Back To Main Page

CHEAC Looking Into Adding Nature Trails

CHEAC is looking into various ways to make valuable use of its open space lands, such as developing nature and hiking trails. CHEAC has certain parcels that it is looking at very closely for such use. This will open up new areas for nature exploration in Cherry Hill while securing the highest natural benefit from these resources.

CHEAC has received a commitment from Mayor Bernie Platt for $50,000 to develop a network of nature and hiking trails on the townships' open space lands. CHEAC worked with the Township’s Recreation Department to submit a $25,000 grant to Camden County for developing trails that had been approved.

Cherry Hill has 133 tracts of wholly undeveloped open space land, such as wooded areas and open fields, covering 772 acres. The Township also has 95 partially developed open space tracts covering 584 acres. These tracts currently house such resources as playgrounds, ball fields, and historical sites. The Township currently has one nature trail, located at the Barclay Farmstead, and CHEAC has been working to restore that trail, which has fallen into disrepair.

CHEAC is looking into creating expanded contacts and partnerships with youth organizations, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, schools, and religious youth groups, to help in the completion and maintenance of open space. These projects could help accomplish larger environmental goals, plus students could obtain community service credits while being involved with a very worthy cause.

In addition to establishing trails, CHEAC continues to explore other opportunities to make use of open space lands while retaining their environmental integrity.