PLANNING FOR the RESTORATION OF THE Park’s ARBORETUM
The George Washington Memorial Arboretum is an eight-acre collection of trees showcasing New Jersey native species, located in Washington Crossing State Park between the former State Nursery and Route 29 in the south corner of the park. It was designed and dedicated in 1932, and many of the original tree specimens planted that year remain today. However, what was once an open lawn with scattered specimen trees has grown into a mostly forested condition, and access to the Arboretum’s native tree collection is very limited.
The original Arboretum plaque.
Park officials asked the WCPA to undertake the restoration of the Arboretum. The restoration is expected to be accomplished using a generous bequest from former WCPA board member William Farkas, along with substantial gifts, grants, and in-kind contributions from individuals, state agencies, and other sources.
As a first step, a draft master plan for the Arboretum has been prepared. It seeks to restore access to as much of the tree collection as possible. The proposed network of paths is based on the historical 1932 design for the Arboretum, but it has been slightly adapted to the conditions of the site today. The only remaining lawn area in the Arboretum will become a central lawn defined by a perimeter path, benches, and border of native shrubs. The Arboretum will have a new entrance and informational signage, and it will be easily accessible from the new visitor center.
Funding for this Master Plan has been made possible in part by the New Jersey Historic Trust/State of New Jersey.
Ken Ritchey (left) accepting a $75,000 check from New Jersey Historic Trust (NJHT) board secretary Linda Stender and chair Peter Lindsay. Joining the presentation were (from left, rear) WCPA development director Mel Gardner, park historian Clay Craighead, WCPA treasurer Michael Mitrano, NJHT heritage tourism coordinator Ashley Parker, WCPA executive director Annette Earling, and park historian Mark Sirak.
Before this work is done, dead and hazardous trees in the arboretum area will be removed or trimmed for the safety of workers and visitors. New trees and smaller plantings will also be added.
The draft master planning documents shown here are now under review by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which operates state parks.
You are welcome to look at the plan and send any comments or suggestions to projects@washingtoncrossingparkassociation.com.
To View the Plan:
Click on a thumbnail to see it enlarged. From there you can scroll through each slide. Hit the “X” in the upper right corner to close.
