Mendham Borough Environmental Resources Inventory August 2002
Org. 1500k .pdf file
Maps:
1. Introduction
2. Overview
3. Demographic and Housing Trends
3.1. Population Trends
3.2. Population Density
3.3. Age Distribution
3.4. Housing
4. Historical and Culturally Significant Sites
4.1. Key Historic Buildings
5. Parkland and Recreational Facilities
6. Land use
6.1. Current Land Use
6.2. Zoning
6.3. Open Space
7. Infrastructure
7.1. Roadways and Traffic
7.2. Electric Lines and Substations
7.3. Gas Mains
7.4. Water Supply
7.5. Sewage Treatment Plant
7.6. Storm Water
7.7. Solid Waste and Recycling
8. Geology/Soils
8.1. Geology
8.2. Soils
9. Topography
9.1. Steep Slopes/Erosion Hazard Areas
10. Surface Water
10.1. Ponds, Streams, and Watersheds
10.2. Water Quality
10.3. Flood prone Areas
11. Vegetation
11.1. Inland Mixed Hardwood Forest
11.2. Successional Field
11.3. Invasive Species
11.4. Woodlands in Mendham
11.5. Specimen Trees
12. Wildlife
12.1. Wildlife in Morris County
12.2. Birds that Breed in Mendham Borough
1. Introduction
This Environmental Resource Inventory provides baseline information about some of the
natural resource characteristics and environmental features of the Borough of Mendham.
It is meant to document resources as well as environmental constraints and supports the
first goal outlined in the Borough’s Master Plan (1994) “to protect and conserve the
Borough’s natural resources of soils, vegetation, air and water through the wise use of
planning techniques and careful control of land development.”
This resource is intended to be a living document-maintaining the most current key
highlights. It is presented in a notebook format so that it can be revised and updated, as
additional information becomes available. Through the presentation of maps and other
data, this inventory highlights key issues related to land use, open space, areas of
recreational and historical importance, topography, geology, hydrology, vegetation, and
wildlife. The Environmental Resource Inventory can be used as an important reference
guide for a range of municipal decisions, such as planning, open space preservation,
resource protection, and legislation.
Open space is critical for future planning in Mendham Borough. It can be defined as land
or water areas to be retained in a largely natural or in an undeveloped state. In a six year
period, 1987 to 1993, the Borough lost 93 acres of Open Space to development. In 1993,
only 7% of land was vacant. Open space preservation provides for parkland or green
spaces, protecting ecologically sensitive areas, preserving flora and wildlife, or protecting
areas of scenic, historic and cultural value, while at the same time affording practical
public outdoor recreational opportunities for the residents.
The Borough of Mendham has many significant natural resources-some of which are
environmentally sensitive. The environmental features and critical areas highlighted in
this inventory have been studied and described in great detail in the 1984 Open Space
Report of Mendham Borough. Other sources of information include the Borough of
Mendham Master Plan (1994), the Mendham Borough Master Plan Reexamination 2000,
A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris (2000), A Natural
Resource Inventory and Environmental Study for the Chesters and the Mendhams (1976),
and the Open Space and Recreation Plan 2002.
2. Overview
The Borough of Mendham is located in southwestern Morris County, New Jersey-six
miles west of Morristown and 38 miles west of New York City. It is surrounded by
Mendham Township (Morris County) to the east, north, and west and by Bernardsville
(Somerset County) to the south.
Mendham Borough was incorporated in 1906 after breaking away from Mendham
Township to form its own public water system. Primarily residential, the borough
includes approximately 6.7 square miles and has a population of 5,097 residents (2000
Census). While the Borough’s population has stabilized after vigorous population growth
in the 1960s and 1970s, the population increased by 4.2% from 1990 to 2000. As
predicted by the Morris County Planning Board, the population of adjoining Mendham
Township increased by 19% from 4,537 persons in 1990 to 5,400 in 2000.
Mendham Borough is located near some significant publicly-owned recreation areas,
including Jockey Hollow National Historic Park and Lewis Morris Park. Patriot’s Path, a
continuous twenty mile recreational hiking and riding trail, runs through six Morris
County towns including Mendham Borough.
Of special environmental significance, Mendham Borough contains portions of the
headwaters of the Whippany, Raritan and Passaic rivers-three of New Jersey’s four
major watersheds. While being the home for the headwaters signifies that Mendham has
generally unpolluted streams, the borough also has the responsibility for maintaining
water quality-which is greatly influenced by land use practices in the watershed.
The unique natural characteristics of Mendham, including headwaters, watersheds, slope
areas, woodlands, and the remaining open spaces in Mendham, are foundations of
ecosystems. Preservation and protection of these habitats serve functional values, as the
ecosystems are interrelated beyond our borough boundaries. The natural beauty of
Mendham Borough provides residents with opportunities for passive and active
recreation. To preserve the many benefits provided by Mendham’s unique environmental
features, it is necessary to identify those elements which require special consideration
during the development process. This document serves as a baseline of information,
providing a general overview of key environmental characteristics.
3. Demographic and Housing Trends
3.1. Population Trends
According to the 2000 census, the population of Mendham Borough in 2000 was 5,097-
up 4.2% since 1990. Population growth in Mendham has stabilized after vigorous growth
in the 1960s and 1970s. The projected population for 2010 is 5,101 (Morris County Data
Book, 2000)
Table 1, Historic Population Trend 1920-2000, Mendham Borough
| Year |
Population |
10-year Change |
% Change |
| 1920 |
969 |
- |
- |
| 1930 |
1278 |
309 |
31.9 |
| 1940 |
1343 |
35 |
2.7 |
| 1950 |
1724 |
411 |
31.3 |
| 1960 |
2371 |
647 |
37.5 |
| 1970 |
3729 |
1358 |
57.3 |
| 1980 |
4899 |
1170 |
31.4 |
| 1990 |
4890 |
(9) |
(0.2) |
| 2000 |
5097 |
207 |
4.2 |
Source: 2000 U.S.Census
3.2. Population Density
Based on the 1990 Census, the population density, or number of persons per square mile,
in Mendham Borough was 812 in 1990. By 2000, the population density increased
slightly to approximately 846 persons per square mile.
