Mayor’s Message: Bernie Platt
Sometimes it’s easy to forget, amidst all the traffic and congestion we hear and see every day, that right here in our own backyard lay a wealth of natural resources just waiting to be explored.
It’s a fact of which I’ve been reminded time and again this summer, as Cherry Hill’s extensive system of walking and nature trails have been pushed to the forefront of our collective attention.
In June, my office received exciting news out of the U.S. Department of the Interior: Our two largest trail systems — those located at the historic Barclay and Croft Farm sites — had received a prestigious designation from the federal agency.
Both were selected into the federal government’s National Recreation Trails program — the two lone New Jersey trail networks to receive the distinction in 2011, and two of just 41 sites nationwide to be given the title this year.
This was remarkable news for the entire Cherry Hill community — and particularly for those involved with the Cherry Hill Environmental Advisory Committee and Lew Gorman, the group’s tireless and devoted leader, who has spent the last several years working hard to beautify and cultivate these paths for all of Cherry Hill to enjoy.
In fact, Lew’s efforts and our trails were highlighted earlier this month in an article: http://articles.philly.com/2011-07-06/news/29743193_1_trail-marks-2-mile-trail-national-trails-system.
These trails provide a multitude of benefits for our community — like the ability to connect our residents with nature and expand both the recreational and educational opportunities available to people of all ages. And with a little bit of TLC, each area has developed beautifully, forming a lush landscape that is home to things like butterflies, bees, bunnies and even, I’m told, a family of red-tailed hawks at Croft Farm.
As Mayor of this township, I’m incredibly pleased and proud of the progress we’ve made in improving and promoting these hidden gems in our community.
Some of the highlights of these two trail systems:
• Barclay Farm: Located just off Barclay Lane, is an interconnected system of three paths that cover about three-quarters of a mile on the 18th century farmstead, which is located on the National Register of Historic Places.
The final stop on the Cooper River Historic Trail, this particular trail network includes a handicapped-accessible branch that features a stone surface; a hiking trail that passes through mature forest along the Cooper River’s north branch; and a nature trail that features 10 interpretive stations and runs along the Cooper River, a pond, and wetland.
• Croft Farm: Once a working mill and farm and a stop on the Underground Railroad, this site has played an important role in the growth of southern New Jersey for more than 300 years. The farm itself is on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places; the network of six trails covers 1.45 miles and winds through different natural habitats including meadows, scrub-shrub, early successional forest, and mature forest. Croft Farm Trails are promoted at yearly events to connect people with nature, increase support for Open Space lands, and to highlight outdoor recreational opportunities in the community.
To celebrate this exciting designation and participate in the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, the Township, CHEAC and Sustainable Cherry Hill are planning a very special, free event from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Croft Farm.
CHEAC members will provide guided tours of the Croft Trails; we will have hands-on animal demonstrations planned by the Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge; and visitors can view a special presentation on the existing trails plan and our vision for the future.
In this age of video games and television, it is critical that communities like ours preserve areas in which our children can play, explore and learn while living a healthier and more active lifestyle.
It is my hope that this event and others we hope to plan in the future will give us the chance to celebrate and promote these special areas far and wide.
For more information on the Trails Program or the July 31 celebration, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 488–7868, or e-mail [email protected].
