Welcome

Welcome to the Evans Family Forest Preserve! The preserve was purchased in December 1999 with a combination of funds from the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund, a Green Acres Grant from the State of New Jersey and funds from the Chester Township Open Space Trust Fund. Ayers Brook runs through the preserve and is an active Trout-Production Stream. There are currently 5 miles of marked trails available for recreational use by the public. The trails are managed by the Chester Township Department of Public Works.

Sign 1:

From this location, the fields of Highlands Ridge Park are visible. Down a steep hill there is a running stream that feeds into Ayers Brook, which runs throughout most of the park. Tulip trees represent the majority of trees in the Preserve; looking around at this location you will certainly see giant towering tulip trees.

Sign 2:

This location is a good representation of the center of the park. In the valley of the river, any direction you take from this point will be uphill. This sign sits just outside the swamp next to a wooden punch-in built as an Eagle Scout Project by Collin Testa of Troop 139 in Chester.

Sign 3:

This sign is located right next to a nice bench and a bridge crossing the main branch of  Ayers Brook. The bench is a nice place to sit if you want to listen to the sounds of native birds and the trickling of the brook. On the other side of the bridge is a wooden punch-in built as an Eagle Scout Project by Collin Testa of Troop 139 in Chester. In between signs 3 and 4 is the only steep area on the red trail. Make it through and it’s smooth sailing onwards.

Sign 4:

This sign is located on the red trail and at one of the ends of the white trail, right on the park’s border with residential properties on Cowie Rd. At this location there are numerous tulip trees, many of which tower high with large thick trunks and branches. Looking into the valley you can see Ayers Brook running through some wetlands. The red trail is the best kept and flattest trail–if you are new to hiking or do not like too many steep hills, then this is the trail for you.

Sign 5:

This sign, if you’ve managed to venture all the way out to it, is the furthest away from any parking area. Back here you will see stone walls everywhere, like the one right against the stream. These walls represented land borders between what used to be Dr. Evans’ property and the surrounding properties. The blue trail on the other side of the bridge is the steepest area of the park, so you may want to avoid it if you are on your bike, unless you are up for a good challenge.

In Case of Emergency

Report all problems to the Chester Township Police Department (908-879-5514). In case of emergency dial 911. If you are injured or lost, do not attempt to find your way to a park entrance. Stay put and call for help.  Emergency services will locate you much more efficiently. If you’ve downloaded the Avenza app on your phone, and can access the Evans Family Forest Preserve map, they you can pinpoint your exact location. Take a screen shot of your location and text it to emergency workers as they instruct you on the phone.

Regulations

  1. NO open fires, alcoholic beverages, or camping is permitted.
  2. Motorized vehicles are NOT permitted on trails.
  3. The park closes at dusk.
  4. Catch-and-Release fishing is permitted in Ayers Brook with a permit. Only barbless, artificial lures may be used.
  5. Hunting is permitted when in season and with proper licensing. Follow all posted regulations and be sure to read all signs, as regulations may change from season to season.

How to use the Trail System

  1. Pay attention to blazes. All trails in the preserve are blazed with colored tags nailed to trees. If you think you are on a trail but there are no blazes, you are not on the trail
  2. It becomes much easier to get lost once the sun has gone down. Plan evening hikes with enough time to be out of the park before dark. Do not plan night hikes unless you are familiar with the trail system.
  3. Use the outdoors safely: Make a well thought out plan. Go with a buddy or at least let others know about your plans. Take food and water. Bring a cell phone.

Leave No Trace™ Policy

These signs were installed as part of an International Baccalaureate Career Academy Progamme Service Learning Project.