A few weeks ago, GreenVest was contacted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to lead a brief site tour of the Mullica Mitigation Bank. This 33.89-acre parcel of land in the New Jersey Pinelands Region had been degraded from years of cranberry cultivation. GV developed a mitigation bank on the property by restoring onsite wetland, riparian zone, and stream habitat.
Hosted by the DEP Mitigation Unit, students from DEP’s 2022 Youth Inclusion Initiative toured multiple sites to learn more about the science and importance of mitigation. The Initiative was formed from a partnership with Groundwork Elizabeth, Rutgers University Camden, and Newark’s Ironbound Community Corporation to create a workforce development curriculum for people ages 17 to 24. Owen McEnroe, GreenVest Environmental Scientist, with assistance from our project partner, Princeton Hydro, conducted the tour of the Mullica Mitigation Site for ten students from the Initiative.
The Mullica Bank was specifically chosen for the Camden students to demonstrate that successful mitigation and restoration projects happen throughout the State and not far from urban centers like Camden. Participating students learned how GV removed dams and dikes and recreated the historic stream valley without heavy engineering. They toured the stable, fully formed stream and were taught about all the wildlife it supports and the ecosystem services it provides. Team GV was proud to be part of such an important educational experience for the next generation.
