Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

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AmeriCorps Week - "2024 Project in a Park" Initiative


Events & Programs

2

March

Millstone Aqueduct D&R Canal Clean-Up
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • D&R Canal State Park

Description Join the Millstone Watershed Ambassador & NJ State Parks in protecting our canal this March! Volunteers will be walking along the towpath trail between the historic D&R Canal and Lake Carnegie.

Gloves, trash pickers, bags provided. Please dress in layers you don't mind getting dirty. Bring gloves and a long handle net if you have them. Rain Date 3/3 10 am-12pm

Meeting location: Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail - Mapleton Road, 732 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 Parking: The closest parking lot is located right off Route 1.

Age Participants under 16 need to be accompanied by adult - adults must sign waivers.

Registration Register here!

9

March

Manville D&R Canal Clean-Up
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • D&R Canal State Park

Description Join the Millstone Watershed Ambassador & NJ State Parks in protecting our canal this March! Volunteers will be walking the towpath trail between the historic D&R Canal and Millstone River.

Gloves, trash pickers, bags provided. Please dress in layers you don't mind getting dirty. Rain date will be March 10, 10 am-12 pm

Meeting Location: D&R Canal Parking Lot - Weston Canal Road, 685 Weston Canal Road, Franklin Township, NJ 08873

Age Participants under 16 need to be accompanied by adult - adults must sign waivers.

Registration Register here!

10

March

Cleanup at Duck Island
  • Sunday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • (Duck Island) D&R Canal State Park

Description Grab your friends and family and head over to Duck Island on Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 10:00 AM. We will be cleaning up the area around the Duck Island Created Wetlands and a section of the D&R Canal Towpath trail!

Bring a water bottle and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Dress for the weather with possible muddy conditions!

Meeting Location: 1463 Lamberton Rd, Trenton, NJ 08611 (Coordinates: 40.175605, -74.726499)

Age Participants under 16 need to be accompanied by adult - adults must sign waivers.

Registration Register here!

10

March

Second Annual Tree Replanting at Round Valley Recreation Area
  • Sunday
  • 1:00 p.m.
  • Round Valley Recreation Area

Description Dam maintenance practices lead to a multi-year cycle of rising and lowering reservoir water levels. Several species of native trees have established themselves along the coastline during the period of lower water levels. Now that the water is rising again, these trees are being inundated with water and will not be able to survive. Volunteers attending the Second Annual Tree Replanting at Round Valley Recreation Area will be pulling young trees along the coast of the reservoir and replanting them to the outdoor education area just a short walk away. Go out on a limb and give these trees a second chance by attending!

Required tools (gloves, shovels, etc.) will be provided, but please feel free to bring any personal tools! Please bring water and snacks. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Thick pants and boots are recommended.

Meeting location: Round Valley Recreation Area, 1220 Stanton-Lebanon Road, Lebanon NJ 08833. Parking: South Lot (40.619430, -74.849091).

Age All ages are welcome to join (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors) (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

10

March

Invasive Species Removal
  • Sunday
  • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Voorhees State Park

DescriptionThe goal of this event is to control the spread of invasive plants like oriental bittersweet and multiflora rose along the trails. Invasive and non-native plants choke out many native woodland plants and do not support native insects, birds, and wildlife. Volunteers will work to cut back the vines and thorns to a distance about 10' from the trails.

Please dress for muddy work! Bring sturdy shoes, gloves and any clippers, loppers, small hand axes, or saws that you can.

Meeting Location: Voorhees State Park, Glen Gardner, New Jersey (Coordinates: 40.698152812048235, -74.88881172214352) Parking: Fields: Group Picnic Area

Age Ages 5 and up (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

15

March

Fort Mott Beach Cleanup
  • Friday
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • Fort Mott State Park

Description Fort Mott State Park is a unique piece of New Jersey history. Nestled along the Delaware River, Fort Mott allows us to peak into the past and see what life may have been like back then. Although the Fort is no longer in use, we can still enjoy it's historical significance, as well as it's walking trails and other amenities. This project aims to cleanup a portion of beach along the Delaware River that is over run with the invasive Phragmites. Because of this tangle of weeds, debris from the river gets trapped in this area making it a magnet for trash.

Trash Bags, Trash Pickers, and Gloves will be provided. Be prepared for possible muddy terrain by wearing boots/ clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

Meeting Location: Fort Mott State Park, 454 Fort Mott Rd, Pennsville, NJ 08070 Parking: We will meet in the main parking lot and head to the cleanup site as a group.

