NJ Forest Fire Service conducts prescribed burn at Hillside Farm in Hopewell
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — D&R Greenway Land Trust recently planned to work with The New Jersey Forest Fire Service to conduct a prescribed burn on a large field located on Hopewell-Wertsville Road, which is part of the Betty Wold Johnson Hillside Farm Preserve.
This prescribed burn was scheduled for Monday, March 10. An advisory letter was sent to neighboring property owners, and signage along the roadway was posted accordingly. The preserve was not yet opened to the public.
In light of the recent brush fires in our area, this announcement was intended to define this prescribed burn as a controlled application of fire by a team of experts to enhance desired plant communities and wildlife habitat and to reduce the risk of future wildfires.
Every year, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service conducts prescribed burns while protecting life, property, and the state’s natural resources.
D&R Greenway applauds our Hopewell and Pennington firefighters and the NJ Forest Fire Service for containing the wildfires that erupted during a recent weekend nearby — but not on, the Woosamonsa Preserve we manage with Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space. Our Hopewell officials and firefighters were made aware of the controlled prescribed burn that was scheduled for March 10 at Hillside Farm.
“This land management technique is often used by conservation organizations to appropriately care for land and its natural resources and wildlife habitats. Prescribed burns manage problematic invasive plant species, encourage native plant growth, and reduce thatch from years of mowing,” said Linda Mead, President and CEO of D&R Greenway Land Trust. “
“Over the next two years, D&R Greenway will plant these fields with native wildflowers that will provide important habitat and enhance the view for everyone who travels along the roadway,” she added.
A map showing the prescribed burn location along Hopewell-Wertsville Road in Hopewell Township, N.J. is attached. The burn will last for one day. The fire will be lit, monitored and managed by the Forest Fire
D&R Greenway’s website and social media pages usually provide updated information as these process progresses.
Fire has played an important part in shaping local plant and animal communities for thousands of years. Native Americans frequently utilized prescribed burns to reduce pests, increase grasses for game forage, and increase production of edible berry shrubs.
“Our long-term plan for stewardship is to closely monitor and control invasive plant species in this field and to seed native grasses and wildflowers, such as early sunflower. This will provide better forage for wildlife such as grassland birds, butterflies and moths. Native wildflowers already in the field will benefit from the prescribed burn,” said Tina Notas, D&R Greenway’s Director of Land Stewardship.
The NJ Forest Fire Service is trained in controlling fires to reduce smoke. However, nearby landowners are always advised to keep their windows closed. After the burn, it is normal to see smoldering, but flames increasing in size are not. Anyone who sees flames after the burn should first call N.J. Forest Fire Service at 609-292-2977.
About D&R Greenway Land Trust: Founded in 1989, D&R Greenway is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of almost 23,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public spaces, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region, including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on preserving and caring for land, while connecting land with people and communities. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Contact: Linda J. Mead, 609.924.4646
Email Contact: Tina Notas, tnotas@drgreenway.org
