Washington Township Land Trust

06/10/2026

This time of the year, it's not uncommon to find fawns left alone by their mothers, as they go off to graze vegetation. This is perfectly normal adaptive behavior, and there is no need to "rescue" the fawns or transport them to the local animal shelter. Doing so can actually overburden the shelter's staff and resources and stress the deer. Please remember to observe from a safe distance and let them be. Nature knows best of course!

Well say it AGAIN and AGAIN
FOR those in the Back!

🚨 PLEASE STOP "RESCUING" FAWNS 🚨

We know your heart is in the right place.

Every spring, kind and caring people come across a tiny fawn lying quietly alone in the grass and assume it's been abandoned. The urge to help is completely understandable.

But the truth is...

That fawn is almost certainly exactly where it's supposed to be.

Mother deer intentionally leave their babies hidden for long periods while they feed nearby. The fawn's job is to stay still, stay quiet, and wait. Mom's job is to stay away until it's safe to return.

Unfortunately, we see the heartbreaking consequences of unnecessary "rescues" every year.

Healthy fawns are taken from the wild and brought to rehabilitators dehydrated, stressed, malnourished, injured from improper handling, or suffering from aspiration after being fed the wrong things. Some don't survive the stress alone. Others lose the chance to be raised by the one creature best equipped to care for them—their mother.

If a fawn is curled up quietly, appears alert, and has no obvious injuries, please leave it alone.

Do not touch it.
Do not feed it.
Do not move it.
Do not pose for photos with it.

The greatest act of kindness is often doing nothing at all.

However, if the fawn is continuously crying for hours, wandering aimlessly, covered in flies, visibly injured, weak, or has ears that are curled and dehydrated, then it's time to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Please help us spread the word. Share this post. Talk to your friends and neighbors.

Every fawn that stays with its mother has the best possible chance at life.

Sometimes the best rescue... is no rescue at all. 🦌❤️

06/05/2026

Did you know that Saturday, June 6th, is National Trails Day! If you've never hiked along our trails, we would encourage you to get out and explore this weekend! There's always something to see out along the trails, especially during the mornings or late afternoons!

Dress for the weather, and don't forget some sturdy hiking boots, and remember to bring extra water since the forecast is looking like it's going to be hot and sunny. Maybe bring a friend for some good company while you're hitting the trails!

Mill Pond Park and Crystal Springs are always a great option for light exploring, and you can learn more about some of our other properties on our website https://wtlt.org/properties/ Let us know what you think and we'd love to see photos or videos as well!

05/25/2026

Today we honor and celebrate the memory of those who have served and sacrificed for our great country. On behalf of the entire Land Trust, we pause to solemnly remember and pay tribute to our fallen. In reverence, Memorial Day 2026.

05/16/2026

Good morning Land Trust followers! The forecast for today looks to be absolutely gorgeous, and we'll be set up outside the Coffee Potter chatting about the latest updates on our mill restoration, stewardship initiatives, and more!

Whether you're planning on hitting the trails for a run or a ride, or just stopping by the Potter for a delicious cup of Joe, swing on over and chat with us for a bit today until noon!

Also, don't forget to head over to 29 Parker Road and see what unique items trustees Bob and Mary have up for grabs at our stop along the town wide yard sale today until 3pm!

05/14/2026

The Land Trust decided to try something a little different this spring by joining the Town Wide Garage Sale, which will be held this Saturday, May 16th from 9am-3pm! Rain or Shine.

Please join us at trustee Mary and Bob's private residence, 29 Parker Road, to score some unique items including Converse sneakers, chicken husbandry supplies, craft materials, travel gear, puzzles, board games, and other gently used or new items, all priced to sell!

All revenue generated will go directly to supporting the Land Trust, so shop generously, and know that you're supporting a great cause! We hope to see you this Saturday!

05/01/2026

This past weekend our Stewardship Committee joined forces with members of the Washington Township Green Team, and volunteers from Raritan Headwaters Association to successfully plant, cage, and tube, 80 native riparian trees and shrubs at Mill Pond Park!

The collaborative partnership began back in 2024, when we first applied for, and were awarded grant funding from RHA's Woods and Waterways initiative. Then it was time to prepare the site for the eventual planting, which ended up taking longer than anticipated!

After a full year of invasive plant removals, the Stewardship Committee was finally prepared to host our long-awaited tree planting! The new additions to the park will benefit wildlife, improve air and water quality, slow runoff, and filter stormwater pollutants just to name a few benefits!

Be sure to visit the park to check out all of the steady progress we've made, and of course, if anyone is interested in volunteering to help steward our new plantings, we'd love to hear from you!

Thanks again to our partners, and to Robert and Raritan Headwaters Association for all of their assistance with coordinating this wonderful project. Shout out to East Coast Natives as well, for supplying us with such healthy trees and shrubs!

04/22/2026

Way Back Wednesday! Here's a throwback to Centenary College's Earth Day Festival in April of 2016! Former board trustee John Holt inspires the youth to roll up their sleeves and play in the dirt! We hope you all find time to plant a tree, participate in a cleanup, or donate to your favorite non-profit to help us celebrate our shared planet! From all of us at the Washinton Township Land Trust, a very Happy Earth Day 2026!

04/18/2026

We had such a great time last night at our annual meeting and potluck dinner! It was so great to see so many new faces, and to reconnect with former members and trustees as well!

Thank you to everyone that was able to join us, as we discussed committee accomplishments, progress on our historic grist mill, stewardship efforts, and goals for the future!

Huge shout out and thank you as well to the Long Valley First Aid Squad for graciously allowing us to utilize their facility once again this year! Thanks also to our wonderful volunteers who helped organize our annual dinner!

01/22/2026

Wintertime can be a particularly stunning time to get out and check out the trails at Mill Pond Park! You never know what you might see out along the river, from animal tracks to intricate ice formations along the riverbank, or even just taking in a view of our beloved historic mill! Photo courtesy of WTLT Trustee Catherine Andersen.

Don't let the cold deter you from hitting the trails and getting some fresh air! Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, throw on some sturdy and waterproof footwear, and maybe even consider bringing along a walking pole as an extra precaution. Don't forget to bring the binoculars too, as you might catch some migrating waterfowl out along the South Branch of the Raritan!

01/01/2026

From all of us at the Land Trust, we wish you and your family a very happy and healthy new year! Cheers!