3.3. Age Distribution
According to the 2000 Census, the median age for residents in Mendham Borough is 41.9
years of age. Age distribution in Mendham Borough has changed over time (Table 2).
Mendham Borough’s age structure has matured over the past four decades. In 1960,
approximately 55% of the population was under age 35. By 2000, this age group
represented 39% of the Borough population. In 2000 persons 55 and over now represent
nearly 29% of the population in Mendham, compared to 17% in 1960.
Table 2, Age Distribution, 1960-2000, Mendham Borough
| Age |
1960 |
1970 |
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
| . |
Number/ % |
Number/ % |
Number/ % |
Number/ % |
Number/ % |
| Under 5 |
265 / 11.2 |
287 / 7.7 |
231 / 4.7 |
241 / 4.9 |
351 / 6.9 |
| 5-14 |
456 / 19.2 |
921 / 24.7 |
885 / 18.1 |
609 / 12.5 |
775 / 15.1 |
| 15-24 |
322 / 13.6 |
518 / 13.9 |
805 / 16.4 |
636 / 13.0 |
462 / 9.1 |
| 25-34 |
258 / 10.9 |
435 / 11.7 |
583 / 11.9 |
486 / 9.9 |
403 / 7.9 |
| 35-44 |
326 / 13.7 |
559 / 15.0 |
761 / 15.5 |
769 / 15.7 |
824 / 16.2 |
| 45-54 |
330 / 13.9 |
440 / 11.8 |
666 / 13.6 |
821 / 16.8 |
815 / 16.0 |
| 55-64 |
181 / 7.6 |
293 / 7.8 |
475 / 9.7 |
595 / 12.2 |
610 / 12.0 |
| 65 &
over |
233 / 9.8 |
276 / 7.4 |
493 / 10.1 |
733 / 14.9 |
857 / 16.9 |
| Total |
2371 |
3729 |
4899 |
4890 |
5097 |
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
3.4. Housing
From 1990 to 2000, the number of housing units in Mendham Borough grew by 2.9%
with the addition of 51 new units (Table 3). Average number of persons per household in
2000 was 2.72-down slightly from 2.77 in 1990. The number of vacant units has
continued to decline from 129 vacant units in 1980, to 90 vacant units in 1990, and 47 in
2000 (Table 4)
.Table 3, Total Housing Units, Mendham Borough
| Year |
Housing Units |
% Change |
| 1970 |
988 |
- |
| 1980 |
1589 |
60.8 |
| 1990 |
1777 |
11.8 |
| 2000 |
1828 |
2.9 |
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
Table 4, Occupied and Vacant Units, Mendham Borough
| . |
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
| Occupied Units |
1460 |
1687 |
1781 |
| Owner-occupied |
1224 |
1421 |
1529 |
| Renter-occupied |
236 |
266 |
252 |
| Vacant Units |
129 |
90 |
47 |
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
4. Historical and Culturally Significant Sites
The Borough of Mendham is committed to recognizing and preserving its unique historic
legacy. In 2001, the Borough established a Historic Preservation Commission “for the
protection and preservation of districts, sites, buildings and structures of historic, cultural
or architectural value and interest within the Borough of Mendham (Mendham Borough
Code 27-1).” In addition, Mendham Borough recently created procedures and regulations
for conserving, protecting, enhancing and perpetuating landmarks and improvements
within the Historic District Overlay Zone, which represent or reflect elements of
Mendham Borough’s cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history
(Mendham Borough Code 215-47).
4.1. Key Historic Buildings
Mendham Borough has a significant inventory of historic buildings that date back to the
18th century. Of the 140 principal buildings of the historic district, nine are identified as
“key buildings.” These are significant and representative of Mendham’s history, culture,
and architecture and include:
Table 5, Key Historic Buildings
| Name |
Location |
Circa |
| Black Horse Inn |
1 West Main Street |
1742 |
| Phoenix House |
2 West Main Street |
1820 |
| St. Joseph's Church |
8 West Main Street |
1860 |
| St. Joseph's Convent |
10 West Main Street |
1790-1840 |
| The Methodist Church |
10 East Main Street |
1893 |
| St. Mark's Church |
9 East Main Street |
1872 |
| Hilltop Manse |
14 Hilltop Road |
1832 |
Hilltop Church
&
Cemetery |
20 Hilltop road |
1860 |
| Aaron Hudson House |
11 Hilltop Road |
1840 |
5. Parkland and Recreational Facilities
Existing park and recreation facilities are vital to the community's quality of life.
Mendham Borough maintains nearly 150 acres of municipally-owned recreation and
parkland-providing residents with opportunities for active and passive recreation. Three
existing public school sites have also been developed for recreational use. Generally,
these recreation areas contain play equipment, playing fields, and court games.
Substantial areas of recreation land and open “play areas” are maintained at the school
sites. A fourth Board of Education property on Cosma Place has 13.3 vacant acres.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommends a minimum of 10
acres of recreation land for every 1,000 people in the community. Six of the ten acres per
1,000 should be provided at the local level and the remainder should be provided by a
County, State, or other regional authority. Based on this standard and the Borough’s 2000
population, a minimum of 50 acres of recreation space should be available in Mendham
Borough. Currently, the Borough maintains approximately five times this recommended
standard, not including Board of Education sites.
