A Greenway on the Banks of Big Timber Creek in Deptford Township
upcoming events
LEARN TO HOW TO CREATE CORDAGE AND TIE KNOTS AT WALK IN THE WILD ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Join Freddie Patane and Charles White at Old Pine Farm Natural Lands Trust for our “Walk in the Wild” on Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m. for a fireside chat and workshop. We will retrace the steps of our ancestors to learn how to create cordage (aka string and rope) out of natural fibers found in wild landscapes. This workshop will include identification methods for cordage plants and trees, harvesting techniques, and the most commonly used twists and splicing methods used to create material suitable for primitive nets, fishing lines, bowstrings and lashing materials. Learn the essential knots that will allow you to make good use of your new cordage. Attendees will have an opportunity to practice these skills "hands-on" with synthetic and natural materials and leave the class with a natural cordage bracelet or bookmark!
Freddie Patane is a lifelong resident of South Jersey and works in media production. His enthusiasm for wilderness skills and primitive crafts has led him to train with world class primitive archers, survival instructors, and some of USA's top blacksmiths. He's happiest when he's capturing photos with his vintage film cameras, working on backyard projects and celebrating his artistic mishaps with like-minded souls.
Charles often describes himself as an “old boy scout”. Charlie’s love of the outdoors started early in the woods of Quebec, and along Lake Ontario. Since then, Charles has camped, hiked, canoed and kayaked throughout the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest, mostly as a solo hiker. He has also organized and led many groups as they ventured into the outdoors.
We will meet at the Willoughby House at the end of Pine Avenue, off Good Intent Road in Blackwood Terrace, or you can put "340 Pine Avenue, Deptford" into your favorite mapping service. Please check our Facebook for changes and directions. Information and questions: Charles White, 856-217-9138. Car pooling recommended. Free and open to all.
Our Mission
Old Pine Farm Natural Lands Trust is dedicated to the continued care of the woods, wetlands, and meadow it manages. We are continuing to acquire additional lots to connect the original Old Pine Farm acreage to a larger trail network running through the Blackwood Terrace area. We also strive to create a deciated green trail from the headwaters of Big Timber Creek to the Delaware River.
Currently, Old Pine Farm Natural Lands Trust is working toward the immediate goals of obtaining additional property to complete the greenway, as well as the purchase of Willoughby House.
Old Pine Farm
Consisting of more than 45 acres of land, Old Pine Farm is one of the few remaining natural and protected areas along the highly developed tidal portion of Big Timber Creek. It offers a variety of terrain, including a meadow, woodlands, and wetlands, while being surrounded on three sides by many acres of fresh water in the Big Timber Creek.
The original Old Pine Farm Natural Lands Trust includes land contiguous to the Big Timber Creek and the Willoughby property, roughly 33 acres. In 2001, the trust purchased an additional 5.1 acres south of Good Intent Road along Bayer Avenue, creating an area called Greenway I. After this purchase, the trustees established a goal of developing a trail to connect Greenway I to the original 33 acres. This lead to the 2003 purchase of another 9.6 acres of land at the end of Second Avenue. This property, Greenway II, adjoins Greenway I. In 2006, an additional 3.3 acres of land between First Avenue and McNaughton Avenue was obtained, creating Greenway III.Acquiring these properties can take up to several years per property, since the process involves getting approval from the New Jersey Green Acres program, finding funds for payment, having the land appraised, and doing a title search.