The Best Management Practice (BMP) demonstration project at the St. Joseph’s Shrine retrofits a bioretention system to an existing parking lot. For additional information about bioretention systems, see our Fact Sheet.

Initially, the stormwater runoff from the parking lot simply flowed down the hill and over the lawn, eventually entering the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge. There were no systems to limit either the quality or the quantity of runoff. In addition, there was an area of erosion that was beginning as a result of recent construction.

To address these problems, an area on the downhill side of the parking lot was re-graded to provide two shallow collection basins.

Special wetland shrubs and trees were planted in the basins. As they mature, the area will develop into an attractive wetland garden area.

During rainstorms, some of the stormwater will pool (less than a foot deep) in the basins for a period of a day or two, promoting infiltration and evapotranspiration as it maintains the vitality of the newly established wetlands.  (The deer fencing will be removed when the plants are established and well-rooted.)

The Shrine of St. Joseph is on Long Hill Road in Stirling, NJ.  Driving Instructions

 Newspaper Coverage 

'+getAdobe

From IS-287

• Six miles south of Morristown, use exit 30A.  You will be on North Maple Ave.
• 1.6 miles to Basking Ridge center.  Gentle left onto South Maple Ave.
• 2.6 miles to blinker light.  This is Long Hill Road.
• Gentle left for Stirling.  Follow the signs.
• 1 mile to stop sign.  This is Central Avenue/Pleasant Plains Road.  Straight through.
• 1/2 mile to the Shrine on the left.

From Chatham

• River Road to the Long Hill border at Bridge Street.  Straight through onto Long Hill Rd.
• 2 miles to stop sign.  This is Mountain Avenue/Meyersville Road.  Straight through.
• 1/2 mile to the Shrine on the right.