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Cranberry trail – Brendan T. Byrne

Cranberry trail – Brendan T. Byrne

Access Nature Wants You! Volunteer at Brendan Byrne State Forest

On May 6th volunteer to improve trails within Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.

May 3, 2023

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Greetings to everyone in the Access Nature family!

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

On Saturday, May 6th from 10 am – 1 pm join the Pinelands Preservation Alliance team headed by Jason Howell, Public Lands Advocate, and Sean Kane-Holland, Access Nature Disability Advocate, to assist in making improvements to the ADA Cranberry trail within Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.

This volunteer event is in accordance with the initiative “Fix Our Parks”. 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 rakes as a limited supply is available. Wheelbarrows would also be appreciated if possible.  Work gloves will be provided as well as water for refreshment.

When: Saturday, May 6th, 10am – 1pm

Where: Brendan Byrne State Forest, Pakim Pond Parking Lot, GPS Coordinates (39.8807500, -74.5335278)  Link to Google Maps here.

Please park in the Pakim Pond parking lot and meet at the picnic area. You can access Pakim Pond off of NJ Rt. 72 by turning down Buzzard Hill Road. 

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

In addition, universal access to public parks and recreation can provide improvements in mental and physical health. It is commonly known that parks and outdoor recreation can reduce the impacts of chronic diseases, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and the underserved. There are measurable decreases in crime rates and other detrimental activities in areas with universal access to parks and recreation. Communities are safer because of a wholesome atmosphere created by well‐managed parks and recreation services that promote healthy activities and inclusive programming.

Cranberry Trail – Brendan T. Byrne. Volunteers work on trail maintenance
Cranberry Trail – Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Volunteers work on trail maintenance

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 want to connect with the Access Nature initiative, please contact me at sean@pinelandsalliance.org.

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