Mon – Fri: 8:30 – 4:00
(609) 883-2900
2 Jake Garzio Drive
Ewing, NJ 08628
Ewing, NJ 08628
Park Improvements
Ewing Park Stewardship Goals
The College of New Jersey and Ewing Township Open Space 10-Year Land Stewardship Plan
A Ewing Parks Conservation Plan was developed from a joint effort between TCNJ and Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS) with a focus on preserving and stewarding lands in Ewing Twp. FoHVOS was awarded a grant for TCNJ internships and, under the leadership of Michael Van Clef, Ph.D., Stewardship Director, Dana Christensen, Land Steward, and Kaitlin Muccio, Land Steward, worked with 4 students for 2024-25 school year to create conservation plan for campus, plus 3 municipal parks in Ewing Twp. These lands include lands at:
- The College of New Jersey (413 acres),
- John Watson Park (60 acres),
- Hollow Brook Park (27 acres), and
- Temple Park (26 acres).
The Plan, finalized in June 2025, developed a stewardship vision of restoring mature forests, wildlife corridors, and native meadows.
Major threats to conservation values identified in the report include: invasive species, altered soils, and deer overabundance.
"The properties show significant signs of deer over browse, which has led to severe ecological degradation in natural areas. Virtually all forests fall into two impaired categories – “Empty Forest Syndrome” (few understory plants) or “Infested Forest Syndrome” (only unpalatable invasive understory plants). Reduction of the deer density to 20 per square mile (or as low as 10 per square mile to allow recovery of the most sensitive forest wildflowers) is critical to allow native species, freed from excessive browse, to exert ecological control over invasive species and produce healthy native plant communities.
The extent of invasive species infestation is severe. A total of 48 invasive species were detected across all Properties. In order of severity, 100% of Temple Park, 96% of John Watson Park, 67% of TCNJ, and 37% of Hollow Brook Park have severe infestations of one or more species. Only 10% of TCNJ, 8% of Hollow Brook and 2% of John Watson Park are considered virtually free of invasive species. The three most abundant species are Japanese Stiltgrass, Multiflora Rose, and Japanese Honeysuckle. Importantly, there were 25 detected emerging invasive species or nascent populations of widespread species that should be considered for eradication to avoid future degradation of ecological health."
FoHVOS Proposed Stewardship Recommendations
- Start with Deer Management Programs (to reduce grazing pressure and impacts)
- Invasive Species Removal by Action Code (Mechanical, Chemical, Biological)
- Restoration of Land through Native Plantings, Stewardship, Long-Term Monitoring.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant Request
Ewing Township is applying for a $4.63 million grant through the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program to fund major improvements to LiMato Field and the Municipal Complex Soccer Fields. The project consists of the conversion of the existing grass football field with synthetic turf at John S Watson Park and the conversion of the two (2) existing grass soccer fields to two (2) synthetic turf soccer fields at the Municipal Complex Park. Improvements consist of the installation of a synthetic turf field with underdrain system, installation of bleachers, soccer nets, scoreboards and drainage improvements. Additionally, green infrastructure and native plants will be added to the fields to promote biodiversity.
Over the next several years, the Township has set out on transforming the landscape of their parks and recreational facilities for the future. This project will be one of the first steps in providing sustainable land development for some of the most frequently used facilities in the area. Therefore, the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant is essential for ensuring that these improvements will be effective for a long period of time.
This investment will enhance our parks, expand recreational opportunities, and improve accessibility for residents of all ages.
As part of the grant process, we are committed to engaging the community every step of the way. There will be multiple opportunities for residents to view project plans, share feedback, and ask questions in the coming months. Your input will help shape the final design and ensure these upgrades best serve our community’s needs.
Stay tuned for upcoming public meetings and other ways to get involved.
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