American Littoral Society, Delaware Bayshore Program is leading an initiative for open space protection in Salem County. The Society’s Conservation Coordinator, Jessica Daher is working with interested towns and the county to help identify and preserve some of the best remaining open space in the area. Our open space and important coastal resources not only define the cherished rural character found here, but also protect our water quality, wildlife and quality of life.

In order to reach out to every municipality within the county, the Society has designed an educational and inspiring presentation highlighting many of the area’s special places that draw ecotourism and capture the unique natural landscape of the region. Called “Greenways of Salem County,” the presentation also covers the various tools that can be used to achieve the preservation goals of the County’s Open Space Plan.

The timing couldn’t be better with the recent launch of the County’s Ecotourism campaign to increase visitation and boost the economy. Securing open space along waterways provides public access for a wide range of recreational uses which will further the County’s Ecotourism campaign. The newly formed Ecotourism Roundtable has been meeting with local businesses and organizations, and the county to plan a weekend event this fall to draw ecotourism in the County. The Supawna National Wildlife Refuge draws thousands of visitors annually and will be a major focal point of this ecotourism event.

This spring, the Society partnered with Cumberland County and several other groups to plan a major new annual summer event that will draw ecotourism to the Cohansey River and its towns by celebrating the river’s living resources, culture and history. The Cohansey RiverFest will take place on August 28, 2010. The Society will be leading an interpretive bicycle tour and guided hikes through several coastal towns and natural areas along the river to get the public to participate in exploring the river first-hand. For more information, visit www.cohanseyriverfest.org.

Join us at one of our upcoming “Greenways The of Salem County” presentations to learn about what can be done to protect our vulnerable natural treasures and our quality of life because we don’t know what we have until it’s gone.

For more information, please contact Jessica Daher at (856) 825-2174 or jessica@littoralsociety.org. Please visit www.littoralsociety.org to learn more about our work throughout the Delaware Bayshore region.