Sustainability

The rain gardens at Drumthwacket
CUES Planting Design students installed the rain gardens in collaboration with Clifton Landscaping and Nelson Weiss Landscape Architects.

In 2018, the Drumthwacket Foundation partnered with the Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability (CUES) at Rutgers University to develop a master plan for the Drumthwacket property. Under the direction of CUES Co-Director Wolfram Hoefer, student interns developed a plan to showcase Drumthwacket as a model for modern sustainability and its ability to harmonize with the goals of public engagement, education and historical preservation. The plan received approval from the State Historical Preservation Office. It includes:

  • Rain Gardens to improve stormwater management
  • Meadow Establishment to reduce mowing and allow native plants, wildflowers, and grasses to grow
  • Bike Racks to promote effective, convenient and sufficient bicycle infrastructure
  • Culinary Gardens to provide an historic reference to the Drumthwacket’s agricultural past and feature sustainable growing techniques for both perennial and annual crops
  • Bee Hives to explain the link between pollinators, food production, and the overall need for bee-friendly habitats
  • Compost Pile to produce mulch for the property, and serve as a  point of education for sustainable home gardening practices

 

One of many thank you letters and drawings from appreciative teachers and students.
blue flourish