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Access Nature Wants You! Volunteer at Brendan Byrne State Forest

On March 4th volunteer to improve trails within Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.

February 28, 2023

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Greetings to everyone in the Access Nature family!

I wanted to inform you of the ongoing projects to develop and repair trails within the State Park system. In addition, I am sending out the bugle call to the troop to get all hands on deck. Help spread the word to all that are interested and able to assist in trail maintenance.

On Saturday, March 4th from 10 am – 1 pm join the Americorps Watershed Ambassador and NJ State Park staff as they make improvements to trails, like Pakim Pond, within Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. This volunteer event is in accordance with the Watershed Ambassador’s joint initiative “Project in the Parks” for the Rancocas Watershed. This is also an effort to expand upon Pineland Preservation Alliance’s, Access Nature Initiative. Those who can join the endeavor will assist in resurfacing, general cleaning of the area, and trimming the brush on the trail edges to permit ADA-accessible width. Volunteers are asked to please bring shovels and loopers as a limited supply is available. Work gloves will be provided as well as water for refreshment. The site is accessed by paved roads and has a paved parking area. You can register for this volunteer event via this link.

Ariel view of Pakim Pond in Brendan T Byrne State Forest

This is a great opportunity to advance social equity within our parks. There are many universal benefits of social equity and universal access to public parks and recreation which includes public enjoyment and engagement. Where parks and open space are plentiful and recreation services strong, residents enjoy the closest attachment and engagement within their communities; and studies indicate higher levels of local gross domestic product and economic well‐being. Secondly, it provides opportunities for quality recreation time with family and friends. Parks and recreation services provide a space and a reason to partake in enjoying quality time, relaxation, and fun among family members and friends, thus strengthening the social and familial bonds that provide balance and satisfaction in life.

In addition, this provides improvements in mental and physical health. It is commonly known that parks and outdoor recreation can reduce the impacts of chronic diseases, especially in such vulnerable populations as children, seniors, and the underserved. And lastly measurable decreases in rates of crime and other detrimental activities. Communities are safer as a result of a wholesome atmosphere created by well‐managed parks and recreation services in communities through healthy activities and programming for all people.

We hope to see a big crowd to help with this trail project and advance this initiative to make outdoor recreation, nature, and cultural programs more inclusive and accessible.

Thank you for participating in this volunteer event and expanding upon opportunities to make the outdoors more accessible for those with special needs. If you have questions or would like to get connected with the Access Nature initiative, please contact me at sean@pinelandsalliance.org.

Best,
Sean Kane-Holland,  Access Nature Disability Advocate

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