Table 6, Existing Recreation Facilities, 1993, Mendham Borough
| Ownership/Facility |
Location |
Size (acres) |
Facilities |
| Mendham Borough |
| Borough Park |
Mountain & Park
Avenue |
15.0 |
Ball fields, basketball,
horseshoes, benches,
tennis, playground |
| West Field |
West Main Street |
9.9 |
Soccer fields |
| India Brook Park |
Mountainside Road |
27.0 |
Hiking, picnic |
| Arboretum |
Dean Road Park Adjacent to Mendham
Commons |
46.8 |
Arboretum, walking
paths |
| Franklin Road Tract |
Franklin & Coventry Roads |
4.1 |
Ice Skating, Soccer
Field |
| Heather Way Tract |
Heather Hill Way |
5.2 |
Undeveloped |
| Linden Lane Tract |
North Linden Lane |
6.8 |
Undeveloped |
| Patriots' Path |
Mountain Avenue |
8.7 |
Hiking/Biking |
| Mountain Valley Park |
Mountain Avenue |
33.1 |
Ball fields, Hiking,
Fishing, Skating,
Volleyball |
| . |
. |
Subtotal: 156.6 |
| Mendham Board of Education |
| Hilltop School |
Hilltop Road |
2.5 |
Playground, ball field |
| Mountain View School |
Dean Road |
1.6 |
Playground, ball field |
| . |
Subtotal: 4.1 |
| West Morris Regional Board of Education |
| West Morris Mendham High |
East Main Street |
20.0 |
Ball fields, track |
| |
Total: 180.7 |
6. Land Use
6.1. Current Land Use
The Borough of Mendham is a semi-rural residential community which is rich in history.
It is comprised of 3800 acres, 6 square miles, lying in the Precambrian Highlands Region
of Morris County. Based upon the 1994 Mendham Borough Master Plan, as reexamined
by the Planning Board, September 2000, the variety of land uses are residential,
commercial, agriculture, quasi-public & public, and vacant/undeveloped.
(Reference the Template entitled Borough of Mendham Land Use Overview)
Residential land use includes single and multiple family dwellings. In 1993, residential
land use accounted for 1,855 acres, or 48.8% of Mendham’s total. Single family
residence land use accounted for 1,747 acres. The land use for the Mendham Commons is
(64) acres. The Mendham Area Senior Housing is located on a (6) acre site and is
considered multi-family: other multi family use is (4) acres. Holly Manor Nursing Home
occupies (4) acres of land. Two family residences occupy (24) acres. Total residential
growth, between 1994 and 1999, based on Borough records, is forty-nine (49) units. The
record for additional acreage is not available at this time.
Commercial land use includes the office sector as well as the Village Center within the
historic business district and the East business district. This comprises 158 acres, or
4.2%.
Agricultural land use comprises 802 acres, or 21% of the land in Mendham.
Quasi-public land includes non-profit organizations such as churches, convents, utilities
and streets. This accounts for 216 acres, or 5.7% of Mendham.
Public land, excluding streets, is 288 acres or 7.6% of Mendham. This land includes
parkland, school sites and Board of Education properties, the U. S. Post Office, as well as
the library, fire house, sewage treatment plant, public works garage, fire house, municipal
offices and the Police Headquarters.
Vacant/Undeveloped land comprises 271 acres, or 7% of Mendham.
The inventory for land use is found in the Mendham Borough Master Plan, Table 16 and
Table 17. As of this date, April 2002, all property has been zoned as stated in the
following section.
6.2. Zoning
Mendham has eight (8) zoning classifications:
A). 5 acre residence
B). 3 acre residence
C). 1 acre residence,
D). ½ acre residence
E). ¼ acre residence
F). Historic Business
G). Limited Business
H). East Business
6.3. Open Space
Open Space not only includes parkland and recreational areas, but those areas in the
Borough which are not yet fully subdivided and developed under current zoning. In 1998,
approximately one-third (1200 acres) of Mendham Borough’s six (6.02) square miles was
subject to additional
Open Space is needed to provide wildlife habitat, preserve water quality, and reduce
water runoff and erosion. It also provides people with a place to enjoy their outdoor
living environment Open Space has declined considerably since 1950. The Mendham
Borough Environmental Commission Open Space Report 1984 has important
recommendations for land development in Mendham Borough. The Reexamination
Report of the Master Plan, 2000, also recommends park and Open Space acquisition
7. Infrastructure
7.1. Roadways and Traffic
Mendham Borough has roads of five categories:
A). Primary Arterials: There is only one road that fits this category. It is Route 24, also
known as Main Street. It is also called Mendham Road, Route 124, and County Road
510. Its length in the Borough is 1.93 miles.
Mendham Borough Environmental Resources Inventory August 2002
12
B). Secondary Arterials: There are four roads that fit this category: Cold Hill or Pitney
Road, Tempe Wick Road (County Road 646), Hilltop Road (County Road 525), and
Bernardsville Road (the southern extension of Hilltop Road). The total length of the
secondary arterials in the Borough is 3.62 miles.
C). Village Collector Roads: There are three roads that fall under this category. These
include Mountainside Road, Mountain Avenue, and Ironia Road. The total length of the
village collector roads is 4.06 miles.
D). Rural Collector Roads: There are five roads that fit this category: Talmage Road,
Hardscrabble Road, Cherry Lane, Bliss Road, and Pleasant Valley Road. The total length
of the rural collector roads in Mendham is 4.66 miles.
