George Gravenstine, a lifelong Burlington County resident, was inspired to take action after moving to Moorestown, where he rediscovered Strawbridge Lake, a place that had been full of activity and where he had spent much of his youth. Hoping to introduce his young child to the lake’s vegetation and wildlife, he was instead confronted with a severely neglected ecosystem covered in invasive overgrowth. When he attempted to use a canoe, he could not even get it onto the water because of the excessive plant growth. Determined to make a difference, George joined a group of volunteers who were cleaning sections of the lake. However, he soon realized that the cleanup efforts were unsustainable. The cleanups required many hours of physically demanding work, and many volunteers developed severe cases of poison ivy, making it difficult to retain participants. Recognizing that volunteer cleanups alone could not restore Strawbridge Lake, George drew inspiration from Medford Lakes’ annual paddleboard race, seeing it as an innovative way to raise funds, engage the community, and support long-term restoration efforts.
With high hopes of improving the condition of the lake, George founded the Strawbridge Lake Beautification Committee (SLBC) in January 2018. SLBC hosted its first paddleboard and kayaking competition to raise funds for a sustainable lake conservation initiative. Many of the volunteers who had participated in the cleanup events and demonstrated a strong commitment to the cause became board members, dedicating countless hours to organizing the events and advancing the project. However, because the invasive vegetation grows back rapidly, restoring the lake required ongoing maintenance. Requests for assistance from the township have often been unsuccessful due to limited funding and manpower needed to improve the lake on a large scale. As a result, SLBC has taken on the primary responsibility of raising funds and coordinating projects to improve and maintain Strawbridge Lake. The hope is that SLBC and the Moorestown leadership can work collaboratively to support the work and community that enjoys the lake.
The support SLBC receives from its sponsors plays a vital role in the organization’s success by reducing financial barriers and enabling it to carry out restoration projects. As the community embraced the Paddleboard and Kayak Race, the event was transformed into an annual family festival that offers much more than the races alone. Today, the Annual Paddleboard & Kayak Race & Family Festival features food trucks, live music, caricature artists, and face painting, creating an enjoyable experience for people of all ages. These events attract more community members to Strawbridge Lake, many of whom would not have been able to enjoy these recreational activities if the lake had remained overgrown and inaccessible.
Some of SLBC’s greatest successes include installing three docks, an asphalt walking path, and a pollinator garden, all of which have contributed to a healthier ecosystem while encouraging community members to enjoy the natural beauty of Strawbridge Lake. The committee also hires professional landscapers each year to clear vegetation along the lake’s shoreline, reducing dense overgrowth and improving access to the water. In addition, many volunteers now reach out to the organization to request areas of the lake where they can assist with cleanup efforts, providing valuable support for SLBC’s ongoing conservation efforts. Currently, SLBC is focused on managing invasive weeds at both entrances to the park to create a more welcoming and attractive environment for visitors. George also shared that one of the organization’s greatest challenges is conducting a feasibility study as the first step toward dredging the lake. He believes dredging is essential to preserving the lake’s long-term health, but the project will require significant funding and is expected to cost several million dollars. Reflecting on his experience, George advises anyone interested in starting an environmental initiative to build a strong partnership with local government, establish the organization as a nonprofit early on, and maintain clear communication with local officials to ensure long-term support and the continuity of restoration efforts, even as local leadership changes.
Thank you to George Gravenstine for sharing the story and pictures of the Strawbridge Lake Beautification Committee. Explore the work and impact of the Strawbridge Lake Beautification Committee here.