Bridge Preserve signs inspire interest in native plants

By Marilyn Rosenthal
MILFORD — Charles Bridge would have been proud to see the new signs guiding visitors through the 300-acre nature preserve that he donated to Dingman Township.
Bridge was a local gas station owner known for his kindness, like giving candy to children when they came to the station with their families. He named the preserve for his late mother and wife, Cornelia Bridge and Florence Bridge, to honor their wish that their land be accessible for the enjoyment of the public.
A celebration of the signs newly installed on the trails, which identify native plants, was held on May 20. Supervisors partnered with the Pike County Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on the project.
Boy Scout Troup #71 helped identify the plants and install the signs.
Karen Kleist, the Dingman Township secretary/treasurer, worked with Sally Corrigan from the Pike County Conservation District to make this all happen.
Corrigan gave an informative talk about native plants in the rain garden, a landscaped area on the property with plants and vegetation that thrive in this type of habitat. She encouraged people to try planting natives and establishing their own rain gardens.
After the celebration, people were free to walk the trails and enjoy the area. Choose your route: the Cornelia trail is a wide, gentle trail accessible to strollers, carts, and the handicapped. The Florence trail is a bit more rugged.
The preserve is located off Route 6, just as you turn onto Twin Lakes Road. The southern part of the preserve is in Dingman Township while the northern portion is in Milford Township.