E). Residential Local Streets: There are 15.76 miles of public streets and 3.63 miles of
private streets.
7.2. Electric Lines and Substations
JCP&L Energy is the supplier of electrical energy to Mendham Borough. There is a
substation at the corner of Tempe Wick and Route 24.
7.3. Gas Mains
Public Service Electric and Gas is the supplier of natural gas to the borough.
7.4. Water Supply
Mendham Borough once operated its own water supply system. In October of 1992, the
system was sold to New Jersey American Water Company, which now operates it as a
public utility. Nearly every house in Mendham Borough is connected to the public water
supply.
Well facilities in Mendham Borough are also maintained in the following locations:
Cherry Lane (260 feet)
Knollwood Terrace (325 feet)
Mountain Valley Road (325 feet)
Franklin Road (560 feet)
Knollwood and Mountain Valley wells are the primary producers and Cherry Lane is
currently off line.
7.5. Sewage Treatment Plant
The Borough of Mendham operates its own sanitary sewer collection system and sewage
treatment plant (water reclamation facility). The system now serves 88% of the existing
homes in the borough. The facility has a design capacity of 500,000 gallons per day and
is presently operating at approximately 430,000 gallons per day.
7.6. Storm Water
The storm water outfalls in Mendham Borough are located along Ironia Brook and the
Passaic River. Mendham Borough complies with the guidelines and regulations of
NJDEP’s storm water regulations designed to prevent flooding, pinpoint pollution
problems, encourage water recharge, protect the integrity of stream channels, reduce
erosion, and protect the adequacy of bridges and culverts. While Mendham has very few
storm water flooding problems, there are a few areas with some drainage problems.
7.7. Solid Waste and Recycling
All solid waste generated in Morris County is transported to two Morris County
Municipal Authority (MCMUA) transfer stations by public and private carting
companies. The transfer stations are located in Parsippany-Troy Hills and Mt. Olive.
From the transfer stations, refuse is transported to the Tullytown Landfill in Mooresville,
Pennsylvania near Trenton. This landfill is owned and operated by Waste Management,
Inc. (NJDEP, 1999).
The quantity of solid waste reported from Mendham Borough has declined in the last
several years. In 1994, 2,866 tons of waste was reported and this has dropped steadily to
2,140 tons in 1998. These figures include both commercial and residential waste
(MCMUA, 1999).
The MCMUA also collects recyclables in Morris County. More than half of the
residential recyclables in Mendham Borough are composed of newspaper, other paper
and glass. Grass clippings/organic wastes, plastic and steel cans were also collected. In
1998, a total of 607 tons of materials was collected for recycling from residences
(Recycling Tonnage Summary Forms 1992-1998).
The nonresidential collection of recyclables includes a wider variety of materials and
there is a greater yearly variation in the total quantity recycled. Commercial recyclables
have included appliances, motor oil, tree limbs, concrete, asphalt, block, wood scraps,
food waste and petroleum contaminated soils. Between 1992 and 1998, recyclables
collected from Mendham Borough businesses spanned 499 to 1895 tons in the various
categories (Recycling Tonnage Summary Forms 1992-1998).
8. Geology/Soils
8.1. Geology
The geology of a region is the supportive base for soils, vegetation, and water. There is a
complex interrelationship between the geologic environment and an area’s natural
resources. Mendham Borough is almost entirely composed of the Precambrian and
Paleozoic rocks of the New Jersey Highlands. These rocks consist primarily of gneisses
and granites, which are the most common rock types in the region (A Natural Resource
Inventory and Environmental Study, 1976).
(Reference the Template entitled Borough of Mendham Bedrock Geology)
8.2. Soils
Certain soil types are associated with periodic flooding and erosion. Alluvial soils are
subject to periodic flooding. Mendham Borough has a few areas with alluvial soils. These
include:
A). The area that is contiguous to the village boundary and follows the North Branch of
the Raritan River.
B). A segment of alluvial soils extends southward between Roxiticus Road and West
Main Street along the easterly side of Ironia Road.
C). Three stream corridors in the southwestern corner of the Borough. These three stream
corridors are part of the headwaters system of the North Branch of the Raritan River.
Areas posing a hazard of soil erosion during development or land cultivation exist in a
number of locations in the Borough. These areas are associated with the Edneyville Soils
(EdB, EdC, EdD) and the Parker Soils (PaC, PbD, PeC, PeD, PfE).
A large area of EdD soils exists along the Borough’s western boundary to the north and
south of Thomas Road. A second significant area of these soils lies to the west of Hilltop
road to the north and south of Cherry Lane.
Large areas of PeD soils lie in the southern portion of the Borough to the north and south
of Bernardsville Road along Steven Road and to the rear of Mallinckrodt Convent
Property. A third area of PeD soils lies to the west of Bliss Road and extends into
Roxiticus Golf Course.
9. Topography
Elevations in Mendham Borough range from about 400 feet to nearly 800 feet above sea
level. The topography of Mendham Borough is generally rolling, although there are a
number of areas with steep slopes (15%-25%) and very steep slopes (25% or greater)-
particularly south of Main Street.
9.1. Steep Slopes/Erosion Hazard Areas
Steep slopes are described below and identified on the map by letter as follows:
A).The area in the northwest part of St. John the Baptist’s driveway slopes steeply
towards West Main Street.
B). Steep banks are present on both sides of the main stream corridor moving south of
West Main Street. The west bank is very steep and narrow in some places.
C). Steep slopes surround a clearing at the end of Heather Hill Way to the north, west,
and south. A 4.5 acre lot between Heather Hill and this clearing is Borough-owned and
listed in the Master Plan as part of the recreation system.