Age All (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

16

March

Bulls Island Recreation Area and D&R State Park Spring Project
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Bulls Island Recreation Area and D&R State Park

Description This project will entail the removal of tree stakes that were used to protect trees when they were first planted two years ago, we have reached the point to where it is safe to remove these stakes and allow the trees to grow on their own unaided. There will also be a clean-up throughout the park to remove any trash that has accumulated over recent flood events to prevent it from being further transported by future flood events.

Wear layers to stay warm and wear shoes and clothes that can get muddy and dirty. Rain date is March 23rd at the same time (10-1). 60 volunteers max.

Meeting Location: 2185 Daniel Bray Hwy, Stockton, NJ 08559

Age All ages are welcome (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

16

March

Keep Belleplain Beautiful!
  • Saturday
  • 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Belleplain State Forest

DescriptionWe will be cleaning up Belleplain State Forest! Specifically, adults will be cleaning up Woodbine Avenue, which runs parallel to Belleplain State Forest. As a safety precaution, children will be cleaning up additional paved roads within the park. By cleaning the roadways both surrounding and within our park, we are able to maintain the beauty of Belleplain State Forest. We are also able to keep trash and other pollutants from entering Belleplain's waterways, such as Lake Nummy, which maintains the beauty of the Cape May Watershed.

Supplies will be provided to participants. If possible, participants should bring their own gloves. If not possible, a limited number of gloves will be available. Participants should dress for the weather. Additionally, they should wear clothing that they would not mind getting dirty! They should also bring a water bottle.

Meeting Location: 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270 Parking: We will meet in the Parking Lot in front of the Main Office.

Age All are welcome! (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

16

March

St Patrick's Saturday Wanaque River Clean-Up
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • Long Pond Ironworks State Park

Description Come explore Long Pond Ironworks State Park while collecting trash. This spot is adjacent to the Wanaque River, which flows into the Monksville Reservoir and the Wanaque Reservoir. These reservoirs provide fresh drinking water to the surrounding areas. There will be bagels!!!

Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in, bring work gloves if you have them.

Meeting Location: 1334 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Hewitt NJ We will be walking together to the exact location as it is marked no trespassing.

Age All (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

16

March

Wawayanda Rain Barrel Workshop
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • Wawayanda State Park

Description Join Wawayanda State Park and NJWAP to build your own rain barrel and learn how to maintain it. Rain barrels are a great way to get involved in environmental stewardship, as they, conserves water, reduce pollution, and improver local water quality. Great for gardening as the slightly more acidic rainwater allows plants to have better nutrient uptake.

Please make sure you have enough space in your car to take the rain barrel home. Will be outside (unless it rains) so dress accordingly.

Meeting Location: 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ 07421 (Coordinates: 41.190562, -74.428881)


Age 10 and up to attend (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

16

March

Invasive Species Removal
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Round Valley Recreation Area

Description Join Watershed Ambassador, Morgan, as we work together to wipeout some wineberries, a worrisome invasive species, at Round Valley Recreation Area. Volunteers will be pulling out wineberries along the The Cushetunk (red) Trail. This will allow more growth of native plants which provide vital benefits such as providing food and shelter for all local wildlife, increased biodiversity, and healthy soil and water.

NJ State Parks will provide gloves. Boots/ sturdy shoes are recommended. We will be outdoors and hiking along the Cushetunk (red) Trail light-rain-or-shine and will be manually removing wineberries which have a thorny stem, so dress accordingly. (e.g. water, suncreen, raincoat, sunglasses, and clothes you don't find getting dirty) The rain date is March 23rd.

The Cushetunk (red) Trail surface is rugged, rocky, and steep in places. The 8.25 mile trail, passing through meadow and forest areas, does not loop, so be prepared to turn around once you start getting tired. The red trail has excellent views along the ridge of Cushetunk Mountain.

Meeting Location: Round Valley Reservoir South Lot, Lebanon, NJ 08833 (Coordinates: 40.619413, -74.849123) Parking: Once you go through the entrance booth to Round Valley Recreation Area, take first right and then follow the road until the first parking lot. We will be meeting at the outdoor classroom tables adjacent to the parking lot.

Age 8 and up (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Click here to register.

16

March

Worthington Campground Clean-Up
  • Saturday
  • 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Worthington State Forest

Description We will be cleaning up trash along the 2 mile length of the campgrounds at Worthington State Forest. This is important to do at this time, before the vegetation grows up and the trash is inaccessible; this will prevent trash from being washed or blown into the Delaware River or State Forest where it could be harmful to natural processes and wildlife.

If participants can bring their garden shears, loppers, or trimmers that is preferred as supplies are limited. Please wear long sleeves and pants as some of the overgrowth have thorns. Gloves will be provided. This area tends to be muddy please wear appropriate shoes (hiking boots/rain boots).

