New Editor (Who's Been Around For a While) Takes Over at Basking Ridge Patch

Ah, Basking Ridge. I remember coming here for the first time to ride a horse at Lord Stirling Stable. It was a great time of the year—fall—when the downtown was in full peak foliage. The trails at the county stable still are magnificent, especially when the leaves are turning, and the air is fresh. Lord Stirling and the nearby Environmental Educational Center both provide many activities and special events, which I've enjoyed myself.  

Even though I grew up in Morris County, I sometimes visited The Store for brunch before moving here in 1998. As a newly minted reporter, I had done a story on a farm just off the main road in Liberty Corner, before The Hills were built. I'm sure there are many people who remember when parts of Bernards Township were truly rural!

A lot has changed in Basking Ridge since then, but some things remain the same. The community is still centered around its schools, houses of worship and neighbors. People still care about green space, and the township has been investing in preserving woods and farmland.

Annual events such as each May's Charter Day, parades and the annual bike races on Labor Day keep the downtown lively. This year, the former township of Bernardston is celebrating it's 250th birthday! 

As the new editor of Patch, I'm hoping we can chronicle the changes in Bernards Township, as well as keeping the spotlight on some of the continuing and unique aspects of Basking Ridge. We also will look at the people who live here, including those who are older, and those for whom this is the place where they will grow up. We at Patch are hoping that the community will contribute to Basking Ridge Patch on a regular basis to help keep us in touch with what's going on. We promise to listen to you, and to make this your site!