D). Steep crescent-shaped slope around a hill summit sloping down toward the east and
south and steep slope facing generally west.
E). Large clearing on top of hill surrounded by steep slopes on the east, south, and west.
F). There are steep banks along McVickers Brook north of Pleasant Valley Road.
G). Elevated field north of Pleasant Valley Road is surrounded by steep slopes to the
south, west, and northwest
H). Steep slopes in the Balbrook Development.
I). Large area of very steep slopes surrounding the main golf club area on top of the hill
south of the Balbrook Development.
J). Steep slopes in the area east of Bliss Road and south of Bernardsville Road, including
steep terraced slope just east of old estate mansion off of Bernardsville Road.
K). Portions of the steep slopes on western, northern, and eastern slopes of the hill south
of Cherry Lane are greater than 25% and could pose severe erosion hazard if disturbed.
L). There are steep slopes in a large area north of Bernardsville Road.
M). Pond located south of Cherry Lane is surrounded by steep slopes.
N). South of Cherry Lane, there is an area of steep slopes located above wetlands situated
to the north.
O). There are steep slopes around Malachuk house and very steep slopes north of
Malachuk house off of Hardscrabble Road.
P). Large area of steep slopes and very steep slopes north of Cherry Lane, east of Hilltop
Road, and west of Prentice Lane.
Q). Large of area of steep slopes and very steep slopes at the top of the hill in an area
south of Talmage Road, north of Cherry Lane, and east of Prentice Lane.
R). Very steep slopes along eastern bank of northern portion of India Brook are part of a
geological fault and environmentally unstable.
S). Area of steep slopes east of Ironia Road and north of West Main Street along the
North Branch of the Raritan River south of India Brook. These slopes are surrounded by
residential development are inaccessible to further development.
Development in slope areas will have an impact on the watersheds in Mendham Borough
due to erosion, vegetation disturbance, sedimentation and associated storm water issues.
Specific recommendations related to particular slope areas and environmentally safe
development may be found in the Mendham Borough Environmental Commission Open
Space Report 1984. Further suggestions and regulatory guides are provided in the
Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris 2000 (pages 2-5).
10. Surface Water
Streams and wetlands are the only natural water features in Mendham Borough and the
surrounding towns. All “lakes” and ponds are artificial impoundments across natural
drainage channels. All water bodies are considered environmentally critical areas in the
Borough (Borough of Mendham Master Plan).
10.1. Ponds, Streams, and Watersheds
Although only six square miles in size, Mendham Borough contains portions of the
headwaters of three of New Jersey’s four major watersheds, the Whippany, Raritan and
the Passaic, as well as many small lakes and ponds.
There are parts of five sub-watersheds found in the Borough, three within the Raritan and
two within the Passaic watershed. Each of these sub-watersheds is outlined with bold
dashed lines and identified by letter.
They are as follows:
A). Part of the North Branch of the Raritan River, which begins behind the Mendham
Village Shopping Center and flows generally westward along Patriot’s Path. There is a
small pond behind the Mendham Commons property that feeds into the upper section of
the Raritan.
The Raritan passes through the Borough Pond (also known as the mud hole) before
crossing Mountain Avenue. About one mile from here it joins India Brook and flows past
the Mendham Borough Waste Treatment Plant before crossing into Mendham Township
at Ironia Road. The Raritan River system is one of the most productive trout streams in
New Jersey.
B). India Brook, which flows into the North branch of the Raritan near the northwestern
corner of the Borough, upstream of the Borough Waste Treatment Plant. It forms
approximately three miles upstream in Randolph Township and flows through Mendham
Township before crossing into the Borough at Mountainside Avenue.
C). McVickers Brook along with its tributaries drains the majority of the southwestern
part of the Borough. The boundaries of this system are roughly West Main Street to the
north, Pleasant Valley road to the south, Hilltop road to the east and the Mendham
Township border to the West. After combining with two tributaries in Cromwell Lake,
McVickers Brook is joined by tributaries from both north and south before passing into
Mendham Township toward Lake Therese and the North branch of the Raritan. There are
wetlands and two small ponds in this corridor. There is also a small pond just east of
Bliss Road, close to the Bernardsville Borough line.
D). The main stem of the Upper Passaic River begins near East main and Orchard Streets
and follows southeasterly along the western and southern borders of the high school
property and then behind Franklin Road into Mendham Township. The tributaries of this
river form in the southeastern corner of the Borough, one flowing into Mendham
Township and the other into Bernardsville Borough.
E). The Whippany River, a major tributary of the Passaic River, begins in Randolph
Township and flows into Mendham Township, then eastward through Morris Township.
A very small area of the Whippany River watershed is located at the northeastern corner
of the Borough.
10.2. Water Quality
Being near the headwaters of these large watersheds means that Mendham enjoys
generally unpolluted streams. At the same time the citizens of Mendham have a
responsibility to maintain the quality of these streams since it affects the quality of life
for Mendham and downstream communities.
The water quality in a stream is influenced primarily by land use practices but as
Mendham Borough is becoming close to “built out” it is very important that individual
citizens avoid the discharge of contaminants from their property since the contaminants
can migrate to one of these watersheds. Potential contaminants include lawn fertilizer
runoff, sewerage from poorly maintained septic systems, and any type of hydrocarbon.
Soil erosion can also be of concern since the fine sediments can migrate into these
streams. These sediments can affect the ecology of the streambeds.
People who maintain our public and private recreation facilities, as well as individual
home owners, must keep in mind the pollution caused by fertilizer runoff.
10.3. Flood Prone Areas
Flood prone areas are a resource, providing a wildlife habitat. Protection from
development insures minimal property loss and lessens the increase of downstream
flooding. Vegetation in these areas lessens erosion, particularly during storms.
