In 2017, Pennington Borough received grant funding from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions to develop a plan to create “Howe’s Arboretum” at a small woodlot located adjacent to Toll Gate Elementary.
FoHVOS surveyed the site and identified plant communities and threats to their health. Invasive species and overabundant deer were identified as key threats. The forest contains a tributary to the Stony Brook with excellent examples of mature Silver Maple and other native trees.
Recommendations included creating a naturalistic arboretum with native trees flanking an existing trail. Trees would be large enough to avoid being eaten by deer. To re-create healthy forest understory, two deer exclosures were recommended – each would have all invasive species removed and installation of a diverse mixture of native forest wildflowers and shrubs.
Although small, Howe’s Arboretum has the potential to provide ecosystem services such as flood control and aquifer recharge, provide habitat for native plants and animals, and serve as an outdoor educational resource for the adjacent Tollgate Elementary students.