Category: State News
The inaugural zoom meeting provided a tutorial of the www.AccessNatureNJ.org website. We covered use of the mobile website, how to personally update information and we took feedback for improvements. More information about this project can be found at www.pinelandsalliance.org/the-pinelands-is-for-everyone/access-nature-forum/
In this insightful video from accessibility advocate Charlotte Borgersen she expresses what is needed when considering an accessible trail for her and others with mobility concerns. The video was taken at Pemberton Twp. Pemberton Lake where we have been working with the township to make accessibility improvements to the nature trail.
In this forum we hear from Matthew von der Hayden Township Administrator / Director of Water & Sewer Utility for the Township of Stafford. Matt discusses the process that the twp. underwent in order to establish and accessible nature trail at the townships Forecastle Basin.
In this forum we hear from Maayan Ziv, founder of AccessNow initiative. Diving into the initiatives goals, collaborations and ways to get involved. Exploring their cell-phone application for exploring trails and open space.
New Jersey’s natural waters from the shore to the Pinelands are a central part of outdoor community, recreation and sport, and for over twelve years Ocean Positive’s Blue Journey Unified program has been ensuring that those with and without physical challenges have ongoing opportunities to come together in, on and by the waters we love. Ocean Positive’s Bruckner Chase has developed adaptive aquatic sports programs from Australia to South Jersey and in this Access Nature Forum he will share his experiences in developing operational plans, safety protocols, outreach initiatives, and equipment resources to allow everyone to realize the fitness, health, and well-being benefits of being outdoors on and in the water together.
Back in 2023 we launched our Pinelands is for Everyone initiative to make natural spaces within the Pinelands region more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This video is one of our very first to be publicized launching this campaign. Since 2024, the campaign has grown to a statewide campaign – Nature Accessible for All.