11. Vegetation
The variety of plants and wildlife found in an area is a good measure of the quality of the
area’s environment. A generally mild climate, adequate precipitation and a variety of soil
types and habitats (forest, marsh, streams, fields, and hills) provide a wide range of
natural vegetation and wildlife in our area. The diversity of habitats along with open
space produces an area with a variety of wildlife. The following list is not specific to
Mendham Borough, but is taken from the Natural Resource Management Guide for the
County of Morris. This list has been modified to include only those habitats which are
dominant in the Borough, mixed hardwood and successional field.
11.1. Inland Mixed Hardwood Forest
This plant community occurs in the Highlands and the Piedmont ranges of Morris
County, which includes Mendham Borough. The mixed oak forest provides us with an
example of the devastating change in character wrought by a single source, in this case
the Chestnut blight. At one time the largest deciduous tree of the northeast, the American
Chestnut no longer dominates this plant community but rather exists for an abbreviated
time as a young sapling.
Dominant Trees:
Oak, Black Oak, White
Oak, Red Tulip tree, Scarlet
Common Trees:
Ash, White Cherry, Black Maple, Sugar
Basswood Linden, American Sourgum
Beech, American Dogwood, Flowering Tupelo, Black
Birch, Sweet Maple, Red Tulip Tree,
Hickory, Mockernut Hickory, Shagbark Chestnut Oak
, Bitternut Hophornbeam Sassafras
Common Shrubs/Vines:
Blueberry Hornbeam, American Spicebush
Dogwood, Flowering Mountain Laurel Viburnum, Maple-leaved
Greenbrier Pinxter-Flower Virginia Creeper
Hophornbeam Poison Ivy Wild Grape
Common Herbs:
Fern, Marginal Wood Violets,
False Solomon's Seal Fern, Wood Mayapple
Fern, Christmas fern, Lady Jack-in-the Pulpit
11.2. Successional Field (Terrestrial-Open Canopy)
The rolling fields which blanket much of the county and contribute to its aesthetic charm,
consist of pastures, farmlands, or vacant lands. If not maintained, a field will progress
through the multi-phased process of succession, a field will change from annuals to
perennials, to shrubs, and finally to trees. Within 50-60 years’ time a former field will be
converted into woodland. In this region succession can be expected to result in the
following plant communities.
Stage 1: Annual or Biennial Herbs,
Bentgrass Foxtail, Yellow Queen Anne's Lace Sweetclover, White
Crabgrass, Large Horseweed Ragweed, Common Wintercress
Foxtail, Nodding Mullein, Common
Stage 2: Perennial Herbs
Buffer-and-Eggs Goldenrod, Grass-leaved King Devil Hawkweed Ox-eye Daisy
Canada Thistle Goldenrod, Rough-stemmed Milkweed, Common Sweet Vernal Grass
Common St. Johnswort Hairyvetch Poison Ivy Timothy
Goldenrod, Canada Kentucky Bluegrass Orchard Grass Wild Bergamot
Virginia Creeper
Stage 3: Shrubs:
Allegheny Blackberry Olive, Autumn Multiflora Rose Sumac, Staghorn
Dogwood, Gray Raspberry, Black Sumac, Smooth
Stage 4: Tree:
Aspen, Big-toothed Birch, Yellow
Aspen, Trembling Cedar, Red
Birch, Gray Cherry, Black
11.3. Invasive Species
Invasive exotic species are those which are not native to the area and have been
introduced into the environment. Having little or no natural predation, these plant species
will often choke out native species, which are critical to the survival of native wildlife.
Non-native species in the Borough are spreading aggressively and rapidly, and often
compete with the native vegetation, which has formed a specialized niche over many
generations. It is not uncommon for the foreign vines to completely choke and kill the
native vegetation and form a monoculture stand of the exotic species by suffocating both
the native species and the entire ground. Promoting native plant growth is a positive
attempt to try and set the natural environment back in balance. One way to promote
native plant growth is to eliminate the non-native species.
Invasive Exotic Species in the Morris County Parklands
Trees:
Acer platanoides Norway maple,
Ailanthus altissima Tree of heaven, ailanthus, stink tree
Paulownia tomentosa Princess tree, Paulownia
Prunus avium Bird cherry, wild cherry
Robinia pseudoacacia Black locust
Shrubs:
Berberis thunbergii Japanese barberry
Eleagnus umbellata Autumn olive
Euonymus alata Burning bush, winged euonymus
Ligustrum obtusifolium Border privet,
Lonicera tatarica Tartsrian honeysuckle
Rosa multiflora Multi flora rose
Rubus phoenicolasius Wineberry
Viburnum sieboldii Siebold's viburnum
Vines:
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelainberry
Celastrus orbiculatus Oriental bittersweet, Asiatic bittersweet
Hedera helix English ivy
Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle
Vitis spp. Grapevine*
Wisteria floribunda Wisteria
*Some grapevine species in our region are native, some are exotic, and still others are hybrid species.
Decisions regarding control need to done on a site by site basis.
Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials:
Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard
Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort
Coronilla varia Crown vetch
Lythrum salicaria Purple loosestrife
Fallopia japonica Japanese knotweed, Mexican bamboo
Vinca minor Periwinkle, myrtle, vinca
Grasses:
Microstegium vimineum Japanese stiltgrass, basket or wire grass
11.4. Woodlands in Mendham
A large part of the Borough is densely wooded. Wooded areas provide natural habitat for
wildlife. The vegetative cover in wooded areas helps to prevent erosion, which in turn
protects the quality of surrounding water.
