, and beautiful pond. Therefore, to further enhance the area, the grant will provide for 20 landscape ties to redefine the path away from the nest, three park benches, a pet waste station, including a roll bag dispenser, waste receptacle, an 8 foot post, sign and hand sanitizer kit, and one outdoor waste receptacle can and a picnic table and bench. The township’s department of public works will also be supplying wood chips from fallen trees during Hurricane Sandy for the walking trails. The project is estimated to be completed by mid-December. The 5.48-acre property was acquired by Wall Township and dedicated as open space for future generations. The township believes it is its responsibility to open the nature preserve for all local residents to enjoy. The grant will not cover all project expenses, however, it will go a long way in reaching the township’s goal. The winners of the grants have projects that provide sustainable solutions to everyday challenges. Organic curbside waste recycling, storm water runoff solutions, innovative bioswales, water conservation, sustainable landscaping, wildlife interaction plan, community gardens and more have been added to the list of initiatives that the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants program is funding.
The Coast Star 10/10/13
Our goal is to conserve and protect unspoiled nature, maintain its natural beauty, and experience history. It is imperative to keep the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve virtually undeveloped while at the same time balancing the needs of nature lovers with passive recreation. In 2017, the WTEAC continued the restoration of the Nature Preserve with a cleanup and also adding an anti-idling sign as a continuing effort to keep the restoration ongoing. The WTEAC/Green Team will consider in-kind contributions in order to be fiscally responsible and to ensure that the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve continued to be restored as a pristine habitat. The $2000 grant in 2014 may not cover total expenses; however, it went a long way in preserving our project for “Innovation – Community Other.” The Township is aspiring to use as many in-kind contributions as possible while using the grant money for items of necessity. The grant was modified for us to erect a double-sided sign with the Wall Township Logo. It reads “Wreck Pond Nature Preserve.” Residents can now find the Nature Preserve more easily on Rt. 71 with the sign. The sign also indicates that the Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. Residents and student volunteers, on March 9, 2013, cleared the trail and cut away a path from under the Osprey Platform to prevent the public from walking directly underneath the nest. The cleanup of the whole site by student and resident volunteers was successful. A cleanup was again done in 2017. Restoration is the key to preserving this nature preserve for generations to enjoy. It is our desire to provide positive outdoor recreational and educational experiences for our residents. The parcel contains a native rain garden, (Monmouth County Grant) osprey platform, (Verizon Grant) and beautiful pond. Public Works provided wood chips for the walking trails. In addition, Public Works also installed two waste receptacles. All work was done by Public Works and/or resident volunteers. Two park benches have been installed, and all preliminary work is completed. However, this is an ongoing project and there are many concepts yet to be carried out. The WTEAC has supervised the project with Public Works and has the approval of the Mayor and Township Committee. There will be a dedication of the Nature Preserve upon completion when the entire vision has been realized. A brochure is attached for your perusal. Wreck Pond Restoration Summary Now and Present: Wreck Pond Nature Preserve is well on its way to restoration. We now have a large Wall Township Wreck Pond Nature Preserve sign designating that the Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. As previously stated, this was achieved through a $2,000 Wal-Mart Grant from Sustainable Jersey. It certainly makes it easier for residents, from in and out of the community, to locate the
Preserve. Ordinance signs have been posted to remind animal lovers to pick up after their pets, thus, avoiding fines. These signs are strategically located. In addition, two receptacle cans are placed at each waste station. Walking nature trails have been delineated. Public Works has laid down the natural wood chips for the trails to remain in their natural setting. Park benches are a nice enhancement for resting and enjoying bird watching. The site has an osprey nest tower which has been successful. Verizon provided the WTEAC with a grant to accomplish this. In addition, the Preserve has a Rain Demonstration Garden with beautiful plantings. It was constructed by Monmouth County as an educational garden. Note: the beauty of the pond itself.
The Wreck Pond Preserve is an ongoing project. Futuristic ideas include a Gazebo to be constructed in an open area, with no disturbance to plantings. The gazebo would be located away from the osprey nest and would be a nice enhancement. The parking lot needs to be redone. Trees may be placed on Rt. 71 to ensure more privacy with less noise pollution. New additional ideas will evolve in the future. In 2017, there was a community wide cleanup and the Environmental Committee chose to cleanup the Preserve and additionally requested that an anti-idling sign be placed in the parking lot. The WTEAC/Green Team is so pleased with the outcome and progress thus far. It’s wonderful to see the site used for passive recreation and to know that fishermen are now returning to the Preserve. To hear the birds chirp and enjoy the natural surroundings of Wreck Pond in its natural habitat is so joyful and relaxing – Nature at its best! And so, restoration will continue . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wall Township Awarded Grant from Sustainable Jersey Sustainable Jersey representatives announced last week the Township of Wall has been awarded a Sustainable Jersey Capacity-Building Grant. The $2,000 grants are intended to assist community Green Teams as they lead and coordinate the substantiality activities of their community. The 2013 Sustainable Jersey Small Grants Program, funded by Walmart, is providing a total of $380,000 in grants to local governments for substantiality projects. “We are honored that Walmart and Sustainable Jersey has selected us to be a part of their grant funding,” Mayor Todd Luttman said. “We are extremely proud of the progress we have made in energy efficiency and conservation in cooperation with the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee, chaired by Wilma Morrissey.” The Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee is preserving an open space parcel on Route 71, better known as the Wreck Pond Nature Preserve. Residents and student volunteers, on March 9, cleared the trail and cut away a path from under the osprey platform to prevent the public from walking directly underneath it. The cleanup of the whole site by student and resident volunteers was successful and now enables the township to move ahead. The township believes restoration is the key to preserving its open space nature preserve for generations to come. It is the township’s desire to provide positive outdoor recreational and educational experiences for its residents, the mayor said. The parcel contains a native rain garden, osprey platform, and beautiful pond. Therefore, to further enhance the area, the grant will provide for 20 landscape ties to redefine the path away from the nest, three park benches, a pet waste station, including a roll bag dispenser, waste receptacle, an 8 foot post, sign and hand sanitizer kit, and one outdoor waste receptacle can and a picnic table and bench. The township’s department of public works will also be supplying wood chips from fallen trees during Hurricane Sandy for the walking trails. The project is estimated to be completed by mid-December. The 5.48-acre property was acquired by Wall Township and dedicated as open space for future generations. The township believes it is its responsibility to open the nature preserve for all local residents to enjoy. The grant will not cover all project expenses, however, it will go a long way in reaching the township’s goal. The winners of the grants have projects that provide sustainable solutions to everyday challenges. Organic curbside waste recycling, storm water runoff solutions, innovative bioswales, water conservation, sustainable landscaping, wildlife interaction plan, community gardens and more have been added to the list of initiatives that the Sustainable Jersey Small Grants program is funding.
The Coast Star 10/10/13
