New Nature Trail To Be Carved Out To Access Bridgewater Preserved Greenway

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A new nature trail, parking lot, and signage will soon be constructed for residents and locals to access the newly acquired open space site in Bridgewater that is part of the Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele’s Gap.

The Bridgewater Township Council unanimously approved a resolution to execute an agreement between the township and D&R Greenway Land Trust which calls for the creation of public access including a parking area and walking trails connecting to the Washington-Rochambeau Trail on the Lang/Wemple property.

In return, the D&R Greenway will give the Township $50,000 toward the purchase of the property.

The Bridgewater Township Council previously approved an ordinance at the March 16 meeting approving the purchase of $565,000 for the property at 525 Steele Gap Road from Mary Jean Stempien and Kathryn Ann Harknett.

The 5.10 acre site is next to the 36-acre Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele’s Gap.

The property has historical significance as it lies directly on the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. The trail is the route that General George Washington and French General Rouchambeau took in 1781 as they moved their troops to fight the British Army in Yorktown, Virginia.

The effort and cooperation between the two sides led to a victory at Yorktown and secured American independence.

The Vaucher Revolutionary Preserve at Steele’s Gap honors the memories of Robert Vaucher and David Stempien who spearheaded efforts to preserve the property in Bridgewater.

• Related: 5 Acres Of Open Space Land Purchased, Preserved By Bridgewater
• Related: Bridgewater WWII Veteran Fights To Preserve Township Land
• Related: Bridgewater WWII Veteran Who Helped Shape Township Dies At 102

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