The GSWA Conservation Area, located at the end of Tiger Lily Lane in Harding Township has been the focus of a variety of activities over the spring. Conservation area coordinators, Blaine Rothauser, Gene Fox and Frank Stillinger, and crews of volunteers have contributed their time and effort at many work sessions.

The current trails on the main property have now been equipped with posts and numbered trail markers. A newly printed brochure with a map and information on the Conservation Area will be available soon in a box on site for visitors and a revised version will be posted on the GSWA web site.

With aid and financial contributions from the Morristown Garden Club, the Harding Civic Association and The Farm at Green Village garden center, an area of flowers and shrubs now adorns the entrance to the site, stocked with native species. This garden is the focus, not only of the attention of volunteers, but the interest of the local animals. Ongoing efforts will be made to keep the plantings from being cropped by rabbits, woodchucks and, our nemesis, the white-tailed deer. A variety of experimental barriers are being explored, including netting, natural repellants, even mothballs!

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has supplied tree saplings, which have now been planted as the first stage in a project for stream bank restoration along Silver Brook. The brook banks are severely eroded in some places, and we will be planting trees and shrubs to anchor the soil and prevent further sedimentation into the water and erosion of the bank sides.

More swamp pink, a native species, has been planted, while at the same time removal of invasive plants such as honeysuckle and multiflora rose continues. According to John Malay, Conservation Area Manager, "Our bluebird boxes have tenants now! Bluebirds and swallows are in residence. More boxes have been installed near the field at the entrance as well as in the interior of the property. Our efforts will continue throughout the summer. There is always work to do clearing brush, laying down wood chips, building board walks for the wetter sections, repairing deer exclosures and more."

If you or a group would like to volunteer, contact John Malay at 973-966-1900 or by email at johnm@greatswamp.org.

Great Swamp Watershed Association was created in 1981 to protect the Great Swamp watershed basin. Celebrating its 20^th Anniversary as a non-profit organization, the Watershed Association relies solely on membership and contributions to protect the continued health of our watershed’s area. If you’re not already a member, become one today. For more information, call (973) 966-1900, or visit their website at www.greatswamp.org.