By: Shanay Cadette
PLAINSBORO A leaf will figure prominently in the new entryway to the Plainsboro Preserve Nature & Education Center.
At least that’s what township officials would prefer to see featured on the sign at the Scotts Corner Road center.
The preserve opened last summer is situated on more than 1,000 acres that include McCormack Lake and a 6,500-square-foot center that houses classrooms and offices. Various educational programs are also held at the preserve.
Construction of the center, run by the NJ Audubon Society, was funded by nearly $1.3 million in private donations and special state and federal grants.
Officials said they are optimistic corporate sponsors will agree to foot the $40,000 to $50,000 construction bill for the sign and gated entry at the preserve.
A temporary sign is currently at the entrance.
Township Committeeman Ed Yates said a group of township officials and architectural staff considered three designs that feature a bird, stones or a leaf on the main sign and a leaf or birds in flight on the steel front gate to the preserve. All of the proposed designs are displayed on a green background on the main sign, along with a stone base and a cedar post. The sign is expected to read "Plainsboro Preserve, Township of Plainsboro, County of Middlesex, New Jersey Audubon Society."
The preferred design seems to be the one that incorporates a leaf for both the sign and entranceway, with some minor changes. The Township Committee will vote on a design at its Jan. 28 meeting.
