Distinctive orange and black Monarch butterflies that flutter from flower to flower each summer consistently delight those who are fortunate enough to watch them. However, they have been on the decline for several decades, largely due to habitat destruction and overuse of pesticides. This trend has prompted a nationwide effort to restore habitat that [...]
Cub Scouts and their parent(s) from Chester went on a socially distant 2.2 mile hike over Sewards Hill and Preserve through Highlands Ridge Park on a cool, sunny Saturday morning. This property was the site of the AT&T Bell Labs Chester Outdoor Laboratory from 1930 until the early 2000's. This property is now home to [...]
From the Morris County Park Commission: Status of Park Operations/Openings-June 3, 2020 "Many of the 38 distinct parks, facilities and trails for which the Park Commission has stewardship responsibility have reopened, with reduced parking and strict social distancing requirements remaining in place. Restrooms and buildings remain closed, along with athletic facilities, playgrounds and picnic areas. [...]
We would like to acknowledge some outstanding work done by Eagle Scout David Feller from Boy Scout Troop #139 in Chester NJ. David installed multiple foot bridges throughout wetland areas along the trails at Black River County Park behind the Cooper Mill. These wooden bridges will keep foot traffic out of sensitive wetlands and protect [...]
Four scouts from Chester Boy Scout Troop 139 have earned the rank of Eagle by completing projects that have made improvements to Chester's parks and trails. Congratulations to James Gause, Chase Mantione, Brian Testa, and Collin Testa. Chase’s Eagle Project involved remarking the Cattle Tunnel Trail and clearing out the tunnel itself. Due to natural [...]
Users of the Chester Furnace History Trail will be pleased with how area teens have been working to improve the trail. George Serafin of Boy Scout Troop #9 constructed these steps off the Hunters Lot at the as part of his Eagle Scout project. His sister, Caitlyn Serafin of Girl Scout Troop #1191, constructed several [...]
Congratulations to Chester Trails for receiving the 2017 Morris County Park Alliance Award for Outstanding Support Organization!
The Morris Co. Parks Commission recently resurfaced the West Morris Greenway Trail in Chester from the parking area on Pleasant Hill Rd. to the 0.75 mile-marker. This 5-mile trail continues to Randolph. Though not ADA compliant, the level stone dust surface has mitigated the problem conditions of ruts, roots, & rocks. Flooded areas have new [...]
Morris County Parks has scheduled resurfacing of the West Morris Greenway trail in Chester beginning May 14th. The work will likely take a week to complete, weather permitting. The parking area and trail will be closed for the duration of this project.
Join Chester birder Bill Gause on a leisurely early-morning walk to listen and look for spring migratory birds. The section of the West Morris Greenway along the Black River in Chester is one of the best habitats for hearing and seeing spring migrants such as warblers. We'll be meeting at 7:00 a.m. at the terminus of the [...]
