TNC Restoration Phase 2

Regular visitors of TNC will know that we have been very busy with multiple restoration projects have been worked on and completed over the past few years. The removal of a dense stand of invasive brush and the restoration of Pfister’s Pond, with crucial help of the borough, were projects that were a part of TNC’s restoration Phase 1. These are part of a larger, multi-step biodiversity initiative that organization leadership is concentrating on. Thanks to recent funding opportunities, both projects will be able to begin making significant steps towards Phase 2 and their completion.

September 2021 saw the culmination of a nearly decade long process to remove excess vegetation growth, create more open water habitat, and reclaim the pond’s original 3.5 acre footprint. This past February, TNC’s development team became aware of an available Green Acres grant. Green Acres is a funding program through the NJDEP that works with public and non-profit partners to conserve and preserve green space throughout the state, and since 1961, has conserved more than 680,000 acres. TNC was able to submit an application focused on restoring the shoreline and streambanks around Pfister’s Pond, installing floating wetland islands, and establishing a rigorous water monitoring program. 

Two of the requirements for the funding included a 50% fund match, and opportunities to engage TNC stake holders in the process. The matching funds were graciously granted by the Tenafly Mayor and Council. Funds remaining  still ear-marked for the Pfister’s Pond Phase 1 restoration project allowed for this matching process. Opportunities for stakeholder engagement will be upcoming in the latter half of 2023 and throughout 2024; those with an interest in ecological restoration should periodically check TNC’s website for opportunities. 

As of May 2023, the Green Acres grant that would benefit TNC’s Pfister’s Pond restoration project has been recommended for funding, and is pending approval by Governor Murphy.  

In November 2022, TNC was able to use funding from the National Resource Conservation Service to help offset costs of mulching one of two stands of invasive brush consisting mainly of Ligustrum sinense, an ecologically undesirable species commonly known as Privet. Since the removal of the brush, TNC has been managing the newly disturbed area for re-sprouts and for other undesirable species that may try to move into the area. Other beneficial species must be planted or allowed to naturally move in to repopulate the area. In late winter an anonymous donor provided 75 tree saplings consisting of Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud), Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood) and Amelanchier canadensis (Eastern Shadbush). In addition to the tree plantings, the corporate office Westfield, operators of the Garden State Plaza, made a donation to provide over 500 “plugs” of native species to be planted in the area. The planting consists of grasses and wild flowers that have been selected for their potential in providing necessary nesting space, egg laying surfaces, and food production for native wildlife.   

If you are interest in getting yourself or your organization involved with these restoration projects please email Info@TenaflyNC.org