The Friends for the Abbott Marshlands (Friends) are dedicated to enhancing appreciation and protection of the Abbott Marshlands.
Mission Statement
Engage and inspire a diverse community to experience the unique nature and history of the Abbott Marshlands.
Priorities for Action
- Expand the community of people who cherish the Abbott Marshlands and take part in their stewardship.
- Advance the Tulpehaking Nature Center as the Gateway to the Abbott Marshlands and the center for education and recreation programs that offer people various ways to connect to the Abbott Marshlands.
- Increase our organizational capacity so that we may better serve people who care about and benefit from the Abbott Marshlands.
- Work with the Abbott Marshlands Council in its Cooperative Stewardship efforts.
- Serve as a “Voice for the Marshlands” advocating for protection, preservation, and stewardship for the whole of the Abbott Marshlands.
Latest revision: 7/12/2019
History of the Friends
In 2002, Friends for the Marsh was organized as a project of D&R Greenway Land Trust in support of preservation of the Marshlands, following a recommendation of the Hamilton/Trenton Marsh Management Plan –1999.
The name for the Friends was changed to Friends for the Abbott Marshlands in 2011 to acknowledge the cooperative branding initiative designed to bring attention to the historical and natural significance of the area.
Since 2002, the Friends volunteers have organized and sponsored a variety of programs with the intent of educating people about the unique nature and history of the marshlands and encouraging protection and stewardship. Programs have included field and canoe trips, trail maintenance and clean-up activities, symposia, nature walks and Voices for the Marsh juried photography shows. In 2020 the Friends formed a NJ corporation and they received their federal 501(c)(3) non profit designation in 2021. The Friends are managed by a Board of Directors.
Friends for the Abbott Marshlands is also an active member of the Abbott Marshlands Council. They worked closely with the other members of the Council to develop the Cooperative Stewardship Plan – Hamilton – Trenton – Bordentown Marsh 2010, a blueprint for Marshlands stewardship and management.