A). A majority of the open space and undeveloped areas south of West Main Street and
east of Mendham Township and west of Hilltop Road are wooded.
B). Large area of very steep slopes surrounding the main golf club area south of Pleasant
Valley Road is currently mostly wooded.
C). A large area north of Bernardsville Road and east of Hilltop Road and Mallinkrodt
Convent is wooded area. Because this area also contains steep slopes, severe erosion
would result if this area were disturbed.
D). In the area west of Hardscrabble Road, there is mature hardwood forest south and
west of a pond.
E). Patriot’s Path is a wooded walking trail.
F). The Arboretum is a 46.8 acre wooded recreation area.
G). India Brook Park is a 27 acre wooded recreation area.
H). The area between Patriot’s Path, Maple Avenue, and North Linden Lane is wooded
and wet.
11.5. Specimen Trees
A few specimen trees have been identified in the 1984 Open Space Report of Mendham
Borough with the hope of guaranteeing their preservation. These include:
A). Scenic oak tree north of Pleasant Valley Road between McVickers Brook and its
junctions with two tributaries just to the east of Mendham Township.
B). Very large old oak tree approximately 4-5 feet in diameter located north of Cherry
Lane and west of Prentice Lane
12. Wildlife
Whether it is flora or fauna, species diversity is a reliable accountable indicator of a
healthy ecosystem. The density and diversity of animals inhabiting an area directly
corresponds to the overall condition of the environment. Wildlife is a natural resource
that is interdependent on all other resources and is a vital part of any site inventory.
The Borough offers many habitats with water sources and safe feeding grounds to host a
great variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The importance of wildlife to
the residents of Mendham Borough includes pollination of the vegetation, insect and
rodent control, soil aeration and recreational uses. The diversity of wildlife is also an
indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Wildlife management is tied in to land management. Many species are vulnerable to
disturbances and could be lost to habitat destruction. Habitat niches for specific species
are often specialized and loss of these habitats often means loss of the species to the area.
Wetland habitats are especially important to species diversification as these particular
places are disappearing rapidly. Open space is vital to many songbirds for food but also
because additional access with new roads or driveways makes their nests vulnerable to
predators such as raccoons who would not normally venture into deep forests.
The diversity of habitats in Mendham Borough is reflected in the number of different
animals who live here. The farmland, fields, streams, ponds, wetlands and even suburban
vegetation provide an excellent environment for the fauna.
The distribution of animals in an area depends on space availability, food water and
protective vegetation including shrubs, thickets, trees and tall grass fields. Generally,
animals will tend to steer clear of humans because their natural instinct is fear of that
which can harm. Wildlife can become a nuisance when adverse conditions affect their
natural habitats with such occurrences as lack of food water and shelter caused by habitat
destruction, fire, drought, flooding, or natural succession. Another nuisance factor is
overpopulation which has occurred with the deer population caused by the elimination of
natural predators and creation of favorable habitat in which these animals thrive.
See Appendix C, A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris
(2000), for a common and endangered species list for Morris County. You may also
reference, on-line in your computer, The New Jersey Natural Heritage Data Base, for a
current listing of rare species and natural communities in Morris County. This listing is
revised several times each year.
12.1 Wildlife in Morris County
Below is a listing, by common name, of wildlife in Morris County:
Table 8, Listing of Wildlife in Morris County
american bittern common yellow throat little brown myotis redbellied woodpecker
american black duck cooper's hawk long eared owl redbreast sunfish
american crow creek chub long tailed salamander redfin pickerel
american eel creek chubsucker long tailed weasels redheaded woodpecker
american goldfinch dark eyed junco longnose dace regal fritillary
american kestrel downy woodpecker magnolia warbler ringed neck pheasant
american redstart earth snake mallard river otter
american robin eastern bluebird marbled salamander rock bass
american toad eastern box turtle mink rock dove
american tree sparrow eastern chipmunk mole salamander rose breasted grosbeak
american woodcock eastern cottontails mourning dove ruby crowned kinglet
banded sunfish eastern garter snake mud sunfish ruby throat hummingbird
barnswallow eastern gray squirrel muskrat ruffed grouse
barred owl eastern hognosed snake myrtle warbler rufous sided towhee
bay breasted warbler eastern kingbird nashville warbler satinfin shiner
belter kingfisher eastern meadowlark new jersey chorus frog savannah sparrow
black and white warbler eastern milk snake northern oriole scarlet tanager
black bear eastern mud turtle northern black racer screech owl
black billed cuckoo eastern mudminnow northern brown snake sedge wren
black capped chickadee eastern phoebe northern cardinal sharp shinned hawk
black crappie eastern pipstrelle northern dusky salamander silver bordered fritillary
black rat eastern ribbon snake northern flicker slimy salamander
black rat snake eastern small footed myot northern goshawk smallmouth bass
black throated blue warbler eastern smooth green snake northern harrier snapping turtle
blackburnian warbler eastern wood pewee northern leopard frog solitary vireo
blacknose dace eastern woodrat northern mockingbird song sparrow
blackpoll warbler eastern worm snake northern parula Southern flying squirrel
