May 24, 2022

Nancy Conger West Brook Preserve

foot traffic only

I had seen photos of West Brook Preserve but when the new NY/NJ Trail Conference map set was released, I did not associate the Nancy Conger Preserve with the West Brook Preserve, for whatever reason. When I got to the preserve, I was like, ‘Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh….’ which made me kind of chuckle at myself that I didn’t put two and two together any earlier. Sometimes that happens, y’know! Despite the fact that social media might condition us to think we have to be perfect and live perfect lives, the beauty of a life is found in its imperfections. And I will continue to insist that my “DUH” moments are simply a series of slight imperfections.

Regardless of all of that life affirming stuff, I went hiking. It had rained recently and I was a little nervous that the trails here might be awash with mud, but that was not the case. Fortunately. The little entry to the park - from the parking area to the gate - that was really the only spot that had any significant washing out and I guess because it’s a wetland that is to be expected. Plus, the Land Trust had laid out boards so that you can more easily pass over the ecosystem without damaging it.

What’s wonderful about the Nancy Conger West Brook Preserve is the example of ecosystem restoration that it provides to us all. This park is, at its core, the headwater source for many people. It feeds into the Wanaque reservoir and eventually becomes the water that we drink, cook with, clean with, and wash with. The Land Conservancy took great care to reroute West Brook to its original path and to rebuild the plant (and thus animal) life to bring it back to its native origins. They also created trails so that people who wish to wander here can do that on developed trails that will help protect the rest of the park from eco damage. The trails that were blazed are very nice. I’d like to say they are easy trails but of course that is subjective to everyone. Someone else might find these trails rather difficult due to the uneven terrain, steep(-ish) climbs, and BUGS. But, please remember that BUGS help make the world clean and green. You can curse them out as much as you please, don’t get me wrong, but they’re still helpful and in abundance in a healthy outdoor environment.

When I was traveling through the Nancy Conger Preserve I heard a lot of animal movement in the forest surrounding me. And it wasn’t small animal movement. I suspected that I was behind a deer or two and they were just far enough ahead of me that they were aware of my presence and keep moving ahead with me, but who knows! It could have a been a bear or something else larger. All I can tell you is that I started making more noise while I walked, just to be on the safe side. Eventually the sounds of something large in the woods just ahead of me disappeared and was heard no more. But if you take the loop here, be aware that you are only a visitor and knwo what to do if you happen to come across something larger than you in the woods: their home. Not yours.

Now, the big question you are probably asking is, “Who was Nancy Conger? Why did she have a park dedicated in her name in 2021?” I can give you some insight into that. After doing some research I discovered that Nancy Conger was an activist for and volunteer to The Land Conservancy for 25 years. She started out small - raising funds and advocating for the acquisition and preservation of land, and she ended up as the former Chair of the Board of Trustees. She grew up in Collegeville, PA, graduated from Wheaton College Massachusetts in 1967 and worked in financial services for 50 years before starting her own company, which is currently known as Red Hook Management of Morristown. Nancy seemed to have been a source of inspiration for others, which is ultimately why the park is named after her: so we learn about her, her stewardship to the land, in hopes that we will emulate her spirit and dedication to preservation of our precious resources. Land is not healthy if it is not cared for and we must learn to live with it and protect it so that it can nourish our bodies: physically, mind and soul. Sadly, Nancy Conger passed away on July 6, 2019 after a battle with bone and breast cancer. She was 73 years old. Thank you, Nancy, for your dedication, volunteerism, and advocacy.