Meadow Park Restoration

A new phase of restoration work is underway. Vineland Tree Care will be utilizing a forestry mower to do much of its site prep work. Trails remain open, however please use caution near barricades and follow signs which let park guests know of the heavy equipment operation. The work is in preparation for native seed and bareroot tree and shrub planting, currently scheduled for this spring.

Removal of non-native buckthorn and small Emerald ash borer infected ash trees will occur in the northwest portion of Meadow Park (near Essex Road & Larkin Drive). Dispersal of native grass/wildflower seed will occur after brush removal. Thios will make way for the replanting of the lowland oak forest with understory bare-root trees and shrubs. Management of buckthorn re-growth is scheduled for the fall once native plants have gone dormant.

Activities will include the removal of buckthorn and other invasive woody shrubs/trees while leaving a 15-foot buffer of public land that is adjacent to privately-owned land. The total size of the restoration area is approximately seven acres. The removal method is likely to be a forestry mower, which will grind the material into small mulch that can degrade quickly while allowing the establishment of native seed and bare-root trees. Management of buckthorn regrowth will occur in fall 2025. Work will be completed by a local contractor.