In late August the Nature Conservancy (TNC) commemorated a new all-person’s boardwalk trail at its South Cape May Meadows site as part of a commitment to make its preserves accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds.
The fully ADA-compliant, raised boardwalk is 6 feet wide and just over half a mile long, providing a stable surface that is navigable by assistance-providing devices like wheelchairs, crutches and strollers. Benches and pullout areas along its length serve as rest stops, and a visually unobtrusive handrail on one side offers guidance to users who need it. It is also enhanced with an audio tour, interpretive braille and sensory signs, and a bird observatory with seating.
The new feature was funded with support from Jim and Teresa Knipper; it is dedicated in memory of their grandson, Julian Tao Knipper (2017-2020) and, in recognition of their dedication to conservation, local nature advocates Pat and Clay Sutton.
TNC staff, Knipper family and friends, and other nature lovers convened for the dedication ceremony on August 4 with a ribbon cutting ceremony, sign unveiling, refreshments and remarks from:
- Barbara Brummer, The Nature Conservancy’s New Jersey State Director
- Mark Gallagher, Vice President, Princeton Hydro
- Paolo Rodriguez Heyman, President, Renova Environmental
- Alex Ireland, New Jersey Audubon
- Sandra Tripoli, Jersey Cape Disability Services
- Teresa Knipper and her son Jonathan Knipper (Julian’s father)
Everyone in attendance explored the boardwalk (which is still unfinished) to view wildlife and a slice of the preserve’s lush habitat, including a spectacular bloom of rose mallow along a one portion of the trail. Ongoing construction is expected to wrap up by October 2024, with the boardwalk fully open to visitors at that time.
