Nestled between Wawayanda State Park and Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is a lush rhododendron forest full of mountain laurel, eastern hemlock, oaks, birches, and striped maple. The Land Conservancy recently completed the purchase of this small but important tract of land that secures permanent public access for the Terrace Pond North Trail, which runs through the property. It will also act as a buffer for the timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads that live in the nearby cliffs. The 2.5 acres were purchased from private owner Norma Schadegg with open space funds from the NJDEP in partnership with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Green Acres, and private donors. It will be donated to the State of New Jersey and become an addition to Wawayanda State Park.
Many players worked together and made compromises to achieve this result. Bob and Estelle Jonas of the Trail Conference emphasized that “moving the trail was not an option, losing the section of trail and access to Terrace Pond was definitely not an option. Thanks to The Land Conservancy for stepping in to preserve this property.”
After working so long on this project, the land team at The Land Conservancy is relieved and pleased. Our project manager Linda Gloshinski sums it up well: “Although small in size, preserving the land was key in securing the last section of the Terrace Pond Trail North. This trail should be on everyone’s bucket list, as the vistas are breathtaking, especially in fall. Working with the owner, Norma Schadegg, was a pleasure and we thank her for the bargain sale. We also want to thank our partners at the NYNJTC, and the generous donors who made this a reality.”