Fern Valley was Back to Nature’s pilot project for development. After years of working on landscape architecture projects where poor site planning and avoidable environmental damage was caused during the development process, we decided to take proactive steps to change the way development is done.

Already convinced of the benefits of regenerative design and sure that others, including homebuyers, would respond to it, we set out to create an ecologically inspired development. We acquired a wooded, steeply sloped 28-acre site in Tewksbury Township, NJ. Replete with wetlands surrounding a stream, the property is located in what has become part of the New Jersey Highlands (a regional planning area in the state where development is strictly regulated for the protection of natural resources) and where previous developers were unable to get subdivision approvals. With environmentally sensitive areas that were not in prime health and located in a town that had never been publicly introduced to regenerative or sustainable design, it was perfect for a pilot project because if the concept could be successful here, it could be implemented successfully elsewhere.

Despite the apparent difficulties of developing this site, we succeeded in doing what others couldn’t. The regenerative approach achieved a site design that respects the historic, rural character of Tewksbury Township, as well as the natural systems that support the site. The project began, as all Back to Nature projects do, with a thorough site assessment conducted by a team of leading environmental, planning, and development specialists. We studied the natural and human systems that exist on and near the site, and allowed the site to speak for itself, to show how and where development should take place. Back to Nature also worked closely with township officials to formulate project and road standards that would make the Township comfortable with this new form of development. This collaborative effort resulted in a project that the Township and neighbors were and still are excited by: an ecologically sensitive development that has left the site more healthy and productive after development than before.

Fern Valley is comprised of four home lots situated amongst old-growth trees in the upland portions of the site and a fifth lot of nearly eight acres along the stream that is dedicated as community open space. The building lots are sited to allow homes to take advantage of natural lighting, shade, heating, and cooling while protecting the wetlands and stream corridor.  Most of the site is criss-crossed by horse and walking trails, allowing residents and others to enjoy the wooded open space. The lots are accessed by a private drive that is entered through a new covered bridge that recalls the once-plentiful covered bridges of New Jersey’s history. Along the drive, bioswales help treat stormwater and road runoff in a decentralized constructed wetlands system that naturally cleanses the water before it is returned to the aquifer. In addition, home sites include rainwater harvesting and reuse systems. This combination of tactics results in a stormwater system that mimics the natural systems already operating on the site, prevents erosion, helps to increase biomass by using water for the generation of plant life, and has resulted in significantly improved groundwater recharge on the site after development. Unhealthy and invasive trees were removed according to a woodland management plan to allow for increased crown release. This has resulted in a healthier and regenerated forest with an increased understory. While the site previously showed signs of depleted soil and loss of wildlife habitat, the Fern Valley development, with its targeted plantings, woodland management programs, and careful site design, has helped to reverse these trends. The ecology of the site is improving year after year.

To learn more about Fern Valley, visit www.fernvalley.net.