This 75-acre site was purchased by the former NJMC in 1999 from Hartz Mountain Industries for preservation and management. At its time of purchase the marsh was undeveloped and had experienced no direct industrial activities. Prior to enhancement, the area supported a dense monoculture of the invasive form of the Common Reed (Phragmites) with very little open water and supported limited habitat diversity and opportunities for recreation.
Wetland enhancement at this site included the control of Phragmites, grading of the marsh surface, planting of native vegetation, the re-establishment of tidal flow and the creation of open water areas. This resulted in a mostly mud flat habitat that is flushed daily by the tides; lowland scrub-shrub passerine habitats along the marsh/upland ecotone; creation of dabbling duck, shorebird, and wading bird breeding, wintering, and migratory habitats; greater fishery access; and some degree of mosquito control.
Wetland enhancement at this site included the control of Phragmites, grading of the marsh surface, planting of native vegetation, the re-establishment of tidal flow and the creation of open water areas. This resulted in a mostly mud flat habitat that is flushed daily by the tides; lowland scrub-shrub passerine habitats along the marsh/upland ecotone; creation of dabbling duck, shorebird, and wading bird breeding, wintering, and migratory habitats; greater fishery access; and some degree of mosquito control.
