Volunteers Tackle More Trail Work At Long Valley's Mill Pond Park

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Volunteers returned to Mill Pond Park last weekend for another round of trail maintenance, clearing fallen trees and overgrowth as part of the Washington Township Land Trust's ongoing stewardship efforts.

During the latest workday, members of the Land Trust's Stewardship Committee and community volunteers cleared two downed trees along the trails and cut back vegetation along the Frying Pan/Trestle Trail.

Volunteers also mowed the Mill Pond Trail, trimmed vegetation along its edges, and cleared old logs from around the perimeter of the mill.

The work builds on a series of volunteer-led improvements at Mill Pond Park. Last summer, the Land Trust launched an effort to improve local trails and pathways, with volunteers clearing logs, mowing grass, and cutting back vegetation at the park. The organization also sought donations for new stewardship equipment and additional volunteers to help maintain its properties.

More recently, volunteers spent 18 hours improving the park's Helen Andrews Memorial & Outdoor Education Area in August. That work included trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, as well as the installation of two interpretive signs, "Discover the Living Forest" and "The Forest Food Web." The signs were funded through grants from First Jersey Energy and the Long Valley Junior Women's Club.

The Land Trust is continuing to look for residents interested in joining future stewardship projects. Those interested in volunteering can email wtlandtrust@gmail.com or call 908-876-5986.