Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) announced today its grant award of $10,000 to Friends of Black Run Preserve (FBRP) of Evesham Township, New Jersey. REI is a privately held American retail cooperative, selling outdoor recreation gear, sporting goods, and clothing.
Responding to the REI announcement, John Volpa, FBRP Founder and Chair, stated that the funds would allow International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Trail Solutions Inc. to design and develop a network of sustainable hiking and mountain biking trails. The Grant funds will also enable, with EveshamTownship and the regional community, development of a Master Plan for long-term and multi-use improvements.
According to Mr. Volpa, the REI Grant will serve as a springboard that will lead to needed infrastructure improvements to the Preserve, including parking lots, informational signage, and barricades to stop illegal motorized vehicles.
Black Run Preserve is a 1,300 acre open-space owned by the Citizens of Evesham Township. The Preserve includes several former cranberry bogs and ponds with great potential for passive recreational uses such as bird watching, geocaching, hiking, and mountain biking.
The Friends of Black Run Preserve was organized in May 2012, under the guidance of Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA). The mission of the Friends of Black Run Preserve is to preserve and protect the unique natural beauty and Pine Barrens ecology of the Black Run Preserve for the benefit of all citizens. The FBRP has submitted its application for 501 (c) (3) status as a non-profit organization.
Join the Friends of Black Run Preserve (FBRP) and the Evesham Environmental Commission at Community Day in the Black Run Preserve on Saturday, June 1, 2013. The event will include guided hikes as well as time to explore the Preserve, Evesham Township’s 1,300 acre open space gem of pristine Pine Barrens. Learn about the Preserve and then return often to walk and bike with your family and friends.
TIME: 8:45 am – 12:15 pm
MEETING LOCATION: Marlton Middle School all-purpose room.
150 Tomlinson Mill Road, Marlton.
Sign up at the school for one of four guided hikes. A school bus will shuttle people from Marlton Middle School to the Preserve (less than one mile away) and back. Bus leaves the school at: 9:00, 9:45, 10:30, & 11:15.
Wear sensible shoes and dress for the weather. Sunscreen and bug spray recommended.
FREE and Fun for the whole family!
NOTE: This is NOT a school-sponsored event.
June 1st also celebrates National Trails Day! Additional information on National Trails Day events throughout the country can be found on the American Hiking Society website, http://www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/.
In February 2013, Friends of Black Run Preserve voted to become one of more than 175 New Jersey municipalities and organizations in joining the Keep it Green Coalition. While many acres of the Pinelands have been permanently preserved with funding from Garden State Preservation Trust and Green Acres programs, these programs have now run dry of money. It is critical to the long-term health of the Pinelands that New Jersey adopts new funding for land preservation, especially as our state nears a “developed-out” status in the next 40 years.
How can you help? First, by “Liking” Keep it Green on Facebook. Second, learn how to get involved and show your support by visiting NJKeepItGreen.org. Donations can also be made at this address.
Thanks to a fan of the Preserve for sharing this video!
Enjoy our new video about the Black Run Preserve in Evesham Township, New Jersey.
