Passaic County Taps Montclair State University to Lead Tranquility Ridge Reforestation
Post Date:07/08/2026 12:30 PMPATERSON, NJ – When Passaic County announced a $1.47 million state grant to reforest Tranquility Ridge earlier this year, the question was: who would do the work? Now there's an answer.
The county has selected Montclair State University's Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center to manage the large-scale reforestation effort across the West Milford and Ringwood sections of the New Jersey Highlands. The Board of County Commissioners recently approved a contract with the University valued at up to $443,767, drawn from the NJDEP Natural Climate Solutions Grant funding announced this spring.
The restoration goes well beyond simply planting trees. Montclair State researchers will build a detailed forest inventory, design a site-specific planting plan, tag trees for long-term tracking and monitor the health of the forest as it grows back. They'll also help the county report environmental outcomes directly to NJDEP, documenting progress on cleaner water, stronger habitat and a landscape better equipped to handle a changing climate.
"Tranquility Ridge is one of the most treasured natural areas in Passaic County and it deserves restoration work done at the highest level," said Commissioner Director Sandi Lazzara. "Bringing in Montclair State's expertise means we're doing this right with science, rigorous monitoring and a real commitment to outcomes that will last for generations."
For Montclair State, the project is as much about discovery as it is about restoration.
"Tranquility Ridge is a living laboratory and through this partnership, our Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center will help ensure the science we do translates directly into a healthier, more resilient landscape for everyone who depends on it," said Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University.
The project will be overseen by the Passaic County Department of Parks and Recreation. Work is expected to begin in the coming months.
