Trail description
The trail consists of three segments that form part of a loop of about a mile through Rider University’s woods. The trail is open to the Rider University community from dawn to dusk. The trail is relatively flat and walks through a mature deciduous forest.
Trail Map
Download trail map (png)
Trail themes
The Rider community will soon be able to choose between three themes when walking the trails: the history of the land, current native species, or health and wellness. Plaques with links to digital content will be added to indicate the identities of native species in the woods, benches at each trail, and one main trail sign with a map.
About the Trail
Rider University’s woods trail originated in the 1970s through the efforts of Dr. Mary Leck and Dr. Robert Simpson. Almost a half century later, these trails have been restored and redesign for current students. In 2018 and 2019, students in environmental science and sustainability studies courses led by Dr. Daniel Druckenbrod and Dr. Brooke Hunter developed proposals and interpretive materials for the trails. Three students, Timothy Forrest (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘18), Joshua Minnich (Environmental Sciences ‘18), and Olivia Barone (Environmental Studies and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘19) presented their plans at ISCAP Day in 2018. In 2020, Alina Bardaji (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies Minor ’20), Will Beck (Business Administration and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘22), Rahul Mehta (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘20), Marco Michanowicz (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘21), Matthew Schantin (Political Science and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘21), and Kristin Siegle (Political Science and Sustainability Studies Minor ’21) conducted further research and planning in the Sustainability Studies Seminar (SUS 400). A 2021 capstone project by Marco Michanowicz (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘21) led to the implementation of a second trail segment connecting to the original trail through a collaboration with Rider University’s Facilities Management. In 2023, Ashley Murphy (Environmental Sciences and Sustainability Studies Minor '24), and Bailey Adams (Environmental Sciences Major and Sustainability Studies Minor ‘24), continued this collaboration with Facilities Management to open a third segment, creating a trail circuit across Rider’s woods. These students also shared their progress with the Rider Community at more recent ISCAP Days.
You can learn more about the ecology and history of these woods through an article published in New Jersey Studies. This article also highlights the connection of the woods to Aldo Leopold, a famous American scientist and environmental philosopher who enjoyed walking these woods as a high school student over a century ago.
