Two FPNL grant applications funded!
Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands received funding for two grant applications submitted in late 2008 and 2009.
Δ The first, a grant from the Federal Recreational Trails Grant Program, has provided funding for the installation of a Clivus Multrum composting toilet, the design and installation of a trailhead map, and improvements to the parking areas at the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters/Mapleton Preserve. The Clivus Multrum is now “open for business!” For the full story, lots of photos, and a short movie, click here: https://fpnl.org/?page_id=837
To learn how the Clivus Multrum functions: http://www.clivusmultrum.com/science-technology.php
The planned trailhead map will highlight the many trails and trail connections present at the Preserve, including two trails to the nearby D&R Canal, and two trails to the Cook Preserve and Rail Trail. FPNL has already prepared a trail map for the Mapleton Preserve and installed a map box, but we often find the box empty due to the growing popularity of the site. A permanent map will overcome this problem.
Δ The second funded grant was for the design, fabrication and installation of interpretive signs for the Preserve. This project was funded by the New Jersey Historical Commission. FPNL worked intensively with the Mapleton Preserve Commission and the D&R Canal State Park staff to develop these outdoor displays–just dedicated in April 2012–which will help to interpret the rich history of Princeton Nurseries for Park visitors. For more information, and a look at one of the panels, click here: https://fpnl.org/?page_id=825
Other grant news:
Δ Restoration of the Propagation House: South Brunswick Township’s Historic Preservation Commission was granted $290,000 from the New Jersey Historic Trust to begin plans for restoration work on the Propagation House, the historic heart of Princeton Nurseries. The architectural firm of Watson & Henry Associates has submitted a proposal (currently under review) for stabilization of the Propagation House and restoration of one of the greenhouses. Watson and Henry Associates also recently completed a Preservation Plan for the entire Propagation House Complex; South Brunswick Township obtained funding for the plan from Middlesex County.