The Meadowlands Conservation Trust is is seeking volunteers for a cleanup of the Skeetkill Creek Marsh in Ridgefield on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The marsh is located on Pleasantview Terrace in Ridgefield. Directins are on the left-hand column of this blog. To RSVP and get more information, call Debbie Lawlor, 201-777-2410.

The 16-acre site was acquired for preservation by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC)  in 1996. The NJMC has since transferred the deed and ownership of Skeetkill Creek Marsh to the Meadowlands Conservation Trust. 

The Trust's mission is to preserve, protect and enhance environmentally sensitive lands in the Meadowlands region and the Hackensack River watershed.

The Skeetkill Creek Marsh sits along Bellman’s Creek.  It is adjacent to an industrial section of Ridgefield.  Prior to enhancement work the Common Reed (Phragmites australis) was the predominant vegetation, forming a dense monoculture throughout the wetlands portion of the property. 

A number of open water channels drained into Skeetkill Creek and at the Spring high tide the majority of the wetlands area was inundated.  The dense cover of Phragmites limited the suitability of the site for most wildlife species.

The NJMC’s restoration project at Skeetkill Creek Marsh was completed in 1998 and included the management of Phragmites, increasing the available open water habitat and the creation of scrub-shrub habitats along the marsh uplands.

Excavation of several shallow pools has provided open water habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. There is a small park on-site for the public to enjoy including benches and an informational kiosk.

The Conservation Trust maintains the site for both wildlife habitat and the public.