blackthroated green
warbler european starling northern shrike spotfin shiner
blue gray gnatcatcher evening grosbeak northern water snake spottail shiner
blue jay fallfish northern copperhead spotted salamander
blue spotted salamander field sparrow northern cricket frog spotted turtle
blue spotted sunfish five lined skink northern ringneck snake stinkpot ( musk turtle)
blue winged warbler four toed salamander northern spring peeper striped skunk
bobcat fowler's toad
northern two lined
salamander swainson's thrush
bobolink fox sparrow norway rat swamp sparrow
bog turtle golden crowned kinglet oppossum tennessee warbler
broad winged hawk golden shiner osprey tessellated darter
brook trout grasshopper sparrow ovenbird timber rattlesnake
brown bullhead gray catbird painted turtle tree swallow
brown creeper gray fox palm warbler tufted titmouse
brown headed cowbird great blue heron pickerel frog turkey vulture
brown trout great crested flycatcher pileated woodpecker upland chorus frog
bullfrog great horned owl pine grosbeak veery
canada goose green backed heron porcupine white breasted nuthatch
canada warbler green frog prairie warbler white eyed vireo
cape may warbler green sunfish pumpkinseed bluegill white sucker
carolina wren grey tree frog purple finch white throated sparrow
carp hairy woodpecker purpose martin white winged crossbill
cattle egret harris' checkerspot raccoon whitetail deer
cedar waxwing henslow's sparrow rainbow trout winter wren
chain pickerel hermit thrush red backed salamander wood duck
chestnut sided warbler house mouse red bellied woodpecker wood frog
chimney swift house sparrow red breasted nuthatch wood thrush
chipping sparrow house wren red crossbill wood turtle
cliff swallow housefinch red eyed vireo woodchuck
common grackle indiana bat red fox yellow bellied sapsucker
common nighthawk indigo bunting red shoulder hawk yellow billed cuckoo
common redpoll jefferson salamander red spotted newt yellow bullhead
common shiner kentucky warbler red squirrel yellow throated vireo
common snipe killdeer red tailed hawk yellow warbler
largemouth bass red winged blackbird
12.2 Birds that Breed in Mendham Borough
The Cape May Bird Observatory has provided the following list of birds that breed in
Mendham Borough. It is important to note the status:
Table 9, Listing of Birds that Breed in Mendham Borough
Status Name Status Name
N American Redstart R Eastern Screech-Owl
N Barn Swallow R European Starling
N Black-and-white Warbler R Great Horned Owl
N Black-billed Cuckoo R Hairy Woodpecker
N Blue-gray Gnatcatcher R House Sparrow
N Blue-winged Warbler R Mourning Dove
N Bobolink R Northern Cardinal
N Broad-winged Hawk R Northern Mockingbird
N Cerulean Warbler R Pileated Woodpecker
N Chestnut-sided Warbler R Red-bellied Woodpecker
N Chimney Swift R Rock Dove
N Eastern Kingbird R Ruffed Grouse
N Eastern Wood-PeWee R Tufted Titmouse
N Great Crested Flycatcher R White-breasted Nuthatch
N Green Heron R Wild Turkey
N Hooded Warbler S American Goldfinch
N House Wren S American Robin
N Indigo Bunting S Belted Kingfisher
N Kentucky Warbler S Blue Jay
N Louisiana Waterthrush S Brown Thrasher
N Northern Oriole S Brown-headed Cowbird
N Northern Rough-winged Swallow S Canada Goose
N Orchard Oriole S Cedar Waxwing
N Ovenbird S Chipping Sparrow
N Prairie Warbler S Common Grackle
N Red-eyed Vireo S Common Yellowthroat
N Rose-breasted Grosbeak S Eastern Bluebird
N Ruby Throated Hummingbird S Eastern Phoebe
N Scarlet Tanager S Field Sparrow
N Very S Fish Crow
N White-eyed Vireo S Gray Catbird
N Willow Flycatcher S House Finch
N Wood Thrush S Kildeer
N Worm-eating Warbler S Mallard
N Yellow Warbler S Northern Flicker
N Yellow-billed Cuckoo S Red-tailed Hawk
N Yellow-throated Vireo S Red-winged Blackbird
N Acadian Flycatcher S Rufous-sided Towhee
R American Crow S Song Sparrow
R Black-capped Chickadee S Swamp Sparrow
R Carolina Wren S Tree Swallow
R Cooper's Hawk S Turkey Vulture
R Downy Woodpecker S Wood Duck
(N) - Neotropical Migrants are those species that, for the most part, spend the winter in
the tropics. These species are subject to habitat loss in three ways: loss of breeding
habitat, loss of migratory stop-over habitat, and loss of wintering habitat.
(S) - Short-Distance Migrants are migratory species that winter within the United States,
often in the southern part of the breeding range.
(R) - Resident Species are those that are present year-round.
Sources
The Open Space Report of Mendham Borough (1984) contains more detailed descriptions
of surface waters, the surrounding terrain and environmental issues.
The Chesters-The Mendhams, A Natural Resource and Environmental Study (1976) is a
comprehensive natural resource inventory and environmental study of Mendham
Borough, Mendham Township, Chester Borough and Chester Township. This report
contains a wide range of technical information related to environmental assessments.
Letter dated April 2002 from Ralph Blakeslee, Borough Administrator, to J Peter Braun,
Great Swamp Watershed Executive Director, containing inventory of lakes and ponds in
Mendham Borough.
Borough of Mendham Master Plan (1994)
Master Plan Reexamination 2000,
A Natural Resource Management Guide for the County of Morris (2000) also contains a
more detailed description of mixed hardwood and successional fields. See Appendix A
for the complete Floral Species in Morris County, and Appendix C for the common and
endangered species list for Morris County.
Open Space and Recreation Plan, Mendham Borough Open Space Advisory Committee
2002
Letter from Vince Elia, CMBO Research Assistant Cape May Bird Observatory, no date,
2002
On-line, enter The New Jersey Natural Heritage Data Base, for a current listing of rare
species and natural communities in Morris County. This listing is revised several times
each year.
All Maps were created by Ferriero Engineering Inc., 180 Route 24, P.O Box 571,
Chester, New Jersey, 07930
|
