MIDDLETOWN – Local Boy Scouts restored the 30-acre Cotton Tract section in Poricy Park that was damaged by Super Storm Sandy.
The massive storm felled many trees, both large and small, preventing visitors from traversing the habitats and enjoying the diverse wildlife. But, Boy Scout Matt Grippo of Troop 32 – with a little help from friends – restored the trails and added some improvements, such as additional trail markers and replacement of boards on existing bridges.
The Cotton Tract has trail entrances located off of Ivy Hill Road in the Colts Glen development, which borders the park. The tract is named for Leigh Cotton, who raised horses on the property until he sold the land to the Poricy Park Citizen’s Committee in 1970. The section combines unique features of seclusion, forest and marsh supporting a large variety of wildlife.
Poricy Park is located at 345 Oak Hill Road and has exceptional ecological resources. The 250-acre historical and nature site makes it one of the largest parks in Monmouth County. It offers wooded hiking trails, bird watching, pristine pond settings, fishing and a one-of-a-kind 70 million year-old Cretaceous fossil bed.
Additional information is available by visiting www.PoricyPark.org or calling 732-842-5966.
