A Day in the Field: A Note from the Executive Director

One of the really amazing benefits of working at the Musconetcong Watershed Association is enjoying the natural and cultural beauty that surrounds us! Recently, collaborators in the Delaware River Watershed Initiative got together to explore the water, land and buildings that make our place so special.

Under the guidance of the Institute for Conservation Leadership, we began with an orientation at Merrill Creek Reservoir, and found commonalities that ensured the day would be spent with family. We then took a bus ride to MWA’s Asbury Mill and heard about the past, present and future promise of this most amazing building. (If you haven’t seen the inside yet, please do come!)

Next, Richard and Bryce Cotton shared their experiences in sustainable agriculture at Cotton Cattle, reminding us that new thinking is critical to ensuring the Garden State remains more than just a moniker. John Park at NJ Audubon reflected on the critical partnerships necessary between farmers and conservation organizations to protect and enhance our natural resources.

Bryce Cotton talks with a guest at Cotton Cattle

A delightful lunch at Heritage Park enabled people that work daily to protect water, air, land and cultural resources to take a breath and share experiences as well as ideas for innovating the next big idea. I was pleased to meet several colleagues from public and nonprofit entities, and ideate ways to work together.

The group enjoys lunch at Hampton Borough Park

When we returned to Merrill Creek, several of us kayaked the reservoir while others hiked the hills. All came back refreshed and recommitted to our mission.

The group kayaks at Merrill Creek

A special thanks to the William Penn Foundation for their continued support, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey and North Jersey Resource Conservation and Development, and to all who participated in this most interesting and productive day!

Tom Dallessio is a licensed professional planner, policy expert, university instructor, and nonprofit executive with over three decades of experience in public, private, and nonprofit academic sectors. He brings his experience in organizational management to further MWA's mission of protecting and improving the Musconetcong Watershed.