D&R Greenway "Our Open Space is Open" Series: Cider Mill Preserve

Don't know what to do this lovely day? Stroll D&R Greenway's Cider Mill Preserve, which is managed for grassland birds. Cornell Lab of Ornithology alerts us to severe loss of birds since 1970 - come be with the rarities of Cider Mill: Our Open Space Is Open! www.drgreenway.org

This is the perfect time to visit Cider Mill Preserve in East Amwell, between Amwell and Wertsville Roads. The grasslands are in bloom, but grasses not yet too high to impede access, visibility. D&R Greenway will not mow Cider Mill Grasslands in summer, so rare grassland birds (bobolinks, meadowlarks, kestrels, and grasshopper sparrows) may complete the essential breeding season.

Grassland birds are suffering the greatest losses , according to the 5-decade study by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Grassland birds have suffered a 53% decline in population since '70's, greatest population losses of any species.

This is a key reason for the 90-acre Cider Mill Preserve's having been named to the New Jersey Natural Heritage Program's Amwell Valley Grasslands Macrosite, high conservation priority area.

IMPORTANT: Maintain social distancing - 6 feet for low-risk groups; 10 feet for high-risk groups (age 60 and/or with underlying health condition). If preserve too busy to observe precautions, move to another and return to Cider Mill another day. It is a treasure in all seasons. www.drgreenway.org

We all are in need of the outdoors for our health and well-being. Mother Nature is waiting to provide solace, healing, beauty and surprises.

Since 1989, D&R Greenway has been preserving and providing trails and stewardship for preserves totaling 22,000 acres. They're all for YOU!