The Pinelands Preservation Alliance has a limited number of opportunities available for named memorial or tribute benches, picnic tables, and seating areas. These can be a meaningful way to recognize a loved one, honor a special person or memorialize a significant event. Donations to memorial and tribute benches are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Bench Locations
Benches are placed in scenic locations on trails at our Rancocas Cranberry Preserve and Rancocas Creek Farm. Picnic tables and seating areas can be placed near the Bishop Farmstead’s native gardens. Locations are based on placement opportunities identified in PPA’s Bench Program records. Appropriate sites are offered to prospective donors on a first come first served basis with final selection at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Garden Bench Purchases and Renewals
Garden benches are made of sustainably grown plantation teakwood. Benches can be placed within PPA’s property with a $1,500 donation. Each bench is guaranteed to last 10 years and includes an etched brass plaque. After the 10th year, the bench donor will be contacted and given an opportunity to replace their bench or have their plaque returned.
Trail Bench Purchases and Specifications
The sturdier Natural Comfort Benches can be placed along the trails at Rancocas Cranberry Preserve and at Rancocas Creek Farm with a $1,700 donation. They are 7’ long with Douglas Fir seats and seat backs secured by steel-reinforced concrete frames.
Bench Plaques
Brass plaques are weather resistant, 2”x 9” x 1/16”, have black etching, and are affixed with brass wood screws at each end. Each plaque can be inscribed with up to 4 lines. Each line can be up to 45 characters in length. Larger character lines of 25 can also be chosen with 3 lines or less. All copy must be approved by the Executive Director. Below is an example:
A personal line can recall fond memories of an honoree. Examples include: “A cherished aunt who loved a walk in the woods”; “A beloved brother and avid birder”, or a line of poetry.
Contact
To learn more about PPA’s Memorial and Tribute Bench Program, please call Director of Philanthropy, Kellie Westervelt at 609-859-8860, ext. 124 or email kellie@pinelandsalliance.org.