Fun Day to celebrate stream restoration

Sparta — To celebrate the successful completion of the Glen Brook Stream Restoration Project, the North Jersey Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting a Fall Fun Day in the Sparta Glen on October 21, 2017 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. This free event will be an opportunity for local families to see the progress of the restoration project and meet with many of the partners who helped to make the project such a success. Activities include fly tying, casting, restoration project overview, aquatic insect identification, crafts/games for kids, project dedication ceremony, and food for lunch (first come, first served).
The goal of the Glen Brook Restoration Project was to improve the in-stream habitat conditions of the Glen Brook for the benefit of native wildlife and reconnect the stream to its floodplains. As part of the project, over 1800 trees and shrubs of various sizes were planted along the Glen Brook, helping to create shade and habitat necessary for native brook trout and macroinvertebrate (aquatic insect) populations. To date, upwards of 95% of the trees and shrubs planted by volunteers last year have continued to thrive along the Glen Brook, helping to cool the water temperature and stabilize erosive streambanks.
The SCMUA-Wallkill River Watershed Management Group led the planting portion of the project and coordinated volunteer efforts with members of Trout Unlimited, Sparta Kiwanis, Sparta VFW, Pope John High School, Sparta High School, Sussex County Community College and Boy Scout Troop 95. Major local supporters of the project included Lakeland Bank, Eastern Propane and Selective Insurance. The Sparta Glen Fall Fun Day will be a chance to thank all of the volunteers/partners for their tremendous assistance with the project and also welcome the Sparta community into the park to see the current condition of the Glen Brook post-restoration. The event will be held rain or shine so bring the whole family out on October 21 for lots of fall family fun.