Ecological Preserve – Page 23 – Rutgers University Ecological Preserve Located on Livingston Campus

Prescribed burning in the large meadow

February 22, 2013 RU Eco Preserve

With the assistance of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Rutgers University Emergency Services, a controlled burn was undertaken Feb 21, 2013, on the large meadow interior to the EcoPreserve. This management action is part of a long term goal of restoring the ecological health and native species diversity to the EcoPreserve. An area of tallgrass meadow of approximately 1/2 acre in size in the interior of the Preserve was targeted. This controlled burn will have great ecological benefits…

The trails are cleared!

January 28, 2013 RU Eco Preserve

With the help of RU Facilities, TreeTech and a dedicated crew of students, the SuperStorm Sandy damage to the EcoPreserve was finally cleared away. A number of blowdown trees were chainsawed to open up the EcoPreserve trail system. The students, several with chainsaw certification from summer jobs with the US Forest Service, were able to put their skills to good use. So get out there and enjoy the trails in this great wintry weather.

Deer Damage Management Program

December 12, 2012 RU Eco Preserve

There is an over population of White-tailed Deer occupying the Rutgers Ecological Preserve. The deer are causing increasing damage to the plant life and causing a danger to vehicles traveling on the perimeter roads. Over 85 deer-induced vehicle collisions in the vicinity of the EcoPreserve have been reported to police between 2010-2012. Recent vegetation inventories conducted by Rutgers University faculty and students document a change in the natural ecological characteristics of the EcoPreserve when compared to studies conducted in the 1970’s….

SuperStorm Sandy smacks EcoPreserve

December 3, 2012 RU Eco Preserve

Superstorm Sandy on October 30-31 1012 caused a lot of blowdown timber in the EcoPreserve. Students in Natural Resources Management are undertook an inventory of the damage (see map above). We will be clearing the trails over the next several months.