Harding Land Trust Mission

As our mission says, “to acquire, conserve and manage scenic, natural and historic lands in Harding Township” land acquisition is just one component of the work we do. A good portion of the Land Trust’s budget is dedicated to improving wildlife habitat, maintaining the health of trees, controlling the spread of invasive plants in our forests and fields, and ensuring that trails remain clear and passable. Stewardship is vital to our mission and preserving the health of our properties is a job that is never complete. In the recent past, the Land Trust has repaired collapsed drains in Waterman Meadow, removed and replaced decaying trees along Loantaka Lane North, had invasive understory vines and shrubs removed from Waterman Meadow, mowed Waterman Meadow and Frelinghuysen Fields, and cleared vines from the street trees along Dickson’s Mill Road on the Land Trust’s Pine Brook property.

This could not have been accomplished this without our many partners who have contributed their time and services to this effort. The Bridle Path Association keeps our trails open and clear. Gus Koven maintains the meadow on the Dickson’s Mill/Pine Brook property. As a jointly funded project, the Land Trust and Friends of Trees removed and replaced dead trees along Loantaka Lane. Waterman Meadow neighbor, Dan Maselli, donated tree work and brush control on the Meadow. Jim Fenimore helps with mowing and clean up along Land Trust properties and keeps the streetscape looking neat and tidy. Nancy Jones, from Logan’s Brook Stables, mowed Frelinghuysen Field for us last fall. For this work we are very thankful. Spring will mark the return of another busy stewardship season. You will find Land Trust staff and volunteers reseeding portions of Waterman Meadow, replanting the roadside of Dickson’s Mill Road with native understory plants, improving the landscape at the Gatehouse and continuing the work to transform the von Zuben property into a lush and vibrant meadow. This important work of caring for Harding’s special places and open spaces often goes unnoticed, but it is an important part of the Land Trust’s work. Thank you to all of our partners and thank you to all of our members who enable this work with their generous support!