Middlesex County adds 19 acres to Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve
METUCHEN – The Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve will grow.
Middlesex County announced at the site Wednesday plans to acquire 18.7 acres of land from the Metuchen Realty Association that will later become part of the preserve.
In addition, the county will enter into a conservation management agreement with the borough to manage an additional 12 acres of open space adjacent to the newly purchased land which could lead to possible future acquisitions.
“This land will ultimately become part of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve – formerly known as the Dismal Swamp – and will serve as a gateway to this unique area of Middlesex County," said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios, in thanking the Metuchen partners in making the acquisition a reality. "The strong working relationship between the county and the borough helps to make projects like this possible – and successful.”
This new addition to the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve will provide many benefits of open space including the preservation of essential habitats for plants and wildlife, the capture and storage of rainfall, and the protection of underground water sources, according to county officials.
READ:Legacy of Peter J. Barnes III honored during ceremony at former Dismal Swamp
Planned improvements for public access include trails, boardwalks, a footbridge, interpretive signage, and convenient parking for visitors, county officials said.
The preserve is named for Barnes, a former Edison councilman, state legislator and Middlesex County Superior Court judge, who died in February at 64. The preserve is bordered by parts of Edison, Metuchen and South Plainfield.
Nearly 200 species of birds, two dozen mammals, and more than a dozen reptile and amphibian species have been sighted in the preserve, where archeological digs have uncovered at least five significant archeological sites, including one more than 10,000 years old.
The preserve is one of the last remaining wetland ecosystems in an urbanized environment.
Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro said open space is a priority in Middlesex County and acquiring the 18.7 acres aligns with the county's Destination 2040 Open Space and Recreation Plan.
"Ultimately, we envision this space as not only an area dedicated to the preservation of this important ecosystem and wildlife, but an excellent place for members of the public to enjoy passive forms of recreation such as birding, photography, walking, and simply taking in the natural wonders of the Dismal Swamp,” Tomaro said. “Together in partnership with the Borough of Metuchen, we will ensure that this area of the Dismal Brook Preserve is a space that can be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Metuchen Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said the land being acquired by the county, the former Gulton factory site, is a vital wetland ecosystem that is home to a number of wildlife species, including an estimated 165 different species of birds.
“This purchase is made possible thanks to the impressive environmental cleanup effort undertaken by Metuchen Realty Association," he said.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.