Meeting Location:Worthington State Forest Campground *detailed parking instructions and directions will depend on attendance numbers and weather, decision will be made and communicated to registrants 1 week prior to event

Age All ages are welcome to participate, but volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanies by adult supervisors. It will be the responsibility of the adult supervisor to guide and help their younger volunteers during the event.

Registration Register here!

17

March

Go Green on St. Patrick's Day! Island Beach State Park Clean Up
  • Sunday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Island Beach State Park

DescriptionThis event is a partnership between the AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program and Island beach State Park. We will be removing any litter and cleaning up this beautiful beach! Island Beach State Park is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the north Atlantic coast.

Dress for the weather and bring your own water bottle! Tools and gloves will be provided.

Meeting Location: 2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752. (Coordinates: 39.854224, -74.086998) Parking: We will meet in the Swimming Area #1 Parking Lot. Take Route 37 east to Route 35 south to the park entrance. Enter through the gates and head down Shore Road until you see a sign on your left that says "Swimming Area No. 1." Please park here.

Age All ages are welcome! (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

19

March

Invasive Plant Removal Volunteer Day!
  • Tuesday
  • 10:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
  • Tall Pines Preserve

Description The focus will be on removing Asiatic Bittersweet vines and Callery Pears, both are invasive plants that kill and displace native plants.

While cutting supplies are supplied, volunteers can bring their own gloves.

Meeting location: Tall Pines State Preserve, 1705 Glassboro Rd, Sewell, NJ 08080 (Coordinates: 39.780765, -75.139059) Parking: Large parking space at the entrance of the park

Age All ages (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

23

March

Bass River Trail Maintenance
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Volunteers will be cutting back overgrowth on the trails and removing debris. The overgrowth has prevented hikers from enjoying Ballanger Creek. As a Habitat Enhancement Site, it is important to keep this area clear of debris.

If participants can bring their garden shears, loppers, or trimmers that is preferred as supplies are limited. Please wear long sleeves and pants as some of the overgrowth have thorns. Gloves will be provided. This area tends to be muddy please wear appropriate shoes (hiking boots/rain boots).

Meeting location: Ballanger Creek Habitat Enhancement Site 5962 US-9, Tuckerton, NJ 08087 Parking: After turning onto the dirt road off of RT 9, go slow due to deep holes. You can park before the gate to the trails. This trail is separate from the larger Bass River trail system, please use the address above.

Age 14 and up

Registration Register here!

23

March

Cleanup at Ringwood State Park
  • Saturday
  • 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description On March 23rd, volunteers will be collecting trash around the Ringwood State Park. These are important efforts to protect the ecosystems and wildlife that inhabit the area. It is also important to keep the Park clean as it continues to provide an abundance of recreational opportunities. P Participants should wear comfortable clothes that they don't mind getting dirty. Dress apropriate for the weather as we will be outside the entire duration of the event.

Meeting location: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456 (Coordinates: 41°08'28.9"N 74°14'59.6"W)

Age All ages are welcome (volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by adult supervisors)

Registration Register here!

26

March

Allaire State Park Trail Maintenance
  • Tuesday
  • 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Allaire State Park

Description This project focuses on the recreational use of outdoor trails. Allaire State Park trails go through oak and pine forests, past retired farmland, through the historic village, along an old canal path and railroad bed, through a swamp, and close to floodplains of Allaire State Park. The south side of the park (off Hospital Road) offers a change in ecology as well as more varied elevations. Here the sandy hills support an almost pine barrens habitat –with pitch pine, scrub oak, blueberries and mountain laurel. Allaire State Park is heavily visited and park staff would like to encourage visitors to use the trails and appreciate all the park has to offer ecologically.

Participants need to wear boots and bring their favorite work gloves. Extra gloves will be available. There will be a fair amount of walking on dirt trails.

Meeting location: 150 Allaire Road Howell, NJ Parking: There will be cones set up in the campground parking area to indicate where to park.

Age 14 and up but be able to use loppers

Registration Please email to register.

AmeriCorps Week

For more than 20 years, the AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program (NJWAP) has played an important role in raising awareness of how human activities can affect water quality, especially in the most densely populated state in the nation.

For AmeriCorps Week this year, Ambassadors will be partnering with the New Jersey State Park Service to complete stewardship projects in various parks, forests and historic sites throughout New Jersey. While AmeriCorps Week is normally just a week long, this year NJWAP ambassadors are dedicating the whole month of March towards these projects. We hope you will join us!

AmeriCorps's mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

For more information about AmeriCorps Week nationally, you can visit the national AmeriCorps Events Page.

For more information about the AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program click here.