Volunteers Sought For Manalapan Lake Planting On June 24

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Volunteers are needed on the shoreline of Manalapan Lake to help plant beneficial vegetation that will help control soil erosion, reduce rainwater runoff and improve the habitat in the park.

The planting is scheduled to be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 24 at Thompson Park in Monroe Township. All supplies will be provided. Participants also will learn about the other ongoing restoration activities in the park. The Manalapan Brook stretches from Manalapan Township in Monmouth County to DeVoe Lake in Spotswood within Middlesex County. This plan recommends actions needed to reduce rainwater runoff sediment and harmful nutrients in the brook and lake. This event helps put the restoration plan into action.

“Rainwater, mowing, heavy use by people and Canada geese foraging are some of the causes of erosion near the lake,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the County’s Business Development and Education Committee. “Excess sediment deposited in the lake from shoreline erosion reduces water quality and can cause algal blooms and murky water.”

“By planting a vegetative buffer, volunteers will be helping to control shoreline erosion a commonly occurring problem along lakes and ponds,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “This planting will also help soak up pollutants, increase beneficial habitat and add to the beauty of the lake.”

This community volunteer event is part of a watershed restoration plan funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and developed by project partners including: the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Freehold Soil Conservation District, Monroe Township, Princeton Hydro and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County.

Volunteers can enter the park at Forsgate Drive and Lakeview Drive. Participants will meet by the lake across from the Thompson Park animal haven and next to the basketball courts. For more information and registration call 908-655-8433 or visit http://tinyurl.com/ManalapanLakePlanting